Magic the Gathering Set Symbols in Chronological Order
Magic: The Gathering, a popular collectible card game, has a vast array of sets spanning decades. This section will highlight the set symbols in chronological order from the inception of the game up to the most recent releases. Below is the timeline printable chronological order mtg set symbols:
Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, Arabian Nights, Antiquities, Revised, Legends, The Dark, Fallen Empires, Fourth Edition, Ice Age, Chronicles, Homelands, Alliances, Mirage, Visions, Weatherlight, Portal, Fifth Edition, Tempest, Stronghold, Exodus, Portal Second Age, Urza’s Saga, Urza’s Legacy, Urza’s Destiny, Sixth Edition, Portal Three Kingdoms, Starter 1999, Mercadian Masques, Nemesis, Prophecy, Invasion, Planeshift, Apocalypse, Seventh Edition, Odyssey, Torment, Judgment, Onslaught, Legions, Scourge, Eighth Edition, Mirrodin, Darksteel, Fifth Dawn, Champions of Kamigawa, Betrayers of Kamigawa, Saviors of Kamigawa, Ninth Edition, Ravnica: City of Guilds, Guildpact, Dissension, Coldsnap, Time Spiral, Planar Chaos, Future Sight, Tenth Edition, Lorwyn, Morningtide, Shadowmoor, Eventide, Shards of Alara, Conflux, Alara Reborn, Magic 2010, Zendikar, Worldwake, Rise of the Eldrazi, Magic 2011, Scars of Mirrodin, Mirrodin Besieged, New Phyrexia, Magic 2012, Innistrad, Dark Ascension, Avacyn Restored, Magic 2013, Return to Ravnica, Gatecrash, Dragon’s Maze, Magic 2014, Theros, Born of the Gods, Journey into Nyx, Magic 2015, Khans of Tarkir, Fate Reforged, Dragons of Tarkir, Magic Origins, Battle for Zendikar, Oath of the Gatewatch, Shadows over Innistrad, Eldritch Moon, Kaladesh, Aether Revolt, Amonkhet, Hour of Devastation, Ixalan, Rivals of Ixalan, Dominaria, Core Set 2019, Guilds of Ravnica, Ravnica Allegiance, War of the Spark, Core Set 2020, Throne of Eldraine, Theros Beyond Death, Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, Core Set 2021, Zendikar Rising, Kaldheim, Strixhaven: School of Mages, Adventures in the Forgotten Realms.
Early Magic Sets (Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, Arabian Nights, Antiquities)
Alpha, the first printing of Magic cards, featured a black border with iconic symbols. Beta followed Alpha with many corrections and improvements in the card text and rules. Unlimited was released to meet the high demand for Magic cards. Arabian Nights introduced unique mechanics and flavorful cards based on Middle Eastern folklore. Antiquities delved into the lore of the game, featuring artifacts as a central theme.
Transition and Expansion (Revised, Legends, The Dark, Fallen Empires)
Revised (also known as Third Edition) streamlined rules while maintaining key cards from earlier sets. Legends introduced legendary creatures and powerful abilities that shaped the game. The Dark explored darker themes and introduced new card mechanics. Fallen Empires featured a tribal theme with factions vying for dominance.
Evolution and Refinement (Fourth Edition, Ice Age, Chronicles, Homelands)
Fourth Edition marked a significant overhaul of core sets with revised game rules and mechanics. Ice Age brought a frozen world theme and introduced new mechanics like snowcovered lands. Chronicles reprinted cards from earlier sets, making them more accessible to new players. Homelands was criticized for its weaker card pool but contributed to the game’s evolving storyline.
Expansion and Innovation (Alliances, Mirage, Visions, Weatherlight)
Alliances continued the Ice Age storyline and focused on alliances between different factions. Mirage introduced players to a rich world inspired by African and Middle Eastern cultures. Visions expanded on the Mirage storyline and introduced new mechanics like flanking. Weatherlight featured the ship of the same name and set the stage for a longrunning storyline in Magic.
Engaging Stories and Rich Lore (Portal, Fifth Edition, Tempest, Stronghold, Exodus)
Portal was designed as an introductory set for new players, featuring simpler mechanics and cards. Fifth Edition included key reprints and was aimed at refining the core Magic experience. Tempest introduced the Weatherlight crew and focused on a storyline involving powerful artifacts. Stronghold showcased the conflict between the crew of the Weatherlight and the evil Volrath. Exodus concluded the Weatherlight Saga with epic battles and pivotal plot twists.
Diving Deeper into Magic’s History (Portal Second Age, Urza’s Saga, Urza’s Legacy, Urza’s Destiny)
Portal Second Age was a standalone set focusing on introducing players to Magic’s world and rules. Urza’s Saga kicked off the Urza block, exploring the origins of powerful Planeswalker Urza. Urza’s Legacy delved into Urza’s legacy and his conflict with his brother, Mishra. Urza’s Destiny concluded the Urza block, revealing the fate of Urza and the repercussions of his actions.
Classic Core Sets and New Frontiers (Sixth Edition, Portal Three Kingdoms, Starter 1999, Mercadian Masques, Nemesis)
Sixth Edition continued the tradition of core sets, providing essential cards for players. Portal Three Kingdoms was based on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and had a unique cultural theme. Starter 1999 was designed as an entry point for new players, featuring beginnerfriendly cards. Mercadian Masques introduced the Mercadia plane and focused on mechanics like spellshapers. Nemesis continued the Mercadia storyline, showcasing the conflict between rebels and rulers.
Tales of Prophecy and Invasion (Prophecy, Invasion, Planeshift, Apocalypse)
Prophecy foretold the events of the Invasion storyline and introduced new mechanics like cumulative upkeep. Invasion marked a pivotal moment in Magic’s history with an invasion of Dominaria by the Phyrexians. Planeshift explored the aftermath of the invasion and showcased different planes merging. Apocalypse concluded the Invasion block, depicting a world in chaos and the struggle for survival.
Core Sets Reimagined (Seventh Edition, Eighth Edition, Ninth Edition, Tenth Edition)
Seventh Edition aimed to streamline the core set experience and make the game more accessible to new players. Eighth Edition further refined the core set with updated rules and card designs. Ninth Edition continued the tradition of core sets, featuring classic cards and essential reprints. Tenth Edition celebrated the game’s tenth anniversary with iconic reprints and fanfavorite cards.
