Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
MTG Mythic Championship IV top-eight
Image via Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering
Category:
MTG

Magic: The Gathering reveals Pioneer, a new sanctioned format

Magic is expanding its esports formats.
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
|

Published: Oct 21, 2019 02:29 pm

This article is over 5 years old and may contain outdated information

Magic: The Gathering is adding a new non-rotating format to tabletop and Magic Online to expand the number of formats in competitive play.

Recommended Videos

Pioneer is a sanctioned format that was revealed earlier today. It’ll include Magic sets starting with the Return to Ravnica through the present Throne of Eldraine.  

Image via WotC Magic: The Gathering

In an attempt to bridge the gap between the Modern and Standard formats, Pioneer will be available to play on a competitive level via tabletop and Magic Online. Launching first in MTGO on Oct. 23, players will have the opportunity to craft and playtest via Weekly Sunday Format Challenges. In addition, there will also be a play lobby and a league. 

Competitive play in MTGO will begin in November. But it’ll be for Players Tour Qualifiers (PTQ) only. 

  • Friday, Nov. 1
  • Friday, Nov. 8
  • Friday, Nov. 15
  • Saturday, Nov. 23
  • Friday, Dec. 6
  • Saturday, Dec. 7

Entering the 2020 season, Pioneer will be featured at the first Players Tour Series (Feb. 1 to 2, Feb. 8 to 9). And beginning in March, paper Magic will begin including Pioneer at select PTQ and Grand Prix tournaments. 

Until the format is explored in further depth, only five cards are banned from the Pioneer format. The purpose of these bans is to apply constraints on mana availability in hopes that it’ll add diversity to the format. 

  • Bloodstained Mire
  • Flooded Strand
  • Polluted Delta
  • Windswept Heath
  • Wooded Foothills

Pioneer is similar in nature to the Modern format, encompassing a select number of sets to enable “cross-block synergies.” And there’s hope that it’ll also provide additional format diversity on an esports level. There are no plans, however, to add the format to MTG Arena anytime soon. 

Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
related content
Author
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
Staff writer, lead beat writer for MTG and TFT
Danny has been writing for Dot Esports for over five years, first as a freelancer and now as a staff writer. He is the lead beat writer for Magic: The Gathering and Teamfight Tactics. Danny is also a solid Monopoly GO player, having beaten every main event without spending a dime. When Danny isn't writing or gaming, he's chilling by the water in Spacecoast Florida with his family and friends. He's always got a tan, because touching grass is important, and loves playing strategic digital and tabletop games. Past outlets Danny has written for include TheGamer and ScreenRant.
twitter facebook linkedin