How Many Mythic Rares Are in Each MTG Set?
The question of how many mythic rares appear in a Magic: The Gathering (MTG) set is a common one, especially amongst newer players and those returning to the game after a hiatus. The short answer is: it varies, but a typical large set contains 15 mythic rares, while smaller sets generally feature 10 mythic rares. However, as with all things MTG, there are nuances and exceptions to this rule. Let’s dive into a more detailed look at mythic rare distribution within MTG sets.
Mythic Rares: A Core Component of Modern Sets
Mythic rares were introduced to Magic: The Gathering to create a higher tier of rarity above the already established rare cards. They’re designed to be more impactful, featuring powerful and unique abilities, often associated with iconic characters and story beats. This rarity tier was first introduced in the Shards of Alara block, significantly changing the landscape of the game and card collectability.
The Standard Distribution Model
Since the introduction of mythic rares, a relatively consistent distribution model has emerged, at least for standard sets:
- Large Sets: These are typically released in the fall, contain around 249 cards, and boast 15 mythic rares. This is the most common number of mythic rares you’ll find in a modern MTG set. Alongside these mythics, large sets will also have 101 commons, 60 uncommons, and 53 rares.
- Small Sets: Smaller sets (often released in the winter, spring, or summer) often have fewer cards and generally feature 10 mythic rares. While the number of overall cards will vary, the number of mythics generally remains lower than in large sets.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the above model is the standard, MTG is known for its creative deviations:
- The Brothers’ War: This set was a notable exception with 23 mythic rares, including three double-faced meld cards on the mythic tier. This shows that Wizards of the Coast are willing to experiment with these numbers.
- Dominaria United: This set is another example which bucked the general trend, containing 20 mythic rares, demonstrating that set size isn’t the only deciding factor.
- Non-Standard Sets: Sets that are not intended for standard play often have their own unique distribution models. These might include Commander precons, special sets, and supplemental products, which may not adhere to the normal 10-15 mythic rare standard.
Print Sheet Considerations
The print sheet plays a key role in the distribution of mythic rares. The general rule is:
- One copy of each mythic rare on the print sheet
- Two copies of each rare on the print sheet
- This leads to a typical print sheet with 121 slots which are used to print the rare and mythic cards.
This print sheet structure directly influences your odds of opening a specific rare or mythic rare.
The Significance of Mythic Rarity
Mythic rares often hold more value due to their limited availability and powerful effects. This scarcity is intentional, making them highly sought after by players and collectors alike. Whether you’re chasing a specific planeswalker or looking for a game-changing creature, mythic rares are designed to be impactful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about mythic rares that should help clarify the topic further:
1. How many mythic rares are printed for each set?
Estimates suggest that approximately 1.3 million copies of each mythic rare are printed in a mass-produced standard set that sells well. This is, of course, just an estimate and can change based on the set’s popularity and production numbers.
2. Are all planeswalkers mythic rares?
No, not all Planeswalkers are mythic rares. Some planeswalkers, especially in more recent sets, are printed at the rare rarity. While many iconic planeswalkers debut as mythic rares, there have been various instances where this has been broken, including some uncompleated planeswalkers being printed as rares.
3. How many mythics are in a set booster box?
A set booster box typically contains a mix of rares and mythic rares, generally yielding 30 to 40 rares and mythics combined. At a rate of approximately 1 mythic per 7.4 rares, this translates to about 5 to 6 mythics within the typical box.
4. How many rares are in a pack?
A typical booster pack contains one rare or mythic rare. The pack contains fifteen different cards in total, with the majority being commons and uncommons.
5. Can you have more than one mythic card on the battlefield?
Yes. While the term “mythic item” in the article is referencing a non-MTG game, you can have any amount of mythic cards on the battlefield, provided they do not violate any other game rules.
6. What are the odds of pulling a specific mythic rare?
The odds of pulling a specific mythic rare from a booster pack are about 0.83%, or 1 in 121, as there is only one copy of each mythic rare on the print sheet.
7. Are mythic rare packs worth buying?
Mythic packs are generally considered not worth it unless you’re only a few mythic cards short of completing a set. The value proposition is rarely worth the cost compared to just opening regular packs or purchasing the cards individually.
8. What makes a card a mythic rare?
Mythic rare cards generally possess a combination of powerful effects, unique abilities, and a strong connection to the lore and theme of the set. They are intended to be the most impactful cards in a set.
9. How many mythic rares are in a collector booster box?
On average, a collector booster will contain around 4 rares or mythic rares with a mix of commons and uncommons in foil or alternative art. As such, there is no hard and fast number of guaranteed mythics in a collector booster box.
10. Are mythic MTG cards worth anything?
The rarity of a card is a key factor in its value, and mythic rares are among the most valuable due to their relative scarcity and generally powerful abilities. However, not all mythic rares are created equal, and the desirability and usability of the card also plays a big part in its value.
11. What is a bulk rare?
A bulk rare is a card with very little value, essentially the minimum market price. Bulk rares often sell for a few cents, usually under 10c.
12. What are the odds of getting a foil mythic rare?
The odds of getting a foil mythic rare vary depending on the product. In some collector boosters, the odds of a specific foil mythic may be around 1 in 242, or as low as 1 in 120 for a specific foil borderless rare.
13. How many Starlight Rares are in a set?
There are typically five Starlight Rares in a set, with a pull rate of approximately one Starlight Rare for every two cases of booster boxes you open, making them incredibly rare. However, it should be noted that Starlight Rares are a Yu-Gi-Oh rarity and have nothing to do with MTG.
14. Are some mythic rares too “niche”?
Yes, some mythic rares have abilities that are considered too expensive or too “niche” to be widely playable. The power level of mythic rares is not completely consistent across sets, and some are certainly much more valuable and useful than others.
15. Are mythic rares always game-winning?
While many mythic rares are powerful, they are not always game-winning on their own. Their abilities are designed to be impactful, but their effectiveness often depends on the specific context of the game and the deck they are in.
Understanding how mythic rares are distributed and their significance is important for both casual players and collectors. By understanding the print runs and rarity, you will have a much better understanding of the odds when buying packs and the overall value of the cards. Mythic rares are definitely an integral and exciting part of the Magic: The Gathering experience.