Tarkir's Dragonstorm Unveiled in Magic: The Gathering Preview

The much-anticipated Magic: The Gathering set, Tarkir: Dragonstorm, is set to launch on April 11 and is already available for pre-order. As a fan whose prized Magic possession is a Scion of the Ur-Dragon Commander deck, I can't wait to see how the new additions will enhance my gameplay and, inevitably, drive my friends up the wall with my deck upgrades.

What to Expect From Tarkir: Dragonstorm

For those new to the scene, Tarkir is a plane teeming with five clans, each embroiled in a relentless battle against ancient dragons. These clans—the 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 led by Khans and distinguished by their unique strategies. Wizards of the Coast has started unveiling the innovative mechanics these clans will bring to the table, along with teasers of formidable dragons set to shake up the game.

Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Play Booster Box

Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Collector Booster Box

Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Collector Booster

Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Commander Deck Bundle - Includes All 5 Decks

Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Abzan Armor

Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Jeskai Striker

Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Sultai Arisen

Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Mardu Surge

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

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

Of course, with Tarkir: Dragonstorm, dragons are front and center. New mechanics like Omen and Behold are set to expand their capabilities. Omen works similarly to Adventure cards, allowing you to cast the card as a creature or as an instant or sorcery. The catch? If you choose to cast it as a spell, it shuffles back into your deck, giving you another chance to draw it later. If you play it as a creature, that option is gone. Behold activates when you reveal a dragon from your hand or already have one on the battlefield. For example, Sarkhan, Dragon Ascendant, generates a Treasure token upon being played and triggers Behold. These mechanics, not bound to a specific clan, can appear across various colors, adding an exciting layer to deck-building.

MTG - Tarkir: Dragonstorm Preview - Art

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The dragons are undoubtedly the main attraction, with Betor, Kin to All (2WBG) standing out. This powerhouse triggers different effects at the end of your turn based on the total toughness of creatures you control, ranging 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 extra card draw, and when paired with heavyweights like Utvara Hellkite or Ancient Gold Dragon, the life loss effect becomes a formidable threat.

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 incredibly powerful: 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 quickly reach that threshold 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 less than a month until its launch, much of the set remains under wraps, but my Scion deck is already poised for a major upgrade. I'm hoping for the return of legendary dragons like Atarka and Ojutai, or perhaps a thrilling new five-color dragon. Regardless, Tarkir: Dragonstorm is shaping up to be a thrilling addition when it arrives on April 11.