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.
Mark Rosewater discusses MTG Modern Horizons
Image via Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering

Mark Rosewater explains MTG Modern Horizons tribal themes and new direction

Mark Rosewater explains the vision behind Modern Horizons.
This article is over 5 years old and may contain outdated information

Wizards of the Coast is attempting to revive formats outside of MTG Standard with its new set, Modern Horizons, by expanding upon tribal themes and symbiotic cards with revised mechanics.

Recommended Videos

Containing around 250 new and reprinted cards, the Modern Horizons set releases in card form and on Magic Online during the first weeks of June. Made up of new and reprinted cards (previously illegal in certain MTG formats), the set is an attempt by Wizards of the Coast to increase play in formats outside of Standard.

Snow covered basic lands MTG Modern Horizons
Image via Wizards of the Coast Magic Online

Mark Rosewater, MTG Head Designer, published an article on Magic: The Gathering over Memorial Day weekend regarding the vision behind Modern Horizons. Rosewater said that the mechanic “Changeling” is the foundation of the set and explained how it expanded into tribal themes, synergies, mechanics, and graveyard lands.

The main tribal themes being revived and expanded upon in Modern Horizons are Snow, Goblins, Ninja’s, and Slivers. Using “Changeling” (a mechanic which allows cards to be any creature type), lets players combine these tribal themes together—specifically during a Limited Draft.

Related: MTG Modern Horizons won’t complete Ally Sword Cycle

Previous Modern sets weren’t made with the format of Draft in mind. The purpose of those sets was to reprint cards and add to the library of possibilities in Modern, Commander, Legacy, and other formats. The new direction Magic: The Gathering is hoping to gain from Modern Horizons is through drafting events held during Friday Night Magic and local games store slots.

Not everyone is happy, however, about the use of the mechanic “Changeling” or the tribal themes being revealed. Much of this is due to the lack of attention Modern is getting as Modern Horizons seems to favor the format Commander.

MTG Modern Horizons is set to release on June 13 in card form. Pre-release weekend for the set will run from June 8 to 9, and it’ll be available digitally through Magic Online starting June 6.


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
Author
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
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.