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   |next set = [[Zendikar Expeditions]]
   |next set = [[Zendikar Expeditions]]
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'''''Battle for Zendikar''''' is the 68th ''[[Magic]]'' expansion, and the first in the [[Battle for Zendikar block]]. It will be released October 2, 2015. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/wizards_magic/status/573950431467982848/photo/1|title=Battle for Zendikar Announced|date=March 6, 2015|author=Wizards of the Coast Twitter (@wizards_magic)}}</ref> <ref>{{NewRef|feature/pax-panel-streaming-live-2015-03-06|PAX Panel Streaming Live|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|March 6, 2015}}</ref> <ref>{{NewRef|feature/announcing-battle-zendikar-2015-03-09|Announcing ''Battle for Zendikar''|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|March 9, 2015 }}</ref>   
'''''Battle for Zendikar''''' is the 68th ''[[Magic]]'' expansion, and the first in the [[Battle for Zendikar block]]. It was released October 2, 2015. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/wizards_magic/status/573950431467982848/photo/1|title=Battle for Zendikar Announced|date=March 6, 2015|author=Wizards of the Coast Twitter (@wizards_magic)}}</ref> <ref>{{NewRef|feature/pax-panel-streaming-live-2015-03-06|PAX Panel Streaming Live|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|March 6, 2015}}</ref> <ref>{{NewRef|feature/announcing-battle-zendikar-2015-03-09|Announcing ''Battle for Zendikar''|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|March 9, 2015 }}</ref>   
''Battle for Zendikar'' is a [[large expansion]], and the Battle for Zendikar block is the first block of the [[Two-Block Paradigm]].
''Battle for Zendikar'' is a [[large expansion]], and the Battle for Zendikar block is the first block of the [[Two-Block Paradigm]].


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The set contains 274 cards (25 basic lands <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/basic-lands-battle-zendikar-2015-09-14|The Basic Lands of Battle for Zendikar|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 14, 2015}}</ref>, 101 commons, 80 uncommons, 53 rares, 15 mythic rares) and includes randomly inserted [[premium]] versions of all cards in the set. There are 25 basic lands, instead of the usual 20, and the set also features special [[Full-art|full art]] versions similar to those that appeared in ''[[Zendikar]]''. <ref name="Lands">{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/125946926763/first-of-all-love-your-work-secondly-any-chance|title=Any chance for new full art lands in Battle for Zendikar or the other 5 fetches?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=August 31, 2012}}</ref>  The full-art versions appear in [[booster pack]]s and [[fat pack]]s, but not in [[intro pack]]s. The [[expansion symbol]] of the set is a broken [[hedron]]. While [[allies]] represented adventuring parties in the last [[Zendikar block]], they now represent the united army against the [[Eldrazi]]. This is also a battle between the [[colored]] against the [[colorless]] faction. The Eldrazi interact with the [[Exile|exile zone]].  
The set contains 274 cards (25 basic lands <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/basic-lands-battle-zendikar-2015-09-14|The Basic Lands of Battle for Zendikar|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 14, 2015}}</ref>, 101 commons, 80 uncommons, 53 rares, 15 mythic rares) and includes randomly inserted [[premium]] versions of all cards in the set. There are 25 basic lands, instead of the usual 20, and the set also features special [[Full-art|full art]] versions similar to those that appeared in ''[[Zendikar]]''. <ref name="Lands">{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/125946926763/first-of-all-love-your-work-secondly-any-chance|title=Any chance for new full art lands in Battle for Zendikar or the other 5 fetches?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=August 31, 2012}}</ref>  The full-art versions appear in [[booster pack]]s and [[fat pack]]s, but not in [[intro pack]]s. The [[expansion symbol]] of the set is a broken [[hedron]]. While [[allies]] represented adventuring parties in the last [[Zendikar block]], they now represent the united army against the [[Eldrazi]]. This is also a battle between the [[colored]] against the [[colorless]] faction. The Eldrazi interact with the [[Exile|exile zone]].  


Because the demise of the [[core set]]s, [[R&D]] is now experimenting with same art reprints in expansion sets (e.g. <c>Felidar Sovereign</c>). <ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Doug Beyer]]|URL=http://dougbeyermtg.tumblr.com/post/129029860554/is-there-a-reason-why-felidar-sovereign-doesnt|title=Is there a reason why Felidar Sovereign doesn't get new art?|tumblr-title=A Voice for Vorthos|date=September 14, 2015}}</ref> As a promotion to further the theme of the set, WotC randomly inserts [[#Zendikar Expeditions|Expedition]] cards into ''Battle for Zendikar'' boosters.
Because the demise of the [[core set]]s, [[R&D]] is experimented with same art reprints in expansion sets (e.g. <c>Felidar Sovereign</c>). <ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Doug Beyer]]|URL=http://dougbeyermtg.tumblr.com/post/129029860554/is-there-a-reason-why-felidar-sovereign-doesnt|title=Is there a reason why Felidar Sovereign doesn't get new art?|tumblr-title=A Voice for Vorthos|date=September 14, 2015}}</ref> As a promotion to further the theme of the set, WotC randomly inserted [[#Zendikar Expeditions|Expedition]] cards into ''Battle for Zendikar'' boosters.
===Storyline===
===Storyline===
''Battle for Zendikar'' returns the storyline to [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]], a plane of adventure, many treasures, and potent [[mana]] supplies. The plane is littered with large, floating polyhedron-shaped stones called [[Hedrons]], that were created by [[Nahiri]], the [[Kor]] Lithomancer. Together with [[Ugin]] and [[Sorin Markov]] she used them to trap the horrendous [[Eldrazi]] on the plane. Thousands of years later, the meeting of [[Sarkhan Vol]], [[Chandra Nalaar]] and [[Jace Beleren]] in the [[Eye of Ugin]] chamber unintentionally loosened the bonds that kept the Eldrazi in torpor. The Eldrazi were finally released by the [[elf]] [[Nissa Revane]], thinking that they would leave Zendikar far behind them. She was wrong. Two years after the initial destruction, at least [[Ulamog]] is still around.<ref>{{NewRef|uncharted-realms/nissa-worldwaker-2014-06-25|Nissa, Worldwaker|[[Adam Lee]]|June 25, 2014 }}</ref>
''Battle for Zendikar'' returns the storyline to [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]], a plane of adventure, many treasures, and potent [[mana]] supplies. The plane is littered with large, floating polyhedron-shaped stones called [[Hedrons]], that were created by [[Nahiri]], the [[Kor]] Lithomancer. Together with [[Ugin]] and [[Sorin Markov]] she used them to trap the horrendous [[Eldrazi]] on the plane. Thousands of years later, the meeting of [[Sarkhan Vol]], [[Chandra Nalaar]] and [[Jace Beleren]] in the [[Eye of Ugin]] chamber unintentionally loosened the bonds that kept the Eldrazi in torpor. The Eldrazi were finally released by the [[elf]] [[Nissa Revane]], thinking that they would leave Zendikar far behind them. She was wrong. Two years after the initial destruction, at least [[Ulamog]] is still around.<ref>{{NewRef|uncharted-realms/nissa-worldwaker-2014-06-25|Nissa, Worldwaker|[[Adam Lee]]|June 25, 2014 }}</ref>
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''Battle for Zendikar'' is sold in 16-card [[boosters]] (one card being a [[marketing card]]), five [[intro pack]]s, one [[event deck]] and a [[fat pack]]. The boosters feature art from <c>Ob Nixilis Reignited</c>, <c>Kiora, Master of the Depths</c>, <c>Ulamog's Despoiler</c>, <c>Veteran Warleader</c> and <c>Gideon, Ally of Zendikar</c>. <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/battle-zendikar-packaging-2015-09-01|''Battle for Zendikar'' Packaging|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 1, 2015}}</ref>
''Battle for Zendikar'' is sold in 16-card [[boosters]] (one card being a [[marketing card]]), five [[intro pack]]s, one [[event deck]] and a [[fat pack]]. The boosters feature art from <c>Ob Nixilis Reignited</c>, <c>Kiora, Master of the Depths</c>, <c>Ulamog's Despoiler</c>, <c>Veteran Warleader</c> and <c>Gideon, Ally of Zendikar</c>. <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/battle-zendikar-packaging-2015-09-01|''Battle for Zendikar'' Packaging|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 1, 2015}}</ref>
====Zendikar Expeditions====
====Zendikar Expeditions====
''Zendikar Expeditions'' are all premium foil cards with a special Zendikari frame and a seperate expansion symbol. Thus, they are not part of the set. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/battle-zendikar-your-first-look-2015-08-29|Battle for Zendikar: Your First Look|Dan Barrett|August 26, 2015}}</ref> Zendikar Expeditions include all new art set on Zendikar and will appear slightly more often than premium mythic rares. These cards are playable in [[limited]] and formats where they're already [[legal]]. There are 25 Expedtion cards appearing with ''Battle for Zendikar'' (the 5 new dual lands, 10 [[shock lands]] and 10 [[fetch lands]] <ref>{{NewRef|archive/arcana/all-expeditions-2015-09-17|All the Expeditions|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 17, 2015}}</ref>) and 20 more cards coming in ''Oath of the Gatewatch''.
''Zendikar Expeditions'' are all premium foil cards with a special Zendikari frame and a seperate expansion symbol. Thus, they are not part of the set. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/battle-zendikar-your-first-look-2015-08-29|Battle for Zendikar: Your First Look|Dan Barrett|August 26, 2015}}</ref> Zendikar Expeditions include all new art set on Zendikar and appear slightly more often than premium mythic rares. These cards are playable in [[limited]] and formats where they're already [[legal]]. There are 25 Expedtion cards appearing with ''Battle for Zendikar'' (the 5 new dual lands, 10 [[shock lands]] and 10 [[fetch lands]] <ref>{{NewRef|archive/arcana/all-expeditions-2015-09-17|All the Expeditions|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 17, 2015}}</ref>) and 20 more cards coming in ''Oath of the Gatewatch''.
{{Main|Zendikar Expeditions}}
{{Main|Zendikar Expeditions}}


====Prerelease====
====Prerelease====
[[File:BFZ Deck box.png|right|thumb|BFZ themed prerelease deck box]]
[[File:BFZ Deck box.png|right|thumb|BFZ themed prerelease deck box]]
At the prerelease (September 26–27, 2015) each player will receive a special [[hedron]]-themed [[Prerelease pack]] that they can use after the event as a take-home [[deck box]]. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/battle-zendikar-prerelease-primer-2015-09-21|''Battle for Zendikar'' Prerelease Primer|[[Gavin Verhey]]|September 21, 2015 }}</ref>  Inside each Prerelease box, there will be six regular ''Battle for Zendikar'' [[Booster pack]]s along with a [[random]]ized, date-stamped [[premium]] [[promo]] card, a [[spindown life counter]], a [[deckbuilding]] guide and a story insert. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://wpn.wizards.com/en/event/battle-zendikar-prerelease|title=Battle for Zendikar Prerelease|author=Wizards Play Network}}</ref> Starting with this prerelease, [[Booster pack#Seeded booster|seeded booster packs]] will no longer be used. <ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/125230819733/when-do-bfz-spoiler-weeks-start|title=When do BFZ spoiler weeks start?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=July 28, 2015}}</ref> This prerelease is the first to use the "Vancouver" [[mulligan]] rule. <ref>{{NewRef|news/new-mulligan-rule-starting-battle-zendikar-prereleases-2015-08-20|New Mulligan Rule Starting with Battle for Zendikar Prereleases|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|August 20, 2015}}</ref>
At the prerelease (September 26–27, 2015) each player received a special [[hedron]]-themed [[Prerelease pack]] that they could use after the event as a take-home [[deck box]]. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/battle-zendikar-prerelease-primer-2015-09-21|''Battle for Zendikar'' Prerelease Primer|[[Gavin Verhey]]|September 21, 2015 }}</ref>  Inside each Prerelease box, there were six regular ''Battle for Zendikar'' [[Booster pack]]s along with a [[random]]ized, date-stamped [[premium]] [[promo]] card, a [[spindown life counter]], a [[deckbuilding]] guide and a story insert. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://wpn.wizards.com/en/event/battle-zendikar-prerelease|title=Battle for Zendikar Prerelease|author=Wizards Play Network}}</ref> Starting with this prerelease, [[Booster pack#Seeded booster|seeded booster packs]] were no longer used. <ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/125230819733/when-do-bfz-spoiler-weeks-start|title=When do BFZ spoiler weeks start?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=July 28, 2015}}</ref> This prerelease was the first to use the "Vancouver" [[mulligan]] rule. <ref>{{NewRef|news/new-mulligan-rule-starting-battle-zendikar-prereleases-2015-08-20|New Mulligan Rule Starting with Battle for Zendikar Prereleases|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|August 20, 2015}}</ref>


Instead of getting a specific set Prerelease card or one of a small subset of Prerelease cards, starting with ''Battle for Zendikar'' players will receive a random Prerelease card in their boxes that can be one of any rare or mythic rare in the set. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/branded-play-2015-09-01|Branded Play|[[Gavin Verhey]]|September 1, 2015}}</ref>
Instead of getting a specific set Prerelease card or one of a small subset of Prerelease cards, starting with ''Battle for Zendikar'' players receive a random Prerelease card in their boxes that can be one of any rare or mythic rare in the set. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/branded-play-2015-09-01|Branded Play|[[Gavin Verhey]]|September 1, 2015}}</ref>


====Promotional cards====
====Promotional cards====
Line 55: Line 55:


====Tokens and emblems====
====Tokens and emblems====
For this set, the ratio between token cards and other marketing cards was shifted heavily in favor of tokens. The new ratio is "approximately 9:10" for tokens.
For this set, the ratio between token cards and other marketing cards was shifted heavily in favor of tokens. The new ratio is approximately 9:10 for tokens.
# {{x}} 10/10 [[Eldrazi]] for <c>Desolation Twin</c> <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/tokens-battle-zendikar-2015-09-16|The Tokens of ''Battle for Zendikar''|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 16, 2015}}</ref>   
# {{x}} 10/10 [[Eldrazi]] for <c>Desolation Twin</c> <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/tokens-battle-zendikar-2015-09-16|The Tokens of ''Battle for Zendikar''|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 16, 2015}}</ref>   
# {{x}} 1/1 [[Eldrazi]] [[Scion]] for <c>Adverse Conditions</c>, <c>Blight Herder</c>, <c>Blisterpod</c>, <c>Brood Butcher</c>, <c>Brood Monitor</c>, <c>Call the Scions</c>, <c>Catacomb Sifter</c>, <c>Drowner of Hope</c>, <c>Eldrazi Skyspawner</c>, <c>Eyeless Watcher</c>, <c>From Beyond</c>, <c>Grave Birthing</c>, <c>Incubator Drone</c>, <c>Spawning Bed</c> and <c>Void Attendant</c>
# {{x}} 1/1 [[Eldrazi]] [[Scion]] for <c>Adverse Conditions</c>, <c>Blight Herder</c>, <c>Blisterpod</c>, <c>Brood Butcher</c>, <c>Brood Monitor</c>, <c>Call the Scions</c>, <c>Catacomb Sifter</c>, <c>Drowner of Hope</c>, <c>Eldrazi Skyspawner</c>, <c>Eyeless Watcher</c>, <c>From Beyond</c>, <c>Grave Birthing</c>, <c>Incubator Drone</c>, <c>Spawning Bed</c> and <c>Void Attendant</c>

Revision as of 15:26, 3 October 2015

Battle for Zendikar
Set Information
Set symbol
Themes and mechanics Allies, Elementals, Colorless matters, Exile interaction.
Keywords/​ability words Awaken, Converge, Devoid, Ingest, Landfall, Rally
Set size 274 + 25
101 Commons, 80 Uncommons, 53 Rares, 15 Mythic Rares, 25 Basic Land + 25 full art versions of the Basic Lands
Expansion code BFZ
Development codename Blood

Battle for Zendikar is the 68th Magic expansion, and the first in the Battle for Zendikar block. It was released October 2, 2015. [1] [2] [3] Battle for Zendikar is a large expansion, and the Battle for Zendikar block is the first block of the Two-Block Paradigm.

Set details

The set contains 274 cards (25 basic lands [4], 101 commons, 80 uncommons, 53 rares, 15 mythic rares) and includes randomly inserted premium versions of all cards in the set. There are 25 basic lands, instead of the usual 20, and the set also features special full art versions similar to those that appeared in Zendikar. [5] The full-art versions appear in booster packs and fat packs, but not in intro packs. The expansion symbol of the set is a broken hedron. While allies represented adventuring parties in the last Zendikar block, they now represent the united army against the Eldrazi. This is also a battle between the colored against the colorless faction. The Eldrazi interact with the exile zone.

Because the demise of the core sets, R&D is experimented with same art reprints in expansion sets (e.g. Felidar Sovereign). [6] As a promotion to further the theme of the set, WotC randomly inserted Expedition cards into Battle for Zendikar boosters.

Storyline

Battle for Zendikar returns the storyline to Zendikar, a plane of adventure, many treasures, and potent mana supplies. The plane is littered with large, floating polyhedron-shaped stones called Hedrons, that were created by Nahiri, the Kor Lithomancer. Together with Ugin and Sorin Markov she used them to trap the horrendous Eldrazi on the plane. Thousands of years later, the meeting of Sarkhan Vol, Chandra Nalaar and Jace Beleren in the Eye of Ugin chamber unintentionally loosened the bonds that kept the Eldrazi in torpor. The Eldrazi were finally released by the elf Nissa Revane, thinking that they would leave Zendikar far behind them. She was wrong. Two years after the initial destruction, at least Ulamog is still around.[7]

Now, Gideon Jura takes the lead of a group of planeswalkers in facing the Eldrazi alongside the residents of Zendikar. Meanwhile, the trapped planeswalker-turned-demon Ob Nixilis is desperate for a way off of the plane. The five cards that represent the pivotal moments in the storyline are Gruesome Slaughter, Nissa’s Renewal, Ugin’s Insight, Outnumber and Aligned Hedron Network. [8] [9]

Marketing

BFZ booster box, featuring Gideon Jura

Battle for Zendikar is sold in 16-card boosters (one card being a marketing card), five intro packs, one event deck and a fat pack. The boosters feature art from Ob Nixilis Reignited, Kiora, Master of the Depths, Ulamog's Despoiler, Veteran Warleader and Gideon, Ally of Zendikar. [10]

Zendikar Expeditions

Zendikar Expeditions are all premium foil cards with a special Zendikari frame and a seperate expansion symbol. Thus, they are not part of the set. [11] Zendikar Expeditions include all new art set on Zendikar and appear slightly more often than premium mythic rares. These cards are playable in limited and formats where they're already legal. There are 25 Expedtion cards appearing with Battle for Zendikar (the 5 new dual lands, 10 shock lands and 10 fetch lands [12]) and 20 more cards coming in Oath of the Gatewatch.

Main article: Zendikar Expeditions

Prerelease

BFZ themed prerelease deck box

At the prerelease (September 26–27, 2015) each player received a special hedron-themed Prerelease pack that they could use after the event as a take-home deck box. [13] Inside each Prerelease box, there were six regular Battle for Zendikar Booster packs along with a randomized, date-stamped premium promo card, a spindown life counter, a deckbuilding guide and a story insert. [14] Starting with this prerelease, seeded booster packs were no longer used. [15] This prerelease was the first to use the "Vancouver" mulligan rule. [16]

Instead of getting a specific set Prerelease card or one of a small subset of Prerelease cards, starting with Battle for Zendikar players receive a random Prerelease card in their boxes that can be one of any rare or mythic rare in the set. [17]

Promotional cards

Tokens and emblems

For this set, the ratio between token cards and other marketing cards was shifted heavily in favor of tokens. The new ratio is approximately 9:10 for tokens.

  1. {X} 10/10 Eldrazi for Desolation Twin [19]
  2. {X} 1/1 Eldrazi Scion for Adverse Conditions, Blight Herder, Blisterpod, Brood Butcher, Brood Monitor, Call the Scions, Catacomb Sifter, Drowner of Hope, Eldrazi Skyspawner, Eyeless Watcher, From Beyond, Grave Birthing, Incubator Drone, Spawning Bed and Void Attendant
  3. {X} 1/1 Eldrazi Scion
  4. {X} 1/1 Eldrazi Scion
  5. {W} 2/2 Knight Ally for Gideon, Ally of Zendikar
  6. {W} 1/1 Kor Ally for Retreat to Emeria and Unified Front
  7. {U} 8/8 Octopus for Kiora, Master of the Depths
  8. {R} 5/5 Dragon with flying for Dragonmaster Outcast
  9. {R} 3/1 Elemental with Trample and Haste for Akoum Stonewaker
  10. {G} 1/1 Plant for Grovetender Druids
  11. Template:Rg 5/5 Elemental for Omnath, Locus of Rage
  12. Emblem for Gideon, Ally of Zendikar
  13. Emblem for Ob Nixilis Reignited
  14. Emblem for Kiora, Master of the Depths

Themes and mechanics

Eldrazi [20], Colorless matters [21] [22], colorless instants, allies and landfall make a return from the Zendikar block. Landfall now sometimes is land specific. [23]

There are at five new named mechanics: [24]

A remarkable mechanic is featured on Void Winnower, which cares about "even converted mana cost". [26] [27]

Card types

Battle for Zendikar introduces the creature types Scion and Processor.

  • Eldrazi Scions are very similar to Eldrazi Spawn, but are 1/1 instead of 0/1. They're created by Eldrazi-themed spells in a variety of ways and all have the ability "Sacrifice this creature: Add {1} to your mana pool."
  • Processor is an additional creature type for some Eldrazi. Each one has an ability that requires you to put your opponent's exiled cards into their graveyard for some effect.

Cycles

Battle for Zendikar has six cycles:

Reprinted cards

Common to Uncommon

Functional reprints

Card comparisons

Many Battle for Zendikar cards are strictly better, and a handful are strictly worse, than previous cards. Of particular note, Endless One is the simplest and most cost-efficient example of a design previously seen on more than 100 other cards.

Preconstructed decks

Intro packs

Battle for Zendikar has five intro packs (three bicolored and two colorless): [31] Template:Intro packs

Event deck

Battle for Zendikar has one event deck. Template:Event deck

References