Tarkir's Dragonstorm Unveiled in Magic: The Gathering Preview

The excitement is palpable as Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts gear up for the release of Tarkir: Dragonstorm, set to launch on April 11 and currently available for pre-order. This new set transports players back to the tumultuous plane of Tarkir, where ancient dragons clash with the five clans, each led by a Khan and distinguished by unique strategies. As an avid fan with a cherished Scion of the Ur-Dragon Commander deck, I'm eagerly anticipating the additions that will surely make my friends envious.

What to Expect From Tarkir: Dragonstorm

Tarkir, a realm of constant strife, is home to 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). Wizards of the Coast has started unveiling the innovative mechanics each clan will employ, alongside tantalizing glimpses of the formidable dragons that promise to shake up the game.

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

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To enhance the uniqueness of each clan, Wizards has crafted exclusive mechanics tailored to their three-color identities. Jeskai’s Flurry mechanic rewards players for casting a second spell in any turn, while Sultai’s Renew allows you to exile a card from your graveyard to bestow various counters on surviving creatures. Mardu’s Mobilize conjures temporary creatures that vanish at the end of the turn, amplifying their aggressive strategy. Temur’s Harmonize, echoing the Flashback mechanic, lets you replay cards from the graveyard at a reduced cost by tapping creatures. Finally, Abzan’s Endure activates upon the death of a non-token creature, distributing +1/+1 counters and other advantages, exemplified by Anafenza, Undying Lineage, who generates a 2/2 flying Spirit token or provides additional counters.

In keeping with the theme of Tarkir: Dragonstorm, dragons are receiving new mechanics to bolster their might. Omen operates like Adventure cards, offering the option to cast the card as a creature or as an instant/sorcery. If you choose the spell, it reshuffles into your deck, offering another chance at drawing it. However, if you play it as a creature, that option is lost. Behold, another new mechanic, activates when you reveal a dragon from your hand or have one on the battlefield. A prime example is Sarkhan, Dragon Ascendant, who upon entering the battlefield generates a Treasure token and triggers Behold. These mechanics, not confined to specific clans, open up exciting possibilities for deck construction.

MTG - Tarkir: Dragonstorm Preview - Art

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Of course, the spotlight is firmly on the dragons. A standout is Betor, Kin to All (2WBG), whose end-of-turn effects vary based on your creatures' total toughness, from drawing cards 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 card draw, and paired with powerhouses like Utvara Hellkite or Ancient Gold Dragon, the life loss becomes a formidable threat.

Ugin returns as a colorless planeswalker in Ugin, Eye of the Storms (7), poised to become a staple in colorless decks, especially Eldrazi builds. His passive ability exiles target permanents when you cast a colorless spell, while his -11 ability lets you search your library for any number of colorless non-land cards, exile them, and cast them for free until end of turn. With seven starting loyalty and a +2 ability, Ugin can quickly reach that threshold if well-protected.

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 a mystery, but my Scion deck is already poised for a significant upgrade. I'm hopeful for the return of legendary dragons like Atarka and Ojutai, or perhaps the introduction of a thrilling new five-color dragon. Whatever the case, Tarkir: Dragonstorm is set to be a thrilling addition to Magic: The Gathering when it arrives on April 11.