Is Dominaria Remastered a Premium Set? A Deep Dive
Yes, Dominaria Remastered is undeniably a premium set, designed to offer a higher perceived value and desirability compared to standard Magic: The Gathering releases. This is achieved through a combination of factors, including the presence of highly sought-after reprints, multiple premium treatments, and a pricing structure that reflects this elevated status. The set isn’t just a collection of cards; it’s a curated experience aimed at both nostalgia and collectability. It successfully blends accessibility for players wanting key cards with premium options for those seeking high-end versions. However, this doesn’t mean it’s without its nuances, and understanding the full picture requires a closer look. Let’s break down what makes Dominaria Remastered a premium offering, and where it fits into the broader Magic landscape.
Why Dominaria Remastered Feels Premium
Reprints of Power:
The core of Dominaria Remastered’s appeal lies in its reprints. The set pulls from 27 different sets spanning Magic’s history, all based on the plane of Dominaria. This means many cards that were previously difficult or expensive to acquire are suddenly available again, albeit in a remastered form. We’re not talking about just any reprints either; cards like Force of Will, Vampiric Tutor, and Sylvan Library, which command considerable value and utility, anchor the set’s premium status. These are cards that directly impact the game and many competitive formats, making the allure strong. The inclusion of multiple different tutors, Urza cards, and cards like Yawgmoth also make it a highly sought-after set for commander players.
Multiple Premium Versions:
Beyond the standard versions of the cards, Dominaria Remastered introduces retro frame and borderless treatments. These alternate art styles drastically change the aesthetic of the cards, creating highly collectible and desirable items. The retro frame versions are designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, mimicking the look of older Magic sets, while the borderless cards offer a more modern aesthetic and often feature extended art. This two-pronged approach ensures that there are premium options to satisfy a variety of collectors and players. Additionally, foil versions of these cards further increase the premium status of these cards.
Collector Boosters:
Unlike some remastered sets, Dominaria Remastered includes Collector Boosters, in addition to the standard Draft Boosters. These Collector Boosters are explicitly designed for high-end collectors, containing a high density of premium versions of the cards. This higher concentration of foils, borderless and retro-frame treatments, and multiple rares per pack drives the demand for these premium products. Specifically, collector boosters will include 11 foil cards in every pack and between 2 and 6 Retro-Frame cards, as well as between 1-5 borderless cards. These boosters also guarantee at least 4 cards of a rare rarity or higher.
Higher Perceived Value:
The combination of potent reprints, premium treatments, and the presence of high-value cards creates a higher perceived value for the set. This justifies, for many, the higher price point associated with Dominaria Remastered products. It caters to a collector-focused market, where opening a rare version of a powerful card can be a thrilling experience in itself. The chase of these premium cards, along with their monetary value, greatly impacts the premium label associated with Dominaria Remastered.
Limited Nature:
The set’s nature as a reprint set, pulling from a large library of cards, also contributes to its status as a premium experience. It is a curated selection of cards designed to celebrate the history of Dominaria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Dominaria Remastered a Limited set?
Yes, Dominaria Remastered is legal for sanctioned Limited play since its official release date, January 13, 2023. This means you can draft and play sealed formats with the cards in the set.
2. What is the difference between Dominaria United and Dominaria Remastered?
Dominaria United is a new standard set featuring primarily new cards, while Dominaria Remastered is a reprint set containing cards from 27 past sets that were set on Dominaria. One is a set of entirely new cards that can be played in standard, pioneer and modern, while the other is a collection of reprints designed to be a powerful throwback.
3. Does Dominaria Remastered have set boosters?
No, Dominaria Remastered does not have Set Boosters. It only comes in Draft Boosters and Collector Boosters.
4. What’s in a Dominaria Remastered Draft Booster?
A Dominaria Remastered Draft Booster contains 15 cards plus a token/ad card. This includes 1 card of rare or higher rarity, 2-4 uncommons, 9-11 commons, and 1 retro land card. A single draft booster contains one of the retro land cards, making them a unique and premium experience to open.
5. Is Dominaria Remastered worth buying?
Many players find Dominaria Remastered worth buying, especially if you’re looking for powerful reprints and are a fan of the plane Dominaria. The set offers a good combination of powerful cards and the thrill of opening premium versions, making it appealing to both collectors and players.
6. What are the most expensive cards in Dominaria Remastered?
The most expensive cards in Dominaria Remastered often include Force of Will (in various treatments) and Vampiric Tutor (in various treatments), Sylvan Library (in various treatments), and other chase rare and mythic rare cards. There are multiple versions of these cards available.
7. How many sets are included in Dominaria Remastered?
Dominaria Remastered pulls cards from 27 different sets throughout Magic’s history, all linked to the plane of Dominaria.
8. How many rares and mythics are in Dominaria Remastered?
There are 150 retro frame cards in Dominaria Remastered, including 24 commons, 36 uncommons, 60 rares, and 20 mythic rares, along with 10 basic lands.
9. Are there Planeswalkers in Dominaria Remastered?
While Dominaria Remastered isn’t a set built around a linear storyline, it does include cards featuring key characters, events, and planeswalkers that are important to the plane’s history. These are generally cards that were printed from older sets which feature well-known and powerful planeswalkers.
10. Is Dominaria United legal in standard?
Yes, Dominaria United cards are legal in Standard, Pioneer, Modern, and other formats.
11. Is Dominaria Remastered all reprints?
Yes, Dominaria Remastered is entirely comprised of reprints, featuring cards from previous Magic sets with a focus on the plane of Dominaria. This differs from normal sets which are usually completely or primarily new cards.
12. How many rares are in a Dominaria Remastered Collector Booster?
A Dominaria Remastered Collector Booster contains at least 4 cards of rare or higher rarity.
13. How many boosters are in a Dominaria Remastered Draft Booster Box?
A Dominaria Remastered Draft Booster Box contains 36 Draft Booster Packs.
14. What’s in a Dominaria Remastered Collector Booster?
A Dominaria Remastered Collector Booster contains 15 Magic cards and 1 Traditional Foil token, featuring 11 foil cards, 2–6 Retro-Frame cards, 1–5 Borderless cards, and 4 cards of rare or higher rarity. They are designed for collectors who are looking for the very best possible versions of the cards.
15. Is Vampiric Tutor in Dominaria Remastered?
Yes, Vampiric Tutor is included in Dominaria Remastered, with both the standard version, and multiple premium versions such as borderless and retro frame variations available.
Conclusion
Dominaria Remastered unequivocally earns its label as a premium set. Its carefully curated selection of powerful reprints, coupled with the allure of premium treatments and the presence of Collector Boosters, creates a compelling offering for both collectors and players. While the price point reflects this premium status, many find the potential to acquire sought-after cards and chase rare variations worth the investment. Whether you’re aiming to power up your decks or collect visually stunning versions of iconic cards, Dominaria Remastered offers a rich and rewarding experience within the Magic: The Gathering universe.