Finally, the new Magic: The Gathering set, Tarkir: Dragonstorm, is around the corner, and we are already seeing a lot of exciting cards with lots of potential. But first, let's cover some key elements from the latest MTG set.
When is the Tarkir: Dragonstorm release date?
Tarkir: Dragonstorm is scheduled for release on April 11, 2025.
Additionally, here are some other key dates to take into account:
- Prerelease Events: April 4–10, 2025
- MAGIC: THE GATHERING
- MTG Arena and Magic Online Release: April 8, 2025
- Global Paper Release: April 11, 2025
- Commander Party Events: April 18–24 and May 16–22, 2025
- Store Championship Window: May 3–June 1, 2025
What is the Main Theme of Tarkir: Dragonstorm?
The main theme of Tarkir: Dragonstorm centers on the resurgence of dragons on the plane of Tarkir, leading to a blend of dragon-centric elements and the reemergence of the plane's five clans.
This set combines the best aspects of previous Tarkir visits, focusing on both dragons and factionalized three-color clan gameplay, known as "wedges."
In other words, expect a lot of multicolored cards, midrange limited games, and of course, DRAGONS!
What are the new Mechanics of Tarkir: Dragonstorm?
Tarkir: Dragonstorm introduces several brand-new mechanics that add strategic depth and highlight the set's Dragon-focused themes:
- Omen: A flexible subtype that allows cards to be cast either as a creature or as an instant/sorcery. When cast as a spell, the card shuffles back into your library after resolving.
- Behold: Triggers effects when you reveal a Dragon card from your hand or control a Dragon on the battlefield, reinforcing Dragon-centric strategies.
Each of Tarkir's five clans also features a unique new mechanic:
- Endure (Abzan): When a creature with Endure dies, you choose to either put +1/+1 counters on another creature or create a white Spirit token of equal power.
- Flurry (Jeskai): Triggers abilities whenever you cast your second spell each turn, supporting spell-heavy decks.
- Renew (Sultai): Lets you exile a card with Renew from your graveyard to put +1/+1 counters on a creature, encouraging graveyard interaction.
- Mobilize (Mardu): Creates temporary creature tokens that are exiled at the end of the turn, ideal for aggressive strategie
- Harmonize (Temur): Allows casting spells from your graveyard at a reduced cost by tapping a creature, similar to flashback.
These new mechanics work together to offer fresh gameplay experiences centered around flexibility, tempo, and powerful Dragon synergies.
On top of that, a couple of fan-favorite mechanics are making a comeback:
- Monocolor Hybrid Mana gives you the option to pay certain costs with either one colored mana or two colorless. For example, {W/2} can be paid with either a white mana or two generic mana. It makes building multicolor decks a bit easier and more flexible.
- Surveil is also back. It lets you look at the top few cards of your library, toss any into the graveyard, and rearrange the rest however you like. It’s great for planning your next draws and works really well with graveyard strategies.
All in all, Dragonstorm mixes new and returning mechanics to create a rich, dynamic set with tons of room for creativity and strategy for both the limited and constructed environment.
What are the Color Pair Themes for Tarkir: Dragonstorm?
In Tarkir: Dragonstorm, the primary focus is on the five three-color clans, each representing a "wedge" (a color and its two enemy colors):
- Abzan Houses (White, Black, Green): Emphasizing endurance and resilience, the Abzan utilize the Endure mechanic, allowing creatures to bolster themselves or summon spiritual allies.
- Jeskai Way (Blue, Red, White): Valuing cunning and precision, the Jeskai employ the Flurry mechanic, rewarding players for casting multiple spells in a turn.
- Sultai Brood (Black, Green, Blue): Known for their resourcefulness, the Sultai feature the Renew mechanic, enabling abilities to be activated from the graveyard.
- Mardu Horde (Red, White, Black): Prioritizing speed and aggression, the Mardu introduce the Mobilize mechanic, generating temporary attacking creature tokens.
- Temur Frontier (Green, Blue, Red): Living in harmony with nature, the Temur showcase the Harmonize mechanic, allowing spells to be cast from the graveyard at reduced costs by tapping creatures.
While the set emphasizes these three-color clans, it also supports two-color pairings, providing players with diverse deck-building options.
What else can we expect?
In addition to the new mechanics, this set features a high density of dragons and cards that support them, along with new card cycles.
Leading the charge are five rare legendary creatures—each one representing the khan of a different Tarkir clan. These characters embody the spirit and strategy of their factions, giving players a strong centerpiece for their decks.
This set will also feature a cycle of five rare dragons, each with a two-color identity. They make an impact as soon as they enter the battlefield and come with an alternate omen-style effect you can cast as an instant or sorcery, giving you more options even if you’re not quite ready to unleash the full dragon.
You’ll also find a cycle of rare lands tied to enemy color pairs. They come into play tapped unless you’ve got a basic land of the opposite color, rewarding well-balanced mana bases and making them a solid choice for multicolor decks looking for smoother fixing.
There’s another cycle of dragons to look out for—these ones are uncommon and each has two different colors in their cost. They all have flying and come with a flexible omen-style ability you can cast as an instant or sorcery, giving you multiple ways to use them depending on your board state.
This set wouldn’t be complete without some big mythic rares—and the legendary Spirit Dragons deliver. Each one represents a different Tarkir clan, with flying and abilities that showcase what their clan stands for. They’re powerful signposts for both deckbuilding and gameplay.
You’ll also find a cycle of mythic rare enchantments that capture each clan’s unique approach to battle. These all come with a strong enter-the-battlefield effect and represent the all-out tactics each clan is known for.
Of course, there is a cycle of common creatures in Tarkir: Dragonstorm, each tied to a different Tarkir clan. They help fix your mana for that clan's colors, making them a great option for early-game support in multicolor decks.
You’ll also see a cycle of dual-colored enchantments that offer a choice when they enter the battlefield. Each one reflects the shared colors of two clans, letting you decide which clan’s effect fits your game plan best.
This set also features a cycle of rare sagas, each one telling a story rooted in the traditions and beliefs of a specific Tarkir clan. They play out over several turns and offer powerful, thematic effects that reflect each clan’s identity.
Finally, there’s a cycle of uncommon artifacts that help smooth out your mana early and offer value later. These monuments grab a land from your deck when they enter and can be sacrificed down the line to make creature tokens—perfect for keeping your strategy moving.
Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Products
Tarkir: Dragonstorm brings us back to one of Magic's most beloved planes with a fresh twist on Commander gameplay. This release introduces five new preconstructed Commander decks, each aligned with one of Tarkir's iconic clans. The decks will be available starting April 11, 2025.
Each deck includes a primary and secondary commander, showcasing a unique theme that ties into the clan’s identity.
Abzan Armor (White-Black-Green)
- Primary Commander: Felothar the Steadfast
- Secondary Commander: Betor, Ancestor's Voice
This deck embodies the Abzan clan’s endurance and discipline. It focuses on resilience and toughness-based strategies, allowing creatures to assign combat damage equal to their toughness. It also enables creatures with defender to attack, turning your walls into weapons.
Jeskai Striker (Blue-Red-White)
- Primary Commander: Shiko and Narset, Unified
- Secondary Commander: Elsha, Threefold Master
The Jeskai deck is all about casting spells and triggering prowess. It rewards players for chaining together multiple spells in a turn, making for fast-paced, combo-friendly gameplay with a strong tempo feel.
Sultai Arisen (Black-Green-Blue)
- Primary Commander: Kotis, Sibsig Champion
- Secondary Commander: Teval, the Balanced Scale
The Sultai deck embraces graveyard recursion and resource manipulation. Expect new mechanics that synergize with cards in your graveyard, letting you recycle, recur, and rebuild while draining your opponents’ options.
Mardu Surge (Red-White-Black)
- Primary Commander: Zurgo Stormrender
- Secondary Commander: Neriv, Crackling Vanguard
True to Mardu’s nature, this deck thrives on aggression and equipment synergy. It pushes a relentless combat strategy, enabling fast board development, strong pressure, and efficient damage output with a focus on attacking early and often.
Temur Roar (Green-Blue-Red)
- Primary Commander: Eshki, Temur's Roar
- Secondary Commander: Ureni of the Unwritten
Temur Roar taps into the wild side of Tarkir with a focus on big creatures and mana ramp. The deck is built to accelerate your resources and unleash massive dragons and other powerful threats, delivering overwhelming board presence.
Product Contents
Each Commander deck includes:
- A ready-to-play 100-card deck
- 1 Traditional foil face commander with borderless art
- 1 Traditional foil featured commander with borderless art
- 10 Double-sided tokens
- 1 Collector Booster Sample Pack
- 1 Deck box
These decks not only introduce new-to-Magic cards but also feature iconic reprints, offering both fresh content and familiar favorites for players.
Wrap Up
Unlike Aetherdrift, this set has a lot more to digest, and the best part? It's almost here! I expect more dragons, more powerful reprints, and of course, new commons our Pauper enthusiasts can enjoy!
Thanks for reading.