ZNR, or Zendikar Rising, is the 85th expansion set for the popular trading card game Magic: The Gathering. It was released on September 25, 2020, and is the first set in the Zendikar Rising block.
The setting of ZNR is the plane of Zendikar, a world of adventure and danger. Players are invited to explore the vast landscapes, ancient ruins, and treacherous dungeons that make up this unique plane. The expansion introduces new mechanics and features that add depth and excitement to the gameplay.
New Mechanics
ZNR introduces two new mechanics: Modal Double-Faced Cards (MDFCs) and Party.
MDFCs are a new type of card that have two faces, allowing players to choose which side they want to play. One side of the card is a creature, spell, or land, while the other side is a land. This flexibility gives players more options and strategic choices during gameplay.
The Party mechanic revolves around assembling a group of adventurers, each representing a different class: Cleric, Rogue, Warrior, and Wizard. By having a full party of all four classes, players can unlock powerful abilities and synergies. This mechanic encourages players to build diverse decks and explore different strategies.
Set Themes
ZNR focuses on three main themes: Landfall, Kicker, and Rogues.
Landfall is a returning mechanic from previous Zendikar sets. It triggers whenever a land enters the battlefield under a player’s control, allowing for additional effects and benefits. This theme encourages players to prioritize lands and take advantage of their abilities.
Kicker is another returning mechanic that allows players to pay an additional cost when casting a spell to get extra effects. This mechanic adds versatility and flexibility to spells, giving players more options and ways to impact the game.
Rogues are a new creature type introduced in ZNR. They are sneaky, elusive, and specialize in stealth and trickery. Many cards in the set synergize with Rogues, rewarding players for playing a Rogue-heavy deck.
Card Types
ZNR includes various types of cards, including creatures, spells, artifacts, enchantments, and lands. Each card type has its own unique abilities and effects, allowing players to create diverse and powerful decks.
Creatures are the backbone of most decks, providing offense, defense, and strategic options. Spells offer a wide range of effects, from direct damage to card draw. Artifacts and enchantments provide additional permanents that can enhance the player’s board presence or disrupt the opponent’s strategy. Lands are essential for mana production and triggering Landfall abilities.
Conclusion
ZNR, the latest expansion set for Magic: The Gathering, takes players on an exciting adventure through the plane of Zendikar. With new mechanics like MDFCs and Party, as well as returning favorites like Landfall and Kicker, ZNR offers a fresh and engaging gameplay experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, ZNR provides countless opportunities for strategic deck-building and thrilling battles.
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