The release of MTG’s Tarkir Dragonstorm expansion brings a wealth of new mechanics, ramping up the intensity and excitement compared to its predecessor, Aetherdrift. While the previous expansion maintained a slower pace with less powerful dynamics, Tarkir: Dragonstorm revives high-octane gameplay with a fresh surge of complexity and strategy. Each faction in this set introduces its own unique mechanic, promising an intricate blend of styles and interactions.
The mechanics introduced in MTG Tarkir Dragonstorm are not only powerful but also cater to a diverse range of play styles. They seamlessly integrate with the respective factions they represent, resulting in a set that already feels impactful despite only a few cards being revealed thus far.
Key Mechanics in the MTG Tarkir Dragonstorm Expansion
Below are the pivotal mechanics that will be featured in MTG Tarkir Dragonstorm:
- Endures (Abzan)
- Flurry (Jeskai)
- Mobilize (Mardu)
- Renew (Sultai)
- Harmonize (Temur)
- Omens
While specific mechanics are associated with particular factions, many of the revealed cards are mono-colored, allowing players to incorporate them across various deck types. This flexibility enhances deck-building possibilities and strategic options.
In addition to the new mechanics, divided mana costs have made a return. This allows players more versatility in casting spells, for instance, a mana pip that can be paid using either two colorless or one black mana.
Endures (Abzan)
The Endures mechanic introduces exciting versatility. This ability allows players to either place a set number of +1/+1 counters on the creature or create a creature with equivalent stats. For instance, Anafenza, Unyielding Lineage can either gain two +1/+1 counters or produce a 2/2 white Spirit token when a non-token creature is lost. The Endures 2 ability can synergize well with the upcoming Elspeth card, enhancing board presence substantially.
Flurry (Jeskai)
Flurry is crafted for decks that focus on playing multiple spells per turn. This mechanic activates when you cast your second spell each turn, granting the creature with Flurry a temporary advantage, such as Double Strike. An example is Equilibrium Adept, which gains Double Strike on casting a second spell and allows for additional card manipulation.
Mobilize (Mardu)
I am particularly enthusiastic about the Mobilize mechanic, which is ideally suited for aggressive decks, especially those focusing on White and Red. When attacking with a creature that features Mobilize <Number>, players can create tapped 1/1 red Warrior creature tokens. However, they must be sacrificed at the beginning of the next end step.
The Voice of Victory, for instance, comes with Mobilize 2, preventing opponents from casting spells during your turn. This leads to powerful offensive plays where a handful of creatures could potentially turn into a swarm, overwhelming your adversaries.
Renew (Sultai)
The Renew mechanic revolves around exiling creatures from your graveyard, granting strategic advantages. While this ability may not be spammed, it should be leveraged effectively. By paying the Renew cost, players can exile a creature to place various counter types on another creature.
For instance, the Qarsi Revenant allows for a Flying, Deathtouch, and Lifelink counter, although most commonly it will provide a simpler +1/+1 counter, ensuring balance in gameplay.
Harmonize (Temur)
Harmonize brings a fresh spin reminiscent of the Flashback ability. Players can pay a cost to cast a spell from their graveyard while tapping a creature to reduce the colorless cost. After resolution, the spell is exiled. An illustration of this is Ureni’s Rebuff, which bounces a creature to its original owner’s hand while reintroducing strategic options.
Omen
The Omen mechanic may seem familiar but introduces unique mechanics of its own. Similar to the Adventures from the Eldraine sets, players who opt to cast the Omen spell shuffle the card back into their deck instead of returning it to their hand. For example, players can choose Marang River Serpent, a creature with Flying that also returns other nonland permanents to their owners’ hands, while using the alternative Omen spell called Coil and Catch to draw cards, providing strategic depth to gameplay.
In conclusion, MTG Tarkir Dragonstorm promises a vibrant array of mechanics designed to enhance player engagement and strategic possibilities. With the ongoing evolution of gameplay mechanics, players are sure to find both challenge and enjoyment as they explore this expansion.