Magic: The Gathering Reveals Tarkir's Dragonstorm

The notorious Khans and mighty dragons return in Magic: The Gathering's upcoming expansion, Tarkir: Dragonstorm. Launching April 11 with current pre-order availability, this set revisits the plane of Tarkir through formidable new creatures, returning favorites, and innovative mechanics revolutionizing deck construction. Wizards of the Coast has begun unveiling set contents, and as a proud Scion of the Ur-Dragon Commander deck owner, I know my playgroup will dread my inevitable upgrades.

Key Features of Tarkir: Dragonstorm

Tarkir's warring landscape features five clans perpetually battling ancient dragons. Each faction—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)—follows distinctive strategies under their Khan leaders. While Wizards previews new clan mechanics, the spotlight shines brightest on the game-changing dragons entering the fray.

Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Play Booster Box

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Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Collector Booster Box

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Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Collector Booster

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Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Commander Deck Bundle (5 Decks)

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Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Abzan Armor

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Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Jeskai Striker

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Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Sultai Arisen

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Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Mardu Surge

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

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Each clan's unique identity shines through exclusive mechanics. Jeskai's Flurry activates when casting secondary spells each turn, while Sultai's Renew exiles graveyard cards to empower surviving creatures with counters. Mardu's Mobilize generates disposable attackers complementing their swarm tactics, whereas Temur's Harmonize enables graveyard recursion through creature tapping. Abzan's Endure shines when non-token creatures perish, exemplified by Anafenza, Undying Lineage—creating flying Spirit tokens or distributing +1/+1 counters.

True to its Dragonstorm namesake, draconic forces gain revolutionary abilities through Omen and Behold mechanics. Omen offers creature/spell flexibility—casting as sorcery/instant returns it to your deck, while Behold rewards dragon reveals or battlefield presence. These color-fluid mechanics promise fresh deckbuilding opportunities, showcased by Sarkhan, Dragon Ascendant generating Treasure tokens through Behold triggers.

Tarkir: Dragonstorm Concept Art Preview

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The undisputed stars are the dragons themselves. Betor, Kin to All (2WBG) delivers escalating end-step effects based on your creatures' total toughness—from card draw to devastating life-halving attacks. With innate 7 toughness and support from powerhouses like Utvara Hellkite, Betor dominates games rapidly.

Ugin reappears as a colorless planeswalker—Ugin, Eye of the Storms (7)—excelling in Eldrazi builds through passive permanent removal during colorless spellcasting. His ultimate (-11) ability enables unprecedented free casting of colorless non-land cards, achievable swiftly with his +2 loyalty boost.

Tarkir: Dragonstorm Card Previews

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Beyond the Final Fantasy collaboration, Tarkir: Dragonstorm emerges as this year's most exciting Magic release. With April 11 approaching and numerous cards still veiled, my Scion deck eagerly awaits reinforcements—whether through returning favorites like Atarka and Ojutai or original five-color dragon designs. Regardless, Dragonstorm promises thrilling gameplay upon arrival.