Rosewater Scale

Rosewater Scales are rankings by Mark Rosewater of the likelihood that something will be reprinted in future sets, such as mechanics or planes. Things are ranked from 1 (very likely) to 10 (very unlikely) and are always named after the item that defines the 10th rating.

Though the scales are published by Mark Rosewater, it is only a reflection of his opinion and generalities about the topic. It does not account for any actual future plans, or the opinions of other R&D members.

Scales

The scales are in order of creation.

• Storm Scale — Likelihood that a mechanic will return in a Standard-legal set.
• Rabiah Scale — Likelihood that a plane will be re-visited again in a Standard-legal set.
• Venser Scale — Likelihood that a Planeswalker type will return in a Standard-legal set.
• Beeble Scale — Likelihood that a creature type will return in a Standard-legal set.
• Gotcha Scale — Likelihood that a mechanic will return in a Silver-bordered set.

Descriptive rankings

In 2016, Mark Rosewater began writing articles about the Storm Scale on magicthegathering.com. Starting with the first such article, he offered a brief explanation of the odds represented by each numeric point on the Scale.

1. Will definitely see again, most likely in the next set
2. Will definitely see again, but not necessarily right away
3. Will most likely do again, probably many times
4. Will most likely do again, but they have issues that make them less of a guarantee
5. We need to find the right place to bring it back, but I'm optimistic
6. We need to find the right place to bring it back, but I'm a little less optimistic
7. It's unlikely to return, but possible if the right environment comes along
8. It's unlikely to return, but possible if the stars align
9. I never say never, but this would require a minor miracle
10. I never say never, but this would require a major miracle