Delving into Eldraine: The Planeswalker Count Revealed
Wilds of Eldraine features only one Planeswalker card: Ashiok, Wicked Manipulator. This aligns with the current design direction of Magic: The Gathering sets, where a single Planeswalker card is typically included to maintain balance and narrative focus.
The Planeswalker Landscape of Wilds of Eldraine and Beyond
The decision to limit the number of Planeswalkers in each set is a conscious one, according to head designer Mark Rosewater. It allows for a more concentrated story arc around that specific character, while also preventing Planeswalker saturation, which can lead to deck-building imbalances. This change gives players a unique Planeswalker in each set to look forward to!
While Wilds of Eldraine itself focuses on Ashiok, the broader world of Magic: The Gathering is rich with Planeswalkers. As of the Doctor Who set, there are a staggering 302 Planeswalker cards in total, representing 84 different Planeswalker characters. This vast roster spans across numerous sets and expansions, each contributing their own unique abilities and lore. However, not all sets embrace Planeswalker cards equally. For example, War of the Spark stands out as a landmark set, featuring an impressive 36 Planeswalker cards. This set was designed around a large-scale conflict involving numerous Planeswalkers, justifying the high number of cards of this type.
The impact of Planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering is undeniable. They act as powerful allies, formidable opponents, and crucial elements of the overarching narrative. Whether it’s the mind-bending abilities of Jace, the Mind Sculptor, the destructive potential of Nicol Bolas, or the strategic complexity of Teferi, Hero of Dominaria, Planeswalkers add a layer of depth that keeps players engaged. The ongoing exploration of these characters and their interactions is a vital component of what makes Magic: The Gathering such a compelling game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Planeswalkers
1. How many total Planeswalker cards exist in Magic: The Gathering?
As of the Doctor Who set, there are 302 Planeswalker cards in total. This includes regular cards, acorn cards, digital-only cards, and Heroes of the Realm cards.
2. Which Magic: The Gathering set has the most Planeswalker cards?
The War of the Spark set boasts the highest number of Planeswalker cards, featuring a whopping 36.
3. What is the general intent regarding Planeswalker inclusion in new sets?
The general intent is to include only one Planeswalker card per set.
4. Who is the Planeswalker featured in Wilds of Eldraine?
Ashiok, Wicked Manipulator is the single Planeswalker card in the Wilds of Eldraine set.
5. What are “Role” cards introduced in Wilds of Eldraine?
Wilds of Eldraine introduces the Role aura enchantment type, adding a new dimension to enchantment-based strategies.
6. Can I have more than four Planeswalkers in my deck?
You can have up to four copies of any Planeswalker card in your deck, provided they are legal for the format you’re playing. Two cards are only considered the same if they have identical names.
7. Does Deathtouch affect Planeswalkers?
Deathtouch does not directly affect Planeswalkers because it only applies to creatures. You need a specific ability that targets Planeswalkers to damage them with a deathtouch source.
8. Who were the first Planeswalkers introduced in Magic: The Gathering?
The first five Planeswalkers to be printed are known as the Lorwyn Five: Ajani, Jace, Liliana, Chandra, and Garruk.
9. Have any Planeswalkers lost their spark?
Yes, several Planeswalkers have lost their spark. These include: Calix, Kiora, Koth, Narset, Nissa, Ob Nixilis, Rowan Kenrith, and Samut.
10. Who is considered the most powerful Planeswalker in MTG lore?
While opinions vary, Jace, the Mind Sculptor and Oko, Thief of Crowns are often cited as the most powerful Planeswalkers. Jace is consistently powerful in various formats, while Oko was notoriously overpowered upon release.
11. Is Wilds of Eldraine a good set?
Yes, Wilds of Eldraine is generally considered a good set due to its strong card designs, engaging mechanics, and appealing setting. The shift in the number of Planeswalkers doesn’t detract from the set’s quality.
12. Is Wilds of Eldraine legal in Standard?
Yes, Wilds of Eldraine is legal in Standard format, marking a significant release for the format since earlier micro-sets.
13. What is the “legendary planeswalker rule”?
The “legendary planeswalker rule” dictates that if a player controls more than one legendary Planeswalker with the same name, that player must choose one and put the others into their owner’s graveyard.
14. Can you reuse a Planeswalker’s ability in the same turn if you flicker it?
Yes, you can flicker a Planeswalker after using its ability and activate another ability in the same turn because flickering resets the Planeswalker as a new permanent.
15. Are there any resources to learn more about games for learning?
Yes, you can visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore how games can be used for education and learning. The Games Learning Society provides valuable insights and research in the field of game-based learning.