Tarkir's Dragonstorm Unveiled in Magic: The Gathering Preview

The excitement is palpable as the upcoming Magic: The Gathering set, Tarkir: Dragonstorm, is set to release on April 11 and is now available for pre-order. This set brings players back to the dynamic plane of Tarkir, introducing a host of powerful new creatures, familiar faces, and innovative mechanics that promise to revolutionize deck-building. As a proud owner of a Scion of the Ur-Dragon Commander deck, I'm already envisioning the havoc I'll wreak on my friends with the new additions.

What to Expect From Tarkir: Dragonstorm

For those new to the lore, Tarkir is a world where five clans—Abzan Houses (White, Black, Green), Jeskai Way (Blue, Red, White), Mardu Horde (Red, White, Black), Sultai Brood (Black, Green, Blue), and Temur Frontier (Green, Blue, Red)—are perpetually at odds with ancient dragons. Each clan, led by a Khan, boasts a unique playstyle. Wizards of the Coast has started unveiling the new mechanics these clans will employ, but the real buzz is around the formidable dragons set to dominate the battlefield.

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Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Temur Roar

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To ensure each clan stands out, Wizards has crafted exclusive mechanics tailored to their three-color identities. Jeskai's Flurry rewards players for casting a second spell in a turn, regardless of whose turn it is. Sultai's Renew allows players to exile a card from their graveyard to grant various counters to surviving creatures. Mardu's Mobilize generates temporary creatures that vanish at the end of the turn, enhancing their aggressive swarm tactics. Temur's Harmonize, reminiscent of Flashback, lets players replay cards from the graveyard at a reduced cost by tapping creatures. Finally, Abzan's Endure activates when a non-token creature dies, placing +1/+1 counters and other benefits, as exemplified by Anafenza, Undying Lineage, who either spawns a 2/2 flying Spirit token or grants additional counters.

Given that this is Tarkir: Dragonstorm, dragons are naturally at the forefront with new mechanics like Omen and Behold. Omen, akin to Adventure cards, allows you to cast the card as a creature or as an instant or sorcery. If you choose the spell option, it shuffles back into your deck for another chance to draw it later. However, if you play it as a creature, that option is lost. Behold triggers when you reveal a dragon from your hand or already control one on the battlefield. A prime example is Sarkhan, Dragon Ascendant, who generates a Treasure token upon being played and triggers Behold. These mechanics, not tied to specific clans, can appear across multiple colors, adding versatility to deck-building.

MTG - Tarkir: Dragonstorm Preview - Art

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The dragons are undoubtedly the stars of the show. One highlight is Betor, Kin to All (2WBG), a formidable creature that triggers different effects at the end of your turn based on the total toughness of creatures you control. These effects range from drawing a card to untapping all your creatures or even forcing opponents to lose half their life. With a base toughness of 7, Betor easily triggers at least the card draw, and with heavyweights like Utvara Hellkite or Ancient Gold Dragon in play, the life loss effect becomes a terrifying prospect.

Ugin also makes a return, this time as a colorless planeswalker. Ugin, Eye of the Storms (7) is set to become a staple in colorless decks, particularly Eldrazi builds, thanks to his passive ability that exiles target permanents whenever you cast a colorless spell. His -11 ability is game-changing: search your library for any number of colorless non-land cards, exile them, then cast them for free until the end of the turn. With seven starting loyalty and a +2 ability, he can reach that threshold quickly if properly defended.

Magic: The Gathering - 5 New Cards from Tarkir: Dragonstorm

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Aside from the Final Fantasy crossover set, Tarkir: Dragonstorm is my most eagerly awaited Magic release this year. With just under a month until its launch, much of the set remains a mystery, but my Scion deck is already poised for a significant upgrade. I'm hopeful for the return of legendary dragons like Atarka and Ojutai, or perhaps the introduction of an exciting new five-color dragon. Regardless, Tarkir: Dragonstorm is shaping up to be an exhilarating addition to the Magic: The Gathering universe when it arrives on April 11.