Planeswalker symbol

From MTG Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Planeswalker symbol

The handprint-like planeswalker symbol Planeswalker symbol symbolizes planeswalkers and their ability to traverse the planes of the Multiverse.[1][2]

Description

The planeswalker symbol is, for example, used to represent the planeswalk mechanic in the Planechase format, as part of the Masters 25 expansion symbol, and hidden in card art (e.g., Barren Glory and Omniscience). It seems to refer to the different paths or planes that a planeswalker can choose to walk. Specifically: five choices, as in the five colors of Magic. On the other hand, Mark Rosewater has said that it also has a “five becoming one” aspect, to match Magic's ethos of the colors working together.[3][4] The latter could also mean there is a connection to the Lorwyn Five or the Gatewatch.

History

There used to be a symbol designed for planeswalkers in Future Sight, but it was not used when the introduction of planeswalkers was moved to Lorwyn. This was different from the current planeswalker symbol.[5]

Beginning with Guilds of Ravnica, most sets were marketed with key art featuring the planeswalker symbol. Sometime later, Wizards of the Coast began creating variants of the planeswalker symbol for each set.

The symbol appeared in the art of the Mystery Booster 2 test card Plain Walker.

Desparked symbol

Fractured symbol

After the Desparkening, multiple former planeswalkers received new cards as Legendary Creatures in March of the Machine: The Aftermath. Each featured a cracked planeswalker symbol watermark. Desparked former planeswalkers' first appearance as legendary creatures in later sets would feature the same watermark.[6] Several characters also featured it on their second card after the Desparkening, but this was in a period where there wasn’t a set policy yet. The current plan is that only the first creature card of a desparked planeswalker gets the symbol.[7][8]

Rules

From the Comprehensive Rules (July 25, 2025—Edge of Eternities)

  • 107.11. The Planeswalker symbol is {PW}. It appears on one face of the planar die used in the Planechase casual variant. It has five tines at the top and tapers to a point at the bottom. See rule 901, “Planechase.”

Gallery

Key art

Set-specific variations

Other uses

References