Intro Pack
From the Shards of Alara set onwards, preconstructed theme decks connected to expansions were referred to as intro packs, to better reflect the nature of these products, as they introduce newer players to Magic: The Gathering and older ones to new expansions, with their novel mechanics.[1][2]
Description
Intro Packs decks were made from a card pool composed of the most recent core set and the cards from the then current block. The Intro decks follow a number of design rules.[3][4]
History
When they were introduced for expansions in 2008, intro packs consisted of 41 cards featuring a foil rare, a booster pack, a strategy insert for the deck, and a Magic "learn to play" guide.
Core sets
Theme decks from core sets were only made with cards from that core set, while theme decks from expansion sets have cards from that set's block.
From the Magic 2010 onwards, theme decks connected to core sets were referred to as intro packs, as well. Magic 2010 also contained the first dual-colored core set theme decks. The core set intro packs now had the same content as expansion intro packs (a ready-to-play 41-card deck featuring a foil rare, a sealed 15-card booster pack, a strategy insert, and a "learn to play" guide).
Adjustment of size
With Magic 2011 and Scars of Mirrodin in 2010, the size of 41 cards in the intro packs was changed to 60 cards - similar to the old theme decks - but still included the booster pack. The card pool was still restricted to the current block.
Extra boosters
With Magic 2013 in 2012, the intro packs increased to contain two booster packs.
Alternate art face cards
As of Khans of Tarkir in 2014, the face cards in intro packs were not just premium rare cards, but alternate art premium rare cards that couldn't be found in booster packs.[5]
Change to Planeswalker decks
As announced in 2014, intro packs, fat packs, and Deck Builder's Toolkits would be refigured to accommodate starter level players after the introduction of the Two-Block Paradigm.[6] It turned out that, starting with Kaladesh in 2016, intro packs were replaced by Planeswalker Decks.[7]
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 2, 2008). "The Year of Living Changerously". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (June 2, 2008). "Changes as of Shards of Alara". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-10-26.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (January 12, 2011). "Design Challenge #5: "Introductions Please"". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2019-09-10.
- ↑ Tom LaPille (February 18, 2011). "Making Introductions". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2021-04-29.
- ↑ Dan Barrett (August 15, 2014). "Revealed at Gamescom". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2021-04-18.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (November 7, 2014). "PAX Australia Magic Panel". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2021-04-29.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (May 16, 2016). "Ramp of Approval". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.