March of the Machine

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March of the Machine
 
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March of the Machine
[[File:{{#setmainimage:March of the Machine.png}}|250px]]
Set Information
Set symbol
Symbol description Elspeth's sword shattering a tilted Phyrexian symbol[1]
Design Mark Rosewater (lead), Chris Mooney, Ari Nieh, Annie Sardelis, Dan Musser, David Humpherys, Mike Mearls
Development David Humpherys (lead)
Release date April 21, 2023
Themes and mechanics Battles, Phyrexian tribal
Keywords/​ability words Backup, Convoke, Incubate
Expansion code MOM[2]
Development codename Marathon
March of the Machine Standard
Dominaria United The Brothers' War Phyrexia: All Will Be One
Magic: The Gathering Chronology
N/A March of the Machine March of the Machine
Commander Decks
Expansion symbol

March of the Machine is the ninety-sixth Magic expansion. It will be released on April 21, 2023.[3][4][5][6]

Set details

March of the Machine key art, featuring Teferi, Quintorius Kand from Arcavios and Thalia from Innistrad, with Elesh Norn in the background
“  One Last Stand  ”

March of the Machine is an event set, with the focus on planes.[7][8] Preview art features both locations and characters from different planes fighting together.[9][10] As a consequence of the events in this set, the very fabric of the Multiverse fundamentally changes.

This set features Yuta Takahashi's Player Spotlight card, Faerie Mastermind.[11] Starting with this set, the collector numbers are changed to four digits, and the "Inside Set Numbering" (in the form of a fraction like 10/250) is abandoned. The rarity indicator is moved to the front of the collector number.[12] Attending to previous numbering, March of the Machine contains 281 regular cards (x commons, x uncommons, x rares, x mythic rares, 5 basic lands), furthermore there are 10 Phyrexian Full Art basic lands (#282-291). Different showcase-style (depending on the plane of origin) cards are #292-319. Borderless planeswalkers are #320-322. Standard legal Jumpstart cards are #323-337. Alternate art borderless praetor/sagas are #338-342. Extended artwork cards are numbered #343-380. The dark frame treatment cards from the Universal promo pack are numbered #381-385, the Bundle promo is #386, and the Buy-a-Box card is #387.[13]

After being teased in Phyrexia: All Will Be One, Battle is a new card type that is introduced in this set.[14]

Storyline

This is the dramatic conclusion of the four-part Phyrexian story arc that began with Dominaria United — and ends with Magic forever changed. The entire Multiverse rallies together for one epic climactic battle. Elesh Norn expands her reach and brings the glory of New Phyrexia to the other planes. Her faction has become the Machine Legion, the core of the Phyrexian armada.[15] People and creatures on many different planes are getting compleated.[6]

March of the Machine: The Aftermath serves as an epilogue to this set, tying up some loose ends and starting new beginnings.

The cards that represent the Story Spotlights in March of the Machine are:

Magic Story

Main article: Magic Story
Title Author Publishing date Set Setting (plane) Featuring
March of the Machine - Episode 1: Triumph of the Fleshless K. Arsenault Rivera 2023-03-15 March of the Machine New Phyrexia Elesh Norn, Kaya Cassir, Kaito Shizuki, Himoto, Tyvar Kell, Lukka, Rothga, Ajani Goldmane, Sheoldred, Jace Beleren, Nahiri, Nissa Revane, Tamiyo, Atraxa, Ephara
March of the Machine - Episode 2: Holding Your Breath K. Arsenault Rivera 2023-03-15 March of the Machine Dominaria Chandra Nalaar, Wrenn, Seven, Tyvar Kell, Kaya Cassir, Kaito Shizuki, Himoto, Liliana Vess, Vivien Reid
March of the Machine - Episode 3: Mother, Son and Story K. Arsenault Rivera 2023-03-17 March of the Machine Kamigawa Tamiyo, Kaito Shizuki, Himoto, Kaya Cassir, Nashi, The Wanderer, Kyodai
March of the Machine - Episode 4: Beneath Eyes Unblinking K. Arsenault Rivera 2023-03-17 March of the Machine Kaldheim, Kaladesh, Capenna Tyvar Kell, Harald, Pia Nalaar, Saheeli Rai, Atraxa
Arcavios: A Radiant Heart Evelyn Teng 2023-03-20 March of the Machine Arcavios Quintorius Kand, Rootha Squallheart, Dina, Zimone Wola, Killian Lu, Shaile Talonrook, Embrose Lu, Nassari, Liliana Vess
Ikoria: Survival of the Fittest Roy Graham 2023-03-20 March of the Machine Ikoria Jirina Kudro, Bryd, Vivien Reid, Chevill, Lukka, Rothga, Haldan, Vadrok
March of the Machine - Episode 5: Cathartic Reunion K. Arsenault Rivera 2023-03-21 March of the Machine New Phyrexia Chandra Nalaar, Wrenn, Seven, Koth of the Hammer, Melira, Urabrask, Nissa Revane
Ixalan: Three Hundred Steps Under the Sun Miguel Lopez 2023-03-21 March of the Machine Ixalan Huatli, Inti, Apatzec Intli III, Mavren Fein, Etali, Saheeli Rai, Zetalpa, Tetzimoc, Ghalta, Nezahal, Zacama
Innistrad: Family Game Night Seanan McGuire 2023-03-22 March of the Machine Innistrad Gisa Cecani, Geralf Cecani, Jeleva, Sorin Markov, Ludevic
Eldraine: The Adventures of Rankle, Master of Love Jenna Helland 2023-03-22 March of the Machine Eldraine Rankle, Orla, Fifer, Mags, Chulane, Ayara, Torbran
March of the Machine - Episode 6: The Last to Leave K. Arsenault Rivera 2023-03-23 March of the Machine Capenna, Theros, New Phyrexia Elspeth Tirel, Atraxa, Daxos, Elesh Norn, Urabrask, Koth of the Hammer, Wrenn, Chandra Nalaar, Nissa Revane, Karn, Jin-Gitaxias, Serra
March of the Machine - Episode 7: Divine Intervention K. Arsenault Rivera 2023-03-23 March of the Machine New Phyrexia Karn, Elesh Norn, Koth of the Hammer, Jin-Gitaxias, Chandra Nalaar, Melira, Elspeth Tirel, Vorinclex, Wrenn
March of the Machine - Episode 8: Wrenn and Eight K. Arsenault Rivera 2023-03-24 March of the Machine New Phyrexia, Zhalfir Wrenn, Chandra Nalaar, Nissa Revane, Koth of the Hammer, Melira, Eight, Teferi Akosa, Wezna
Ravnica - One and the Same Alison Lührs 2023-03-24 March of the Machine Ravnica Vraska, Ral Zarek, Jace Beleren, Tomik Vrona, Ludmilla
Zendikar - Battles in the Field and in the Mind A. T. Greenblatt 2023-03-27 March of the Machine Zendikar Nahiri, Akiri, Tazri, Orah, Kaza, Linvala
New Capenna - The Fall of Park Heights Elise Kova 2023-03-27 March of the Machine Capenna Atraxa, Anhelo, Parnesse, Errant, Della, Perrie, Kamiz, Henzie Torre, Falco Spara
March of the Machine - Episode 9: The Old Sins of New Phyrexia K. Arsenault Rivera 2023-03-28 March of the Machine Capenna, New Phyrexia, Theros, Zhalfir Giada, Atraxa, Heliod, Kaya Cassir, Ajani Goldmane, Elspeth Tirel, Teferi Akosa, Koth of the Hammer, Chandra Nalaar, Elesh Norn, Vorinclex, Jin-Gitaxias, Melira, Nissa Revane, Karn, Wrenn, Eight
March of the Machine - Episode 10: The Rhythms of Life K. Arsenault Rivera 2023-03-28 March of the Machine Kamigawa, Kaldheim, Kaladesh, Zhalfir Nashi, Tamiyo, Tyvar Kell, Harald, Pia Nalaar, Karn, Teferi Akosa, Kaya Cassir, Thrun, Koth of the Hammer, Ajani Goldmane, Nissa Revane, Chandra Nalaar, Melira, Saheeli Rai, Elspeth Tirel

Marketing

March of the Machine is sold in regular 16-card Draft Boosters (one card being a marketing card), Collector Boosters, Set Boosters, Jumpstart Boosters, the March of the Machine Bundle and five Commander decks.[6]

Multiverse Legends

Main article: March of the Machine/Multiverse Legends

Multiverse Legends is a separate set of cards associated with March of the Machine, similar to the Mystical Archive and Retro Artifacts. In Multiverse Legends, Wizards of the Coast have reprinted TBA iconic characters in their home planes' Booster Fun treatment, and with the set code MUL. March of the Machine Draft and Set Boosters contain one Multiverse Legends card, and Collector Boosters have at least three. These will only be legal in formats that they are already legal in and in Historic. They are not part of the Standard environment. However, the cards may be used in Limited events.

Events

Promos

Promo pack

Tokens and emblems

March of the Machine has at least 18 tokens and two emblems.

  1. {W} 1/1 Monk creature with prowess for Monastery Mentor.
  2. {W} 1/1 Soldier creature with lifelink for Archangel Elspeth.
  3. {W} 1/1 Vampire creature with lifelink for Ghalta and Mavren.
  4. {U} 1/1 Kraken creature with trample for Invasion of Segovia.
  5. {B} 2/2 Zombie creature for Deluge of the Dead.
  6. {R} First Mate Ragavan, a legendary 2/1 Monkey Pirate creature for Baral and Kari Zev.
  7. {G} X/X Dinosaur creature with trample for Ghalta and Mavren.
  8. {W/U} 2/2 Knight creature with vigilance for Invasion of Belenon, Invasion of New Phyrexia and Xerex Strobe-Knight.
  9. {G/W} 3/3 Phyrexian Hydra creature with lifelink for Polukranos, Engine of Ruin.
  10. {G/W} 3/3 Phyrexian Hydra creature with reach for Polukranos, Engine of Ruin.
  11. {W/B} 1/1 Spirit creature with flying for The Broken Sky.
  12. {U/R} 1/1 Elemental creature for Joyful Stormsculptor and Kyren Flamewright.
  13. {B/G} 1/1 Phyrexian Saproling creature for Blightsower Thallid.
  14. {R/W} 3/2 Warrior creature with "Whenever this creature and at least one other creature token attack, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature." for Valor's Reach Tag Team.
  15. {R/W} 3/2 Spirit creature for Quintorius, Loremaster.
  16. {C} Incubator artifact with "{2}: Transform this artifact." // {C} 0/0 Phyrexian artifact creature for The Argent Etchings, Bloated Processor, Chrome Host Seedshark, Corruption of Towashi, Elvish Vatkeeper, Essence of Orthodoxy, Furnace Gremlin, Gift of Compleation, Glissa, Herald of Perfection, Glistening Dawn, Injector Crocodile, Merciless Repurposing, Norn's Inquisitor, Phyrexian Awakening, Sculpted Perfection, Sunfall, Tiller of Flesh and Traumatic Revelation.
  17. {C} 1/1 Thopter artifact creature with flying for Invasion of Kaladesh.
  18. {C} Treasure artifact for Axgard Artisan, Beamtown Beatstick, Deadly Derision, Furnace Reins, The Great Work, Invasion of Ergamon and Rankle and Torbran.
  19. Emblem for Teferi Akosa of Zhalfir.
  20. Emblem for Wrenn and Realmbreaker.

Themes and mechanics

Battle is both a new mechanic and a new card type. Battles are transforming double-faced cards. The front side with landscape art is placed horizontally on the battlefield (the first permanent to do so). Battles can be cast during your main phase, just like creatures sorceries and other non-Instant spells. Each battle enters the battlefield with defense counters on it, equal to its defense, found in the lower right corner of the front face. This tells you how much damage it takes to defeat a battle. Specifically, all battles in this set are Sieges; these battles enter protected by an opponent, who must stop the battle's controller from attacking it and reaping its rewards. One battle card will be available in every Draft Booster and set Booster.[14][18]

The use of TDFCs representing the Phyrexians allowed R&D to use "transformation matters" as a theme that runs through the Phyrexian side of the conflict.[19]

The characteristic mechanic of the Phyrexians in this set is Incubate, a keyword action that creates a transforming Incubator token which turns into a Phyrexian of variable size. Like with amass and Zombie tribal in War of the Spark, Phyrexians receive tribal support to enable these tokens.[18][19]

Meanwhile, the multiversal resistance supports one another with Backup. Backup is an enters-the-battlefield trigger on creatures, which puts +1/+1 counters on another target creature and lets that creature gain the backup creature's other abilities until the end of turn.[18]

Convoke is a returning mechanic.[19] Basic landcycling from Conflux returns to Standard for the first time.

Card types

Battle is introduced as a card type. All thirty-six battles have just one subtype - Siege.

Creature types

March of the Machine makes use of various existing creature types and provides a tribal support for some of them.

Phyrexians matter in this set.[19] They appear in various colors: mostly in {W}{B} but also as the flipped sides of compleated creatures throughout all colors. Knights are present mainly in {W}{U}, and provide a backbone for its limited archetype. Elves are somewhat represented in {B}{G} and Dragons are seen on the cards alluding to the plane of Tarkir.

March of the Machine sees many characters "team up", being depicted on one card featuring both characters and both of their creature types.[8][19]

Counter types

March of the Machine introduces Defense counters and makes extensive use of +1/+1 counters (mostly in green and white).

Limited Archetypes

  • {W}{U}: Knight tribal[20]
  • {U}{B}: Graveyard matters
  • {B}{R}: Sacrifice
  • {R}{G}: Battles
  • {G}{W}: +1/+1 Counters matter
  • {W}{B}: Phyrexian tribal
  • {U}{R}: Convoke
  • {B}{G}: Incubate
  • {R}{W}: Backup
  • {G}{U}: Transformation matters

Cycles

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Praetor Sagas Elesh Norn // The Argent Etchings Jin-Gitaxias // The Great Synthesis Sheoldred // The True Scriptures Urabrask // The Great Work Vorinclex //The Grand Evolution
Five mythic rare Praetors with sagas on their back sides. The third parts of each saga were designed to resemble the power of planeswalker ultimates and transform the saga back into the front side Praetor.[20]
Compleat Generals Heliod, the Radiant Dawn // Heliod, the Warped Eclipse {U}
(Consecrated Sphinx) 		Rona, Herald of Invasion // Rona, Tolarian Obliterator {B}
(Phyrexian Obliterator) 		Ayara, Widow of the Realm // Ayara, Furnace Queen {R}
(Geth, Lord of the Vault) 		Etali, Primal Conqueror // Etali, Primal Sickness {G}
(Blightsteel Colossus) 		Polukranos Reborn // Polukranos, Engine of Ruin {W}
(Wurmcoil Engine)
Five rare mono-colored legendary creatures with an off-color phyrexian mana activated ability that can transform into a more potent, allied-color Phyrexian version. Each of their transformed Phyrexian sides allude to a powerful Phyrexian card in the past.
Gold transforming Compleat Uncommons Seraph of New Capenna // Seraph of New Phyrexia {B} Captive Weird // Compleated Conjurer {R} Blightreaper Thallid // Blightsower Thallid {G} Harried Artisan // Phyrexian Skyflayer {W} Gnottvold Hermit // Chrome Host Hulk {U}
Sun-Blessed Guardian // Furnace-Blessed Conqueror {R} Skyclave Aerialist // Skyclave Invader {G} Freewheeling Nezumi // Wheel of Loathsome Flesh{W} Khenra Spellspear // Gitaxian Spellstalker {U} Herbology Instructor // Malady Invoker {B}
Ten uncommon gold-framed creatures with an enemy-color phyrexian mana activated ability that can transform into a more powerful, dual-color Phyrexian version.
Gold Transforming Compleat Commons Tarkir Duneshifter // Burnished Dunestomper {G} Order of the Mirror // Order of the Alabaster Host {W} Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Needler {U} // {B} // {R}
Five common gold-framed creatures with an allied-color phyrexian mana activated ability that can transform into a more powerful, dual-color Phyrexian version.
Uncommon Invasions Invasion of Belenon // Belenon War Anthem Invasion of Kamigawa // Rooftop Saboteurs Invasion of Eldraine // Prickle Faeries Invasion of Mercadia // Kyren Flamewright Invasion of Muraganda // Primordial Plasm
Invasion of Dominaria // Serra Faithkeeper Invasion of Vryn // Overloaded Mage-Ring Invasion of Ulgrotha // Grandmother Ravi Sengir Invasion of Regatha // Disciples of the Inferno Invasion of Zendikar // Awakened Skyclave
Ten monocolored uncommon Siege Battles, two for each color.
Rare Invasions Invasion of Gobakhan // Lightshield Array Invasion of Arcavios // Invocation of the Founders Invasion of Fiora // Marchesa, Resolute Monarch Invasion of Kaldheim // Pyre of the World Tree Invasion of Ikoria // Zilortha, Apex of Ikoria
Invasion of Theros // Ephara, Ever-Sheltering Invasion of Segovia // Caetus, Tyrant of Segovia Invasion of Karsus // Refraction Elemental Invasion of Ixalan // Belligerent Regisaur
Nine monocolored rare Siege Battles, two for each color except for {B} (which instead has Invasion of Tolvada // The Broken Sky in {W/B}).
Enemy Color hate Surge of Salvation Change the Equation Glistening Deluge Lithomantic Barrage Sandstalker Moloch
Five uncommon cards that hate on enemy colors.
Cycle name {R}{W}{B} {G}{U}{R} {W}{B}{G} {U}{R}{W} {B}{G}{U}
Mythic Rare Team Ups Kroxa and Kunoros Borborygmos and Fblthp Thalia and The Gitrog Monster Zurgo and Ojutai Zimone and Dina
Five mythic rare wedge-colored legendary creatures representing unlikely allies from the same plane teaming up against the Phyrexian invasion.

Double cycles

Cycle name {W}{U} {U}{B} {B}{R} {R}{G} {G}{W} {W}{B} {U}{R} {B}{G} {R}{W} {G}{U}
Rare Team Ups Errant and Giada Hidetsugu and Kairi Rankle and Torbran Kogla and Yidaro Ghalta and Mavren Drana and Linvala Baral and Kari Zev Yargle and Multani Djeru and Hazoret Inga and Esika
Ten rare dual-colored legendary creatures representing unlikely allies from the same plane teaming up against the Phyrexian invasion.
Gold Signposts Marshal of Zhalfir Halo Forager Stormclaw Rager Rampaging Geoderm Botanical Brawler Sculpted Perfection Joyful Stormsculptor Elvish Vat Keeper Mirror-Shield Hoplite Mutagen Connoisseur
Ten uncommon dual-colored cards, each a signpost for a draft archetype.
Gold Signpost Invasions Invasion of Xerex // Apex Paladin Invasion of Amonkhet // Lazotep Convert Invasion of Azgol // Ashen Reaper Invasion of Ergamon // Truga Cliffcharger Invasion of Moag // Bloomwielder Dryads Invasion of New Capenna // Holy Frazzle-Cannon Invasion of Kaladesh // Aetherwing, Golden-Scale Flagship Invasion of Lorwyn // Winnowing Forces Invasion of Kylem // Valor's Reach Tag Team Invasion of Pyrulea // Gargantuan Slabhorn
Ten uncommon dual-colored Siege Battles, each a signpost for a draft archetype.
Life-gain taplands Tranquil Cove Dismal Backwater Bloodfell Caves Rugged Highlands Blossoming Sands Scoured Barrens Swiftwater Cliffs Jungle Hollow Wind-Scarred Crag Thornwood Falls
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. In this printing, each card shows the Phyrexian invasion of a different plane.

Mini-cycles

Cycle name {B} {R} {G}
Mythic Rare Invasions Invasion of Innistrad // Deluge of the Dead Invasion of Tarkir // Defiant Thundermaw Invasion of Shandalar // Leyline Surge
Three monocolored rare Siege Battles ({W} and {U} are instead represented together in Invasion of New Phyrexia // Teferi Akosa of Zhalfir as {W/U}).

Pairs

Matched Pair Description
Invasion of Alara // Awaken the Maelstrom ({W}{U}{B}{R}{G}) Invasion of Ravnica // Guildpact Paragon ({C}) Two Siege Battles that depict the first planes that focus on multicolour factions: Shards of Alara (Shards) and Ravnican guilds (color pairs). The back faces of the Battles mechanically represent the factions of the plane working together: an allusion to every shard color ultimatum in Awaken the Maelstrom and an allusion to Niv-Mizzet Reborn, the Living Guildpact in Guildpact Paragon. The color identity of both faces is either all colors (Alara) or none (Ravnica).

Mega-mega cycles

Reprinted cards

Preconstructed decks

Main article: March of the Machine/Commander decks

March of the Machine features five Commander decks that are released as a regular part of a set's product line.

Theme
deck name 		Color Identity Commander
{W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Growing Threat W B Brimaz, Blight of Oreskos
Cavalry Charge W U B Sidar Jabari of Zhalfir
Call for Backup W R G Bright-Palm, Soul Awakener
Divine Convocation W U R Kasla, the Broken Halo
Tinker Time U R G Gimbal, Gremlin Prodigy

References

  1. ↑ Daniel Holt (March 23, 2023). "Lots of folks caught on to the MTGMachine set symbol being a reference to Elspeth's weapon on reveal.". Twitter.
  2. ↑ Information below the text box
  3. ↑ Wizards Presents 2022 (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (August 18, 2022).
  4. ↑ Adam Styborski (August 18, 2022). "The Next Year of Magic From Wizards Presents". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (December 13, 2022). "March of the Machine Arrives in 2023". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ a b c Wizards of the Coast (February 19, 2023). "A First Look at March of the Machine". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ Mark Rosewater (Janauary 29, 2023). "Is MOM an event set?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  8. ↑ a b First Look at March of the Machine (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (February 19, 2023).
  9. ↑ March of The Machine Will Take Place On Multiple Planes. Reddit (August 18, 2022).
  10. ↑ Baral, Borborygmos and Esika are in one of the art previews for March of the Machine. Reddit (August 18, 2022).
  11. ↑ Yuta Takahashi (February 19, 2023). "Here is my invitational card!". Twitter.
  12. ↑ PleasantKenobi (February 19, 2023). "Are we about to get 1000 different cards in one set?". Twitter.
  13. ↑ Max McCall and Adam Styborski (March 29, 2023). "Collecting March of the Machine". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. ↑ a b [MOM] From a Wizards email - Battle cards to be in every pack and double faced. Reddit (February 21, 2023).
  15. ↑ Jay Annelli. (2022.) Magic: The Gathering - The Visual Guide, KB
  16. ↑ WPN (February 20, 2023). "First Look for Retailers: March of the Machine". Wizards Play Network.
  17. ↑ WPN (March 30, 2023). "March of the Machine Events & Promos Overview". Wizards Play Network.
  18. ↑ a b c New Set Debut - March of the Machine - Card Previews, Battle Card Type, New Mechanics (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (March 30, 2023).
  19. ↑ a b c d e Mark Rosewater (March 29, 2023). "March of the Machine Learning, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  20. ↑ a b Mark Rosewater (Apr 3, 2023). "March of the Machine Learning, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

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