Magic: The Gathering Breaking Its Release Cycle Tradition is Bad News For Two Popular Sets

Magic: The Gathering Breaking Its Release Cycle Tradition is Bad News For Two Popular Sets

Key Takeaways

  • MTG is changing the Standard release cycle, affecting popular sets like Bloomburrow and Duskmourn.
  • Sets like Wilds of Eldraine and Outlaws of Thunder Junction will stay longer in Standard due to the change from fall year to calendar year.
  • Bloomburrow and Duskmourn, with unique qualities, are leaving Standard early in 2027, making for a bittersweet start to the year.

As a seasoned Magic: The Gathering player with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that this upcoming change in the Standard release cycle has left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I am excited to see Wizards of the Coast experimenting with new themes and planes, as evidenced by sets like Wilds of Eldraine and Outlaws of Thunder Junction. However, on the other hand, it’s always a bittersweet moment when beloved sets like Bloomburrow and Duskmourn are rotated out of Standard earlier than anticipated.


For over three decades, Magic: The Gathering has cultivated a rich set of traditions that are integral to its gameplay and fan experience. One such tradition, currently under debate due to space constraints on Legendary creature cards, is the potential modification of the “Legendary” supertype. Though no final decision has been made yet, this could be a significant change for long-time fans.

In newer editions of “Magic: The Gathering”, innovative ideas such as themes, locations, and gameplay elements have been explored. Sets like Wilds of Eldraine, Outlaws of Thunder Junction, Bloomburrow, and Duskmourn illustrate this trend. Not every set from the last couple of years has met with universal approval, though; some have garnered more interest in terms of sales or as a backdrop for “Magic” Universe narratives. Both Bloomburrow and Duskmourn possess these appealing traits, but standard players of MTG will find themselves parting ways with them earlier than expected.

Magic: The Gathering is About Break a Longstanding Tradition With Standard

MTG’s Standard Cycle is Leaving Bloomburrow and Duskmourn Out Sooner Than Anticipated

In the upcoming future, the “Standard” cycle of Magic: The Gathering is undergoing a significant transformation. Instead of the fall year deciding which sets are legal for the next three years in Standard play, it will be the calendar year. This means that any set released in a given calendar year serves as the foundation for determining which older sets remain legal for the following one to three years, and which will rotate out of Standard play. Therefore, transitioning to a calendar year release cycle will make the first set released during a year the one that establishes the current rotation.

According to the Magic: The Gathering schedule, Bloomburrow and Duskmourn, who were scheduled to remain in Standard until late 2027, might depart from Standard as early as January or February 2027, which is approximately 8-9 months ahead of their planned tenure. This means they could potentially exit the game’s Standard format earlier than expected.

Set NameRotation Date (Standard)
Dominaria UnitedFall 2025
The Brother’s WarFall 2025
Phyrexia: All Will Be OneFall 2025
March Of The Machine (+ The Aftermath)Fall 2025
Wilds Of EldraineQ1 2027
The Lost Caverns Of IxalanQ1 2027
Murders At Karlov ManorQ1 2027
Outlaws Of Thunder Junction (+ The Big Score)Q1 2027
BloomburrowQ1 2027
Duskmourn: House Of HorrorQ1 2027

Unless plans change, the fall 2025 MTG set will likely be Edge of Eternities on August 1.

Why 2027 Will Be a Bittersweet Year For Magic: The Gathering

In the current state of affairs, certain sets such as those released between Wilds of Eldraine and Outlaws of Thunder Junction will continue to remain in Standard play, as they were initially slated to rotate out in fall 2026. Conversely, Magic: The Gathering’s Bloomburrow and Duskmourn are unfortunate cases that will be taken out of the Standard format during Q1 of 2027.

It’s unfortunate that the well-received sets, Duskmourn and Bloomburry, will be departing from Standard earlier than expected. These sets introduced a potentially lethal combo involving Leyline of Resonance, Heartfire Hero, Turn Inside Out, and Callous Sell-Sword/Burn Together, which can result in a turn-2 kill. Both Duskmourn and Bloomburry are distinctive sets with their own unique characteristics. However, the possibility remains that Wizards of the Coast could revisit these planes in the future, as they plan to revisit Tarkir Dragonstorms in 2025. Consequently, 2027 may be a bittersweet year for Magic: The Gathering fans, as we say goodbye to these sets prematurely.

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2024-10-29 20:35