Is March of the Machine Legal? A Comprehensive Guide to the Set’s Legality Across Magic: The Gathering Formats
Yes, March of the Machine (MOM) is legal! However, the legality is nuanced depending on the specific cards within the set and the format you’re playing. The main March of the Machine set itself is Standard legal, as was its mini-set follow up, March of the Machine: The Aftermath. However, the included Multiverse Legends subset has specific legality rules that differ, which we will delve into! Now, let’s break down the specifics to ensure you’re playing by the rules.
Understanding March of the Machine Legality: The Core Set
The core March of the Machine set is fully legal in the following formats:
- Standard: This is the primary format for new sets.
- Modern: Allows cards from Eighth Edition forward.
- Pioneer: Includes sets from Return to Ravnica forward.
- Legacy: A format with almost all cards legal, barring those on a ban list.
- Vintage: Similar to Legacy but with a restricted list instead of a ban list for certain powerful cards.
- Commander/EDH: A casual, multiplayer format focused on building decks around a legendary creature.
- Historic: A digital format on Magic: The Gathering Arena, specifically designed to have a larger card pool than Standard.
- Explorer: A digital format on Magic: The Gathering Arena designed to mirror Pioneer.
This means you can include the majority of cards from the March of the Machine set in your decks for any of these formats, adhering to any format-specific ban lists.
The Intriguing Case of Multiverse Legends
Here’s where things get interesting. Multiverse Legends are a special subset of cards included in March of the Machine boosters. These are reprints from across Magic’s history, featuring unique treatments and set symbols. The key thing to understand is:
Multiverse Legends are only legal in formats where they were already legal.
In simpler terms: If a Multiverse Legend card was previously legal in Modern, it’s legal in Modern now. If it was never legal in Pioneer, it’s still not legal in Pioneer as a Multiverse Legend. The exception to this rule is Historic, where all Multiverse Legends cards are explicitly legal in Historic.
Important Considerations about Multiverse Legends
- They are not part of the Standard environment.
- They are legal in Limited events (Draft and Sealed) using March of the Machine boosters. This is because in Limited formats, the pool of cards available to players is from the boosters they open regardless of the sets legality in other formats.
- On Magic: The Gathering Arena, the Multiverse Legends are legal in Historic.
March of the Machine: The Aftermath – Legality
March of the Machine: The Aftermath (MAT), while directly related to March of the Machine, is a distinct mini-set. Crucially, The Aftermath is Standard legal.
Aftermath Legal Formats:
- Standard
- Modern
- Pioneer
- Legacy
- Vintage
- Commander
- Historic
- Explorer
- Alchemy
Aftermath Considerations:
- It’s a smaller set (only 50 cards).
- It wasn’t designed for Limited play.
- Cards with the MAT set code are permitted in the above formats.
Common Cards and Legality
Commons from March of the Machine are treated the same way as any other card from the main set. If the format you’re playing allows cards from the March of the Machine set, any commons, uncommons, rares and mythics (excluding Multiverse Legends) are legal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer legal in Historic?
No. While Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer was reprinted as a Multiverse Legend in March of the Machine, it was preemptively banned from Historic just before the set’s release.
2. Are there any cards banned in March of the Machine Standard?
As of the last update, no cards from the main March of the Machine set are banned in Standard. Check official ban lists regularly, as they can change.
3. How many Mythic Rares are in March of the Machine?
The main March of the Machine set contains 20 Mythic Rare cards.
4. Can I use Multiverse Legends in my Commander deck?
Yes, you can, if the specific Multiverse Legend card was already legal in Commander before its inclusion in March of the Machine. It must be the normal legal version to be legal in your deck.
5. Is March of the Machine a good set for Commander?
Many players and reviewers, including the “godfather” of Commander Sheldon Menery, consider March of the Machine to be an excellent set for Commander due to its mechanics and themes. If you are looking for Commander resources, check out the resources available from Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
6. What colors are strong in March of the Machine Limited?
Early analysis suggested that White was a particularly strong color to draft in March of the Machine Limited. However, color balance can shift as players discover new strategies.
7. Where can I find serialized cards from March of the Machine?
Serialized cards are only found in Collector Boosters.
8. Are cards from March of the Machine: The Aftermath legal in Modern?
Yes. Cards from March of the Machine: The Aftermath with the MAT set code are legal in Modern, Pioneer, and Standard, among other formats.
9. Why were so many planeswalkers unable to retain their spark?
The Great Pruning was an event triggered by the Phyrexian invasion and the use of Realmbreaker which caused the vast majority of Planeswalkers to lose their Spark, as the multiverse attempted to heal itself.
10. What happened during the events of March of the Machine?
March of the Machine depicted the Multiverse-wide battle against Elesh Norn and the Phyrexian invasion.
11. What formats are Multiverse Legends legal in?
Formats where they are already legal and Historic.
12. Are there any banned cards in commander?
Yes, there are a number of cards banned in Commander including Field of the Dead, Expressive Iteration, Kethis, the Hidden Hand, Tinker and Jeweled Lotus.
13. Are there any cards with abilities that work from the command zone?
Yes, Edgar Markov has abilities that work from the command zone which is why many feel he is so strong.
14. Is braids banned from the 99?
No, only as a Commander.
15. Did Nissa lose her spark?
Yes, Nissa lost her spark.
Conclusion
Navigating the legality of cards in Magic: The Gathering can be complex, especially with sets like March of the Machine that introduce additional elements like Multiverse Legends. Always consult official ban lists and Wizards of the Coast’s resources for the most up-to-date information. By understanding these nuances, you can ensure your decks are legal and ready for battle in your chosen format!