1. Essential info
2. Release date
3. Products
4. Mechanics
5. Story
6. Deals
MTG Edge of Eternities is the next set for this long-running card game, and it does something new for Magic - it takes us to the stars.
Yep, we're taking a detour into sci-fi this time around. Or, more specifically, science fantasy; MTG Edge of Eternities is more Star Wars than Star Trek. Either way, it marks a big change for one of the best card games. Magic is better known for swords 'n' sorcery, so it feels like a big swing.
Want the full lowdown on how it'll work, what it brings to the table, and when the set is coming out? Here's everything you need to know about Edge of Eternities.
MTG Edge of Eternities essential info
What is MTG Edge of Eternities?
MTG Edge of Eternities is a Standard-legal, mainline Magic set that takes us to the cosmos and an entirely new science fantasy world. That means all-new factions, characters, locations, mechanics, and abilities to try out. After a series of encores this year where players have revisited old Planes (as seen in MTG Innistrad Remastered and MTG Aetherdrift), going somewhere different is a welcome change of pace.
What's new in MTG Edge of Eternities?
This set marks the first time Magic has properly tackled sci-fi as a setting, and it's a major departure from the game's usual swords 'n' sorcery. This means we'll see fantasy staples being given a futuristic twist, not to mention a whole cast of characters we've never met before.
That means a fresh batch of mechanics are on the way too. I've gone into more detail in the 'mechanics' section below, but the biggest takeaway is the addition of 'Spacecraft.' These aren't just glorified vehicles; you tap a creature to build up their charge, and this turns them into powerful artefact creatures. You can use them to lead your Commander deck, too.
Are there serialized cards in MTG Edge of Eternities?
As usual for a mainline set, Edge of Eternities does indeed feature a special, serialized card. More specifically, the 'Headliner' for this set (e.g. the most hard-to-find and highly sought-after card) is Sothera, the Supervoid. This will only be available in Collector Booster packs.
Is MTG Edge of Eternities Standard legal?
Yes, MTG Edge of Eternities is Standard legal. In other words, you can use its cards in competitive games.
MTG Edge of Eternities release date
MTG Edge of Eternities is due to launch on August 1, 2025, but that doesn't mean you'll need to wait until then for the fun to begin. The set's story has already begun, and a full debut will follow shortly.
Indeed, it feels as if this set is getting a far bigger fuss made of it than usual; there's a host of tournaments and activities being run in its honor. This promises to keep Edge of Eternities on fans' minds long after release day.
Here's a full rundown of what's happening.
- Story & audiobooks: June 20 – July 7
- Debut: July 8
- Full card gallery: July 18
- Prerelease events: July 25 – 31
- Commander Box League: July 25 – 31
- MTG Arena release: July 29
- Tabletop release: August 1
- Magic Academy: August 1 – September 18
- Two-Headed Giant Commander Night: August 1 – September 18
- Standard Showdown: August 1 – September 18
- Commander Party, Round 1: August 15 – 21
- Store Championships: August 23 – September 14
- Commander Party, Round 2: September 5 – 11
- Pro Tour at MagicCon Atlanta: September 26 – 28
MTG Edge of Eternities products
Because MTG Edge of Eternities is a mainline, Standard-legal set, publisher Wizards of the Coast is throwing its full weight behind the launch. That means Play and Collector Boosters are dropping alongside a couple of Commander Decks, bundles, and a prerelease box.
Here's a better look at what's on the way.
Commander decks
In direct contrast to sets like MTG Tarkir: Dragonstorm, Edge of Eternities has just two Commander Decks. Although that's a little disappointing, it keeps things simple - particularly if you're just learning how to play MTG Commander.
Play boosters
As per usual, the backbone of this set is the Play Booster range. There are two ways to get them here; individually, or in a larger box.
Collector boosters
As with most sets, MTG Edge of Eternities includes Collector Booster packs with special card art you won't be able to get anywhere else. Like the Play equivalent, you can grab Collector Boosters by themselves or in a box.
Bundles and prerelease
Looking to get started on your galaxy-dominating deck as quickly as possible? You can pick up prerelease boxes at special prerelease events, followed by bundles that provide players with a handful of Play Boosters and accessories.
MTG Final Fantasy mechanics
We don't have loads of detail yet on what's new for MTG Edge of Eternities, but seeing as it introduces a radically different setting, I suspect more than a few new gameplay options are going to be available. Here's what we know so far.
- Spacecraft: As is only right for a set concerning space, vessels to traverse the cosmos play a big part of this set. These act a bit like vehicles but use the 'station' rule, wherein you tap a creature to charge up your ship. The Spacecraft then becomes a powerful artefact creature... which can also lead your Commander deck.
- Commander changes: With the addition of Spacecraft and their ability to head up your Commander deck, you can now choose any legendary card with a printed power and toughness to lead.
- Shock lands return: We got our first glimpse of shock lands decades ago, and they're being given a fresh spin for Edge of Eternities. You can pay 2 life when they enter, or they must be put down tapped.
MTG Edge of Eternities story
As a vast new MTG setting, there's a lot to dive into when it comes to the Edge of Eternities story. To translate: prepare yourself for all-new planets, all-new factions to fight over them, and all-new characters we can fall in love with.
You can catch up with the official narrative via episode 1, but get your popcorn first. This is an exhaustive trip through exposition and world-building that gives us the barest hint of a vast universe. In terms of scale and tone, it reminds me of the Destiny video game series; it's very cerebral and interactive (you'll see what I mean when you visit episode 1) with just a whiff of humor. One of the main characters Sami, is on the hunt for their cat, for example.
In terms of a broad overview, the Sothera system's sun has gone supernova after the meddling of a black hole cult. This leaves Pinnacle - an alliance of spacefaring species, a bit like Star Trek's Federation - to pick up the pieces.
So far as familiar faces go, the only confirmed one so far is the villainous Tezzeret. He's somehow found his way to this universe (called 'the Edge' because it sits on the border of the multiverse), but his motivations are unknown.
MTG Edge of Eternities expert opinion
Even though we've not had the full lowdown from MTG Edge of Eternities yet, it's already clear that this is a big shakeup for the game. If nothing else, look at publisher Wizards of the Coast ripping up the rules on who can be your deck's Commander; it will totally upend how Commander decks are made, and opens the meta for new, previously impossible combinations. Almost as much as those recent MTG card bans...
The set is doing a great job of combining theme with mechanics, too. Take shock lands as an example. These lands (which cost you two life unless you want them to enter tapped) represent the volatile planets of the Sothera system, providing world-building that's intrinsically and, most importantly, logically tied to gameplay.
The thing I'm happiest about is the fact that we're going back to good old-fashioned world-building
It's a similar story with Spacecraft. I'd honestly expected these to be glorified vehicles, but they feel like characters in their own right. I suppose that's only fitting; besides being treated as a member of the cast most of the time, ships in sci-fi are often festooned with all sorts of weaponry, shielding, autopilot, and more that allows them to hold their own. As such, it makes sense that they can come roaring onto the battlefield as artefact creatures once powered up and are able to lead your Commander deck.
Still, the thing I'm happiest about is the fact that we're going back to good old-fashioned world-building. Recent releases were criticized for being light on narrative substance, and many dubbed them 'hat sets' as a result (where existing characters basically put on different hats and costumes to play in a new genre, rather than establishing the Plane in any significant way). Edge of Eternities goes in the opposite direction for a setting that's incredibly dense, rich with lore, and brimming with possible conflicts. Welcome back, OG Magic storytelling; I've missed you.
MTG Edge of Eternities deals
We're still a ways out from launch, so significant discounts are unlikely at this point. Still, there is the possibility of pre-order price cuts ahead of release. I've set our price-matching software the task of watching out for discounts, and you'll find the results below. For a better look at the latest savings, don't miss our guide to the best MTG deals.
Looking for something new you can play? It's worth dropping in on our guides to the best board games and the best tabletop RPGs.
