Is Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered Legal in Explorer?
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Yes, Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered is legal in the Explorer format on MTG Arena. This digital-only set, released on March 21, 2023, brought a curated selection of 302 cards from the original Shadows Over Innistrad and Eldritch Moon sets to the platform. Its legality extends beyond just Explorer; it’s also available in Limited and Historic formats on MTG Arena. This makes it a significant addition to the digital MTG ecosystem, allowing players to experience a nostalgic return to Innistrad with the added benefits of digital-only reprints. This article will delve into the specifics of the set, its legality, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered: A Digital Renaissance
What is Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered?
Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered isn’t a typical paper card set. It’s a digital-only reprint set exclusively for MTG Arena. It aims to revitalize the experience of the original Innistrad block, bringing back fan-favorite cards and themes in a way that is balanced for the digital formats. The set contains 302 cards, including 15 lands, many of which were previously unavailable on MTG Arena. This curated selection draws from both Shadows Over Innistrad and Eldritch Moon, providing players with a cohesive experience. Key to this release is that it is a reprint set, meaning that it focuses on existing cards rather than introducing new ones.
Legality in MTG Arena Formats
The remastered set is legal in three main formats on MTG Arena:
- Limited: This includes both draft and sealed events using Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered cards.
- Explorer: As explicitly stated, the set is fully legal within the Explorer format, enriching the available card pool and deckbuilding options.
- Historic: Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered is also legal in the Historic format, alongside all other cards available on MTG Arena.
This wide-ranging legality makes the set highly relevant to the MTG Arena community, regardless of preferred format.
Notable Cards and Gameplay Experience
One of the biggest draws of Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered is the inclusion of iconic and powerful cards like Emrakul, the Promised End. The reintroduction of such influential cards can dramatically impact the metagame of formats like Explorer and Historic. Additionally, the set features card text updates that provide a better play experience across different formats. This means some cards may function slightly differently from their paper counterparts due to digital platform adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered
This section will address a variety of questions players might have about the set and its place in the MTG ecosystem.
1. Is Innistrad currently legal in Standard?
No, the original Shadows Over Innistrad and Eldritch Moon sets are not currently legal in Standard. The only Innistrad sets currently legal in standard are Innistrad: Midnight Hunt and Innistrad: Crimson Vow. Standard legality rotates periodically.
2. Is Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered a paper set?
No, Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered is exclusively a digital-only set for MTG Arena. You will not find these cards in paper form.
3. What is the difference between Shadows Over Innistrad and Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered?
- Shadows Over Innistrad is the original paper card set. Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered is a digital-only set on MTG Arena that reprints cards from both Shadows Over Innistrad and Eldritch Moon.
- Remastered features a curated selection of cards and includes some text updates for better digital gameplay.
4. What are the main formats in MTG Arena?
The main formats on MTG Arena include:
- Standard
- Explorer
- Historic
- Alchemy
- Limited (Draft & Sealed)
5. When was Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered released?
Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered was released on March 21, 2023.
6. Why was Emrakul, the Promised End, included in Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered?
Despite being banned in certain formats, Emrakul was included as one of the powerful, iconic cards from the Eldritch Moon set. It was intended to add more powerful and engaging gameplay to the Arena formats.
7. Why is Emrakul, the Promised End, banned in some formats?
Emrakul’s ability to take control of an opponent’s turn is extremely powerful and disruptive. It is banned in Commander, for example, because it can drastically warp the game around it.
8. What is the ‘holo-foil stamp’ and how does it relate to card legality?
The holo-foil stamp at the bottom of a Magic card generally indicates that the card is a rare or mythic rare from a newer set. It doesn’t directly determine format legality but is a security measure to identify authentic cards.
9. What are MTG alters and are they legal?
MTG Alters are custom modifications to the artwork of a Magic card. They are generally legal in sanctioned tournaments as long as the original card is recognizable, doesn’t contain offensive imagery, and isn’t altered to represent a different card.
10. What is the purpose of the banned lists in MTG formats?
Banned lists are used to keep formats balanced and enjoyable. They prevent powerful cards that consistently lead to unfair or unfun gameplay from being overused.
11. What MTG sets are legal in Modern?
Modern legal sets include all core sets and expansions since Eighth Edition. This also includes cards from Time Spiral (Timeshifted cards), Planeswalker decks, and Buy-a-Box promos.
12. What sets rotated out of Standard in 2022?
With the release of Dominaria United in 2022, the sets that rotated out of Standard included:
- Zendikar Rising
- Kaldheim
- Strixhaven: School of Mages
- Adventures in the Forgotten Realms
13. Why are some cards banned as commanders only?
Cards that are banned as a commander only usually have abilities that are far too strong when used repeatedly in a Commander game. Their effects are too impactful on the game when a player can always have access to that card in the Command Zone. Examples include Dihada, Binder of Wills and Edgar Markov.
14. What are some examples of cards banned in Commander?
- Braids, Cabal Minion is banned for its disruptive effect.
- Lutri, the Spellchaser was banned for being too easily utilized in blue-red decks as a companion, giving them an unfair advantage.
15. Is Innistrad: Midnight Hunt considered a good set?
Innistrad: Midnight Hunt is generally considered a decent set, providing players with a balanced play experience. It features mechanics related to day/night cycles and has a good variety of cards. In the limited format, it was generally seen as a bit slow, but enjoyable.
Conclusion
Shadows Over Innistrad Remastered is a significant addition to MTG Arena, particularly for players who enjoy Explorer and Historic. Its legality in these formats brings much-loved cards back into the competitive scene. The digital-only nature of the set provides unique opportunities for card balancing and provides a fresh way to experience classic Innistrad themes. With this set being legal in Limited, Explorer, and Historic formats, players have multiple avenues to enjoy the new and returning cards. It is crucial to stay updated with any changes and banned lists by following official MTG communications to stay on top of any format changes.