Is MOM Aftermath Standard-Legal? A Deep Dive into Magic: The Gathering’s Latest Set
Yes, March of the Machine: The Aftermath (MOM Aftermath) is indeed Standard-legal. This means that all cards with the MAT set code are permitted in the Standard format, as well as in Pioneer, Modern, and Commander, along with other formats. This mini-set, released after the main March of the Machine set, acts as an epilogue to the Phyrexian storyline and is designed to be playable within the existing Standard environment. However, it’s not a traditional expansion, bringing with it a unique approach to gameplay and card distribution. Let’s explore what that means in more detail.
Understanding MOM Aftermath
A Unique Approach to Set Design
March of the Machine: The Aftermath differs significantly from a standard expansion. Instead of being designed for drafting, it’s a small, 50-card set intended to bridge the gap between the conclusion of the Phyrexian invasion and the start of the next major Magic: The Gathering storyline. This “micro-set” focuses on the consequences of the multiversal war and its impact on planeswalkers and the different planes. Think of it as a collection of epilogue scenes rather than a new chapter in the saga.
What Makes it Standard-Legal?
Despite its unique nature, Aftermath is still considered a part of the Standard environment. Its cards are legal to use as a follow-up to the main March of the Machine release and function within the established card rotation system. They do not, however, contribute to Limited formats such as drafts and sealed decks, due to their limited number and different structure. This decision by Wizards of the Coast (WotC) ensures that Aftermath cards can integrate into existing Standard decks, expanding gameplay possibilities without overhauling the format entirely.
Key Takeaways About MOM Aftermath’s Legality
- Standard Legality: All cards from March of the Machine: The Aftermath (MAT) are legal in the Standard format.
- Other Formats: The cards are also legal in Pioneer, Modern, and Commander, as well as other formats where cards from standard sets are permitted.
- No Limited Play: Aftermath is not designed for limited play, such as draft or sealed.
- Micro Set: This is a smaller, 50-card set intended to serve as an epilogue to the Phyrexian story arc.
- Standard Integration: The set was introduced to complement and impact the Standard format without altering its foundations too drastically.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About MOM Aftermath Legality
1. Is March of the Machine Aftermath considered a normal expansion?
No, March of the Machine: The Aftermath is not considered a normal expansion. It’s a micro-set of only 50 cards and serves as an epilogue to the March of the Machine storyline. It is intended to tie up loose ends rather than be a full-fledged, draftable set.
2. Can I draft March of the Machine Aftermath?
No, you cannot draft March of the Machine: The Aftermath. The set’s small size (50 cards) and the fact that it has no common cards make it unsuitable for drafting. The packs themselves contain only five cards.
3. What is the main story purpose of Aftermath?
March of the Machine: The Aftermath serves as an epilogue to the Phyrexian invasion, focusing on the cataclysmic effects on the planes and their inhabitants. Many planeswalkers lost their ability to travel between planes, and the multiversal damage is being healed.
4. What is the difference between March of the Machine and Aftermath?
March of the Machine is a full expansion with a complete story arc, while Aftermath is a smaller set serving as an epilogue. March of the Machine is designed for both Limited and Constructed play, while Aftermath is solely for constructed play, integrating into formats like Standard, Modern, and Pioneer.
5. Why did so many Planeswalkers lose their spark in Aftermath?
The loss of many planeswalker sparks is attributed to an event called “The Great Pruning,” where the multiverse tries to heal itself from the Phyrexian invasion. This event eliminated the ability for many planeswalkers to traverse the Blind Eternities.
6. Are the Multiverse Legends from March of the Machine legal in Standard?
No, the Multiverse Legends cards from March of the Machine are not legal in Standard. They are only legal in formats where they were already legal, such as Modern, Pioneer and Commander. However, they may be used in Limited events.
7. What happened to the Compleated Planeswalkers after March of the Machine?
The Compleated Planeswalkers, like Nissa and Ajani, were largely cured of their infections. However, some planeswalkers like Nissa lost their sparks, impacting their status as planeswalkers.
8. What is included in a March of the Machine: Aftermath Collector Booster?
Each Collector Booster contains 6 Magic: The Gathering cards and 1 Traditional Foil double-sided token, with 4 cards of rarity Rare or higher and 2 Uncommon cards. Every pack contains a total of 5–6 foil cards.
9. Is it worth opening March of the Machine: The Aftermath packs?
Many players have expressed that Aftermath packs are not particularly fun to open, given the small number of cards per pack and the absence of draft functionality. The value of the cards can vary, but is not a primary driver for set purchase.
10. Will Aftermath be legal in Pioneer?
Yes, March of the Machine: The Aftermath cards are legal in the Pioneer format, as it is a format that includes all Standard-legal cards.
11. Does the madness ability ignore timing restrictions?
Yes, the madness ability allows you to cast a spell at a time that you normally wouldn’t be able to. You can cast a sorcery with madness during an opponent’s turn, for example.
12. What is the new card type introduced in March of the Machine?
March of the Machine introduced a new card type: Battles. These double-faced cards represent conflicts between the planes and are played in different ways than traditional spells.
13. Was Vraska compleated?
Yes, Vraska was compleated during the Phyrexian invasion, transforming her into a Phyrexian version of herself, though she later appears to be free from Phyrexian control.
14. Who is considered the weakest Planeswalker in lore?
There is not a definitive weakest planeswalker, however, there are commonly agreed upon low power level cards that are Planeswalkers. These include cards like: Vraska, Scheming Gorgon, Tibalt, The Fiend-Blooded, Tezzeret, Cruel Machinist, Liliana, Death Wielder.
15. Who are some of the strongest Planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering Lore?
Some of the strongest Planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering history are often cited as: Jace, The Mind Sculptor, Oko, Thief Of Crowns, Liliana Of The Veil, Wren and Six, Karn, Liberated, Ugin, The Spirit Dragon, Teferi, Hero Of Dominaria, Dack Fayden.
Conclusion
March of the Machine: The Aftermath is a unique and important set for Magic: The Gathering. Its legality in Standard, Pioneer, Modern, and Commander provides players with new cards to incorporate into their constructed decks. Although it lacks the drafting functionality of traditional sets, it still provides a valuable extension to the gameplay experience and ties up crucial narrative elements. The set stands as a notable experiment in how Wizards of the Coast approaches storytelling and set design within the Magic: The Gathering universe.