Editing
Block
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Warning:
You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you
log in
or
create an account
, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
Anti-spam check. Do
not
fill this in!
{{Otheruses}} A '''block''' used to be a group of sequential ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' expansion [[set]]s with shared [[mechanic]]s, [[flavor]], and [[rotation]] schedule. ==Description== Blocks have ranged in size from two to four sets and were usually named for the first set they contain. A [[large expansion]] led off each block to establish its world and mechanical themes, which were explored further in the block's remaining set or sets, which have varied in size. Most block stories took place on a single [[plane]] and linked to the stories of adjacent blocks. In mid-2018, following the ''[[Ixalan]]'' block, the block structure was retired in favor of discrete large sets. It appeared that the second set in a block only sold 80% or less of the first set.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/702732159108153344|title=Can we say MID and VOW was sort of an experiment with a block-like narrative structure?|December 4, 2022}}</ref> == Theme == The theme is the concept that gives a block its identity, differentiating it from other ''Magic'' expansions. The theme can be either mechanical ("[[List of Magic slang#Bottom-up|bottom-up]]"), or flavorful ("[[List of Magic slang#Top-down|top-down]]"). For example, [[Odyssey block]] has a mechanical [[graveyard]] focus. The block mechanics, [[flashback]] and [[threshold]], incentivize greater use of [[discard]] and [[sacrifice]] effects. Varying the strength and focus of these mechanics allows [[R&D]] to highlight differing gameplay elements, such as [[creature type]] or [[multicolored]] cards, over time.<ref name="Tribal Theme" /> The theme can also be a genre or setting, which leads to mechanics designed to evoke a feeling, portray an environment, or otherwise enhance the story. [[Innistrad block]] is based on gothic horror, and features a [[Tribal (theme)|tribal]] component that pits [[human]]s against classic monsters, such as [[zombie]]s and [[vampire]]s. It also introduced [[double-faced card]]s to evoke the horror tropes of corruption and transformation.<ref name="Every Two Sides" /><ref name="C'mon In" /> If a block is too focused on one aspect of its theme, it can force players to commit heavily to specific archetypes in deckbuilding.<ref name="State 2005" /> One of the most important parts of designing and developing sets is the creation of cross-block synergies to promote a more complex [[metagame]]. Synergies are necessary both for the Standard environment in which a block initially releases, and the new Standard environment created when the next block releases (and the previous block rotates out of Standard).<ref name="Cross Theros" /> == History == During the game's first two years, prior to the introduction of the block structure, ''Magic'' expansions usually had no direct continuity. ''[[Alliances]]'', released in [[1996]], was the first set to borrow the environment and mechanics from a previous set, ''[[Ice Age]]'', although it did not immediately follow that set.<ref name="Play Blocks" /><ref name="Arcana Blocks" /> Despite this, ''Ice Age'' and ''Alliances'' were later grouped with the intervening, but otherwise unrelated, ''[[Homelands]]'' to retroactively form [[Ice Age block]].<ref name="Third Time" /> [[File:Three set blocks.gif|thumb|An illustration of the three-set block model; gray blocks are core sets. Click to animate.]] For much of ''[[Magic]]'''s history, blocks consisted of three sets. [[Mirage block]], released in 1996 and [[1997]], was the first block developed for the three-set formula. Its first set, the large expansion ''[[Mirage]]'', was released in the Northern Hemisphere's autumn, followed by small sets ''[[Visions]]'' and ''[[Weatherlight]]'' in winter and spring.<ref name="Play Blocks" /> This three-set "large-small-small" pattern was the default arrangement for blocks through [[Khans of Tarkir block]]. The three sets of a block, along with a [[core set]], filled the four seasonal [[Magic: The Gathering#Product slots|product slot]]s that feed into the [[Standard]] [[format]]. The beginning of a new block in the Northern Hemisphere's autumn coincided with the rotation of all cards from the block, and matching core set, from two years prior.<ref name="Return Standard" /> Some exceptions to that pattern were made, typically to expand the third set in order to advance established block mechanics and have enough original material to avoid feeling stale. ''[[Rise of the Eldrazi]]'', ''[[Avacyn Restored]]'', and ''[[Dragons of Tarkir]]'' each match that description. They are large expansions to highlight and provide room for a dramatic reboot in gameplay and tone. Additionally, the second set in [[Return to Ravnica block]], ''[[Gatecrash]]'', was made large to allow a new distribution of the ten [[Ravnican guild|guilds]].<ref name="Size Matters" /><ref name="Metamorphosis" /> The most substantial break from the typical block structure was [[Lorwyn–Shadowmoor block]], which was divided into two mini-blocks, each with a large and small set.<ref name="Third Time" /> Another significant oddity is ''[[Coldsnap]]'', pitched as the "lost set" from Ice Age block, which replaced ''Homelands'' in that block upon its release.<ref name="Arcana Blocks" /><ref name="Back Issue" /> === Two-Block Paradigm === [[File:Two block paradigm.gif|thumb|An illustration of the two-block paradigm. Click to animate.]] A redesign of the block structure was announced by [[Mark Rosewater]] in 2014 and implemented the following year. Core sets were discontinued, and replaced with an additional expansion, allowing for one per calendar season. Replicating the structure of ''Lorwyn'' and ''Shadowmoor'', each year's sets were divided into two blocks, each containing a large set followed by a small set. This new default formula, subject to change for special cases, was known as the "Two Block-Paradigm," and was implemented following the release of the subsequent core set, [[Magic Origins]].<ref name="Metamorphosis" /> Along with the smaller block size, this new release pattern also promised Standard rotations following each block, such that Standard would contain the three most recent blocks. This increased rotation cadence proved deeply unpopular and was reverted to the traditional annual rotation.<ref name="Metamorphosis 2.0" /> The Two-Block Paradigm also introduced a new [[draft]] structure for the latter set in each block, consisting of two [[booster pack]]s from the second set, and one booster from the first. To accommodate the increased emphasis on the smaller second set, the typical size for a small expansion was increased to 184.<ref name="Draft Change" /><ref name="Small 184" /><ref name="Annual Cards" /><ref name="Learn Two Block" /> === Three-and-One Model === [[File:Three and one.gif|thumb|An illustration of the three-and-one model. Sets beyond Ixalan are labeled with codenames; gray blocks are core sets. Click to animate.]] The Two-Block Paradigm rapidly proved problematic. It revealed developmental challenges inherent to small sets, and demonstrated that core sets had served an important purpose in allowing for [[reprint]]s without regard for the mechanics or setting of the more coherent expansions around them. As a result, [[Ixalan block]] was the final block. Beginning in 2018, a "revamped" core set once again filled the summer slot. The other three seasons would each contain a large, [[standalone]] set. These sets might continue the mechanics or story of the preceding set, as was typical within a block, on an individual basis, and the number of consecutive sets set on the same world would vary. This new release structure was called the "Three-and-One Model".<ref name="Metamorphosis 2.0" /> It raised the overall number a little (with [[reprint]]s), but the new card number stayed close to the same.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/170278447998/with-the-shift-to-large-large-large-core-doesnt|title=Doesn't the shift increase the total number of cards available in standard?|January 29, 2018}}</ref> Each set would have basic lands.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/173703327938/now-that-every-set-will-be-a-large-set-does-this|title=Does this mean that each set will have its own cycle of basic lands? |May 08, 2018}}</ref> ===Four-set Model=== In 2021 core sets were retired again. ''[[Dungeons & Dragons: Adventures in the Forgotten Realms]]'' started out in design as core set but was later transformed in a more complicated [[expansion]] set.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/dd-esign-part-1-2021-07-05|D&D-esign, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|July 5, 2021}}</ref> Going forward, there will be four standalone [[premier set]]s each year.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/660511211950145536/are-core-sets-gone-for-good-mark|title=Are Core sets gone for good?|August 25, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/660502632878702592/which-set-announced-yesterday-is-replacing-the|title=Which set announced yesterday is replacing the Core Set? |August 25, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/660502632878702592/which-set-announced-yesterday-is-replacing-the|title=Now that the Core Set slot is turning into a fourth Premier Set slot...|November 8, 2021}}</ref> ==List of blocks== The following list details all ''Magic: The Gathering'' blocks in chronological order. The year given in parentheses is when the first set in a block was released. For the three-set blocks, the ''Magic'' year begins with the "large fall expansion,"<ref name="Metamorphosis" /> typically in October, with that block's subsequent sets releasing during February and April of the following year. With ''Lorwyn'' and ''Shadowmoor'', as well as expansions following the introduction of the Two-Block Paradigm, [[Wizards of the Coast]] printed two blocks per ''Magic'' year. For these, the first block's sets come out in autumn then winter next calendar year, while the second block's sets release that spring and summer. All seasons noted here are those of the Northern Hemisphere.<ref name="Metamorphosis" /> {{columns-list|colwidth=15em| '''[[Ice Age block]]''' (1995) *''[[Ice Age]]'' {{keyrune|ICE}} *''[[Alliances]]'' {{keyrune|ALL}} *''[[Coldsnap]]'' {{keyrune|CSP}} (2006)<br/>replaced ''[[Homelands]]'' {{keyrune|HML}} '''[[Mirage block]]''' (1996) *''[[Mirage]]'' {{keyrune|MIR}} *''[[Visions]]'' {{keyrune|VIS}} *''[[Weatherlight]]'' {{keyrune|WTH}} '''[[Tempest block]]''' (1997) *''[[Tempest]]'' {{keyrune|TMP}} *''[[Stronghold]]'' {{keyrune|STH}} *''[[Exodus]]'' {{keyrune|EXO}} '''[[Urza's block]]''' (1998) *''[[Urza's Saga]]'' {{keyrune|USG}} *''[[Urza's Legacy]]'' {{keyrune|ULG}} *''[[Urza's Destiny]]'' {{keyrune|UDS}} '''[[Masques block]]''' (1999) *''[[Mercadian Masques]]'' {{keyrune|MMQ}} *''[[Nemesis]]'' {{keyrune|NEM}} *''[[Prophecy]]'' {{keyrune|PCY}} '''[[Invasion block]]''' (2000) *''[[Invasion]]'' {{keyrune|INV}} *''[[Planeshift]]'' {{keyrune|PLS}} *''[[Apocalypse]]'' {{keyrune|APC}} '''[[Odyssey block]]''' (2001) *''[[Odyssey]]'' {{keyrune|ODY}} *''[[Torment]]'' {{keyrune|TOR}} *''[[Judgment]]'' {{keyrune|JUD}} '''[[Onslaught block]]''' (2002) *''[[Onslaught]]'' {{keyrune|ONS}} *''[[Legions]]'' {{keyrune|LGN}} *''[[Scourge]]'' {{keyrune|SCG}} '''[[Mirrodin block]]''' (2003) *''[[Mirrodin]]'' {{keyrune|MRD}} *''[[Darksteel]]'' {{keyrune|DST}} *''[[Fifth Dawn]]'' {{keyrune|5DN}} '''[[Kamigawa block]]''' (2004) *''[[Champions of Kamigawa]]'' {{keyrune|CHK}} *''[[Betrayers of Kamigawa]]'' {{keyrune|BOK}} *''[[Saviors of Kamigawa]]'' {{keyrune|SOK}} '''[[Ravnica block]]''' (2005) *''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]'' {{keyrune|Rav}} *''[[Guildpact]]'' {{keyrune|GPT}} *''[[Dissension]]'' {{keyrune|DIS}} '''[[Time Spiral block]]''' (2006) *''[[Time Spiral]]'' {{keyrune|TSP}} *''[[Planar Chaos]]'' {{keyrune|PLC}} *''[[Future Sight]]'' {{keyrune|FUT}} '''[[Lorwyn–Shadowmoor block#Lorwyn block|Lorwyn block]]''' {{nowrap|(Autumn 2007)}} *''[[Lorwyn]]'' {{keyrune|LRW}} *''[[Morningtide]]'' {{keyrune|MOR}} '''[[Lorwyn–Shadowmoor block#Shadowmoor block|Shadowmoor block]]''' {{nowrap|(Spring 2008)}} *''[[Shadowmoor]]'' {{keyrune|SHM}} *''[[Eventide]]'' {{keyrune|EVE}} '''[[Alara block]]''' (2008) *''[[Shards of Alara]]'' {{keyrune|ALA}} *''[[Conflux]]'' {{keyrune|CON}} *''[[Alara Reborn]]'' {{keyrune|ARB}} '''[[Zendikar block]]''' (2009) *''[[Zendikar]]'' {{keyrune|ZEN}} *''[[Worldwake]]'' {{keyrune|WWK}} *''[[Rise of the Eldrazi]]'' {{keyrune|ROE}} '''[[Scars of Mirrodin block]]''' (2010) *''[[Scars of Mirrodin]]'' {{keyrune|SOM}} *''[[Mirrodin Besieged]]'' {{keyrune|MBS}} *''[[New Phyrexia]]'' {{keyrune|NPH}} '''[[Innistrad block]]''' (2011) *''[[Innistrad]]'' {{keyrune|ISD}} *''[[Dark Ascension]]'' {{keyrune|DKA}} *''[[Avacyn Restored]]'' {{keyrune|AVR}} '''[[Return to Ravnica block]]''' (2012) *''[[Return to Ravnica]]'' {{keyrune|RTR}} *''[[Gatecrash]]'' {{keyrune|GTC}} *''[[Dragon's Maze]]'' {{keyrune|DGM}} '''[[Theros block]]''' (2013) *''[[Theros]]'' {{keyrune|THS}} *''[[Born of the Gods]]'' {{keyrune|BNG}} *''[[Journey into Nyx]]'' {{keyrune|JOU}} '''[[Khans of Tarkir block]]''' (2014) *''[[Khans of Tarkir]]'' {{keyrune|KTK}} *''[[Fate Reforged]]'' {{keyrune|FRF}} *''[[Dragons of Tarkir]]'' {{keyrune|DTK}} '''[[Battle for Zendikar block]]''' {{nowrap|(Autumn 2015)}} *''[[Battle for Zendikar]]'' {{keyrune|BFZ}} *''[[Oath of the Gatewatch]]'' {{keyrune|OGW}} '''[[Shadows over Innistrad block]]''' {{nowrap|(Spring 2016)}} *''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]'' {{keyrune|SOI}} *''[[Eldritch Moon]]'' {{keyrune|EMN}} '''[[Kaladesh block]]''' {{nowrap|(Autumn 2016)}} *''[[Kaladesh]]'' {{keyrune|KLD}} *''[[Aether Revolt]]'' {{keyrune|AER}} '''[[Amonkhet block]]''' {{nowrap|(Spring 2017)}} *''[[Amonkhet]]'' {{keyrune|AKH}} *''[[Hour of Devastation]]'' {{keyrune|HOU}} '''[[Ixalan block]]''' {{nowrap|(Autumn 2017)}} *''[[Ixalan]]'' {{keyrune|XLN}} *''[[Rivals of Ixalan]]'' {{keyrune|RIX}} }} ==Unofficial blocks== Although in the 3+1 model blocks no longer existed, the extended stay on [[Ravnica]] was unofficially named the '''[[Guilds of Ravnica block]]'''. *''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]'' {{keyrune|GRN}} *''[[Ravnica Allegiance]]'' {{keyrune|RNA}} *''[[War of the Spark]]'' {{keyrune|WAR}} In a stronger link, [[Innistrad: Double Feature|two Innistrad sets]] came out only two months apart in the latter part of 2021, with two recurring keywords and similar allied-color drafting: * ''[[Innistrad: Midnight Hunt]]'' {{Keyrune|MID}} * ''[[Innistrad: Crimson Vow]]'' {{Keyrune|VOW}} In 2022, two sets are situated on Dominaria, though millennia apart. * ''[[Dominaria United]]'' {{Keyrune|DMU}} * ''[[The Brothers' War]]'' {{Keyrune|BRO}} ==References== {{reflist|refs= <ref name="Metamorphosis">{{DailyRef|mm/metamorphosis |Metamorphosis|[[Mark Rosewater]]|2014 August 25}}</ref> <ref name="Metamorphosis 2.0">{{DailyRef|making-magic/metamorphosis-2-0-2017-06-12|Metamorphosis 2.0|[[Mark Rosewater]]|2017 June 12}}</ref> <ref name="Return Standard">{{DailyRef|news/revisiting-standard-rotation-2016-10-19 |Revisiting Standard Rotation|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|2016 October 19}}</ref> <ref name="State 2005">{{DailyRef|making-magic/state-design-2005-2005-08-29-0 |State of Design 2005|Mark Rosewater|2005 August 29}}</ref> <ref name="Tribal Theme">{{DailyRef|making-magic/lions-and-tigers-and-bears-2003-01-20 |Lions and Tigers and Bears|Mark Rosewater|2003 January 20}}</ref> <ref name="Arcana Blocks">{{DailyRef|arcana/building-blocks-2014-08-25 |Building Blocks|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|2014 August 25}}</ref> <ref name="Play Blocks">{{DailyRef|making-magic/playing-blocks-2009-12-07 |Playing With Blocks|Mark Rosewater|2009 December 07}}</ref> <ref name="Size Matters">{{DailyRef|latest-developments/size-matters-2012-04-27 |Size Matters|[[Zac Hill]]|2012 April 27}}</ref> <ref name="Third Time">{{DailyRef|making-magic/third-times-charm-2013-04-29 |Third Time's the Charm|Mark Rosewater|2013 April 29}}</ref> <ref name="Back Issue">{{DailyRef|making-magic/back-issues-2006-02-06 |Back Issues|Mark Rosewater|2006 February 06}}</ref> <ref name="Every Two Sides">{{DailyRef|feature/every-two-sides-has-story-2011-08-29 |Every Two Sides Has a Story|Mark Rosewater|2011 August 29}}</ref> <ref name="C'mon In">{{DailyRef|feature/cmon-innistrad-part-1-2011-09-05 |C'mon Innistrad, Part 1|Mark Rosewater|2011 September 05}}</ref> <ref name="Cross Theros">{{DailyRef|latest-developments/cross-block-synergies-theros-2013-10-11 |Cross-Block Synergies in ''Theros''|[[Sam Stoddard]]|2013 October 11}}</ref> <ref name="Learn Two Block">{{DailyRef|latest-developments/learning-two-block-world-2016-02-26 |Learning from the Two-Block World|Sam Stoddard|2016 February 26}}</ref> <ref name="Draft Change">{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/128230798418/hi-mark-what-are-reasons-behind-changing-the|title=What are reasons behind changing the Draft format?|2015 September 02}}</ref> <ref name="Small 184">{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/128588372698/in-this-new-bba-world-is-184-the-new-default|title=Is 184 the new default size of small sets?|2015 September 07}}</ref> <ref name="Annual Cards">{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/128422298728/with-the-two-set-paradigm-are-you-now-going-to-be|title=Are you now going to be putting out more, or less cards every year?|2015 September 07}}</ref> }} {{Block}} [[Category:Magic sets]]
Summary:
Please note that all contributions to Magic the Archiving may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here.
You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see
Magic the Archiving:Copyrights
for details).
Do not submit copyrighted work without permission!
Cancel
Editing help
(opens in new window)
Templates used on this page:
Template:Block
(
edit
)
Template:Column-width
(
edit
)
Template:Columns-list
(
edit
)
Template:DailyRef
(
edit
)
Template:Div col
(
edit
)
Template:EzTumblr
(
edit
)
Template:Hatnote
(
edit
)
Template:Keyrune
(
edit
)
Template:Navbox
(
edit
)
Template:Nowrap
(
edit
)
Template:Otheruses
(
edit
)
Template:Reflist
(
edit
)
Template:TumblrRef
(
edit
)
Template:WebRef
(
edit
)
Module:Arguments
(
edit
)
Module:EzTumblr
(
edit
)
Module:Navbar
(
edit
)
Module:Navbox
(
edit
)
Navigation menu
Personal tools
Not logged in
Talk
Contributions
Create account
Log in
Namespaces
Page
Discussion
English
Views
Read
Edit
View history
More
Search
Navigation
Main page
Recent changes
Random page
Help about MediaWiki
Tools
What links here
Related changes
Special pages
Page information