The Khans and dragons return in the thrilling Magic: The Gathering set, Tarkir: Dragonstorm, set for release on April 11 and available for pre-order now. This expansion transports players back to the dynamic plane of Tarkir, introducing formidable new creatures, returning favorites, and innovative mechanics to revolutionize deck-building strategies. Wizards has begun showcasing the set’s contents, and as a proud owner of a Scion of the Ur-Dragon Commander deck, I’m already anticipating the chaos it’ll unleash at my next game night.

What Awaits in Tarkir: Dragonstorm

For newcomers, Tarkir is a battleground where five clans clash with ancient dragons. Each clan—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)—is guided by a Khan and boasts a distinct playstyle. Wizards has started revealing the unique mechanics these clans will employ, alongside awe-inspiring dragons poised to dominate the battlefield.

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To ensure each clan stands out, Wizards has crafted unique mechanics exclusive to their three-color identities. Jeskai’s Flurry rewards casting a second spell in any turn, enhancing strategic flexibility. Sultai’s Renew allows exiling a specific graveyard card to boost surviving creatures with various counters. Mardu’s Mobilize generates fleeting creatures that vanish by turn’s end, amplifying their relentless swarm strategy. Temur’s Harmonize, echoing Flashback, lets players replay graveyard cards at a reduced cost by tapping creatures. Abzan’s Endure activates when a non-token creature dies, granting +1/+1 counters and other perks, as seen with Anafenza, Undying Lineage, who creates a 2/2 flying Spirit token or adds extra counters.

Tarkir: Dragonstorm lives up to its name with dragons gaining exciting new mechanics: Omen and Behold. Omen mirrors Adventure cards, allowing a card to be cast as a creature or an instant/sorcery. When cast as a spell, it shuffles back into the deck for future draws, but choosing the creature form locks out the spell option. Behold triggers when revealing a dragon from your hand or controlling one on the battlefield, as demonstrated by Sarkhan, Dragon Ascendant, who creates a Treasure token upon casting and Behold activation. These mechanics, unbound by clan colors, offer versatile deck-building possibilities.

MTG - Tarkir: Dragonstorm Preview - Art

The dragons steal the spotlight in this set. Betor, Kin to All (2WBG) is a standout, triggering varied effects at turn’s end based on your creatures’ total toughness, from drawing cards to untapping all creatures or halving opponents’ life totals. With a base toughness of 7, Betor easily activates at least the card draw, and paired with titans like Utvara Hellkite or Ancient Gold Dragon, its life-draining effect becomes devastating.

Ugin returns as a colorless planeswalker, Ugin, Eye of the Storms (7), a must-have for Eldrazi decks. His passive ability exiles target permanents when casting colorless spells, and his -11 ability lets you search for and cast any number of colorless non-land cards for free until turn’s end. With seven starting loyalty and a +2 ability, he’s a formidable force if protected.

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

Beyond the Final Fantasy crossover, Tarkir: Dragonstorm is my most anticipated Magic release of the year. With less than a month until its April 11 debut, much of the set remains a mystery, but my Scion deck is primed for a major overhaul. I’m eager for the potential return of legendary dragons like Atarka or Ojutai, or perhaps a thrilling new five-color dragon. Tarkir: Dragonstorm promises an electrifying experience when it arrives.