March of the Machine vs. Aftermath: Key Differences and FAQs

The Magic: The Gathering (MTG) storyline recently concluded a major arc with the Phyrexian invasion, culminating in the events of March of the Machine and its subsequent epilogue, March of the Machine: The Aftermath. While both sets are part of the same narrative, they function very differently within the game. The core distinction lies in their purpose, design, and gameplay mechanics.

March of the Machine was the grand finale, a full-fledged set designed for the usual Limited and Constructed play experiences, with a strong focus on depicting the multiverse-wide war against Phyrexia. Aftermath, on the other hand, is a mini-set specifically created as an epilogue to tie up loose ends and showcase the lasting consequences of the conflict. Let’s break down the differences further.

Core Differences

Scope and Size

• March of the Machine (MOM): This was a large, standard set with a substantial number of cards, approximately 281 regular cards including commons, uncommons, rares, mythic rares, and basic lands, plus additional Phyrexian full art basic lands. It was intended to encompass a vast storyline and introduce numerous new mechanics and strategies to the game.
• March of the Machine: The Aftermath (MAT): This is a significantly smaller set, containing only 50 cards. It’s a curated collection focused on narrative resolution rather than broad game mechanics. The limited card pool reflects its specific purpose as an epilogue and transitional set.

Gameplay Intent

• March of the Machine (MOM): Designed for drafting and sealed play in addition to constructed formats like Standard, Modern, Pioneer, etc. It provides ample options for deck building and limited gameplay.
• March of the Machine: The Aftermath (MAT): Not designed for Limited play. It’s a Constructed-focused mini-set meant to showcase the altered state of the Multiverse and key narrative elements. The packs contain only five cards and lack commons, making traditional drafting impossible.

Mechanics and Themes

• March of the Machine (MOM): Introduced new mechanics and keywords to reflect the intense battles and the diverse planes that participated. It had a wide variety of cards intended to support many archetypes in various formats.
• March of the Machine: The Aftermath (MAT): Focuses on showcasing the aftermath of the war. It reflects significant narrative changes, such as Planeswalkers losing their Sparks. The mechanics are less about battlefield combat and more about reflecting the changed multiverse and character evolutions.

Card Distribution and Rarity

• March of the Machine (MOM): Followed standard card rarity distribution with commons, uncommons, rares, and mythic rares available in booster packs.
• March of the Machine: The Aftermath (MAT): Has a unique distribution with 15 uncommons, 25 rares, and 10 mythic rares – a total of 50 new-to-Magic cards. All 50 cards have a Booster Fun version, and all rares and mythic rares also have extended-art versions, available only in Collector Boosters. There are no common cards in this set.

Overall Purpose

• March of the Machine (MOM): Was the climatic event set designed to give players the grand battle experience against the Phyrexians and featured a vast array of planes and characters.
• March of the Machine: The Aftermath (MAT): Intended to act as an epilogue, providing closure to the major story arc, showcasing the consequences of the war, and setting the stage for the next chapter of the MTG story.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is March of the Machine: The Aftermath Standard-legal?

Yes, March of the Machine: The Aftermath cards with the MAT set code are permitted in the Standard format as well as Pioneer, Modern, Commander, and other formats.

2. Is March of the Machine Aftermath good?

The reception of March of the Machine: The Aftermath has been mixed. While the idea of a set focused on the narrative consequences of the Phyrexian invasion is interesting, some players have criticized its high cost and lack of value. Some feel it doesn’t respect players, with a higher price point for fewer cards. However, the cards themselves can be powerful, especially Nissa, Resurgent Animist.

3. What happened in March of the Machines Aftermath?

March of the Machine: The Aftermath follows the cataclysmic effects of the invasion across planes, with planes being connected in strange ways. Heroes are celebrating and mourning, and many Planeswalkers have lost their spark. It focused on the lasting changes the war brought, leading into the new storyline in Wilds of Eldraine.

4. Did Nissa lose her spark?

Yes and no. Nissa’s spark was damaged and seemed to fade in the aftermath of the Phyrexian invasion due to The Great Pruning. However, it was briefly restored but then lost permanently due to the multiverse’s efforts to heal itself.

5. How did Lukka get Compleated?

Lukka was stranded with Nissa in the Hunter Maze during the Phyrexian invasion. He formed an ill-advised “eludha” with a Phyrexian beast, which poisoned his mind and made him susceptible to Phyrexian compleation.

6. How many cards are in March of the Machine: The Aftermath?

There are 50 cards in total in March of the Machine: The Aftermath, consisting of 15 uncommons, 25 rares, and 10 mythic rares.

7. Is Surviving the Aftermath DLC worth it?

The Rebirth DLC for the video game Surviving the Aftermath adds significant content and is generally considered worth the investment. This is not directly related to the MTG set but shares a similar theme of survival after a major event.

8. Can machines take control of man?

In the MTG storyline, the Phyrexians were machines created by a man but the storyline has concluded without them taking over man. The premise is they were controlled by their leaders and were effectively a tool for their creators. This is a narrative in the storyline and does not apply to the real world.

9. How did March of the Machine end?

March of the Machine ended with the deaths of all five Praetors, the Phyrexians’ leaders, and New Phyrexia being phased out of the multiverse, with the glistening oil rendered inert. The end was perceived by some to be less impactful than some might have expected given their long history within the game.

10. Is March of the Machine worth it?

Whether March of the Machine is “worth it” depends on the individual. Some players feel the storyline should have been extended into a larger arc, while others were satisfied with the overall conclusion and the variety of the set.

11. How do you draft March of the Machine: The Aftermath?

You cannot draft March of the Machine: The Aftermath because it is designed for Constructed play only. The booster packs contain only five cards each and lack commons, making drafting impossible.

12. What is the most expensive card in March of the Machines: The Aftermath?

Nissa, Resurgent Animist is generally the most expensive card in March of the Machine: The Aftermath due to its playability in various Constructed formats, particularly Pioneer, Modern and Legacy.

13. Why did Planeswalkers lose their spark?

The Great Pruning, a multiversal event, caused many planeswalker sparks to vanish. This was the multiverse’s attempt to heal itself after the Phyrexian invasion, the artificial portals created by Realmbreaker, and the explosion of the Sylex in the Blind Eternities.

14. Are epilogue boosters worth it?

Epilogue boosters, like those for March of the Machine: The Aftermath, generally offer fewer cards for the price, making them less appealing unless you enjoy the experience of opening packs, and are more focused on the limited collection of unique cards.

15. Are aftermath cards split cards?

No, aftermath cards are not split cards. They are single cards with an aftermath ability, meaning the second half of the card can be cast from the graveyard after the first half has been played. They are only castable using the aftermath ability.

In summary, while both March of the Machine and March of the Machine: The Aftermath are connected by the Phyrexian story arc, they serve distinct purposes. March of the Machine was a large set designed for a wide range of gameplay, whereas Aftermath was a smaller, epilogue set designed to resolve the story’s immediate aftermath and set the stage for future storylines. Understanding these differences can help players navigate the ever-evolving world of Magic: The Gathering.