March of the Machine: Legality Across Magic Formats – A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, March of the Machine (MOM) is legal in several Magic: The Gathering formats, but its legality varies significantly depending on the specific format in question. As a main set, MOM is inherently designed to be integrated into many different playstyles. The impact of MOM has been huge, with some arguing that March of the Machine might be the best set for Commander ever. However, the unique supplementary cards included in MOM boosters, specifically the Multiverse Legends cards, add layers of complexity to this simple answer.

Understanding March of the Machine Legality

The core March of the Machine set is legal in Standard, Pioneer, Modern, Legacy, Vintage, Commander, Historic, Explorer, and Alchemy. It was also legal in Limited formats (Draft and Sealed) during its Standard-legal period.

Here’s the key nuance: The Multiverse Legends subset found in March of the Machine boosters has restricted legality. These cards are only legal in formats where they were already legal before March of the Machine’s release and in Historic. They are not Standard-legal, even though they can be used in Limited events involving March of the Machine boosters. In summary: March of the Machine is generally legal, however the Multiverse Legends have restricted legality.

March of the Machine: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify the legal status of March of the Machine and its related components in various Magic: The Gathering formats:

Is March of the Machine legal in Standard?

Yes, March of the Machine was legal in Standard during its time in the Standard rotation. This period has now passed. However, the Multiverse Legends cards included in MOM boosters were never part of the Standard environment. The Multiverse Legends were always only legal in formats that they were already legal in and in Historic.

Is March of the Machine legal in Modern?

Yes, the core set of March of the Machine is legal in Modern. All cards from the main set, including new creatures, spells, and planeswalkers, can be used in Modern decks, provided they adhere to the format’s other deck-building rules and banned list. Multiverse Legends are also legal in modern.

Is March of the Machine: The Aftermath legal in Modern?

Yes, March of the Machine: The Aftermath is legal in Modern. This mini-set, released after March of the Machine, expands the storyline and adds new cards to the Modern pool.

Is March of the Machine legal in Pioneer?

Yes, the core set of March of the Machine is legal in Pioneer. Similar to Modern, you can incorporate cards from the main set into your Pioneer decks. Multiverse Legends are also legal in Pioneer if they were legal in Pioneer before the set’s release.

Is March of the Machine legal in Legacy?

Yes, the core set of March of the Machine is legal in Legacy. This also includes Multiverse Legends cards, as Legacy allows cards from nearly all Magic sets (subject to the banned list). March of the Machine: The Aftermath is also legal in Legacy.

Is March of the Machine legal in Vintage?

Yes, the core set of March of the Machine is legal in Vintage. Like Legacy, Vintage permits cards from almost all Magic sets (subject to the restricted list), including the Multiverse Legends. March of the Machine: The Aftermath is also legal in Vintage.

Is March of the Machine legal in Commander?

Yes, the core set of March of the Machine is legal in Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander). You can use cards from March of the Machine in your Commander decks, following the format’s rules. The legality of Multiverse Legends in Commander depends on whether the specific card was legal in Commander before March of the Machine. March of the Machine: The Aftermath is also legal in Commander.

Is March of the Machine legal in Historic?

Yes, the core set of March of the Machine is legal in Historic on MTG Arena. Furthermore, Multiverse Legends are also legal in Historic, regardless of their legality in other formats, which makes them a valuable addition to the Historic card pool. March of the Machine: The Aftermath is also legal in Historic.

Are the Commander Preconstructed decks from March of the Machine good?

The quality of preconstructed Commander decks varies, and opinions are subjective. However, many players and reviewers have praised the March of the Machine Commander decks for their interesting themes, powerful cards, and suitability for both new and experienced Commander players.

What are Multiverse Legends?

Multiverse Legends are a subset of cards found in March of the Machine boosters. These cards are reprints of iconic legendary creatures from across the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. These cards are not Standard-legal, even though they can be used in Limited events involving March of the Machine boosters.

Can I use Multiverse Legends in my Standard deck?

No, Multiverse Legends are not legal in Standard. They are only legal in formats where they were already legal before the release of March of the Machine and in Historic.

Are any cards banned from March of the Machine?

As of the time of this writing, no cards are specifically banned from the core March of the Machine set in any major format. However, it’s important to check the official banned lists for each format (Standard, Modern, Pioneer, Legacy, Vintage, Commander) regularly, as these lists can change based on metagame developments.

Where can I find the official banned lists for each MTG format?

The official banned and restricted lists for each Magic: The Gathering format are maintained on the official Wizards of the Coast website. You can also find reputable sources like MTGGoldfish or other similar sites.

How does the legality of Unfinity cards affect March of the Machine?

The legality of Unfinity cards is separate from March of the Machine. Unfinity is an “Un-set” with silver-bordered cards (or acorn-stamped cards in this case) that are generally not legal in most constructed formats, with exceptions for Eternal formats. However, Unfinity cards with a traditional black border are legal in Eternal formats like Commander, Legacy, and Vintage. This has no bearing on the legality of March of the Machine cards.

How can I stay updated on changes to card legality?

The best way to stay updated on changes to card legality is to regularly check the official Wizards of the Coast website and the community resources and news pages. Following prominent Magic: The Gathering content creators, reading Magic articles, and participating in online forums will help ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest rulings and announcements. It can also be helpful to engage with communities like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, to see what the community is playing.

By understanding the nuances of card legality, you can confidently build your decks and participate in Magic: The Gathering events.