|code_expansion_ref = <ref>Printed on the cards</ref>
|code_expansion_ref = [[Information below the text box]]
|code_expansion_explain =
|plane = [[Multiverse|Multiversal]]
|code_expansion_explain =
|code_development =
|code_development =
|series = [[Core set]]s
|series = [[Core set]]s
|first = [[Core Set 2020]]
|first = Core Set 2020
|second = '''Core Set 2021'''
|second = Core Set 2021
|third =
|third =
|previous = [[Signature Spellbook: Chandra]]
|standard0 = Core Set 2021
|next = [[Jumpstart]]
|standard1 = Throne of Eldraine
|standard2 = Theros Beyond Death
|standard3 = Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths
|previous = Signature Spellbook: Chandra
|next = Jumpstart
}}
}}
'''''Core Set 2021''''', also known as '''''Core 2021''''', is the 20th ''[[Magic: The Gathering|Magic]]'' [[core set]]. It was released on July 3, 2020.<ref>{{YouTubeRef|WZxTihBkkpQ|Magic Announcement Stream|date=September 4, 2019|channel=Magic: the Gathering}}</ref>
'''''Core Set 2021''''', also known as '''''Core 2021''''', is the twentieth ''[[Magic: The Gathering|Magic]]'' [[core set]]. It was released on July 3, 2020.<ref>{{YouTubeRef|WZxTihBkkpQ|Magic Announcement Stream|date=September 4, 2019|channel=Magic: the Gathering}}</ref>
==Set details==
==Set details==
[[File:M21 set symbol.png|right|thumb|expansion symbol]]
[[File:M21 set symbol.png|right|thumb|expansion symbol]]
''Core 2021'' features a mix of new and [[reprint]]ed cards. The main set contains 274 cards {{curmb|111|80|53|15|15}} and includes randomly inserted [[premium]] versions of all cards. {{card|Teferi, Master of Time||m21|#=75}} (#75) additionally features three alternate arts, numbered #275-277. The [[Buy-a-Box]] promotional card is #278. Cards with an alternate [[card frame]] have another card number than the original version. [[Borderless]] planeswalkers are numbered #279-284, [[showcase card]]s are numbered #285-313, alternate art [[borderless]] cards are numbered #314-319, cards found in the set's [[planeswalker deck]]s are #320-339 and the [[extended artwork]] cards are numbered #340-391. The [[Bundle promo]] is numbered #392, and the dark-frame cards from the [[universal promo pack]] are numbered #393-397.
''Core 2021'' features a mix of new and [[reprint]]ed cards. The main set contains 274 cards {{curmb|111|80|53|15|15}} and includes randomly inserted [[premium]] versions of all cards. {{card|Teferi, Master of Time||m21|#=75}} (#75) additionally features three alternate arts, numbered #275-277. The [[Buy-a-Box]] promotional card is #278. Cards with an alternate [[card frame]] have another card number than the original version. [[Borderless]] planeswalkers are numbered #279-284, [[showcase card]]s are numbered #285-313, alternate art [[borderless]] cards are numbered #314-319, cards found in the set's [[planeswalker deck]]s are #320-339 and the [[extended artwork]] cards are numbered #340-391. The [[Bundle promo]] is numbered #392, and the dark-frame cards from the [[universal promo pack]] are numbered #393-397.
Line 43:
Line 49:
===Marketing===
===Marketing===
''Core Set 2021'' is sold in 16-card [[Draft Booster]]s (one card being a [[marketing card]]), five [[planeswalker deck]]s, the ''Core 2021'' [[bundle]], and a [[Core Set 2021/Arena Starter Kit|Starter Kit]]. There are no [[Theme Booster]]s, but instead ''Core 2021'' is the first core set to feature [[Collector Booster]]s.<ref name="Collecting">{{DailyRef|card-preview/collecting-core-set-2021-2020-06-05|Collecting Core Set 2021|[[Mike Turian]]|June 5, 2020}}</ref> A [[Deck Builder's Toolkits|Deck Builder's Toolkit]] is also absent. In addition, [[Welcome deck]]s are replaced by a [[Core Set 2021/Welcome booster|Welcome booster]], a ten-card [[sampler]] showing of flashy aspects of the game like [[legendary|legendaries]], [[planeswalker]]s, powerful [[rare]]s and [[showcase]] cards.<ref>{{DailyRef|news/core-set-2021-product-overview-2020-06-05|Core Set 2021 Product Overview|Ari Zirulnik|June 4, 2020}}</ref> The draft boosters feature [[key art]] of three planeswalkers ([[Teferi]], [[Liliana]] and [[Chandra]]). The Collector Booster features key art of [[Ugin]].
''Core Set 2021'' is sold in 16-card [[Draft Booster]]s (one card being a [[marketing card]]), five [[planeswalker deck]]s, the ''Core 2021'' [[bundle]], and a [[Core Set 2021/Arena Starter Kit|Starter Kit]]. There are no [[Theme Booster]]s, but instead ''Core 2021'' is the first core set to feature [[Collector Booster]]s.<ref name="Collecting">{{DailyRef|card-preview/collecting-core-set-2021-2020-06-05|Collecting Core Set 2021|[[Mike Turian]]|June 5, 2020}}</ref> A [[Deck Builder's Toolkits|Deck Builder's Toolkit]] is also absent. In addition, [[Welcome deck]]s are replaced by a [[Core Set 2021/Welcome booster|Welcome booster]], a ten-card [[sampler]] showing off flashy aspects of the game like [[legendary|legendaries]], [[planeswalker]]s, powerful [[rare]]s and [[showcase]] cards.<ref>{{DailyRef|news/core-set-2021-product-overview-2020-06-05|Core Set 2021 Product Overview|Ari Zirulnik|June 4, 2020}}</ref> The draft boosters feature [[key art]] of three planeswalkers ([[Teferi]], [[Liliana]] and [[Chandra]]). The Collector Booster features key art of [[Ugin]].
====Events====
====Events====
Line 52:
Line 58:
====Promotional cards====
====Promotional cards====
* [[Prerelease card|Prerelease]]: a stamped card that can be any rare or mythic rare of ''Core Set 2021''.
* [[File:M21-bundle.jpg|thumb|Bundle]][[Prerelease card|Prerelease]]: a stamped card that can be any rare or mythic rare of ''Core Set 2021''.
* Other events: cards from the ''Core Set 2021'' [[universal promo pack]].
* Other events: cards from the ''Core Set 2021'' [[universal promo pack]].
''Core Set 2021'' is closely tied to ''[[Jumpstart]]'', a [[booster]] product that releases two weeks later.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://www.twitch.tv/videos/555184299|title=Weekly MTG: Jumpstart!|date=February 20, 2020|publisher=[[Twitch.tv/magic]]}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|news/jumpstart-release-shifts-july-17-2020-04-20|Jumpstart Release Shifts to July 17|Wizards of The Coast|April 2, 2020}}</ref><ref name=Say Core"/> ''Jumpstart'' is meant to provide an easy starting point for players who don't have the appetite or time for [[deckbuilding]]. ''Jumpstart'' shares 120 cards with ''Core set 2021''.
''Core Set 2021'' is closely tied to ''[[Jumpstart]]'', a [[booster]] product that released two weeks later.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://www.twitch.tv/videos/555184299|title=Weekly MTG: Jumpstart!|date=February 20, 2020|publisher=[[Twitch.tv/magic]]}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|news/jumpstart-release-shifts-july-17-2020-04-20|Jumpstart Release Shifts to July 17|Wizards of The Coast|April 2, 2020}}</ref><ref name=Say Core"/> ''Jumpstart'' is meant to provide an easy starting point for players who don't have the appetite or time for [[deckbuilding]]. ''Jumpstart'' shares 120 cards with ''Core set 2021''.
====Tokens and emblems====
====Tokens and emblems====
Line 102:
Line 108:
The set also introduces the '''[[Basri]]''' [[planeswalker type]].
The set also introduces the '''[[Basri]]''' [[planeswalker type]].
The set sees the return of the [[enchantment type]] '''[[Shrine]]''', only seen before in ''[[Champions of Kamigawa]]''.<ref name="There's Core"/>
The set sees the return of the [[enchantment type]] '''[[Shrine]]''', last seen in [[Standard]] with ''[[Champions of Kamigawa]]''.<ref name="There's Core"/>
===Limited archetypes===
===Limited archetypes===
Line 152:
Line 158:
|<c>Sanctum of Fruitful Harvest</c>
|<c>Sanctum of Fruitful Harvest</c>
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon legendary [[Shrine]] [[enchantment]]s, each of which has an effect that scales with the number of Shrines you control. (There is a sixth five-color Shrine printed at rare, <c>Sanctum of All</c>.)
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon legendary [[Shrine]] [[enchantment]]s, each of which has an effect that scales with the number of Shrines you control. There is a sixth five-color Shrine printed at rare, <c>Sanctum of All</c>. All of them are illustrated by [[Johannes Voss]].
|-
|-
! Cycle name
! Cycle name
Line 168:
Line 174:
|{{card|Temple of Mystery||M20}}
|{{card|Temple of Mystery||M20}}
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Five rare enemy colored [[scry land]]s, reprinted from the [[Theros block]].<ref>{{DailyRef|card-preview/approaching-temple-2020-06-09|Approaching the Temple|Kendall Pepple|June 9, 2020}}</ref>
|colspan="5"|Five rare enemy colored [[scry land]]s, reprinted from the [[Theros block]].<ref>{{DailyRef|card-preview/approaching-temple-2020-06-09|Approaching the Temple|Kendall Pepple|June 9, 2020}}</ref>
|}
|}
===Vertical cycles===
===Vertical cycles===
Five [[mythic rare]] [[planeswalker]]s each head a [[vertical cycle]] of cards referring to them. Each of these cards is also printed in a ''[[Signature Spellbook]]''-esque alternate [[card frame]], themed to that respective planeswalker. ([[Chandra]]'s cards match her Signature Spellbook frame exactly.)<ref name="Collecting"/>
Five [[mythic rare]] [[planeswalker]]s each head a [[vertical cycle]] of cards referring to them. Each of these cards is also printed in a ''[[Signature Spellbook]]''-esque alternate [[card frame]], themed to that respective planeswalker. [[Chandra]]'s cards match her Signature Spellbook frame exactly.<ref name="Collecting"/>
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;"
! rowspan="2"| Color
! rowspan="2"| Color
Line 177:
Line 183:
! colspan="3"| Signature spells
! colspan="3"| Signature spells
|-
|-
! {{keyrune|M21|rarity=m|grad=1}}
! {{keyrune|M21|size=2|rarity=m|grad=1}}
! {{keyrune|M21|rarity=r|grad=1}}
! {{keyrune|M21|size=2|rarity=r|grad=1}}
! {{keyrune|M21|rarity=u|grad=1}}
! {{keyrune|M21|size=2|rarity=u|grad=1}}
! {{keyrune|M21}}
! {{keyrune|M21|size=2}}
|-
|-
! {{W}}
! {{W}}
Line 239:
Line 245:
|<c>Lorescale Coatl</c>
|<c>Lorescale Coatl</c>
|-
|-
|colspan="11"|Ten [[uncommon]] spells that support a draft archetype for [[Limited]].
|colspan="10"|Ten [[uncommon]] spells that support a draft archetype for [[Limited]].
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Life-gain [[tapland]]s'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Life-gain [[tapland]]s'''
Line 253:
Line 259:
|{{card|Thornwood Falls||M21}}
|{{card|Thornwood Falls||M21}}
|-
|-
|colspan="11"|Ten common lands that enter the battlefield tapped, gain the controller one life, and can tap for 2 different colors of mana. Reprinted from ''[[Khans of Tarkir]]'' .
|colspan="10"|Ten common lands that enter the battlefield tapped, gain the controller one life, and can tap for 2 different colors of mana. Reprinted from ''[[Khans of Tarkir]]'' .
|}
|}
Line 272:
Line 278:
|<c>Garruk, Savage Herald</c>
|<c>Garruk, Savage Herald</c>
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Five [[mythic rare]] [[planeswalker]] variants with simpler abilities, each of which cost {{4}}MM.
|colspan="5"|Five [[mythic rare]] [[planeswalker]] variants with simpler abilities, each of which cost {{4}}MM.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Planeswalker tutors'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Planeswalker tutors'''
Line 281:
Line 287:
|<c>Garruk's Warsteed</c>
|<c>Garruk's Warsteed</c>
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Five [[rare]] spells, each of which costs {{2}}MM or {{3}}MM and tutors for a specific planeswalker.
|colspan="5"|Five [[rare]] spells, each of which costs {{2}}MM or {{3}}MM and tutors for a specific planeswalker.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''3-of creatures'''
|rowspan="2"|'''3-of creatures'''
Line 290:
Line 296:
|<c>Predatory Wurm</c>
|<c>Predatory Wurm</c>
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Five [[uncommon]] creatures, included as three-ofs in their respective decks. Each interacts directly, or – in one case – supports the theme of their respective planeswalker.
|colspan="5"|Five [[uncommon]] creatures, included as three-ofs in their respective decks. Each interacts directly, or – in one case – supports the theme of their respective planeswalker.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''4-of creatures'''
|rowspan="2"|'''4-of creatures'''
Line 299:
Line 305:
|<c>Wildwood Patrol</c>
|<c>Wildwood Patrol</c>
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Five [[common]] creatures, included as four-ofs in their respective decks. Each supports the theme, or – in one case – interacts directly with their respective planeswalker.
|colspan="5"|Five [[common]] creatures, included as four-ofs in their respective decks. Each supports the theme, or – in one case – interacts directly with their respective planeswalker.
|}
|}
==Notable cards==
==Notable cards==
* <c>Sparkhunter Masticore</c> is the first creature to have [[protection]] from [[planeswalker]]s.
* <c>Sparkhunter Masticore</c> is the first creature to have [[protection]] from [[planeswalker]]s.
* <c>Nine Lives</c> is an [[Alternate-win or -loss cards|alternate loss card]].
* <c>Nine Lives</c> is an [[alternate-loss card]].
*Showcase {{card|Garruk's Gorehorn||M21|#=306}} is the first card ever to feature a completely empty [[text box]].<ref>{{YouTubeRef|gmpWaI7cV5E|Intentional or Mistake? Why Garruk's Gorehorn Has No Text!|channel=Good Morning Magic|date=July 13, 2020}}</ref>
*Showcase {{card|Garruk's Gorehorn||M21|#=306}} is the first card ever to feature a completely empty [[text box]].<ref>{{YouTubeRef|gmpWaI7cV5E|Intentional or Mistake? Why Garruk's Gorehorn Has No Text!|channel=Good Morning Magic|date=July 13, 2020}}</ref>
===Banned and restricted cards===
* <c>Ugin, the Spirit Dragon</c> was introduced to Arena for the first time in ''Core Set 2021''. It gained a reputation in Standard and Historic as a "get out of jail free" card that would annihilate opponents' boards and linger as a growing threat, but such effects are generally balanced as an eight mana spell. It was not its effects, however, but its colorless identity that led to its ban in [[Historic Brawl]], a format where decks are defined by their color restrictions. This ban occurred concurrent to the bans of <c>Agent of Treachery</c> and <c>Field of the Dead</c>, which were already banned in several other formats, for Wizards stated that "each one either exploits or pushes against one of the primary elements of the format".<ref name="December2021">{{DailyRef|magic-digital/mtg-arena-announcements-december-08-2021|MTG Arena Announcements, December 8, 2021|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|December 8, 2021}}</ref>
Core 2021 features a mix of new and reprinted cards. The main set contains 274 cards (111 commons, 80 uncommons, 53 rares, 15 mythic rares, 15 basic lands) and includes randomly inserted premium versions of all cards. Teferi, Master of Time (#75) additionally features three alternate arts, numbered #275-277. The Buy-a-Box promotional card is #278. Cards with an alternate card frame have another card number than the original version. Borderless planeswalkers are numbered #279-284, showcase cards are numbered #285-313, alternate art borderless cards are numbered #314-319, cards found in the set's planeswalker decks are #320-339 and the extended artwork cards are numbered #340-391. The Bundle promo is numbered #392, and the dark-frame cards from the universal promo pack are numbered #393-397.
The featured planeswalker is Teferi.[4] The set also features some of his family, friends and foes. A new planeswalker is Basri Ket.
The Showcase card frames are identical to the Signature Spellbook frames for the planeswalkers (cf. Chandra's frame).[5]Teferi, Master of Time features four subtly different artworks. The monocolored planeswalkers each feature three signature spells and a basic land depicting their home plane. Ugin features no additional cards beyond his planeswalker card.
Core Set 2021 is closely tied to Jumpstart, a booster product that released two weeks later.[12][13][1]Jumpstart is meant to provide an easy starting point for players who don't have the appetite or time for deckbuilding. Jumpstart shares 120 cards with Core set 2021.
Tokens and emblems
Core 2021 comes with 20 tokens and emblems.[14] Token and emblems appear in the marketing card slot. The last two tokens are available from collector boosters only.
The mill mechanic now officially becomes a keyword action.[16] For a player to mill N, they put the top N cards from their library into their graveyard.
Five uncommon legendary Shrineenchantments, each of which has an effect that scales with the number of Shrines you control. There is a sixth five-color Shrine printed at rare, Sanctum of All. All of them are illustrated by Johannes Voss.
Ten common lands that enter the battlefield tapped, gain the controller one life, and can tap for 2 different colors of mana. Reprinted from Khans of Tarkir .
Five uncommon creatures, included as three-ofs in their respective decks. Each interacts directly, or – in one case – supports the theme of their respective planeswalker.
Five common creatures, included as four-ofs in their respective decks. Each supports the theme, or – in one case – interacts directly with their respective planeswalker.
Ugin, the Spirit Dragon was introduced to Arena for the first time in Core Set 2021. It gained a reputation in Standard and Historic as a "get out of jail free" card that would annihilate opponents' boards and linger as a growing threat, but such effects are generally balanced as an eight mana spell. It was not its effects, however, but its colorless identity that led to its ban in Historic Brawl, a format where decks are defined by their color restrictions. This ban occurred concurrent to the bans of Agent of Treachery and Field of the Dead, which were already banned in several other formats, for Wizards stated that "each one either exploits or pushes against one of the primary elements of the format".[21]
The Arena Starter Kit (in previous editions known as the Spellslinger Starter Kit) comes with two Standard-legal 60-card decks, designed to create an interactive learning experience for two.
4/4 Angel creature with flying for Angelic Ascension and Speaker of the Heavens.
5/5 Demon creature with flying for Archfiend's Vessel.
1/1 Goblin Wizard creature with prowess for Goblin Wizardry.
3/3 Beast creature for Elder Gargaroth and Garruk, Unleashed.
*/* Weird creature for Experimental Overload.
4/4 Construct creature for Chrome Replicator
: Flying matters
MM.
MM or 
MM and tutors for a specific planeswalker.