Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths is packed with exciting new mechanics, but the mechanic that’s made the biggest splash is a returning one: cycling. Cycling lets you discard cards you can’t use in order to draw different ones. Ikoria has introduced not only cards with unusually cheap cycling costs, but also some interesting payoffs for cycling that can have consequences above ... Read More...

Editor’s Note: The rules around the companion mechanic have changed. Read our article on companion for the most up-to-date information. Companions are making a splash in Modern just as they are everywhere else. “Splash” is probably even an understatement; Lurrus is nothing short of dominant in the format. But the dreamy feline isn’t the only companion making noise. I took ... Read More...

Keyword abilities have existed since Magic: The Gathering‘s inception. If you’ve played the game enough, you’re likely familiar with terms like “trample,” “lifelink,” and “deathtouch.” Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths introduced a new twist on the keyword abilities we know and love. While creatures in Magic still have keyword abilities natively, they can also gain those abilities via ability counters. Like ... Read More...

We’ve spent the past month playing with Ikoria on MTG Arena — diving into the draft queues, brewing up new Brawl decks, and working our way up the Standard ladder, with or without companions. As fun as it’s been, there’s nothing like shuffling up a fresh deck of cards or laying out draft picks on your kitchen table. Now, you ... Read More...

Cats: Winners of the Internet, Havers of Cheezburgers, and Champions of Cute Memes. Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths has wisely chosen to feature these fabulous felines as one of its creature types, along with dinosaurs and even flying sharks. In a set that’s filled with campiness, cats add that extra flavor of cuteness that many players crave in a Magic expansion. ... Read More...

We’re somehow into May now, and I’ve found myself writing more and more about Ikoria Standard in recent weeks. We’re at what I’d call the “mature” end of the format, with the largest and deepest card pool possible all on the table to tinker with until the Ravnica sets and M20 rotate out in a couple months.  With so much ... Read More...

Editor’s Note, May 11, 2020: This article was originally published on December 19, 2019. We want to ensure you have the most up-to-date information about popular decks, so we’ve updated this article and re-published it on May 11, 2020. Editor’s Note: June 1, 2020: Fires of Invention and Agent of Treachery have been banned in Standard and Historic. Read the ... Read More...