Ixalan: Difference between revisions

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{{SubTabs
|sub1 = Booster Battle Packs
|sub2 = Card comparisons
|sub3 = Deck Builder's Toolkit
|sub4 = Planeswalker decks
}}
{{Infobox set
{{Infobox set
   |logo = [[File:XLN set logo.png|230px]]
   |image = XLN set logo.png
   |symbol description = A Compass Rose  
  |image_bgcolor = black
   |design team = [[Mark Rosewater]] (co-lead) <br/> [[Ken Nagle]] (co-lead)<br/>[[Ben Hayes]]<br/>[[Gavin Verhey]]<br/>[[Jackie Lee]]<br/>[[James Hata]]<br/>[[James Sooy]]<br/>[[Mark Gottlieb]]<br/>[[Sam Stoddard]]<br/>[[Shawn Main]]<br/>[[Yoni Skolnik]]
   |symbol_description = Compass Rose / Ship's Wheel
   |development team = [[Erik Lauer]] (co-lead)<br/>Sam Stoddard (co-lead)<br/>[[Dave Humpherys]]<br/>[[Ethan Fleischer]]<br/>Gavin Verhey<br/>Yoni Skolnik
   |design = [[Mark Rosewater]] (co-lead) <br/> [[Ken Nagle]] (co-lead)<br/>[[Ben Hayes]]<br/>[[Gavin Verhey]]<br/>[[Jackie Lee]]<br/>[[James Hata]]<br/>[[James Sooy]]<br/>[[Mark Gottlieb]]<br/>[[Sam Stoddard]]<br/>[[Shawn Main]]<br/>[[Yoni Skolnik]]
   |art director = [[Cynthia Sheppard]]
   |development = [[Erik Lauer]] (co-lead)<br/>Sam Stoddard (co-lead)<br/>[[Dave Humpherys]]<br/>[[Ethan Fleischer]]<br/>[[Gavin Verhey]]<br/>[[Yoni Skolnik]]
   |date_release = September 29, 2017
   |art = [[Cynthia Sheppard]]
   |release = September 29, 2017
  |plane = [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]]
   |mechanics = [[Tribal (theme)|Tribal]], [[Double-faced card]]s, [[Vehicle]]s, [[Treasure]] tokens, [[+1/+1 counter]]s, [[life]] as a resource
   |mechanics = [[Tribal (theme)|Tribal]], [[Double-faced card]]s, [[Vehicle]]s, [[Treasure]] tokens, [[+1/+1 counter]]s, [[life]] as a resource
   |keywords = [[Explore]], [[Enrage]], [[Raid]], [[Crew]], [[Transform]]
   |keywords = [[Explore]], [[Enrage]], [[Raid]], [[Crew]], [[Transform]]
   |size = 279 + 10
   |size = 279 cards<br/>+10 [[Planeswalker deck]] exclusives
   |code_expansion = XLN
   |code_expansion = XLN
   |code_expansion_ref= <ref>[http://magic.wizards.com/en/products/ixalan Product information]</ref>
   |code_expansion_ref= [http://magic.wizards.com/en/products/ixalan Product information]
   |code_development = Ham
   |code_development = Ham
   |block name = [[Ixalan block]]
   |series = [[Ixalan block]]
   |first set = [[Ixalan]]
   |first = Ixalan
   |second set = [[Rivals of Ixalan]]
   |second = Rivals of Ixalan
   |third set = (none)
   |third = none
   |previous set = [[Commander 2017]]
  |standard0 = Core Set 2019
   |next set = [[Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins]]
  |standard1 = Ixalan
}}
  |standard2 = Rivals of Ixalan
'''''Ixalan''''' [[Wikipedia:Help:IPA/English| [ˈɪk.sə.lɑːn]]]<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3k2xzBPIZ0|title=Ixalan Spotlight: Enrage|accessdate=2017-10-1}}</ref> (rhymes with "fix a con")<ref>{{EzTumblr|url=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/159921404703/does-ixalan-rymes-with-is-a-land|date=April 23, 2017}}</ref> is the 76<sup>th</sup> ''[[Magic: the Gathering|Magic]]'' expansion, and the first in the [[Ixalan block]]. It was released on September 29, 2017,<ref>{{NewRef|organized-play/ixalan-worlds-pro-tour-nationals-and-rptqs-2017-04-18|Ixalan, Worlds, Pro Tour, Nationals, and RPTQs|[[Hélène Bergeot]]|April 18, 2017}}</ref> and is a [[large expansion]].
  |standard3 = Dominaria
   |previous = Commander 2017
   |next = Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins
}}{{About||the plane|Ixalan (plane)}}
'''''Ixalan''''' [[Wikipedia:Help:IPA/English| [ˈɪk.sə.lɑːn]]]<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3k2xzBPIZ0|title=Ixalan Spotlight: Enrage|accessdate=2017-10-1}}</ref> (pronounced "icks-a-lawn", rhymes like "fix a con")<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/159921404703/does-ixalan-rymes-with-is-a-land|April 23, 2017}}</ref> is the seventy-sixth ''[[Magic: the Gathering|Magic]]'' expansion, and the first in the [[Ixalan block]]. It was released on September 29, 2017,<ref>{{DailyRef|organized-play/ixalan-worlds-pro-tour-nationals-and-rptqs-2017-04-18|Ixalan, Worlds, Pro Tour, Nationals, and RPTQs|[[Hélène Bergeot]]|April 18, 2017}}</ref> and is a [[large expansion]].


==Set details==
==Set details==
''Ixalan'' contains 279 cards (20 basic land, 101 common, 80 uncommon, 63 rare, and 15 mythic rare) and includes randomly inserted [[premium]] versions of all cards.<ref name="Release notes">{{NewRef|feature/ixalan-release-notes-2017-09-15|''Ixalan'' Release Notes|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|September 15, 2017}}</ref> Ten additional cards are found in the set's [[planeswalker deck]]s (2 mythic planeswalkers, 2 rares, 2 uncommons, 2 commons, and 2 common dual lands). These are numbered #280/279 to #289/279.<ref name="Promos"/> Ten of the rares are [[Double-faced card]]s which were printed on a seperate [[print sheet]]. These appear in the rare/mythic slot of booster packs, which changes the mythic rare to rare ratio from 15:106 to 15:126.<ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/165353414268/will-ixalans-double-faced-cards-takes-their-own|title=Will Ixalan's double-faced cards take their own reserved slot in booster packs?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=September 14, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/165339122268/is-the-rare-to-mythic-rare-ratio-still-the-same|title=Is the rare to mythic rare ratio still the same for ixalan?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=September 14, 2017}}</ref> A [[checklist card]] replaces the basic land in some boosters. Five of the [[basic land]]s depict a lost [[Jace Beleren]].<ref name="Promos"/> The boosters feature artwork from <c>Slash of Talons</c>, <c>Vicious Conquistador</c>, <c>Hijack</c>, <c>Fire Shrine Keeper</c> and <c>Vraska, Relic Seeker</c>.
''Ixalan'' contains 279 cards (20 basic land, 101 common, 80 uncommon, 63 rare, and 15 mythic rare) and includes randomly inserted [[premium]] versions of all cards.<ref name="Release notes">{{DailyRef|feature/ixalan-release-notes-2017-09-15|''Ixalan'' Release Notes|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|September 15, 2017}}</ref> Ten additional cards are found in the set's [[planeswalker deck]]s (2 mythic planeswalkers, 2 rares, 2 uncommons, 2 commons, and 2 common dual lands). These are numbered #280/279 to #289/279.<ref name="Promos" /> Ten of the rares are [[double-faced card]]s which were printed on a separate [[print sheet]]. These appear in the rare/mythic slot of booster packs, which changes the mythic rare to rare ratio from 15:106 to 15:126.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/165353414268/will-ixalans-double-faced-cards-takes-their-own|title=Will Ixalan's double-faced cards take their own reserved slot in booster packs?|September 14, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/165339122268/is-the-rare-to-mythic-rare-ratio-still-the-same|title=Is the rare to mythic rare ratio still the same for ixalan?|September 14, 2017}}</ref> A [[checklist card]] replaces the basic land in some boosters.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/70k9a0/what_slot_do_checklist_cards_take/ What slot do checklist cards take? (Reddit)]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai7jvslSn14&t=3m25s YouTube — Official MTG IXALAN Booster Box OPENING] (timestamp: 3m25s)</ref> Five of the [[basic land]]s depict a lost [[Jace Beleren]].<ref name="Promos" />  


A complete ''Ixalan'' [[rare]] [[foil]] [[print sheet]] was [[spoilers|leaked]] three months before prerelease, which caused [[Wizards of the Coast]] to re-evaluate their preview plan.<ref>[http://www.mtgsalvation.com/forums/magic-fundamentals/the-rumor-mill/778210-uhh-i-think-wizards-has-a-problem-on-their-hand? Uhh I think wizards has a problem on their hand (Ixalan)]</ref><ref>{{NewRef|news/behind-scenes-alleged-ixalan-card-theft-2017-08-28|Behind the Scenes with the Alleged Ixalan Card Theft|[[Scott Kelly]] and [[Blake Rasmussen]]|August 28, 2017}}</ref>  
A complete ''Ixalan'' [[rare]] [[foil]] [[print sheet]] was [[spoiler|leaked]] three months before prerelease, which caused [[Wizards of the Coast]] to re-evaluate their preview plan.<ref>[http://www.mtgsalvation.com/forums/magic-fundamentals/the-rumor-mill/778210-uhh-i-think-wizards-has-a-problem-on-their-hand? Uhh I think wizards has a problem on their hand (Ixalan)]</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|news/behind-scenes-alleged-ixalan-card-theft-2017-08-28|Behind the Scenes with the Alleged Ixalan Card Theft|[[Scott Kelly]] and [[Blake Rasmussen]]|August 28, 2017}}</ref>  


===Misprints===
===Misprints===
A number of non-foil, double-sided ''Ixalan'' cards were mistakenly printed on incorrect card stock.<ref>{{NewRef|news/statement-ixalan-double-faced-cards-card-stock-2017-10-20|Statement on ''Ixalan'' Double-Faced Cards Card Stock|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|October 20, 2017}}</ref>
A number of non-foil, double-sided ''Ixalan'' cards were mistakenly printed on incorrect card stock.<ref>{{DailyRef|news/statement-ixalan-double-faced-cards-card-stock-2017-10-20|Statement on ''Ixalan'' Double-Faced Cards Card Stock|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|October 20, 2017}}</ref>


===Rules change===
===Rules change===
Starting with this set, all planeswalkers past, present, and future have the [[supertype]] [[legendary]].<ref name="Mechanics">{{NewRef|feature/ixalan-mechanics|''Ixalan'' Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|August 28, 2017}}</ref> They will also be subject to the "[[legend rule]]" instead of the "[[planeswalker uniqueness rule]]", which is being removed from the game.
Starting with this set, all planeswalkers past, present, and future have the [[supertype]] [[legendary]].<ref name="Mechanics">{{DailyRef|feature/ixalan-mechanics|''Ixalan'' Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|August 28, 2017}}</ref> They are subject to the "[[legend rule]]" instead of the "[[planeswalker uniqueness rule]]", which was removed from the game.


===Storyline===
===Storyline===
{{cquote|Brave the Unknown}}This is a story about desire. It is desire for power, desire for companionship, desire for approval, desire for discovery, and everyone is racing to get what they want first.<ref name="Ixalan podcast"/> For centuries, the untamed jungles of [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]] have hidden a coveted secret: [[Orazca]], the city of gold, which houses a mysterious artifact, the [[Immortal Sun]]. But no secret can remain undiscovered, and no treasure can be taken uncontested.<ref>{{NewRef|news/25th-anniversary-announcement-day-2017-06-14|25th Anniversary Announcement Day|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|June 14, 2017}}</ref> The [[dinosaur]] riding warriors of the [[Sun Empire]] and the [[merfolk]] [[shaman]]s of the rival [[River Heralds]] are met by the [[vampire]] conquistadores of the [[Legion of Dusk]] and the [[pirate]]s of the [[Brazen Coalition]].<ref name="Exploring" /><ref name="Ixalan podcast">{{NewRef|feature/magic-story-podcast-ixalan-2017-08-30|''Magic'' Story Podcast: Ixalan|[[Blake Rasmussen]] and [[Alison Luhrs]]|August 30, 2017}}</ref>
{{cquote|Brave the Unknown}}
This is a story about desire. It is a desire for power, a desire for companionship, a desire for approval, a desire for discovery, and everyone is racing to get what they want first.<ref name="Ixalan podcast"/> For centuries, the untamed jungles of [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]] have hidden a coveted secret: [[Orazca]], the city of gold, which houses a mysterious artifact, the [[Immortal Sun]]. But no secret can remain undiscovered, and no treasure can be taken uncontested.<ref>{{DailyRef|news/25th-anniversary-announcement-day-2017-06-14|25th Anniversary Announcement Day|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|June 14, 2017}}</ref> The [[dinosaur]] riding warriors of the [[Sun Empire]] and the [[merfolk]] [[shaman]]s of the rival [[River Heralds]] are met by the [[vampire]] conquistadores of the [[Legion of Dusk]] and the [[pirate]]s of the [[Brazen Coalition]].<ref name="Ixalan podcast">{{DailyRef|feature/magic-story-podcast-ixalan-2017-08-30|''Magic'' Story Podcast: Ixalan|[[Blake Rasmussen]] and [[Alison Luhrs]]|August 30, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Exploring" />


[[Vraska]] poses as a pirate on the high seas, while [[Jace Beleren]] is stranded on the plane with loss of all his memories.
[[Vraska]] poses as a pirate on the high seas, while [[Jace Beleren]] is stranded on the plane with the loss of all his memories.


The cards that represent the [[Story Spotlight]]s in ''Ixalan'' are: <c>Ixalan's Binding</c>, <c>Vraska's Contempt</c>, <c>River's Rebuke</c>, <c>Thaumatic Compass</c> // <c>Spires of Orazca</c>, and <c>Perilous Voyage</c>.
The cards that represent the [[Story Spotlight]]s in ''Ixalan'' are: <c>Ixalan's Binding</c>, <c>Vraska's Contempt</c>, <c>River's Rebuke</c>, <c>Thaumatic Compass</c> // <c>Spires of Orazca</c>, and <c>Perilous Voyage</c>.
====Magic Story====
{{main|Magic Story}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Title !! Author !! Release Date !! Setting (plane) !! Featuring
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/jace-alone-2017-09-06|Jace, Alone}} || [[Alison Luhrs]] & [[Gregg Luben]] || 2017-09-06 || [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]] || [[Jace Beleren|Jace]], [[Vraska]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/question-confidence-2017-09-13|A Question of Confidence}} || [[Alison Luhrs]] & [[Gregg Luben]] || 2017-09-13 || [[Kaladesh (plane)|Kaladesh]], [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]] || [[Huatli]], [[Inti]], [[Wayta]], [[Apatzec Intli III]], [[Angrath]], [[Teyeuh]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/talented-captain-vraska-2017-09-20|The Talented Captain Vraska}} || [[Alison Luhrs]] & [[Gregg Luben]] || 2017-09-20 || [[Ravnica]], [[Meditation Plane]], [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]] || [[Vraska]], [[Nicol Bolas]], [[Malcolm Lee]], [[Amelia]], Edgar, Gavven, [[Jace Beleren|Jace]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/shapers-2017-09-27|The Shapers}} || [[Alison Luhrs]], [[Gregg Luben]] & [[Kelly Digges]] || 2017-09-27 || [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]] || [[Kopala]], [[Tishana]], [[Kumena]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/something-else-entirely-2017-10-04|Something Else Entirely}} || [[Alison Luhrs]] & [[Gregg Luben]] || 2017-10-04 || [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]] || [[Jace Beleren|Jace]], [[Amelia]], Kerrigan, [[Breeches]], [[Vraska]], [[Malcolm Lee]], [[Pedron]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/race-part-1-2017-10-11|The Race, Part 1}} || [[Alison Luhrs]] & [[Gregg Luben]] || 2017-10-11 || [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]] || [[Mavren Fein]], [[Mardia]], Manuel, [[Elenda]], [[Pedron]], [[Vona de Iedo]], [[Jace Beleren|Jace]], [[Vraska]], Edgar, [[Breeches]], [[Malcolm Lee]], [[Huatli]], [[Inti]], [[Teyeuh]], [[Tishana]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/race-part-2-2017-10-18|The Race, Part 2}} || [[Alison Luhrs]] & [[Gregg Luben]]|| 2017-10-18 || [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]] || [[Vraska]], [[Jace Beleren|Jace]], [[Vona de Iedo]], [[Huatli]], [[Tishana]], [[Amelia]], [[Malcolm Lee]], [[Breeches]], [[Angrath]]
|}


===Marketing===
===Marketing===
''Ixalan'' is sold in 16-card [[boosters]] (one card being a [[marketing card]]), two [[planeswalker deck]]s, the ''Ixalan'' [[bundle]] and a [[Ixalan/Deck Builder's Toolkit|Deck Builder's Toolkit]].<!-- [[Ixalan/Booster Battle Packs|Booster Battle Packs]].--><ref>[http://wpn.wizards.com/en/products/ixalan ''Ixalan'' Product information for retailers]</ref><ref name="Promos">{{NewRef|card-preview/ixalan-promos-planeswalker-decks-packaging-and-fnm-tokens-2017-09-01|''Ixalan'' Promos, Planeswalker Decks, Packaging, and FNM Tokens!|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 1, 2017}}</ref>  
''Ixalan'' is sold in 16-card [[boosters]] (one card being a [[marketing card]]), two [[planeswalker deck]]s, the ''Ixalan'' [[bundle]], [[Ixalan/Booster Battle Packs|Booster Battle Packs]] and a [[Ixalan/Deck Builder's Toolkit|Deck Builder's Toolkit]].<ref name="Promos">{{DailyRef|card-preview/ixalan-promos-planeswalker-decks-packaging-and-fnm-tokens-2017-09-01|''Ixalan'' Promos, Planeswalker Decks, Packaging, and FNM Tokens!|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 1, 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://wpn.wizards.com/en/products/ixalan ''Ixalan'' Product information for retailers]</ref>  


There is no [[Masterpiece Series]] accompanying ''Ixalan''.<ref name="Metamorphosis 2.0">{{NewRef |making-magic/metamorphosis-2-0-2017-06-12|Metamorphosis 2.0|[[Mark Rosewater]]|2017 June 12}}</ref>
There is no [[Masterpiece Series]] accompanying ''Ixalan''.<ref name="Metamorphosis 2.0">{{DailyRef|making-magic/metamorphosis-2-0-2017-06-12|Metamorphosis 2.0|[[Mark Rosewater]]|June 12, 2017}}</ref> The boosters feature artwork from <c>Slash of Talons</c>, <c>Vicious Conquistador</c>, <c>Hijack</c>, <c>Fire Shrine Keeper</c> and <c>Vraska, Relic Seeker</c>.


As part of the preview season, [[Wizards of the Coast]] distributed trackable game pieces to stores, fans, volunteers, and some well-known community folk. As game pieces travelled from [[Wikipedia:Geocaching|from geochache to geocache]], the distances they travelled  influenced the release of preview cards.<ref name="Exploring">{{NewRef|news/exploring-ixalan-exploring-our-world-2017-08-14|Exploring Ixalan by Exploring Our World|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|August 14, 2017}}</ref>  
As part of the preview season, [[Wizards of the Coast]] distributed trackable game pieces to stores, fans, volunteers, and some well-known community folk. As game pieces traveled from [[Wikipedia:Geocaching|from geocache to geocache]], the distances they traveled influenced the release of preview cards.<ref name="Exploring">{{DailyRef|news/exploring-ixalan-exploring-our-world-2017-08-14|Exploring Ixalan by Exploring Our World|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|August 14, 2017}}</ref>  


====Events====
====Events====
[[File:Ixalan poster.jpg|300px|right]]
[[File:Ixalan poster.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Promotional poster]]
* Prerelease Events took place on September 23, 2017.<ref>{{NewRef|feature/ixalan-prerelease-primer-2017-09-18|''Ixalan'' Prerelease Primer|[[Gavin Verhey]]|September 18, 2017}}</ref>  
*Prerelease Events took place on September 23, 2017.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/ixalan-prerelease-primer-2017-09-18|''Ixalan'' Prerelease Primer|[[Gavin Verhey]]|September 18, 2017}}</ref>  
* [[Magic Online]] Launch: September 25, 2017
*[[Magic Online]] Launch: September 25, 2017
* Dino-Sized Weekend: The weekend of October 28–29, stores around the world host six-pack [[Sealed]] events, three-pack [[Draft]] events, and very special dino-sized Draft events using four packs of ''Ixalan'' instead of three.<ref name="Dino-Sized">{{NewRef|news/announcing-dino-sized-weekend-and-ixalan-mid-season-league-2017-09-18|Announcing Dino-Sized Weekend and ''Ixalan'' Mid-Season League|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|September 18, 2017}}</ref>  
*Dino-Sized Weekend: The weekend of October 28–29, stores around the world host six-pack [[Sealed]] events, three-pack [[Draft]] events, and extraordinary dino-sized Draft events using four packs of ''Ixalan'' instead of three.<ref name="Dino-Sized">{{DailyRef|news/announcing-dino-sized-weekend-and-ixalan-mid-season-league-2017-09-18|Announcing Dino-Sized Weekend and ''Ixalan'' Mid-Season League|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|September 18, 2017}}</ref>  
*Mid-Season League: Running November 6 through December 3, stores can run Ixalan Mid-Season Leagues.<ref name="Dino-Sized"/>
*Mid-Season League: Running November 6 through December 3, stores can run Ixalan Mid-Season Leagues.<ref name="Dino-Sized"/>


====Promotional Cards====
====Promotional cards====
[[File:XLN treasure chest booster.png|thumb|right|300px|Treasure Chest booster]]
 
*[[Magic Open House]]: [[Full-art]] [[foil]] <c>Walk the Plank</c>
*[[Magic Open House]]: [[Full-art]] [[foil]] <c>Walk the Plank</c>
*[[Prerelease cards|Prerelease]]: a stamped card that can be any rare or mythic rare from the set.
*[[Prerelease cards|Prerelease]]: a stamped card that can be any rare or mythic rare from the set.
*[[Draft Weekend]] [[Launch promo]]: <c>Bishop of Rebirth</c>
*[[Draft Weekend]] [[Launch promo]]: <c>Bishop of Rebirth</c>
*[[Standard Showdown]]: [[foil]] [[basic land]] with art by [[Rebecca Guay]].<ref name="Evolves">{{NewRef|feature/store-play-evolves-2017-07-16|In-Store Play Evolves|[[Chris Tulach]]|July 16, 2017}}</ref>
*[[Standard Showdown]]: [[foil]] [[basic land]] with art by [[Rebecca Guay]].<ref name="Evolves">{{DailyRef|feature/store-play-evolves-2017-07-16|In-Store Play Evolves|[[Chris Tulach]]|July 16, 2017}}</ref>
*[[Magic League]]: foil <c>Unclaimed Territory</c>
*[[Magic League]]: foil <c>Unclaimed Territory</c>
*[[Store Championship]]: [[full-art]] foil card showcasing the upcoming ''[[Rivals of Ixalan]]'' set (Top 8 receives a [[deck box]])
*[[Store Championship]]: [[full-art]] foil <c>Ghalta, Primal Hunger</c>, showcasing the upcoming ''[[Rivals of Ixalan]]'' set (Top 8 receives a [[deck box]]).<ref>{{DailyRef|news/ixalan-store-championship-goodies-2017-10-30|Ixalan Store Championship Goodies|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|October 30, 2017}}</ref>
*[[Booster box promo cards|Buy-a-Box]]: <c>Burning Sun's Avatar</c>
*[[Convention promo]]: Full-art {{card|Deeproot Champion||PXLN}}<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/7qzgei/deeproot_champion_promo_facebookpax/|title=Full Art Deeproot Champion Convention Promo|date= 2018|publisher=Reddit}}</ref>
** As a first, there is also a "Dino sized" 9-card Buy-a-Box [[booster]]. This contains an extra Buy-a-Box promo card and the equivalent contents of two [[Standard Showdown#Prize booster|Standard Showdown prize boosters]]. The booster contents will only be available in English and Japanese.<ref name="Promos"/>  
*[[Buy-a-Box]]: <c>Burning Sun's Avatar</c>
*[[FNM promo]]s:
**As a first, the purchasers of a booster box received a "Dino-sized" 9-card Buy-a-Box [[booster]]. This contained an extra Buy-a-Box promo card and the equivalent contents of two [[Standard Showdown#Prize booster|Standard Showdown prize boosters]]. The booster contents were only available in English and Japanese.<ref name="Promos" />  
** 1/1 [[White]] [[Vampire]] [[token]] with [[Lifelink]] / [[Treasure]] (Legion of Dusk flavored)
**As a Holiday promotion, purchasers of a booster box received the Buy-a-Box [[Treasure Chest]] booster, containing 2 foil cards of any rarity from any Standard-legal set, 4 rare or mythic rare cards from Standard-legal sets, 2 foil basic lands, and 1 out of 10 possible [[alternate art]], foil double-faced cards.<ref>{{DailyRef|news/black-friday-treasure-chest-promotion-2017-11-07|Black Friday Treasure Chest Promotion|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|November 7, 2017}}</ref> These versions of the 10 ''Ixalan'' DFC's feature the regular front sides, and outtakes from the Ixalan map on the backsides. This promotion was later extend to ''[[Iconic Masters]]'' and ''[[Unstable]]''. The 10 alternate art, foil double-faced cards offered are:
** 3/3 [[Green]] [[Dinosaur]] token with [[Trample]] / Treasure token (Sun Empire flavored)
*#{{card|Legion's Landing||PXTC}} // {{card|Adanto, the First Fort||PXTC}}
** 2/2 [[Black]] [[Pirate]] token with [[Menace]] / Treasure token (Brazen Coalition flavored)
*#{{card|Search for Azcanta||PXTC}} // {{card|Azcanta, the Sunken Ruin||PXTC}}
*#{{card|Arguel's Blood Fast||PXTC}} // {{card|Temple of Aclazotz||PXTC}}
*#{{card|Vance's Blasting Cannons||PXTC}} // {{card|Spitfire Bastion||PXTC}}
*#{{card|Growing Rites of Itlimoc||PXTC}} // {{card|Itlimoc, Cradle of the Sun||PXTC}}
*#{{card|Conqueror's Galleon||PXTC}} // {{card|Conqueror's Foothold||PXTC}}
*#{{card|Dowsing Dagger||PXTC}} // {{card|Lost Vale||PXTC}}
*#{{card|Primal Amulet||PXTC}} // {{card|Primal Wellspring||PXTC}}
*#{{card|Thaumatic Compass||PXTC}} // {{card|Spires of Orazca||PXTC}}
*#{{card|Treasure Map||PXTC}} // {{card|Treasure Cove||PXTC}}<ref name=":0">{{DailyRef|daily-magic-update/update-2017-11-15|The November 15, 2017 Update|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|November 15, 2017}}</ref>
*[[FNM promo]] [[double-sided token]]s:
**{{W}} 1/1 [[Vampire]] creature with [[lifelink]] / {{C}} [[Treasure]] artifact (Legion of Dusk flavored)
**{{G}} 3/3 [[Dinosaur]] creature with [[trample]] / {{C}} Treasure artifact (Sun Empire flavored)
**{{B}} 2/2 [[Pirate]] creature with [[menace]] / {{C}} Treasure artifact (Brazen Coalition flavored)


====Tokens====
====Tokens====
''Ixalan'' features 10 [[token]]s.<ref>{{NewRef|feature/tokens-ixalan-2017-09-13|The Tokens of ''Ixalan''|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 13, 2017}}</ref>
''Ixalan'' features 10 [[token]]s.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/tokens-ixalan-2017-09-13|The Tokens of ''Ixalan''|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 13, 2017}}</ref>


# {{W}} 1/1 [[Vampire]] with [[Lifelink]] for <c>Legion's Landing</c>, <c>Adanto, the First Fort</c>, <c>Mavren Fein, Dusk Apostle</c>, <c>Paladin of the Bloodstained</c>, <c>Queen's Commission</c> and <c>Call to the Feast</c>
#{{W}} 1/1 [[Vampire]] creature with [[lifelink]] for <c>Legion's Landing</c>, <c>Adanto, the First Fort</c>, <c>Mavren Fein, Dusk Apostle</c>, <c>Paladin of the Bloodstained</c>, <c>Queen's Commission</c> and <c>Call to the Feast</c>
# {{U}} 2/2 [[Illusion]] with "When this creature becomes the target of a spell, sacrifice it." for <c>Jace, Cunning Castaway</c>
#{{U}} 2/2 [[Illusion]] creature with "When this creature becomes the target of a spell, sacrifice it." for <c>Jace, Cunning Castaway</c>
# {{U}} 1/1 [[Merfolk]] with [[Hexproof]] for <c>Deeproot Waters</c>
#{{U}} 1/1 [[Merfolk]] creature with [[hexproof]] for <c>Deeproot Waters</c>
# {{B}} 2/2 [[Pirate]] with [[Menace]] for <c>Fathom Fleet Captain</c> and <c>Vraska, Relic Seeker</c>
#{{B}} 2/2 [[Pirate]] creature with [[menace]] for <c>Fathom Fleet Captain</c> and <c>Vraska, Relic Seeker</c>
# {{G}} 3/3 [[Dinosaur]] with [[Trample]] for <c>Raptor Hatchling</c>, <c>Thundering Spineback</c>, <c>Huatli, Warrior Poet</c> and <c>Regisaur Alpha</c>
#{{G}} 3/3 [[Dinosaur]] creature with [[trample]] for <c>Raptor Hatchling</c>, <c>Thundering Spineback</c>, <c>Huatli, Warrior Poet</c> and <c>Regisaur Alpha</c>
# {{G}} 0/2 [[Plant]] with [[Defender]] for <c>Dowsing Dagger</c>
#{{G}} 0/2 [[Plant]] creature with [[defender]] for <c>Dowsing Dagger</c>
# {{C}} [[Treasure]] Artifact (Sun Empire flavored) with "{{T}}, Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color to your mana pool." for <c>Pirate's Prize</c>, <c>Prosperous Pirates</c>, <c>Sailor of Means</c>, <c>Spell Swindle</c>, <c>Contract Killing</c>, <c>Dire Fleet Hoarder</c>, <c>Heartless Pillage</c>, <c>Revel in Riches</c>, <c>Ruthless Knave</c>, <c>Wanted Scoundrels</c>, <c>Captain Lannery Storm</c>, <c>Trove of Tempation</c>, <c>Wily Goblin</c>, <c>Deadeye Plunderers</c>, <c>Vraska, Relic Seeker</c>, <c>Prying Blade</c> and <c>Treasure Map</c>.
#{{C}} [[Treasure]] artifact (Sun Empire flavored) with "{{T}}, Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color." for <c>Pirate's Prize</c>, <c>Prosperous Pirates</c>, <c>Sailor of Means</c>, <c>Spell Swindle</c>, <c>Contract Killing</c>, <c>Dire Fleet Hoarder</c>, <c>Heartless Pillage</c>, <c>Revel in Riches</c>, <c>Ruthless Knave</c>, <c>Wanted Scoundrels</c>, <c>Captain Lannery Storm</c>, <c>Trove of Temptation</c>, <c>Wily Goblin</c>, <c>Deadeye Plunderers</c>, <c>Vraska, Relic Seeker</c>, <c>Prying Blade</c> and <c>Treasure Map</c>.
# {{C}} Treasure Artifact (Legion of Dusk flavored)
#{{C}} Treasure artifact (Legion of Dusk flavored)
# {{C}} Treasure Artifact (River Heralds flavored)
#{{C}} Treasure artifact (River Heralds flavored)
# {{C}} Treasure Artifact (Brazen Coalition flavored)
#{{C}} Treasure artifact (Brazen Coalition flavored)


==Themes and mechanics==
==Themes and mechanics==
''Ixalan'' is a [[tribal (theme)|tribal]] set, with [[Pirate]]s ({{B}}{{U}}{{R}}), [[Dinosaur]]s ({{G}}{{W}}{{R}}), [[Merfolk]] ({{G}}{{U}}) and [[Vampire]]s ({{W}}{{B}}).<ref name="Just for X">{{NewRef|making-magic/just-ixalan-part-1-2017-09-04|Just for Ix(alan), Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 4, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/164997840993/today-you-called-ixalan-a-tribal-set-to-what|title=To what extent is ''Ixalan'' tribal?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=September 05, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/just-ixalan-part-3-2017-09-18|Just for Ix(alan), Part 3|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 18, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|card-preview/developing-tribal-set-2017-09-12|Developing a Tribal Set|[[Sam Stoddard]]|September 12, 2017}}</ref> This is the first time ''Magic'' has an uneven color distribution of factions within a set. Though the tribes are asymmetrical, the colors are not. Each color has two tribes. The fact that Pirates and Dinosaurs both need more cards to become tribes properly (as compared to merfolk and vampires, who are already pretty established) was a factor in them becoming the two 3 color factions.<ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/164771968868/i-know-this-may-need-to-wait-until-after-the|title=This seems like the first time ''Magic'' has had an uneven distribution of factions?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=August 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/164813830908/was-the-fact-that-pirates-and-dinosaurs-both-need|title=Was the fact that Pirates and Dinosaurs both need more cards a factor?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=August 31, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/164813688338/mark-i-will-hold-jusgment-until-we-have-rivals-of|title=Not a fan of the assymetric distribution of tribe colors.|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=August 31, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/164907251788/mark-just-now-on-pax-panel-you-was-citedwe-must|title="We must do 4 factions block to prove that we can". Isn't that bad design?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=September 02, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/just-ixalan-part-2-2017-09-11|Just for Ix(alan), Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 11, 2017}}</ref> The two colour pairs that are not represented in this scheme - {{B}}{{G}} and {{U}}{{W}} - do not have multicoloured signpost uncommons, but have explore and fliers as a theme respectively.  
''Ixalan'' is a [[tribal (theme)|tribal]] set, with [[Pirate]]s ({{U}}{{B}}{{R}}), [[Dinosaur]]s ({{R}}{{G}}{{W}}), [[Merfolk]] ({{G}}{{U}}) and [[Vampire]]s ({{W}}{{B}}).<ref name="Just for X">{{DailyRef|making-magic/just-ixalan-part-1-2017-09-04|Just for Ix(alan), Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 4, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/164997840993/today-you-called-ixalan-a-tribal-set-to-what|title=To what extent is ''Ixalan'' tribal?|September 05, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/just-ixalan-part-3-2017-09-18|Just for Ix(alan), Part 3|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 18, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|card-preview/developing-tribal-set-2017-09-12|Developing a Tribal Set|[[Sam Stoddard]]|September 12, 2017}}</ref> This is the first time ''Magic'' has an uneven color distribution of factions within a set. Though the tribes are asymmetrical, the colors are not. Each color has two tribes. The fact that Pirates and Dinosaurs both need more cards to become tribes properly (as compared to merfolk and vampires, who are already pretty established) was a factor in them becoming the two 3 color factions.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/164771968868/i-know-this-may-need-to-wait-until-after-the|title=This seems like the first time ''Magic'' has had an uneven distribution of factions?|August 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/164813830908/was-the-fact-that-pirates-and-dinosaurs-both-need|title=Was the fact that Pirates and Dinosaurs both need more cards a factor?|August 31, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/164813688338/mark-i-will-hold-jusgment-until-we-have-rivals-of|title=Not a fan of the assymetric distribution of tribe colors.|August 31, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/164907251788/mark-just-now-on-pax-panel-you-was-citedwe-must|title="We must do 4 factions block to prove that we can". Isn't that bad design?|September 02, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/just-ixalan-part-2-2017-09-11|Just for Ix(alan), Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 11, 2017}}</ref> The two colour pairs that are not represented in this scheme - {{B}}{{G}} and {{W}}{{U}} - do not have multicoloured signpost uncommons, but have explore and fliers as a theme respectively.  


[[Raid]] returns from ''[[Khans of Tarkir]]'' (now connected to Pirates), [[Crew]] from ''[[Kaladesh]]'' (connected to the ships from Torrezon), and [[Transform]] from ''[[Innistrad]]'' (the [[double-faced card]]s now highlighting the tales and tools of discovery).<ref name="Mechanics"/><ref>{{NewRef|card-preview/conquering-design-ixalan-2017-09-05|Conquering the Design of ''Ixalan''|[[Ken Nagle]]|September 5, 2017}}</ref> The [[DFC]]'s all have a [[ Land]] on the "back" face cards, which features a map-inspired [[card frame]]. The front face is recognized by the icon of a compass rose and the the back face is marked by the land icon last seen in ''[[Future Sight]]'' [[File:Land symbol.svg|25px]].
[[Raid]] returns from ''[[Khans of Tarkir]]'' (now connected to Pirates), [[Crew]] from ''[[Kaladesh]]'' (connected to the ships from Torrezon), and [[Transform]] from ''[[Innistrad]]'' (the [[double-faced card]]s now highlighting the tales and tools of discovery).<ref name="Mechanics"/><ref>{{DailyRef|card-preview/conquering-design-ixalan-2017-09-05|Conquering the Design of ''Ixalan''|[[Ken Nagle]]|September 5, 2017}}</ref> The [[DFC]]s all have a [[land]] on the "back" face cards, which features a map-inspired [[card frame]]. The front face is recognized by the icon of a compass rose {{dfc|compass}} and the back face is marked by the land icon {{dfc|land}} last seen in ''[[Future Sight]]''.


There are two new named mechanics:
There are two new named mechanics:
* [[Explore]] {{-}} Reveal the top card of your library. Put that card into your hand if it's a land. Otherwise, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature, then put the card back on top or into your graveyard.
*[[Explore]] {{-}} Reveal the top card of your library. Put that card into your hand if it's a land. Otherwise, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature, then put the card back on top or into your graveyard.
* [[Enrage]] {{-}} Whenever a creature with this [[ability word]] is dealt damage, it has some consequences. This is the signature mechanic of the Dinosaurs.<ref name="Mechanics" />
*[[Enrage]] {{-}} Whenever a creature with this [[ability word]] is dealt damage, it has some consequences. This is the signature mechanic of the Dinosaurs.<ref name="Mechanics" />


The Merfolk make use strategy revolves around being very difficult to [[block]] and growing via [[+1/+1 counter]]s, while Vampires use [[life]] as a [[resource]].<ref name="Mechanics"/>
The Merfolk are difficult to [[block]] and grow via [[+1/+1 counter]]s, while Vampires use [[life]] as a [[resource]].<ref name="Mechanics"/>


===Card types===
===Card types===
[[File:Treasure artifact token 1.png|thumb|right|Treasure]]
[[File:Treasure artifact token 1.png|thumb|right|Treasure]]
''Ixalan'' introduces the [[treasure]] [[artifact]] [[subtype]] and the return of the dinosaur [[creature type]].<ref>{{NewRef|card-preview/royal-recipe-dinosaur-tribal-2017-09-06|A Royal Recipe for Dinosaur Tribal|[[Nicholas Wolfram]]|September 6, 2017}}</ref> The [[trilobite]] creature type is new.
''Ixalan'' introduces the [[treasure]] [[artifact]] [[subtype]] and the return of the dinosaur [[creature type]].<ref>{{DailyRef|card-preview/royal-recipe-dinosaur-tribal-2017-09-06|A Royal Recipe for Dinosaur Tribal|[[Nicholas Wolfram]]|September 6, 2017}}</ref> The [[trilobite]] creature type is new.


[[Vehicles]] are back from the [[Kaladesh block]] in the form of ships.
[[Vehicles]] are back from the [[Kaladesh block]] in the form of ships.


==Cycles==
==Cycles==
''Ixalan'' has six [[cycles]], one of which is reprinted. Notably, three of these cycles are partial, due to the uneven distribution of colors among the set's tribes.
''Ixalan'' has seven [[cycles]], one of which is reprinted, and two [[mirrored pair]]s.. Notably, three of these cycles are partial, due to the uneven distribution of colors among the set's tribes:
 
{| class="wikitable"
*'''[[Legendary]] transforming [[enchantment]]s''': Five [[rare]] legendary enchantments that [[transform]] into legendary lands when a condition is met; these lands tap for colored mana and have another powerful activated ability {{-}} <c>Legion's Landing</c> // <c>Adanto, the First Fort</c> ({{W}}), <c>Search for Azcanta</c> // <c>Azcanta, The Sunken Ruin</c> ({{U}}), <c>Arguel's Blood Fast</c> // <c>Temple of Aclazotz</c> ({{B}}), <c>Vance's Blasting Cannons</c> // <c>Spitfire Bastion</c> ({{R}}), and <c>Growing Rites of Itlimoc</c> // <c>Itlimoc, Cradle of the Sun</c> ({{G}}).
!'''Cycle name'''
*'''Keepers''': Five [[common]] creatures with an activated ability that each costs {{7}} and one colored mana, tapping and sacrificing the creature. They function as late-game mana sinks, similar to the Invokers from ''[[Legions]]'' and ''[[Rise of the Eldrazi]]'' {{-}} <c>Encampment Keeper</c> ({{W}}), <c>Shore Keeper</c> ({{U}}), <c>Blight Keeper</c> ({{B}}), <c>Fire Shrine Keeper</c> ({{R}}), and <c>Ixalli's Keeper</c> ({{G}}).
!{{W}}
*'''Two-colored draft archetypes''': Eight uncommon cards which each represent a two-colored draft [[archetype]] {{-}} <c>Deadeye Plunderers</c> ({{U/B}} treasure), <c>Dire Fleet Captain</c> ({{B/R}} [[pirate]] aggro), <c>Raging Swordtooth</c> ({{R/G}} [[enrage]]), <c>Belligerent Brontodon</c> ({{G/W}} [[dinosaur]] ramp), <c>Call to the Feast</c> ({{W/B}} [[vampire]]s), <c>Shapers of Nature</c> ({{G/U}} [[merfolk]]), <c>Marauding Looter</c> ({{U/R}} [[raid]]), and <c>Sky Terror</c> ({{R/W}} dinosaur aggro).
!{{U}}
**Unusually, this cycle is missing {{W/U}} and {{B/G}} cards. This is due to no tribes on Ixalan consisting of those color combinations.<ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/165407565063/can-you-explain-why-wu-and-bg-didnt-get|title=Can you explain why W/U and B/G didn't get uncommon draft build arounds?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=September 16, 2017}}</ref> {{W/U}} ([[flying]]) and {{B/G}} ([[explore]]) are still viable draft archetypes, albeit ones designed for "more advanced drafters."<ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/165407175298/im-not-sure-whether-or-not-im-supposed-to-be|title=I'm not sure whether or not I'm supposed to be able to draft WU and BG in Ixalan.|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=September 16, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Odss and Ends">{{NewRef|making-magic/odds-ends-ixalan-part-1-2017-10-09|Odds & Ends: ''Ixalan'', Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 9, 2017}}</ref>  
!{{B}}
*'''Legendary creatures''': Four [[mythic rare]] legendary creatures, each of which is of one of the four tribes and has a [[color identity]] of all colors for that tribe {{-}} <c>Admiral Beckett Brass</c> ({{U}}{{B}}{{R}} pirates), <c>Gishath, Sun's Avatar</c> ({{R}}{{G}}{{W}} dinosaurs), <c>Tishana, Voice of Thunder</c> ({{G}}{{U}} merfolk), and <c>Vona, Butcher of Magan</c> ({{W}}{{B}} vampires).
!{{R}}
*'''Avatars of the sun''': Three rare or mythic dinosaurs, each tied flavor-wise to a different aspect of the [[Threefold Sun]] and with related flavor texts {{-}} <c>Wakening Sun's Avatar</c> ({{W}}), <c>Burning Sun's Avatar</c> ({{R}}), <c>Verdant Sun's Avatar</c> ({{G}}).
!{{G}}
*'''[[Allied color]] [[check lands]]''': Each of these five [[rare]] [[dual land]]s comes into play tapped unless you control a land of one of the appropriate types. This cycle was first printed in ''[[Magic 2010]]'' {{-}} <c>Glacial Fortress</c> ({{W/U}}), <c>Drowned Catacomb</c> ({{U/B}}), <c>Dragonskull Summit</c> ({{B/R}}), <c>Rootbound Crag</c> ({{R/G}}), and <c>Sunpetal Grove</c> ({{G/W}}).
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''[[Legendary]] transforming [[enchantment]]s'''
|<c>Legion's Landing</c> // <c>Adanto, the First Fort</c>
|<c>Search for Azcanta</c> // <c>Azcanta, The Sunken Ruin</c>
|<c>Arguel's Blood Fast</c> // <c>Temple of Aclazotz</c>
|<c>Vance's Blasting Cannons</c> // <c>Spitfire Bastion</c>
|<c>Growing Rites of Itlimoc</c> // <c>Itlimoc, Cradle of the Sun</c>
|-
| colspan="5" |Five [[rare]] legendary enchantments that [[transform]] into legendary lands when a condition is met; these lands tap for colored mana and have another powerful activated ability.
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Keepers'''
|<c>Encampment Keeper</c>
|<c>Shore Keeper</c>
|<c>Blight Keeper</c>
|<c>Fire Shrine Keeper</c>
|<c>Ixalli's Keeper</c>
|-
| colspan="5" |Five [[common]] creatures with an activated ability that each cost {{7}} and one colored mana, tapping and sacrificing the creature. They function as late-game mana sinks, similar to the Invokers from ''[[Legions]]'' and ''[[Rise of the Eldrazi]].''
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Explorer Commons'''
|<c>Sunrise Seeker</c>
|<c>Siren Lookout</c>
|<c>Queen's Agent</c>
|<c>Brazen Buccaneers</c>
|<c>Ixalli's Diviner</c>
|-
| colspan="5" |Each of these five [[common]] creatures [[explore]]s when they enter the battlefield. The cycle has a rising [[converted mana cost]] in reverse [[enemy color]] order {{-}} <c>Ixalli's Diviner</c> ({{1}}{{G}}), <c>Siren Lookout</c> ({{2}}{{U}}), <c>Brazen Buccaneers</c> ({{3}}{{R}}), <c>Sunrise Seeker</c> ({{4}}{{W}}), <c>Queen's Agent</c> ({{5}}{{B}}). The other two explorers at common are [[black]] (<c>Dire Fleet Interloper</c> {{3}}{{B}}) and [[green]] (<c>Tishana's Wayfinder</c> {{2}}{{G}}) to help the {{B/G}} draft archetype.
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Avatars of the sun'''
|<c>Wakening Sun's Avatar</c>
|
|
|<c>Burning Sun's Avatar</c>
|<c>Verdant Sun's Avatar</c>
|-
| colspan="5" |Three rare or mythic dinosaurs, each tied flavor-wise to a different aspect of the [[Threefold Sun]] and with related flavor texts.
|-
|'''Cycle Name'''
|{{W/U}}
|{{U/B}}
|{{B/R}}
|{{R/G}}
|{{G/W}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''[[Allied color]] [[check land]]s'''
|<c>Glacial Fortress</c>
|<c>Drowned Catacomb</c>
|<c>Dragonskull Summit</c>
|<c>Rootbound Crag</c>
|<c>Sunpetal Grove</c>
|-
| colspan="5" |Each of these five [[rare]] [[dual land]]s come into play tapped unless you control a land of one of the appropriate types. This cycle was first printed in ''[[Magic 2010]].''
|}
{| class="wikitable"
!'''Cycle name'''
!{{U/B}}
!{{B/R}}
!{{R/G}}
!{{G/W}}
!{{W/B}}
!{{U/R}}
!{{R/W}}
!{{G/U}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Two-colored draft archetypes'''
|<c>Deadeye Plunderers</c>([[treasure]])
|<c>Dire Fleet Captain</c>([[pirate]] [[aggro]])
|<c>Raging Swordtooth</c>([[enrage]])
|<c>Belligerent Brontodon</c>([[dinosaur]] [[ramp]])
|<c>Call to the Feast</c>([[Vampire|vampires]])
|<c>Marauding Looter</c>([[raid]])
|<c>Sky Terror</c>([[dinosaur]] [[aggro]])
|<c>Shapers of Nature</c>([[merfolk]])
|-
| colspan="8" |Eight uncommon cards which each represent a two-colored [[draft archetype]]. Unusually, this cycle is missing {{W/U}} and {{B/G}} cards. This is due to no tribes on Ixalan consisting of those color combinations.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/165407565063/can-you-explain-why-wu-and-bg-didnt-get|title=Can you explain why W/U and B/G didn't get uncommon draft build arounds?|September 16, 2017}}</ref> {{W/U}} ([[flying]]) and {{B/G}} ([[explore]]) are still viable draft archetypes, albeit ones designed for "more advanced drafters."<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/165407175298/im-not-sure-whether-or-not-im-supposed-to-be|title=I'm not sure whether or not I'm supposed to be able to draft WU and BG in Ixalan.|September 16, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Odds and Ends">{{DailyRef|making-magic/odds-ends-ixalan-part-1-2017-10-09|Odds & Ends: ''Ixalan'', Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 9, 2017}}</ref>
|}
{| class="wikitable"
!'''Cycle name'''
!'''Sun Empire''' ({{R}}{{G}}{{W}})
!'''River Heralds''' ('''{{G}}{{U}}''')
!'''Brazen Coalition''' ({{U}}{{B}}{{R}})
!'''Legion of Dusk''' ('''{{W}}{{B}}''')
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Legendary creatures'''
|<c>Gishath, Sun's Avatar</c>
|<c>Tishana, Voice of Thunder</c>
|<c>Admiral Beckett Brass</c>
|<c>Vona, Butcher of Magan</c>
|-
| colspan="4" |Four [[mythic rare]] legendary creatures, each of which is of one of the four tribes and has a [[color identity]] of all colors for that tribe.
|}


==Mirrored pair==
===Pairs===
''Ixalan'' has one [[Card pairs#Mirrored pairs|mirrored pair]],
{| class="wikitable"
*'''Rare gold creatures''': A pair of rare multicolor creatures with powerful [[enters the battlefield]] abilities, each of which is in one of the tribes introduced in ''Ixalan'' {{-}} <c>Hostage Taker</c> (pirates) and <c>Regisaur Alpha</c> (dinosaurs).
! colspan="2" |'''Mirrored pair'''
!'''Description'''
|-
|<c>Hostage Taker</c> ({{U/B}} [[pirate]]s)
|<c>Regisaur Alpha</c> ({{R/G}} [[dinosaur]]s)
|A pair of rare multicolor creatures with powerful [[enters the battlefield]] abilities, each of which is in one of the tribes introduced in ''Ixalan.''
|-
|<c>Seekers' Squire</c> ({{B}}, 1/2)
|<c>Merfolk Branchwalker</c> ({{G}}, 2/1)
|A pair of uncommon [[scout]] creatures with a mana cost of {{1}}M that [[explore]] when they enter the battlefield. They have a mirrored power and toughness and help the {{B/G}} draft archetype.
|}


==Reprinted cards==
==Reprinted cards==
Line 119: Line 267:
*<c>Demolish</c>, first printed in ''[[Odyssey]]'' (last seen in ''[[Kaladesh]]'').
*<c>Demolish</c>, first printed in ''[[Odyssey]]'' (last seen in ''[[Kaladesh]]'').
*<c>Demystify</c>, first printed in ''[[Onslaught]]'' (last seen in ''[[Magic 2012]]'').
*<c>Demystify</c>, first printed in ''[[Onslaught]]'' (last seen in ''[[Magic 2012]]'').
*<c>Dragonskull Summit</c>, first printed in ''[[Magic 2010]]'' (last seen in ''[[Archenemy: Nicol Bolas]]'').
*<c>Drowned Catacomb</c>, first printed in ''[[Magic 2010]]'' (last seen in ''[[Archenemy: Nicol Bolas]]'').
*<c>Dual Shot</c>, first printed in ''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]''.
*<c>Dual Shot</c>, first printed in ''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]''.
*<c>Duress</c>, first printed in ''[[Urza's Saga]]'' (last seen in ''[[Eternal Masters]]'').
*<c>Duress</c>, first printed in ''[[Urza's Saga]]'' (last seen in ''[[Eternal Masters]]'').
*<c>Favorable Winds</c>, first printed in ''[[Avacyn Restored]]'' (last seen in ''[[Conspiracy]]'').
*<c>Favorable Winds</c>, first printed in ''[[Avacyn Restored]]'' (last seen in ''[[Conspiracy]]'').
*<c>Glacial Fortress</c>, first printed in ''[[Magic 2010]]'' (last seen in ''[[Magic 2013]]'').
*<c>Hijack</c>, first printed in ''Kaladesh''.
*<c>Hijack</c>, first printed in ''Kaladesh''.
*<c>Opt</c>, first printed in ''[[Invasion]]''.
*<c>Opt</c>, first printed in ''[[Invasion]]''.
*<c>Mark of the Vampire</c>, first printed in ''[[Magic 2013]]'' (last seen in ''[[Magic 2014]]'').
*<c>Mark of the Vampire</c>, first printed in ''[[Magic 2013]]'' (last seen in ''[[Magic 2014]]'').
*<c>Rootbound Crag</c>, first printed in ''[[Magic 2010]]'' (last seen in ''[[Commander 2016]]'').
*<c>Rummaging Goblin</c>, first printed in ''[[Magic 2013]]'' (last seen in ''[[Magic 2015]]'').
*<c>Rummaging Goblin</c>, first printed in ''[[Magic 2013]]'' (last seen in ''[[Magic 2015]]'').
*<c>Slice in Twain</c>, first printed in ''[[Scars of Mirrodin]]'' (last seen in ''[[Commander 2013]]'').
*<c>Slice in Twain</c>, first printed in ''[[Scars of Mirrodin]]'' (last seen in ''[[Commander 2013]]'').
*<c>Spell Pierce</c>, first printed in ''[[Zendikar]]'' (last seen in ''[[Amonkhet Invocations]]'').
*<c>Spell Pierce</c>, first printed in ''[[Zendikar]]'' (last seen in ''[[Amonkhet Invocations]]'').
*<c>Sunpetal Grove</c>, first printed in ''[[Magic 2010]]'' (last seen in ''[[Commander 2016]]'').
*<c>Sure Strike</c>, first printed in ''[[Battle for Zendikar]]''.
*<c>Sure Strike</c>, first printed in ''[[Battle for Zendikar]]''.
*<c>Unknown Shores</c>, first printed in ''[[Theros]]'' (last seen in ''[[Oath of the Gatewatch]]'').
*<c>Unknown Shores</c>, first printed in ''[[Theros]]'' (last seen in ''[[Oath of the Gatewatch]]'').


===Common to Uncommon===
===Common to Uncommon===
* <c>Lightning Strike</c>, first printed in ''[[Theros]]'' (last seen in ''[[Magic 2015]]'').
*<c>Lightning Strike</c>, first printed in ''[[Theros]]'' (last seen in ''[[Magic 2015]]'').


===Functional Reprints===
===Functional Reprints===
* <c>Castaway's Despair</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Sleep Paralysis</c> from ''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]''.
*<c>Castaway's Despair</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Sleep Paralysis</c> from ''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]''.
* <c>Crash the Ramparts</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Awaken the Bear</c> from ''[[Khans of Tarkir]]''.
*<c>Colossal Dreadmaw</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Brambleweft Behemoth</c> from [[Hour of Devastation]], except for creature type.  
* <c>Grazing Whiptail</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Cloudcrown Oak</c> from ''[[Lorwyn]]'', except for creature types.
*<c>Crash the Ramparts</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Awaken the Bear</c> from ''[[Khans of Tarkir]]''.
* <c>Looming Altisaur</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Kami Of Old Stone</c> from ''[[Champions of Kamigawa]]'', except for creature types.
*<c>Grazing Whiptail</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Cloudcrown Oak</c> from ''[[Lorwyn]]'', except for creature types.
* <c>One with the Wind</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Spectral Flight</c> from ''[[Innistrad]]''.
*<c>Looming Altisaur</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Kami Of Old Stone</c> from ''[[Champions of Kamigawa]]'', except for creature types.
* <c>Queen's Bay Soldier</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Walking Corpse</c> from ''Innistrad'', except for creature types.
*<c>One with the Wind</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Spectral Flight</c> from ''[[Innistrad]]''.
* <c>Raptor Companion</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Blade of the Sixth Pride</c> from ''[[Future Sight]]'', except for creature types.
*<c>Queen's Bay Soldier</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Walking Corpse</c> from ''Innistrad'', except for creature types.
* <c>Shining Aerosaur</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Skyswirl Harrier</c> from ''Khans of Tarkir'', except for creature types.
*<c>Raptor Companion</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Blade of the Sixth Pride</c> from ''[[Future Sight]]'', except for creature types.
*<c>Shining Aerosaur</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Skyswirl Harrier</c> from ''Kaladesh'', except for creature types.
*<c>Skyblade of the Legion</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Concordia Pegasus</c> from ''[[Return to Ravnica]]'', except for creature types.
*<c>Skyblade of the Legion</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Concordia Pegasus</c> from ''[[Return to Ravnica]]'', except for creature types.
* <c>Slash of Talons</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Righteous Blow</c> from ''[[Avacyn Restored]].''
*<c>Slash of Talons</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Righteous Blow</c> from ''[[Avacyn Restored]].''
* <c>Swashbuckling</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Goblin War Paint</c> from ''[[Zendikar]]''.
*<c>Swashbuckling</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Goblin War Paint</c> from ''[[Zendikar]]''.
* <c>Storm Sculptor</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Keymaster Rogue</c> from ''Return to Ravnica'', except for creature types.
*<c>Storm Sculptor</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Keymaster Rogue</c> from ''Return to Ravnica'', except for creature types.
* <c>Wind Strider</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Faerie Invaders</c> from ''[[Magic 2013]]'', except for creature types.
*<c>Wind Strider</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Faerie Invaders</c> from ''[[Magic 2013]]'', except for creature types.
* <c>Watertrap Weaver</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Frost Lynx</c> from ''[[Magic 2015]]'', except for creature types.
*<c>Watertrap Weaver</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Frost Lynx</c> from ''[[Magic 2015]]'', except for creature types.


==Card comparisons==
==Card comparisons==
Line 155: Line 309:
==Preconstructed decks==
==Preconstructed decks==
{{Main|Ixalan/Planeswalker decks}}
{{Main|Ixalan/Planeswalker decks}}
''Ixalan'' will have two [[planeswalker deck]]s:
''Ixalan'' features two [[planeswalker deck]]s:
{{Decks|planeswalker
{{Decks|planeswalker
   |Jace| UG|Jace, Ingenious Mind-Mage
   |Jace| UG|Jace, Ingenious Mind-Mage
   |Huatli|RW |Huatli, Dinosaur Knight}}
   |Huatli|RW |Huatli, Dinosaur Knight
}}
 
==Notable cards==
*<c>Revel in Riches</c> is an [[alternate-win card]].
*Two red commons printed here (<c>Fathom Fleet Firebrand</c> and <c>Tilonalli's Knight</c>) are the first red creatures strictly better than a [[vanilla]] [[Prototype creature/Bears|bear]], as all comparable creatures printed prior ''[[Eldritch Moon]]'''s <c>Falkenrath Reaver</c> have downside abilities.
*{{Card|Dragonskull Summit|Ixalan}} attempts to justify its name through flavor text, one of the more obvious mismatches between established lore and reprinted land names.
*<c>Hostage Taker</c> received [[errata]] before it was released, because as worded it could create an infinite loop.<ref name="Release notes" /><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/165245049623/am-i-wrong-or-hostage-taker-can-go-infinite-just|title=Am i wrong or Hostage Taker can go infinite just by itself?|September 11, 2017}}</ref>. Even with the errata, Hostage Taker went on to be a key part of Standard and Pioneer midrange decks.
*Many of the backsides of the transforming cards are inspired by powerful lands in Magic's past:
**<c>Adanto, the First Fort</c> resembles <c>Kjeldoran Outpost</c>
**<c>Itlimoc, Cradle of the Sun</c> resembles <c>Gaea's Cradle</c>
**<c>Spitfire Bastion</c> resembles <c>Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle</c> <ref name="Oh My, Part 2">{{DailyRef|making-magic/dinosaurs-and-vampires-and-pirates-and-merfolk-oh-my-part-2-2017-10-02|Dinosaurs and Vampires and Pirates (and Merfolk), Oh My, Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 2, 2017}}</ref>
**<c>Temple Of Aclazotz</c> resembles <c>Diamond Valley</c>.
**<c>Lost Vale</c> resembles <c>Lotus Vale</c>.
**<c>Spires of Orazca</c> resembles <c>Maze of Ith</c>.
*<c>Field of Ruin</c> proved to be the most successful <c>Ghost Quarter</c> variant and became a staple in Standard, Pioneer, and Modern, with perennial reprints in Standard. However, its wording became a liability in multiplayer formats, and it was eventually replaced by {{Card|Demolition Field}}.
*<c>Unclaimed Territory</c> helped bring the Modern Humans deck to the top of the metagame by giving it a fourth land that can tap for any color, allowing the deck to play Humans across all five colors without mana difficulty.
*<c>Siren Stormtamer</c> and <c>Chart a Course</c> were a key part of Mono Blue Aggro decks in Standard, and the latter spell has even gone on to great success in spell-based decks in Pioneer like those built around <c>Arclight Phoenix</c>.
*<c>Arcane Adaptation</c> is a substantial improvement on <c>Xenograft</c>, costing less mana and applying its effect to all cards, not just creatures on the battlefield.
*<c>River's Rebuke</c> was a powerful card for Standard Ramp decks that could cast it easily and set back their opponent's gameplay.
*<c>Settle the Wreckage</c> was the staple white boardwipe for Standard control decks, threatening to take out an opponent's board at instant speed. It led to one of the most renowned modern Pro Tour moments at [[Pro Tour Guilds of Ravnica]]'s semifinal match.
*<c>Star of Extinction</c> has the highest pre-set damage value of any red spell or spell in general in the game, dealing 20 damage to every creature. It saw play in Standard as a way to answer <c>Carnage Tyrant</c> as a control deck.
*<c>Tocatli Honor Guard</c> is a hatebear-style creature that is popular in toolbox decks in Modern and Legacy.
*<c>Vraska's Contempt</c> was the best black removal spell in Standard, particularly for control decks, which could help stabilize while removing a threat. However, its objective weakness was cited as one of the reasons Mono-Red and Energy were dominant.
*<c>Dive Down</c> is a key protection spell for various blue aggro decks in Standard and Pioneer which can often gain additional value out of casting spells at instant speed.
*<c>Wily Goblin</c> helped Goblin decks in the Historic format ramp into their payoffs like <c>Muxus, Goblin Grandee</c>.
*<c>Shapers' Sanctuary</c> is a staple sideboard card for creature-based green decks in Pioneer and Modern, which can bring it in against decks heavy in removal to outvalue their opponent.
*<c>Kitesail Freebooter</c> saw play in black aggro decks in Standard and Pioneer but especially dominated in Modern Humans decks, where it could disrupt the opponent long enough to find lethal.
*{{Card|Colossal Dreadmaw}} did not receive much notice on release, but began to get more attention after it was immediately reprinted in the next [[Rivals of Ixalan|two]] [[Core Set 2019|sets]] after ''Ixalan'', and again in ''[[Core Set 2021]]''. The community questioned why it was being printed so much, which grew into a well-known meme praising it as the strongest card in ''Magic'' history. Many official cards have since referenced this otherwise unremarkable common, including {{Card|Phantasmal Dreadmaw}}, {{Card|Earthshaker Dreadmaw}}, {{Card|Colossal Chorus}}, and {{Card|Colossal Dreadmask}}.


== Notable cards ==
===Banned and restricted cards===
*<c>Rampaging Ferocidon</c> was banned in January 2018 alongside <c>Ramunap Ruins</c> to weaken the Mono-Red in that Standard. While not particularly notable in and of itself, it was the first card unbanned in a rotating format in August of 2019, allowing play for one month before rotation.


* <c>Revel in Riches</c> is an [[alternate-win card]].
==Trivia==
* <c>Hostage Taker</c> received [[errata]] before it was released, because as worded it could create an infinite loop.<ref name="Release notes" /><ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/165245049623/am-i-wrong-or-hostage-taker-can-go-infinite-just|title=Am i wrong or Hostage Taker can go infinite just by itself?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=September 11, 2017}}</ref>
*A product survey preceding the announcement of the name "Ixalan" referred to the set as ''Atlazan''.<ref>{{DailyRef|daily-magic-update/update-2016-12-09|The December 9, 2016 Update|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|December 9, 2016}}</ref>
*The asymmetric color structure of the four tribes was repurposed from the early [[design]] stage of the [[Khans of Tarkir block]].<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/lessons-learned-part-4|Lessons Learned, Part 4|[[Mark Rosewater]]|June 19, 2023}}</ref>
*Some cards represent a specific pirate fleet, four fleets are revealed this way, each one showing its method:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Fleet name
!Colors
!Leader
!Other cards
|-
|'''Deadeye Fleet'''
|{{U/B}}
|<c>Deadeye Quartermaster</c>
|<c>Deadeye Tormentor</c><br/><c>Deadeye Tracker</c><br/><c>Deadeye Plunderers</c>
|-
|'''Dire Fleet'''
|{{B/R}}
|<c>Dire Fleet Captain</c>
|<c>Dire Fleet Hoarder</c><br/><c>Dire Fleet Interloper</c><br/><c>Dire Fleet Ravager</c>
|-
|'''Fathom Fleet'''
|{{B/R}}
|<c>Fathom Fleet Captain</c>
|<c>Fathom Fleet Cutthroat</c><br/><c>Fathom Fleet Firebrand</c>
|-
|'''Storm Fleet'''
|{{U/R}}
|<c>Captain Lannery Storm</c>
|<c>Storm Fleet Aerialist</c><br/><c>Storm Fleet Spy</c><br/><c>Storm Fleet Arsonist</c><br/><c>Storm Fleet Pyromancer</c>
|}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
*{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-ixalan-part-1-2017-11-01|Planeswalker's Guide to Ixalan, Part 1|R&D Narrative Team|November 1, 2017}}
*{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-ixalan-part-2-2017-11-08|Planeswalker's Guide to Ixalan, Part 2|R&D Narrative Team|November 8, 2017}}
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/lessons-learned-part-4|Lessons Learned, Part 4|[[Mark Rosewater]]|June 19, 2023}}
{{Sets|state=collapsed}}
{{Ixalan|block}}
{{Ixalan|block}}
{{Sets}}
[[Category:Ixalan sets]]

Latest revision as of 09:06, 14 June 2024

Ixalan
 
Booster Battle Packs
 
Card comparisons
 
Deck Builder's Toolkit
 
Planeswalker decks
 
Ixalan
[[File:{{#setmainimage:XLN set logo.png}}|250px]]
Set Information
Set symbol
Symbol description Compass Rose / Ship's Wheel
Design Mark Rosewater (co-lead)
Ken Nagle (co-lead)
Ben Hayes
Gavin Verhey
Jackie Lee
James Hata
James Sooy
Mark Gottlieb
Sam Stoddard
Shawn Main
Yoni Skolnik
Development Erik Lauer (co-lead)
Sam Stoddard (co-lead)
Dave Humpherys
Ethan Fleischer
Gavin Verhey
Yoni Skolnik
Art direction Cynthia Sheppard
Release date September 29, 2017
Plane Ixalan
Themes and mechanics Tribal, Double-faced cards, Vehicles, Treasure tokens, +1/+1 counters, life as a resource
Keywords/​ability words Explore, Enrage, Raid, Crew, Transform
Set size 279 cards
+10 Planeswalker deck exclusives
Expansion code XLN[1]
Development codename Ham
Ixalan block
Ixalan Rivals of Ixalan N/A
Core Set 2019 Standard
Ixalan Rivals of Ixalan Dominaria
Magic: The Gathering Chronology
Commander 2017 Ixalan Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins
For the plane, see Ixalan (plane).

Ixalan [ˈɪk.sə.lɑːn][2] (pronounced "icks-a-lawn", rhymes like "fix a con")[3] is the seventy-sixth Magic expansion, and the first in the Ixalan block. It was released on September 29, 2017,[4] and is a large expansion.

Set details

Ixalan contains 279 cards (20 basic land, 101 common, 80 uncommon, 63 rare, and 15 mythic rare) and includes randomly inserted premium versions of all cards.[5] Ten additional cards are found in the set's planeswalker decks (2 mythic planeswalkers, 2 rares, 2 uncommons, 2 commons, and 2 common dual lands). These are numbered #280/279 to #289/279.[6] Ten of the rares are double-faced cards which were printed on a separate print sheet. These appear in the rare/mythic slot of booster packs, which changes the mythic rare to rare ratio from 15:106 to 15:126.[7][8] A checklist card replaces the basic land in some boosters.[9][10] Five of the basic lands depict a lost Jace Beleren.[6]

A complete Ixalan rare foil print sheet was leaked three months before prerelease, which caused Wizards of the Coast to re-evaluate their preview plan.[11][12]

Misprints

A number of non-foil, double-sided Ixalan cards were mistakenly printed on incorrect card stock.[13]

Rules change

Starting with this set, all planeswalkers past, present, and future have the supertype legendary.[14] They are subject to the "legend rule" instead of the "planeswalker uniqueness rule", which was removed from the game.

Storyline

“  Brave the Unknown  ”

This is a story about desire. It is a desire for power, a desire for companionship, a desire for approval, a desire for discovery, and everyone is racing to get what they want first.[15] For centuries, the untamed jungles of Ixalan have hidden a coveted secret: Orazca, the city of gold, which houses a mysterious artifact, the Immortal Sun. But no secret can remain undiscovered, and no treasure can be taken uncontested.[16] The dinosaur riding warriors of the Sun Empire and the merfolk shamans of the rival River Heralds are met by the vampire conquistadores of the Legion of Dusk and the pirates of the Brazen Coalition.[15][17]

Vraska poses as a pirate on the high seas, while Jace Beleren is stranded on the plane with the loss of all his memories.

The cards that represent the Story Spotlights in Ixalan are: Ixalan's Binding, Vraska's Contempt, River's Rebuke, Thaumatic Compass // Spires of Orazca, and Perilous Voyage.

Magic Story

Main article: Magic Story
Title Author Release Date Setting (plane) Featuring
Jace, Alone Alison Luhrs & Gregg Luben 2017-09-06 Ixalan Jace, Vraska
A Question of Confidence Alison Luhrs & Gregg Luben 2017-09-13 Kaladesh, Ixalan Huatli, Inti, Wayta, Apatzec Intli III, Angrath, Teyeuh
The Talented Captain Vraska Alison Luhrs & Gregg Luben 2017-09-20 Ravnica, Meditation Plane, Ixalan Vraska, Nicol Bolas, Malcolm Lee, Amelia, Edgar, Gavven, Jace
The Shapers Alison Luhrs, Gregg Luben & Kelly Digges 2017-09-27 Ixalan Kopala, Tishana, Kumena
Something Else Entirely Alison Luhrs & Gregg Luben 2017-10-04 Ixalan Jace, Amelia, Kerrigan, Breeches, Vraska, Malcolm Lee, Pedron
The Race, Part 1 Alison Luhrs & Gregg Luben 2017-10-11 Ixalan Mavren Fein, Mardia, Manuel, Elenda, Pedron, Vona de Iedo, Jace, Vraska, Edgar, Breeches, Malcolm Lee, Huatli, Inti, Teyeuh, Tishana
The Race, Part 2 Alison Luhrs & Gregg Luben 2017-10-18 Ixalan Vraska, Jace, Vona de Iedo, Huatli, Tishana, Amelia, Malcolm Lee, Breeches, Angrath

Marketing

Ixalan is sold in 16-card boosters (one card being a marketing card), two planeswalker decks, the Ixalan bundle, Booster Battle Packs and a Deck Builder's Toolkit.[6][18]

There is no Masterpiece Series accompanying Ixalan.[19] The boosters feature artwork from Slash of Talons, Vicious Conquistador, Hijack, Fire Shrine Keeper and Vraska, Relic Seeker.

As part of the preview season, Wizards of the Coast distributed trackable game pieces to stores, fans, volunteers, and some well-known community folk. As game pieces traveled from from geocache to geocache, the distances they traveled influenced the release of preview cards.[17]

Events

Promotional poster
  • Prerelease Events took place on September 23, 2017.[20]
  • Magic Online Launch: September 25, 2017
  • Dino-Sized Weekend: The weekend of October 28–29, stores around the world host six-pack Sealed events, three-pack Draft events, and extraordinary dino-sized Draft events using four packs of Ixalan instead of three.[21]
  • Mid-Season League: Running November 6 through December 3, stores can run Ixalan Mid-Season Leagues.[21]

Promotional cards

Treasure Chest booster

Tokens

Ixalan features 10 tokens.[27]

  1. {W} 1/1 Vampire creature with lifelink for Legion's Landing, Adanto, the First Fort, Mavren Fein, Dusk Apostle, Paladin of the Bloodstained, Queen's Commission and Call to the Feast
  2. {U} 2/2 Illusion creature with "When this creature becomes the target of a spell, sacrifice it." for Jace, Cunning Castaway
  3. {U} 1/1 Merfolk creature with hexproof for Deeproot Waters
  4. {B} 2/2 Pirate creature with menace for Fathom Fleet Captain and Vraska, Relic Seeker
  5. {G} 3/3 Dinosaur creature with trample for Raptor Hatchling, Thundering Spineback, Huatli, Warrior Poet and Regisaur Alpha
  6. {G} 0/2 Plant creature with defender for Dowsing Dagger
  7. {C} Treasure artifact (Sun Empire flavored) with "{T}, Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color." for Pirate's Prize, Prosperous Pirates, Sailor of Means, Spell Swindle, Contract Killing, Dire Fleet Hoarder, Heartless Pillage, Revel in Riches, Ruthless Knave, Wanted Scoundrels, Captain Lannery Storm, Trove of Temptation, Wily Goblin, Deadeye Plunderers, Vraska, Relic Seeker, Prying Blade and Treasure Map.
  8. {C} Treasure artifact (Legion of Dusk flavored)
  9. {C} Treasure artifact (River Heralds flavored)
  10. {C} Treasure artifact (Brazen Coalition flavored)

Themes and mechanics

Ixalan is a tribal set, with Pirates ({U}{B}{R}), Dinosaurs ({R}{G}{W}), Merfolk ({G}{U}) and Vampires ({W}{B}).[28][29][30][31] This is the first time Magic has an uneven color distribution of factions within a set. Though the tribes are asymmetrical, the colors are not. Each color has two tribes. The fact that Pirates and Dinosaurs both need more cards to become tribes properly (as compared to merfolk and vampires, who are already pretty established) was a factor in them becoming the two 3 color factions.[32][33][34][35][36] The two colour pairs that are not represented in this scheme - {B}{G} and {W}{U} - do not have multicoloured signpost uncommons, but have explore and fliers as a theme respectively.

Raid returns from Khans of Tarkir (now connected to Pirates), Crew from Kaladesh (connected to the ships from Torrezon), and Transform from Innistrad (the double-faced cards now highlighting the tales and tools of discovery).[14][37] The DFCs all have a land on the "back" face cards, which features a map-inspired card frame. The front face is recognized by the icon of a compass rose {dfc-compass} and the back face is marked by the land icon {dfc-land} last seen in Future Sight.

There are two new named mechanics:

  • Explore — Reveal the top card of your library. Put that card into your hand if it's a land. Otherwise, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature, then put the card back on top or into your graveyard.
  • Enrage — Whenever a creature with this ability word is dealt damage, it has some consequences. This is the signature mechanic of the Dinosaurs.[14]

The Merfolk are difficult to block and grow via +1/+1 counters, while Vampires use life as a resource.[14]

Card types

Treasure

Ixalan introduces the treasure artifact subtype and the return of the dinosaur creature type.[38] The trilobite creature type is new.

Vehicles are back from the Kaladesh block in the form of ships.

Cycles

Ixalan has seven cycles, one of which is reprinted, and two mirrored pairs.. Notably, three of these cycles are partial, due to the uneven distribution of colors among the set's tribes:

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Legendary transforming enchantments Legion's Landing // Adanto, the First Fort Search for Azcanta // Azcanta, The Sunken Ruin Arguel's Blood Fast // Temple of Aclazotz Vance's Blasting Cannons // Spitfire Bastion Growing Rites of Itlimoc // Itlimoc, Cradle of the Sun
Five rare legendary enchantments that transform into legendary lands when a condition is met; these lands tap for colored mana and have another powerful activated ability.
Keepers Encampment Keeper Shore Keeper Blight Keeper Fire Shrine Keeper Ixalli's Keeper
Five common creatures with an activated ability that each cost {7} and one colored mana, tapping and sacrificing the creature. They function as late-game mana sinks, similar to the Invokers from Legions and Rise of the Eldrazi.
Explorer Commons Sunrise Seeker Siren Lookout Queen's Agent Brazen Buccaneers Ixalli's Diviner
Each of these five common creatures explores when they enter the battlefield. The cycle has a rising converted mana cost in reverse enemy color order — Ixalli's Diviner ({1}{G}), Siren Lookout ({2}{U}), Brazen Buccaneers ({3}{R}), Sunrise Seeker ({4}{W}), Queen's Agent ({5}{B}). The other two explorers at common are black (Dire Fleet Interloper {3}{B}) and green (Tishana's Wayfinder {2}{G}) to help the {B/G} draft archetype.
Avatars of the sun Wakening Sun's Avatar Burning Sun's Avatar Verdant Sun's Avatar
Three rare or mythic dinosaurs, each tied flavor-wise to a different aspect of the Threefold Sun and with related flavor texts.
Cycle Name {W/U} {U/B} {B/R} {R/G} {G/W}
Allied color check lands Glacial Fortress Drowned Catacomb Dragonskull Summit Rootbound Crag Sunpetal Grove
Each of these five rare dual lands come into play tapped unless you control a land of one of the appropriate types. This cycle was first printed in Magic 2010.
Cycle name {U/B} {B/R} {R/G} {G/W} {W/B} {U/R} {R/W} {G/U}
Two-colored draft archetypes Deadeye Plunderers(treasure) Dire Fleet Captain(pirate aggro) Raging Swordtooth(enrage) Belligerent Brontodon(dinosaur ramp) Call to the Feast(vampires) Marauding Looter(raid) Sky Terror(dinosaur aggro) Shapers of Nature(merfolk)
Eight uncommon cards which each represent a two-colored draft archetype. Unusually, this cycle is missing {W/U} and {B/G} cards. This is due to no tribes on Ixalan consisting of those color combinations.[39] {W/U} (flying) and {B/G} (explore) are still viable draft archetypes, albeit ones designed for "more advanced drafters."[40][41]
Cycle name Sun Empire ({R}{G}{W}) River Heralds ({G}{U}) Brazen Coalition ({U}{B}{R}) Legion of Dusk ({W}{B})
Legendary creatures Gishath, Sun's Avatar Tishana, Voice of Thunder Admiral Beckett Brass Vona, Butcher of Magan
Four mythic rare legendary creatures, each of which is of one of the four tribes and has a color identity of all colors for that tribe.

Pairs

Mirrored pair Description
Hostage Taker ({U/B} pirates) Regisaur Alpha ({R/G} dinosaurs) A pair of rare multicolor creatures with powerful enters the battlefield abilities, each of which is in one of the tribes introduced in Ixalan.
Seekers' Squire ({B}, 1/2) Merfolk Branchwalker ({G}, 2/1) A pair of uncommon scout creatures with a mana cost of {1}M that explore when they enter the battlefield. They have a mirrored power and toughness and help the {B/G} draft archetype.

Reprinted cards

Common to Uncommon

Functional Reprints

Card comparisons

Main article: Ixalan/Card comparisons

Preconstructed decks

Main article: Ixalan/Planeswalker decks

Ixalan features two planeswalker decks:

Planeswalker
deck name 		Colors Included Planeswalker
{W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Jace U G Jace, Ingenious Mind-Mage
Huatli W R Huatli, Dinosaur Knight

Notable cards

Banned and restricted cards

  • Rampaging Ferocidon was banned in January 2018 alongside Ramunap Ruins to weaken the Mono-Red in that Standard. While not particularly notable in and of itself, it was the first card unbanned in a rotating format in August of 2019, allowing play for one month before rotation.

Trivia

  • A product survey preceding the announcement of the name "Ixalan" referred to the set as Atlazan.[44]
  • The asymmetric color structure of the four tribes was repurposed from the early design stage of the Khans of Tarkir block.[45]
  • Some cards represent a specific pirate fleet, four fleets are revealed this way, each one showing its method:
Fleet name Colors Leader Other cards
Deadeye Fleet {U/B} Deadeye Quartermaster Deadeye Tormentor
Deadeye Tracker
Deadeye Plunderers
Dire Fleet {B/R} Dire Fleet Captain Dire Fleet Hoarder
Dire Fleet Interloper
Dire Fleet Ravager
Fathom Fleet {B/R} Fathom Fleet Captain Fathom Fleet Cutthroat
Fathom Fleet Firebrand
Storm Fleet {U/R} Captain Lannery Storm Storm Fleet Aerialist
Storm Fleet Spy
Storm Fleet Arsonist
Storm Fleet Pyromancer

References

  1. ↑ Product information
  2. ↑ Ixalan Spotlight: Enrage. Retrieved on 2017-10-1.
  3. ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 23, 2017). "Does ixalan rymes with is a land...". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  4. ↑ Hélène Bergeot (April 18, 2017). "Ixalan, Worlds, Pro Tour, Nationals, and RPTQs". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (September 15, 2017). "Ixalan Release Notes". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ a b c d Blake Rasmussen (September 1, 2017). "Ixalan Promos, Planeswalker Decks, Packaging, and FNM Tokens!". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 14, 2017). "Will Ixalan's double-faced cards take their own reserved slot in booster packs?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  8. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 14, 2017). "Is the rare to mythic rare ratio still the same for ixalan?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  9. ↑ What slot do checklist cards take? (Reddit)
  10. ↑ YouTube — Official MTG IXALAN Booster Box OPENING (timestamp: 3m25s)
  11. ↑ Uhh I think wizards has a problem on their hand (Ixalan)
  12. ↑ Scott Kelly and Blake Rasmussen (August 28, 2017). "Behind the Scenes with the Alleged Ixalan Card Theft". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (October 20, 2017). "Statement on Ixalan Double-Faced Cards Card Stock". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. ↑ a b c d Matt Tabak (August 28, 2017). "Ixalan Mechanics". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. ↑ a b Blake Rasmussen and Alison Luhrs (August 30, 2017). "Magic Story Podcast: Ixalan". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  16. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (June 14, 2017). "25th Anniversary Announcement Day". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  17. ↑ a b Blake Rasmussen (August 14, 2017). "Exploring Ixalan by Exploring Our World". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  18. ↑ Ixalan Product information for retailers
  19. ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 12, 2017). "Metamorphosis 2.0". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  20. ↑ Gavin Verhey (September 18, 2017). "Ixalan Prerelease Primer". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  21. ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (September 18, 2017). "Announcing Dino-Sized Weekend and Ixalan Mid-Season League". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  22. ↑ Chris Tulach (July 16, 2017). "In-Store Play Evolves". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  23. ↑ Blake Rasmussen (October 30, 2017). "Ixalan Store Championship Goodies". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  24. ↑ Full Art Deeproot Champion Convention Promo. Reddit (2018).
  25. ↑ Blake Rasmussen (November 7, 2017). "Black Friday Treasure Chest Promotion". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  26. ↑ Blake Rasmussen (November 15, 2017). "The November 15, 2017 Update". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  27. ↑ Blake Rasmussen (September 13, 2017). "The Tokens of Ixalan". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  28. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 4, 2017). "Just for Ix(alan), Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  29. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 05, 2017). "To what extent is Ixalan tribal?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  30. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 18, 2017). "Just for Ix(alan), Part 3". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  31. ↑ Sam Stoddard (September 12, 2017). "Developing a Tribal Set". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  32. ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 29, 2017). "This seems like the first time Magic has had an uneven distribution of factions?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  33. ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 31, 2017). "Was the fact that Pirates and Dinosaurs both need more cards a factor?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  34. ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 31, 2017). "Not a fan of the assymetric distribution of tribe colors.". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  35. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 02, 2017). ""We must do 4 factions block to prove that we can". Isn't that bad design?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  36. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 11, 2017). "Just for Ix(alan), Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  37. ↑ Ken Nagle (September 5, 2017). "Conquering the Design of Ixalan". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  38. ↑ Nicholas Wolfram (September 6, 2017). "A Royal Recipe for Dinosaur Tribal". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  39. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 16, 2017). "Can you explain why W/U and B/G didn't get uncommon draft build arounds?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  40. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 16, 2017). "I'm not sure whether or not I'm supposed to be able to draft WU and BG in Ixalan.". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  41. ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 9, 2017). "Odds & Ends: Ixalan, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  42. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 11, 2017). "Am i wrong or Hostage Taker can go infinite just by itself?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  43. ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 2, 2017). "Dinosaurs and Vampires and Pirates (and Merfolk), Oh My, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  44. ↑ Blake Rasmussen (December 9, 2016). "The December 9, 2016 Update". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  45. ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 19, 2023). "Lessons Learned, Part 4". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

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