The hype surrounding Magic: The Gathering War of the Spark proved true, but it was just the beginning, as Wizards of the Coast is releasing four more set/expansions in 2019.
In Magic: The Gathering, three expansions are released every year, along with other sets that may or may not tie into Standard. Expansions are themed based, following a storyline. For example, War of the Spark wrapped up the storyline which began in the fall of 2018 with Guilds of Ravnica.
Modern Horizons
With the popularity of the Modern format increasing, Magic: The Gathering is releasing the booster set Modern Horizons on June 14. The set will contain powerful new and reprinted cards, not currently in the Modern format.
The Modern Horizons set will not be a part of Standard. Details regarding the set should release in mid-late May. Cards will include older mechanics, along with updated ones as well.
Due to the fast-paced nature and power of the Modern format, all the cards in Modern Horizons have undergone playtesting to ensure they don’t “break” the game.
Core Set 2020
MTG Core Set 2020 is the second Standard set of the year, releasing on July 12. Spoilers and details regarding the set should start dropping sometime in June.
Boosters will contain 16 cards as normal and the M2020 set will have five planeswalker decks. There will also be a deck builders tool kit and a Core Set 2020 bundle. The Core Set 2020 will also be the focused theme of MPL Weekly Aug. 3 to Sep. 7, leading up to Mythic Championship IV.
Commander 2019
Releasing on Aug. 23, 2019 is the Commander 2019 set, which many Magic: The Gathering fans are looking forward to. The set will consist of four pre-constructed decks focused on the five color mana themes in MTG, and a commander.
No details regarding the decks have been released yet, however, each deck will contain 100 cards, featuring 12 foil commanders. The decks will also come with an oversized foil commander card.
Untitled “Archer” expansion
Set to release on Oct 4 is the Fall expansion in Standard. There’s no name for the expansion so it’s been dubbed “Archer,” until one is released. The “Archer” expansion will also be the focused theme in MPL Weekly Oct. 5 to Nov. 2, leading up to Mythic Championship V.
The untitled “Archer” expansion will begin another storyline arc in Magic: The Gathering, with many wondering who the new protagonist and antagonist will be, following the dramatic conclusion in War of the Spark.