The Magic: The Gathering Throne of Eldraine pre-release events kick off later this week, which means MTG players are about to have an exciting new set of cards to master in the limited formats and incorporate into their constructed decks (Note: These are the most expensive cards in Throne of Eldraine). Since Throne of Eldraine is the fall release, that also means it's time for the once a year Standard format card rotation. Time to say goodbye to a few sets that have been around for quite a while and welcome in a new year of Standard archetypes.
One of the most popular of these Magic: The Gathering formats is Standard, and the addition of MTG Arena has brought more and more players to the constructed option. While the rotating nature of the format keeps gameplay continually feeling fresh, it also may leave some wondering what sets are legal in Standard MTG. We've got you covered on that front.
For the past few years, the biggest Standard rotation always arrives during the fall set release. This is the timeframe when the prior year's sets will rotate out and make way for a fresh year of Standard. This can definitely be a little tricky to follow though, so've broken down exactly what is legal come next week.
On October 4, the next Magic: The Gathering set, Throne of Eldraine, will be released (including this insanely powerful Legendary creature). Upon its release, Throne of Eldraine will join the MTG Standard format, while the two sets from the Ixalan block, Dominaria, and Core Set 2019 will all rotate out.
Rotating Out
The following Magic: The Gathering sets are rotation out of Standard with the release of Throne of Eldraine:
Ixalan
Rivals of Ixalan
Dominaria
Core Set 2019
Remaining The Same
The following Magic: The Gathering sets are staying in Standard until fall 2020:
Guilds of Ravnica
Ravnica Allegiance
War of the Spark
Core Set 2020
New To Standard
The following Magic: The Gathering set is Standard legal from its release date through fall 2020:
Throne of Eldraine
All MTG Standard Legal Sets Starting October 4, 2019
Guilds of Ravnica
Ravnica Allegiance
War of the Spark
Core Set 2020
Throne of Eldraine
As the new Standard format grows and pros start to get a hold of the new cards (like the super powerful planeswalker Oko), there will be tons of new decks to try out and master. Usually the first big shift of the metagame arrives after the initial professional level tournament that follows the set release. That means that by the end of October there should be some brand new A-list decks making the rounds, which will be a perfect opportunity to spend some MTG Arena Wildcards and start climbing the rankings.
Be sure to check back in the near future for more Magic: The Gathering strategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, draw well, planeswalkers!
Magic Arena is available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices. The Magic: The Gathering Throne of Eldraine expansion set will release October 4, 2019.