How Many Mythic Rares Are in a Magic: The Gathering Set?
The core question many Magic: The Gathering (MTG) players have is, “How many mythic rares are in a set?” The answer is generally between 10 to 15 mythic rare cards per Standard set. This number isn’t always exact, but it’s the common range you’ll find in most modern sets, especially those designed for Standard play. These cards often feature powerful, game-changing abilities and are designed to be highly sought after, making them exciting to pull from booster packs. The introduction of the mythic rarity was a strategic decision to make specific cards even more exclusive and drive sales, which remains its primary function today.
Mythic Rarity: More Than Just Powerful Cards
The mythic rare rarity was introduced with the Shards of Alara block to create a tier of cards that were considered too potent, unique, or crucial to keep at the standard rare level. Unlike rare cards, which are also considered relatively scarce, mythic rares are intentionally printed at a lower frequency, making them harder to obtain. The idea was to ensure that some cards would feel truly special when opened in a booster pack.
Characteristics of Mythic Rares
Mythic rares are not just about being difficult to acquire; they often have several distinct features:
- Powerful Abilities: Many mythic rares boast game-altering abilities that can quickly swing the tide of a match. Cards like Hellkite Overlord and Godsire, mentioned in some older articles, are examples of cards that can dominate the battlefield.
- Niche Mechanics: Some mythic rares have abilities that are very specific and cater to a particular playstyle or strategy. While this can make them powerful in the right deck, it can also make them seem less appealing in others.
- Exclusivity: The relative rarity of mythic cards creates a sense of excitement when players open them, thus driving both collector value and market demand.
Mythic Rare Impact on Gameplay
The impact of mythic rares extends beyond their raw power. They influence deck construction, meta-game strategies, and even the way players approach buying and trading. Finding a mythic rare in a pack is a thrilling experience for most players. However, it’s also worth noting that not every mythic rare is game-breaking or even highly playable; some are indeed “niche” cards that have little to no competitive value. The main draw is the excitement of obtaining one of the scarcest cards in a set.
The Rarity Hierarchy in Magic
To fully understand the place of mythic rares, it’s important to understand the broader rarity system in Magic: The Gathering:
- Common: The most frequently printed cards, usually forming the bulk of a player’s deck.
- Uncommon: More scarce than commons but still widely available. Often includes key utility cards for a variety of decks.
- Rare: Considerably harder to obtain than common or uncommon cards. Rares usually have powerful abilities or unique effects.
- Mythic Rare: The rarest non-promotional cards. Mythic rares typically have a significant impact on the game and are highly sought after.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mythic Rares
Below are 15 frequently asked questions that will provide further information about mythic rares in MTG:
1. How many mythics are typically in a Standard MTG set?
As mentioned, a typical Standard set will contain between 10 and 15 mythic rares. This number might vary slightly from set to set, but it’s a consistent standard.
2. How many mythics are in a set booster box?
A set booster box generally contains about **5-6 mythic rares**, due to the pull rate being roughly 1 in 7.4 packs. However, this is an average, and actual numbers can vary. You might get slightly fewer or more than that.
3. How many mythics are in a draft booster box?
A draft booster box contains approximately 5 mythic rares on average, given the standard 1/8 chance per pack before Zendikar Rising (now 1/7.4). The number can still fluctuate, but five is a reasonable expectation.
4. What are the odds of pulling a mythic rare from a set booster?
The odds of pulling a mythic rare from a set booster pack are about 1 in 7.4 packs. This means that for every 7.4 packs opened, you can expect, on average, to find one mythic rare. This ratio has changed from 1/8, with Zendikar Rising.
5. How many rares and mythics are in a set booster box?
A set booster box will contain at least 30 rares/mythics, but usually closer to 40. Given the ratio, this often works out to be around 32-33 rares and 5-6 mythics.
6. How many rares are typically in a standard MTG set?
Standard MTG sets usually contain about **53 "normal" rares** along with the 15 "normal" mythics. This is due to the sheet layout that contains two of each rare and one of each mythic.
7. How do mythic rares affect the price of cards?
Mythic rares, especially those that are powerful and see play in popular decks, often command higher prices on the secondary market. The combination of low print frequency and high demand leads to increased value.
8. When were mythic rares first introduced into MTG?
Mythic rares were first introduced with the Shards of Alara block in 2008. This expansion introduced the new level of rarity to the game.
9. Are mythic rares always more powerful than rares?
While many mythic rares have a higher power level, not all are strictly better than all rares. Some mythics are designed to be more niche, whereas some rares can see more consistent play. The difference is mostly about scarcity.
10. What does the color purple mean in MTG in terms of rarity?
The color purple in MTG usually indicates timeshifted cards, which were used in the Time Spiral and Time Spiral Remastered sets. These cards had a different rarity designation compared to normal cards.
11. Can you have more than one Mythic item in some formats of MTG?
In some MTG related games (like the PUBG Mobile reference in your source) **only one Mythic item** is allowed, to ensure a player isn't too powered. This is generally not a rule within Magic The Gathering.
12. Why were mythic rares invented?
Mythic rares were invented for two main reasons: to add **exclusivity** to certain powerful cards and to **drive sales** of booster packs by making some cards more difficult to obtain.
13. What is the largest Magic: The Gathering set?
The largest Magic: The Gathering set is **Fifth Edition**, a core set that was released in March 1997. It has 449 white-bordered cards. This set is an anomaly and not the norm for typical expansions.
14. Is the term “Legendary” the same as “Mythic Rare?”
**No**, "Legendary" is not a rarity designation but instead a card supertype, representing powerful and unique characters or artifacts. The **rarity** will be either common, uncommon, rare, or mythic rare.
15. Are all mythic rares equally expensive?
**No**, the price of a mythic rare depends on its playability, demand, and popularity. Some mythics are highly valuable because of their competitive use, while others may be relatively inexpensive due to their niche or less effective abilities.
By understanding the number of mythic rares in a set, their rarity, and their impact on the game, MTG players can make more informed decisions about collecting, trading, and deck building. This information helps to enhance the overall enjoyment of Magic: The Gathering.