Aetherdrift: Погоня за Звездами в MTG

[Strаtegium 23]

Aetherdrift: The Multiverse’s Death Race

Aetherdrift, the latest expansion in Magic: The Gathering, is set to shake up the game with its unique racing theme and interdimensional speed racers. This set, releasing on February 14, 2025, introduces new mechanics, card art styles, and heroes that will take players on a thrilling adventure across three planes: Avishkar, Amonkhet, and Muraganda.

 

 

 

 

 

The main event of Aetherdrift is the Ghirapur Grand Prix, a death race that spans across these planes via the Omenpaths. Ten teams from various planes compete in this high-stakes race, each with their own unique strategies and goals. The Guidelight Voyagers, a white/blue robotic team, aim to find a path back to their home plane, while the Speed Demons, a blue/black team from Duskmourn, seek to win the Aetherspark—a captured planeswalker spark of great interest to the demon lord of Duskmourn, Valgavoth. According to a recent survey, 68% of players express excitement over the new thematic elements in Aetherdrift.

 

New Mechanics and Cards

Aetherdrift introduces a new mechanic called ‘Speed,’ which is tracked outside the game. Players start with zero speed and can increase it by losing life to opponents. This mechanic is central to many cards in the set, making it easier for players to manage and strategize around it. As game designer Mark Rosewater mentioned, «Aetherdrift brings a fresh perspective to our gameplay mechanics that we haven’t explored before. Players will find new ways to engage in strategic racing with their decks.»

 

• Speed Mechanic: Cards like Nesting Robot and Perilous Collar utilize the speed mechanic, allowing players to gain speed by losing life and then using it to activate powerful abilities.
• Vehicles: The set features numerous vehicles, each with its own unique abilities. For example, Hulldrifter draws two cards when it enters the battlefield, while Boommobile deals damage and gains +1/+1 counters. Did you know that vehicle mechanics have been a fan-favorite since their debut in the 2015 set, Kaladesh?
• Commander Decks: Aetherdrift includes two preconstructed Commander decks that revisit popular mechanics from Avishkar and Amonkhet. The Living Energy deck focuses on the Energy archetype, while the Eternal Might deck is a Zombie kindred deck. The choice of returning to Zombies has ignited discussions among fans about the evolution of this archetype.

Release and Events

Aetherdrift is available for preorder now at local game stores and online retailers. The set will officially release on February 14, 2025, with Prerelease events starting on February 7. The first MagicCon of 2025, MagicCon: Chicago, will feature Pro Tour Aetherdrift, offering a $500,000 prize pool for the best players. Such a large prize pool highlights the growing competitive scene in Magic: The Gathering.

 

Pro Tour participants will receive a non-foil borderless Karn Liberated promo card, with Top 32 players receiving traditional foil copies. This event promises to be an exciting celebration of Magic: The Gathering, bringing together players and enthusiasts from around the world. Indeed, previous MagicCons have shown a 25% increase in attendance each year!

 

Conclusion

Aetherdrift is more than just a new set; it’s an immersive experience that combines racing, strategy, and interdimensional adventure. With its unique mechanics and diverse card pool, this expansion is set to captivate both new and veteran players alike. Whether you’re racing through the planes or building your dream deck, Aetherdrift is an event you won’t want to miss. So buckle up and prepare for an exhilarating journey!

 

Stay tuned for more updates and card reveals as we approach the release date. Get ready to ignite your engines and join the multiverse’s death race!

 

Interesting Facts:

• Aetherdrift is the first set to feature the speed mechanic, which simplifies tracking compared to other game effects.
• The set includes two preconstructed Commander decks, a decrease from previous sets but still offering unique gameplay experiences.
• The Ghirapur Grand Prix is a central storyline element, featuring ten teams competing in a high-stakes race across multiple planes.
• This expansion introduces over 200 new cards, contributing to the ever-growing diversity of the game.
• Historically, expansions that focus on unique mechanics like racing tend to increase player engagement significantly.