Summary
Magic: The Gatheringhas been around for over 30 years, and it has naturally built up a series of traditions that define elements of its gameplay or of what fans can expect in general. For example, with recent issues due to text space onLegendary creature cards inMTG, Wizards of the Coast may have to change the iconic “Legendary” supertype to save some space, though nothing is confirmed for the time being. This is just one of the game’s traditions, and while it has been there for around 20 years, fans may have to adjust in the future. One tradition that WotC confirmed is about to break is all about the release cycle of Standard sets, though this change will affect two massively popular releases.
More recent sets inMagic: The Gatheringhave been experimenting with new themes, planes, and gameplay mechanics, with good examples being Wilds of Eldraine, Outlaws of Thunder Junction, Bloomburrow, and Duskmourn. Not all the sets from the past year or two have been received equally by the public, with some of them being more popular in terms of sales or as a setting forMagicMultiverse stories. Bloomburrow and Duskmourn are examples of both these qualities, butMTGStandard players will have to say goodbye to them sooner than anticipated.
Magic: The Gathering is About Break a Longstanding Tradition With Standard
MTG’s Standard Cycle is Leaving Bloomburrow and Duskmourn Out Sooner Than Anticipated
Magic: The Gathering’s Standard cycleis undergoing a massive change in the near future, with 2027 making the shift from fall year to calendar year in order to determine which sets are legal for the next three years. Any Standard-legal set released in the fall is the cornerstone for determining which previous sets are still legal for the next one to three years, and which rotate out of Standard. As such, moving to a calendar year release cycle makes the first Standard-legal set of the year the one that determines the current rotation.
What follows is that Bloomburrow and Duskmourn, which would have been legal until the fall of 2027 with the current schedule, may leave Standard as soon as January or February 2027 - around 8 or 9 months before their time.Magic: The Gathering’s schedulefor the next few years looks as follows, skipping a Standard cycle change in fall 2026:
Duskmourn: House Of Horror
Q1 2027
Unless plans change, the fall 2025 MTG set will likely be Edge of Eternities on August 1.
Why 2027 Will Be a Bittersweet Year For Magic: The Gathering
As it stands, some sets will stay longer in Standard, like everything between Wilds of Eldraine and Outlaws of Thunder Junction since they would have normally rotated out in fall 2026. On the other hand,MTG’s Bloomburrowand Duskmourn are getting the short end of the stick and will be removed from Standard in Q1 of 2027.
Given that both sets were received well, it’s a pity to see them go from Standard sooner. At the same time, these sets introduced a problematic combo to Standard with Leyline of Resonance (Duskmourn), Heartfire Hero (Bloomburrow), Turn Inside Out (Duskmourn), and Callous Sell-Sword/Burn Together (Wilds of Eldraine) that nets a turn-2 kill. Both Bloomburrow and Duskmourn are quite unique sets in their own rights, and this is not necessarily a permanent goodbye in Standard, as WotC may revisit these planes further down the line like it’s doing with Tarkir Dragonstorms in 2025. However, since they’re leaving sooner than anticipated, 2027 may be abittersweet year forMTGfans.
Magic The Gathering
Magic the Gathering is a tabletop and digital collectable card game created by Richard Garfield and released in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast. Players take on the role of a Planeswalker and use various cards to battle other players by casting spells, summoning creatures, or utilizing artifacts. It features two main rule categories, constructed or limited, and can be played by two or more players at a time.
