Is 40K Coming to MTG? A Deep Dive into Universes Beyond
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, Warhammer 40,000 (40K) has already arrived in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) via the Universes Beyond series. Released on October 7, 2022, this collaboration brought the grim darkness of the far future to the world’s most popular trading card game, offering a unique blend of strategic gameplay and rich lore. The initial release included four Commander decks, each representing a distinct faction from the Warhammer 40K universe: The Imperium of Man, The Forces of Chaos, The Necron Dynasties, and The Tyranid Swarm. These decks are not just reskins of existing MTG cards, but contain entirely new cards with mechanics and flavor tailored to the 40K universe.
Warhammer 40K Meets Magic: The Gathering
The Universes Beyond initiative by Wizards of the Coast seeks to integrate popular intellectual properties into the MTG ecosystem, allowing players to experience their favorite universes through the lens of Magic gameplay. The Warhammer 40K collaboration is a prime example of this, injecting the dark, gothic, and war-torn setting of 40K into the strategic depth of MTG.
The 40K cards introduce new commanders, powerful creatures, and unique strategies reflecting the specific playstyle of each faction. From the relentless hordes of the Tyranids to the technological prowess of the Necrons, each deck offers a distinct experience for both MTG veterans and 40K enthusiasts.
While these cards have already been released, the question now becomes: Will there be more Warhammer 40K content coming to MTG in the future? While Wizards of the Coast has not made definitive announcements about future 40K releases, the success of the initial collaboration strongly suggests that the possibility remains open. The Warhammer 40K universe is vast and offers a plethora of characters, factions, and storylines that could be adapted into future MTG sets.
Accessibility and Legality
Understanding where and how these cards can be played is essential for anyone interested in incorporating them into their MTG experience. The Warhammer 40K Commander decks are primarily designed for the Commander format, a multiplayer format focused on unique legendary creatures as commanders. However, their legality extends beyond just Commander.
These cards are also legal in the Vintage and Legacy formats, allowing players to utilize them in the broadest, most unrestricted environments that MTG offers. This is excellent news for collectors and players who enjoy the variety and power of these formats. However, it’s crucial to note that the Warhammer 40K cards are not legal in the Standard, Pioneer, or Modern formats. This limitation maintains the balance and integrity of those formats, preventing the Universes Beyond cards from disrupting the established card pools.
Where Can You Play Warhammer 40K MTG?
- Commander: The primary format for these decks, offering a fun and social multiplayer experience.
- Vintage: A format with almost no restrictions on card legality.
- Legacy: A format with a wider card pool than Modern, but with some banned cards.
The Future of Warhammer 40K in MTG
While there are no official announcements regarding future releases, the success of the initial Warhammer 40K Commander decks makes the possibility of future collaborations highly likely. The Warhammer 40K universe offers a wealth of characters, factions, and storylines that could be adapted into new MTG sets, continuing to bring the grim darkness of the far future to the world’s most popular trading card game.
Understanding the impact of games and their potential for learning is a fascinating field. For more information on the educational aspects of gaming, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Warhammer 40K and Magic: The Gathering to further clarify the details of this exciting crossover:
1. Are 40K cards legal in MTG?
Yes, the 40K cards released as part of the Universes Beyond series are legal in the Commander, Vintage, and Legacy formats.
2. Will Warhammer come to MTG Arena?
Currently, the Warhammer 40K cards are not available on MTG Arena. They are primarily designed as paper-only products. There’s always a possibility of their introduction via a future release, but no such plans have been announced.
3. Will there be more Warhammer Magic cards?
While there are no confirmed plans, the popularity of the initial release makes future Warhammer 40K sets a definite possibility.
4. Is there magic in Warhammer 40K?
In Warhammer 40K, magic is essentially psychic powers, channeled through the Warp, a chaotic dimension of raw energy. Sorcerers utilize rituals and acknowledge demonic forces to enhance these powers.
5. What are the most valuable cards in Warhammer 40k MTG?
The most valuable cards tend to be the Surge Foil versions of popular commanders and powerful cards. Examples include:
- The Golden Throne (Surge Foil)
- Marneus Calgar (Surge Foil)
- Be’lakor, The Dark Master (Surge Foil)
Prices fluctuate, so it’s best to check current market values.
6. Which Warhammer 40k MTG deck to get?
The best deck depends on your playstyle. Necron Dynasties is often praised for its powerful commanders, particularly Trazyn the Infinite. The Ruinous Powers is another popular choice.
7. What is the Warhammer set called MTG?
The official name is Warhammer 40,000 Commander Decks, part of the larger Universes Beyond series.
8. What are all 4 Warhammer 40K Commander decks?
The four decks are:
- The Ruinous Powers (Blue-Black-Red)
- Necron Dynasties (Black)
- Forces of the Imperium (White-Blue-Black)
- Tyranid Swarm (Green-Blue-Red)
9. How many Warhammer 40k MTG decks are there?
There are four Warhammer 40,000 Commander decks.
10. What is magic called in 40k?
Magic is generally referred to as psychic powers in the Warhammer 40K universe.
11. Are there reprints of 40k cards coming to MTG?
According to Magic’s head designer, there are no immediate plans for in-universe reprints of the Warhammer 40K cards.
12. How many different cards are printed in the Warhammer 40,000 Commander Decks?
There are 168 different cards printed across the four decks.
13. Which Warhammer 40K Commander is the best?
“Best” is subjective, but some highly-rated commanders include Marneus Calgar, Anrakyr the Traveller, Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph, and Trazyn the Infinite.
14. Is 40k canon to Warhammer?
Within the Warhammer 40,000 community, most content produced or licensed by Games Workshop is considered canon. However, some sources are considered “more” canon than others due to the extensive and varied lore.
15. What religion is Warhammer 40K?
The primary religion within the human-controlled parts of the Warhammer 40K universe is the Imperial Cult (Cult Imperialis), a worship of the Emperor of Mankind as a god.