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.
Ral Zarek Legendary Planeswalker in MTG Ravnica set
Image via Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering

MTG changes pre-release options for upcoming Core Set 2020

Commander tournament and new changes are coming
This article is over 5 years old and may contain outdated information

The War of the Spark expansion is set to release on May 3 and Wizards of the Coast isn’t wasting any time with announcements for its next set, Core Set 2020. Scheduled to pre-release July 6, Magic: The Gathering is changing up a few details while adding a Commander tournament.

Recommended Videos

A Core Set typically contains new and reprinted cards, geared towards new players. Brought back in 2018 after being discontinued in 2015, a Core Set focuses on reprinting “core” cards from previously released expansions in Standard while adding new cards that sync well with “core” ones.  

Pre-release of the Core Set 2020 will have a new start time according to the Magic: The Gathering WPN (Wizards Play Network) page. Start times have always been Friday night (midnight), however, the Core Set 2020 pre-release time will begin at 3pm local time instead.

The Core Set 2020 will also include for the first time Universal promo packs. The new promo packs will include a promo-stamped mythic-rare or rare from the most recent MTG set and one off a curated list, a promo-stamped alternate art basic land card, and a basic promo card. In addition, one in four promo packs will include a Japanese alternative art planeswalker.

Wizards of the Coast also announced that WPN stores will begin offering Commander Weekend tournaments. Included in this new format are achievement cards and Commander variants. The new tournament format doesn’t have any dates or times announced yet.

Magic: The Gathering Core Set 2020 is set to pre-release from July 6 to 7, with an official release date of July 12. MTG Arena hasn’t announced its release date for Core Set 2020 but is usually two days prior to pre-release.


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.