MTG: Mechanics to Watch in March of the Machine
The war for the Multiverse may be over, but the game is just getting good.
The latest set for Magic: the Gathering is solidly in its prerelease weekend, and it’s an incredible set. Even if you missed the previews and spoilers, you’ve probably seen the biggest new changes coming to the set. We’ve got a new round of Planechase, the return of fan-favorite mechanic Convoke, and even a brand-new card type! I took part in the MOM prerelease, and I can assure you this set will be one to watch. Take strength from my scouting and check out these big mechanics to watch.
Transforming Cards
One of the biggest new mechanics in MOM is Incubate. This allows you to plant a seed like a horrifying xenomorph and hatch it into an adorable Phyrexian monstrosity for two mana. Until they flip, they can dodge board wipes, removal, and all the things counter and creature decks need to watch out for. However, they aren’t the only cards that “transform” in the new set. Elesh Norn does nothing if she doesn’t capitalize on every opportunity. There are several powerful cards in the set that gain additional benefits if you control a transformed permanent. While this is primarily focused on the incubate and battle mechanics, that also includes the flipping sagas/praetors. Many cards in the new set also have the ability to flip to a more powerful backside, if you’re willing to pay a little life to do so. You can sneak some scary cards past your opponents, and the rest of your deck will benefit from their mere presence.
Backup
+1/+1 counters have been powerful modifiers for as long as the game has been around. Increasing the strength and toughness of your monsters is (obviously) a great way to get the edge on your opponents. However, in the face of the Phyrexian threat, the denizens of the multiverse needed more than just raw power; they needed teamwork. Enter the backup mechanic, which allows you to not only buff your creatures but also give them a gnarly ability for a turn. This can range from simple things like hexproof or trample to super buffs like unblockable or even doubling counters! One of the new precon commanders has an entire deck built around these counter shenanigans and for good reason. With just a few instances of proliferate you can build a nasty army of monsters and show your opponent why teamwork makes the dream work.
Battles
We covered this a little in the transforming cards section, but the new battle cards deserve a section of their own. They function a bit like Planeswalkers, but with extra buffs. They can be attacked and defended, but you control them even while your opponent fights to keep them alive. When they show up, they give you a powerful buff, and once you repel Phyrexia, they gift you a powerful new card. Usually, this is a creature, but some are enchantments or deadly spells to throw off your opponent’s strategy. Whichever battle you choose to include, your opponent will pay the price.
Which cards are you trying to snag from this set?
