Magic: The Gathering is set to unveil its newest expansion, Tarkir: Dragonstorm, this coming Friday, and with it, a host of intriguing and potentially valuable new cards. Following the recent trend in the franchise, this set features an array of unique showcase and special foil treatments that distinguish these cards from their standard counterparts. Due to their rarity, cards with these distinctive finishes often command higher market values. If you spot a card you’re eager to use in gameplay but want to avoid the premium price tag, it’s likely that there’s a more affordable standard version available.
A notable highlight in Tarkir: Dragonstorm is the introduction of powerful new Planeswalkers, which are among the most coveted cards within this expansion. Their utility in gameplay combined with the special treatments significantly contributes to their desirability. It’s important to note that card prices can fluctuate based on the evolving meta. Nevertheless, staples like the Special Guests fetch lands are expected to retain a high market value across various formats of Magic: The Gathering.
10. The Showcase Version Of Ugin, Eye Of The Storms
The Showcase Ugin, Eye Of The Storms Costs $129.17
Currently, the TCGPlayer lists the Market Price of the Ugin, Eye of the Storms (Showcase) at $129.17. Utilizing TCGPlayer as a price reference is common among players and retailers, as it reflects reliable market value. While prices may vary from store to store, TCGPlayer serves as a dependable benchmark.
The impressive valuation of Ugin, Eye of the Storms comes as no surprise, considering its prominence as a powerful mana card and appealing Planeswalker. The artwork by Joshua Raphael vividly portrays the blue spirit dragon against a dazzling pink backdrop, with its wings extending artfully beyond the card’s borders, creating a captivating visual effect.
9. The Dragonscale Foil Borderless Version Of Verdant Catacombs
Dragonscale Foil Borderless Verdant Catacombs Costs $165.24
As a pivotal card within the Special Guests series, Verdant Catacombs can only be obtained through Tarkir: Dragonstorm Collector’s Boosters. Cards within the Special Guests series have limited playability in the Standard rotation, yet this does not hinder their desirability, as fetch lands remain essential in formats such as Modern and are a staple in Commander decks. The current market value of this card stands at $165.24.
Fetch lands in Magic: The Gathering are instrumental as they enable players to acquire lands with basic types quickly, allowing for refined mana management. The Dragonscale Foil version of Verdant Catacombs features an art style defined by Johannes Voss, wherein a concealed dragon blends into a swamp scene surrounded by vibrant pink foliage, enhancing the artwork significantly.
8. The Halo Foil Showcase Version Of Craterhoof Behemoth
The Halo Foil Showcase Craterhoof Behemoth Costs $177.29
The announcement of Craterhoof Behemoth’s return to Standard was exciting for many players, as this card has consistently proven to be one of the most effective finisher options for green decks. The enduring appeal of Craterhoof Behemoth, combined with its recent reprints, contributes to its rising value. The Halo Foil edition is exclusive to Collector’s Boosters, which makes it a rarer find compared to those available in Play Boosters.
Featuring stunning art by Magali Villeneuve, the card is embellished with glowing spiritual tusks that stand out against the unit’s natural foliage. Although personal preferences for card treatments may vary, the Halo Foil edition currently commands a price of $177.29, reflecting its higher demand.
7. The Dragonscale Foil Borderless Version Of Arid Mesa
Dragonscale Foil Borderless Arid Mesa Costs $190.78
Another noteworthy card within the Special Guests series, Arid Mesa carries a current market value of $190.78. Generally, Arid Mesa has been more expensive across its various printings, although pricing discrepancies may vary as the market stabilizes post-launch.
This version, illustrated by Constantin Marin, takes a fresh perspective on a potentially challenging subject, capturing dramatic storm clouds and captivating lightning strikes around the mesa, thus drawing the viewer’s gaze skyward.
6. The Dragonscale Foil Borderless Version Of Scalding Tarn
Dragonscale Foil Borderless Scalding Tarn Costs $213.43
Scalding Tarn traditionally holds a higher value than Arid Mesa, reflecting its current market price of $213.43. Recent sales data indicates a possible downward trend in its price, much like Arid Mesa, leading to speculation that prices may stabilize as more of these cards are opened.
Artist Marco Gorlei showcases his talent through the intricate depiction of this land, instilling a sense of scale and dimension, enhanced by the vivid colors that signify its connection to blue and red mana.
5. The Halo Foil Showcase Version Of Dracogenesis
The Halo Foil Showcase Dracogenesis Costs $216.88
Currently, Dracogenesis is listed with a Market Price of $216.88, but its value is more precarious compared to others on this list. As a newer card, while it has the potential to be impactful, its high cost of eight mana may limit its competitive viability.
Typically, high-cost cards should deliver immediate impact or resilience, which Dracogenesis lacks. Although it may serve well in Commander-type formats, doubts about its effectiveness in faster gameplay remain. Expect a potential decline in value post-release, although it may still retain some worth as a staple in certain decks.
Historically, cards that attract attention for their captivating effects can see inflated prices during initial release periods, often declining in value thereafter—a trend exemplified by certain cards from other sets.
4. The Dragonscale Foil Borderless Version Of Marsh Flats
Dragonscale Foil Borderless Marsh Flats Costs $220.19
Continuing the trend of premier fetch lands, Marsh Flats is valued at $220.19 according to current pricing from TCGPlayer. Interestingly, various print runs of Marsh Flats can sometimes showcase different price points compared to Scalding Tarn, highly dependent on availability.
The beautiful art, by Valera Lutfullina, captures the grandeur of Tarkir’s dragonstorms with clouds intermingling harmoniously with dragon silhouettes, a striking visual dynamic. While this foil version undeniably excels, a non-foil version may allow for a greater appreciation of the detailed artwork.
3. The Dragonscale Foil Borderless Version Of Misty Rainforest
Dragonscale Foil Borderless Misty Rainforest Costs $240.05
Claiming the title of the most valuable fetch land within this set, Misty Rainforest is currently priced at $240.05. Fetch lands traditionally incur elevated pricing for special printings, evident in the higher values associated with this card.
The lush landscape in Livia Prima’s artwork miraculously integrates natural features that represent the card’s mana colors near the river, creating a stunning magical setting. The captivating foil treatment enriches this artwork, rendering it even more enchanting.
2. The Halo Foil Showcase Version Of Elspeth, Storm Slayer
The Halo Foil Showcase Elspeth, Storm Slayer Costs $302.28
Despite my personal affinity for Elspeth, Storm Slayer, I found it surprising that this card exceeded the valued status of iconic fetch lands. It could reflect the initial hype surrounding new cards, which often influences perceived market value. A devaluation from its current price of $302.28 seems likely as the market settles.
Nonetheless, the card itself is visually striking, with Ekaterina Burmak’s art harmonizing ghostfire effects beautifully with the card’s design, which elevates Elspeth’s aura and ensures she stands prominently against the dynamic background.
1. The Halo Foil Showcase Version Of Ugin, Eye Of The Storm
The Halo Foil Showcase Ugin, Eye Of The Storm Costs $422.82
In a setting where even the standard version of this card shines, the Halo Foil showcase version of Ugin, Eye of the Storm emerges as the most prestigious card from Tarkir: Dragonstorm, currently valued at $422.82 according to TCGPlayer Market Price. The artistry of Joshua Raphael resonates even stronger through the foil treatment, enhancing its captivating qualities.
While there is speculation about the serialized version of Mox Jasper becoming even more valuable once it surfaces in the market, Ugin’s prominent presence in the set is noteworthy. It will be interesting to witness how this iteration of Ugin influences gameplay dynamics within the current Standard meta once permitted for play this week.
Source: TCGPlayer
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