Magic set list

2021

2020

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2018

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2015

2014

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There have been a fair few Magic: The Gathering sets released over the years. Across the game’s nearly 30-year history, new releases have introduced all manner of mechanics, planes, and Planeswalkers for intrepid summoners to dig into. And their frequency has only increased. What started with one or two expansions a year has morphed into a cavalcade of annual releases, piling mounds of new boosters and cards upon us.

As of 2021, there have been over 100 MTG sets released for the trading card game, but keeping up with them sure can be hard work. With Wizards of the Coast releasing new card spoilers every other week, and MTG Arena receiving independent product releases, staying up to date with all the sets – both new and historical – is a tall order.

We’ve compiled this list of all the MTG sets in order, so you can quickly browse the many, many releases. We’ve taken a broad brush, including all core, expansion, compilation, and supplemental sets, while excluding unsanctioned (un-sets) releases and Secret Lair drops.

To make things a little easier, we’ve listed all the released MTG sets in reverse date order. So, if you want to look up a new set, find it at the top of the list, but if you’re after an older set, scroll down. We’ve also compiled a list of all the upcoming MTG sets that have been announced. You’ll find them arranged in the order they’re scheduled to release. Happy hunting.

Upcoming MTG sets:

• Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty – 2022 – Expansion set
• Streets of New Capenna – 2022 – Expansion set
• Battle for Baldur’s Gate – 2022 – Supplemental set
• Double Masters – 2022 – Compilation set
• Dominaria: United – 2022 – Expansion set
• The Brothers’ War – 2022 – Expansion set
• Jumpstart – 2022 – Supplemental

MTG sets in order:

• Innistrad: Crimson Vow – 2021 – Expansion set
• Innistrad: Midnight Hunt – 2021 – Expansion set
• Adventures in the Forgotten Realms – 2021 – Expansion set
• Modern Horizons 2 – 2021 – Supplemental set
• Strixhaven: School of Mages – 2021 – Expansion set
• Time Spiral Remastered – 2021 – Compilation set
• Kaldheim – 2021 – Expansion set
• Kaladesh Remastered – 2020 – Compilation set
• Zendikar Rising -2020 -Expansion set
• Double Masters – 2020 -Compilation set
• Jumpstart – 2020 – Supplemental set
• Core Set 2021 – 2020 – Core set
• Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths – 2020 – Expansion set
• Theros Beyond Death – 2020 – Expansion set
• Game Night 2019 – 2019 – Box set
• Throne of Eldraine – 2019 – Expansion set
• Core Set 2020 – 2019 – Core set
• Modern Horizons – 2019 – Supplemental set
• War of the Spark – 2019 – Expansion set
• Ravnica Allegiance – 2019 – Expansion set
• Ultimate Masters – 2018 – Compilation set
• Game Night – 2018 – Box set
• Guilds of Ravnica – 2018 – Expansion set
• Core Set 2019 – 2018 – Core set
• Dominaria – 2018 – Expansion set
• Masters 25 – 2018 – Compilation set
• Rivals of Ixalan – 2018 – Expansion set
• Iconic Masters – 2017 – Compilation set
• Ixalan – 2017 – Expansion set
• Hour of Devastation – 2017 – Expansion set
• Amonkhet – 2017 – Expansion set
• Aether Revolt – 2017 – Expansion set
• Kaladesh – 2016 – Expansion set
• Eldritch Moon – 2016 – Expansion set
• Eternal Masters – 2016 – Compilation set
• Shadows over Innistrad – 2016 – Expansion set
• Oath of the Gatewatch – 2016 – Expansion set
• Battle for Zendikar – 2015 – Expansion set
• Magic Origins – 2015 – Core set
• Modern Masters 2015 – 2015 – Compilation set
• Tempest Remastered – 2015 – Compilation set
• Dragons of Tarkir – 2015 – Expansion set
• Fate Reforged – 2015 – Expansion set

Loose format: How to build an MTG Commander deck

• Khans of Tarkir – 2014 – Expansion set
• Magic 2015 – 2014 – Core set
• Vintage Masters – 2014 – Compilation set
• Conspiracy – 2014 – Supplemental set
• Journey into Nyx – 2014 – Expansion set
• Born of the Gods – 2014 – Expansion set
• Theros – 2013 – Expansion set
• Magic 2014 -2013 – Core set
• Modern Masters – 2013 -Compilation set
• Dragon’s Maze – 2013 – Expansion set
• Gatecrash – 2013 – Expansion set
• Return to Ravnica – 2012 – Expansion set
• Magic 2013 – 2012 – Core set
• Avacyn Restored – 2012 – Expansion set
• Dark Ascension – 2012- Expansion set
• Innistrad – 2011 – Expansion set
• Magic 2012 – 2011 – Core set
• New Phyrexia – 2011 – Expansion set
• Mirrodin Besieged – 2011 – Expansion set
• Scars of Mirrodin – 2010 – Expansion set
• Magic 2011 – 2010 – Core set
• Archenemy – 2010 – Supplemental set
• Duels of the Planeswalkers – 2010 – Box set
• Rise of the Eldrazi – 2010 – Expansion set
• Worldwake – 2010 – Expansion set
• Zendikar – 2009 – Expansion set
• Magic 2010 – 2009 – Core set
• Alara Reborn – 2009 – Expansion set
• Conflux – 2009 – Expansion set
• Shards of Alara – 2008 – Expansion set
• Eventide – 2008 – Expansion set
• Shadowmoor – 2008 – Expansion set
• Morningtide – 2008 – Expansion set
• Lorwyn – 2007 – Expansion set
• Tenth Edition – 2007 – Core set
• Future Sight – 2007 – Expansion set
• Planar Chaos – 2007 – Expansion set
• Time Spiral – 2006 – Expansion set
• Coldsnap – 2006 – Expansion set
• Dissension – 2006 – Expansion set
• Guildpact – 2006 – Expansion set
• Ravnica: City of Guilds – 2005 – Expansion set
• Salvat 2005 – 2005 – Compilation set
• Ninth Edition – 2005 – Core set
• Saviors of Kamigawa – 2005 – Expansion set
• Betrayers of Kamigawa – 2005 – Expansion set

Brewing: These are the best MTG deck builders

• Champions of Kamigawa – 2004 – Expansion set
• Fifth Dawn – 2004 – Expansion set
• Darksteel – 2004 – Expansion set
• Mirrodin – 2003 – Expansion set
• Eighth Edition – 2003 – Core set
• Scourge – 2003 – Expansion set
• Legions – 2003 – Expansion set
• Onslaught – 2002 – Expansion set
• Judgment – 2002 – Expansion set
• Torment – 2002 – Expansion set
• Odyssey – 2001 – Expansion set
• Apocalypse – 2001 – Expansion set
• Seventh Edition – 2001 – Core set
• Planeshift – 2001 – Expansion set
• Beatdown – 2000 – Box set
• Invasion – 2000 – Expansion set
• Prophecy – 2000 – Expansion set
• Starter 2000 – 2000 – Starter set
• Nemesis – 2000 – Expansion set
• Battle Royale – 1999 – Box set
• Mercadian Masques – 1999 – Expansion set
• Starter 1999 – 1999 – Starter set
• Urza’s Destiny – 1999 – Expansion set
• Portal Three Kingdoms – 1999 – Starter set
• Sixth Edition – 1999 – Core set
• Urza’s Legacy – 1999 – Expansion set
• Anthologies – 1998 – Box set
• Urza’s Saga – 1998 – Expansion set
• Unglued – 1998 – Un-set
• Portal Second Age – 1998 – Starter set
• Exodus – 1998 – Expansion set
• Stronghold – 1998 – Expansion set
• Tempest – 1997 – Expansion set
• Weatherlight – 1997 – Expansion set
• Portal – 1997 – Starter set
• Fifth Edition – 1997 – Core set
• Visions – 1997 – Expansion set
• Mirage – 1996 – Expansion set
• Alliances – 1996 – Expansion set
• Homelands – 1995 – Expansion set
• Renaissance – 1995 – Compilation set
• Chronicles- 1995 – Compilation set
• Ice Age – 1995 – Expansion set
• Fourth Edition – 1995 – Core set
• Fallen Empires – 1994 – Expansion set
• The Dark- 1994 – Expansion set
• Legends- 1994 – Expansion set
• Revised Edition – 1994 – Core set
• Antiquities- 1994 – Expansion set
• Arabian Nights – 1993 – Expansion set
• Unlimited Edition – 1993 – Core set
• Beta / Limited Edition Beta – 1993 – Core set
• Alpha / Limited Edition Alpha – 1993 – Core set

Few things are as consistent as the steady expansion of Magic: the Gathering’s available sets. Every year, approximately four more sets are released, each with their own themes and mechanics.

As this has been occurring since the game’s inception in 1993, that means there are over 100 sets as of the summer of 2020. If things keep up – and there’s no indication that it’s going to stop – you can expect to see many more sets in the future.

If you’re curious to see a list of MTG sets in order, know you’re not alone. We were interested, too, so we compiled our own list here.

MTG Sets vs Blocks: What is the Difference?

If you’re new to the game, it’s pretty easy to get sets and blocks confused, so we thought that was worth explaining. You’ll see both terms used a lot in the fanbase, which makes it important to learn the difference.

Each set is a part of a block. A good way to picture it is like peas in a pod; each set is like an individual pea, and the pod is the overall block.

Sets are grouped into blocks based on close release times, order, and having similar mechanics. We won’t be including specific blocks in this list; rather, we’ll be focusing on individual sets.

Our List Criteria

We’d like to give you some disclaimers first.  There are tons of sets in Magic’s history, and we won’t be including them all, otherwise the list would go on for a long time.

The list of sets we’re going to include will be composed solely of core and expansion sets. These are what most players think of when they hear the word “set,” and because it’s the more common definition, that’s what we’re going with.

We’ll also be excluding the un-sets. As fun as they are, they’ve never been legal for play in most formats.

List of MTG Sets in Order

Without further ado, here is our list of MTG sets in chronological order with release dates:

• Alpha (Limited Edition) – 1993
• Beta (Limited Edition) – 1993
• Unlimited Edition – 1993
• Arabian Nights – 1993
• Antiquities – 1994
• Revised Edition – 1994
• Legends – 1994
• The Dark – 1994
• Fallen Empires – 1994
• Fourth Edition – 1995
• Ice Age – 1995
• Homelands – 1995
• Alliances – 1996
• Mirage – 1996
• Visions – 1997
• Fifth Edition – 1997
• Weatherlight – 1997
• Tempest – 1997
• Stronghold – 1998
• Exodus – 1998
• Urza’s Saga – 1998
• Urza’s Legacy – 1999
• Sixth Edition – 1999
• Urza’s Destiny – 1999
• Mercadian Masques – 1999
• Nemesis – 2000
• Prophecy – 2000
• Invasion – 2000
• Planeshift – 2001
• Seventh Edition – 2001
• Apocalypse – 2001
• Odyssey – 2001
• Torment – 2002
• Judgment – 2002
• Onslaught – 2002
• Legions – 2003
• Scourge – 2003
• Eighth Edition – 2003
• Mirrodin – 2003
• Darksteel – 2004
• Fifth Dawn – 2004
• Champions of Kamigawa – 2004
• Betrayers of Kamigawa – 2005
• Saviors of Kamigawa – 2005
• Ninth Edition – 2005
• Ravnica: City of Guilds – 2005
• Guildpact – 2006
• Dissension – 2006
• Coldsnap – 2006
• Time Spiral – 2006
• Planar Chaos – 2007
• Future Sight – 2007
• Tenth Edition – 2007
• Lorwyn – 2007
• Morningtide – 2008
• Shadowmoor – 2008
• Eventide – 2008
• Shards of Alara – 2008
• Conflux – 2009
• Alara Reborn – 2009
• Magic 2010 – 2009
• Zendikar – 2009
• Worldwake – 2010
• Rise of the Eldrazi – 2010
• Magic 2011 – 2010
• Scars of Mirrodin – 2010
• Mirrodin Besieged – 2010
• New Phyrexia – 2011
• Magic 2012 – 2011
• Innistrad – 2011
• Dark Ascension – 2012
• Avacyn Restored – 2012
• Magic 2013 – 2012
• Return to Ravnica – 2012
• Gatecrash – 2013
• Dragon’s Maze – 2013
• Magic 2014 – 2013
• Theros – 2013
• Born of the Gods – 2014
• Journey into Nyx – 2014
• Conspiracy – 2014
• Magic 2015 – 2014
• Khans of Tarkir – 2014
• Fate Reforged – 2015
• Dragons of Tarkir – 2015
• Magic Origins – 2015
• Battle for Zendikar – 2015
• Oath of the Gatewatch – 2016
• Shadows Over Innistrad – 2016
• Eldritch Moon – 2016
• Kaladesh – 2016
• Aether Revolt – 2017
• Amonkhet – 2017
• Hour of Devastation – 2017
• Ixalan – 2017
• Rivals of Ixalan – 2018
• Dominaria – 2018
• Core Set 2019 – 2018
• Guilds of Ravnica – 2018
• Ravnica Allegiance – 2019
• War of the Spark – 2019
• Core Set 2020 – 2019
• Throne of Eldraine – 2019
• Theros Beyond Death – 2020
• Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths – 2020
• Core Set 2021 – 2020
• Zendikar Rising - 2020
• Kaldheim - 2021
• Strixhaven: School of Mages - 2021 

Wrap Up

The list of Magic sets is long, and it’s still growing quarterly. Remember, too, that this is just a sample of all the Magic sets that are out there – there are additional sets, such as compilation, masters, and un-sets.

It certainly can be daunting. However, we actually love knowing that there are so many sets, and that there will continue to be more. It means the combinations of cards are virtually endless.

• 1 Collector Booster
• 1 special oversized Spindown life counter
• 10 Throne of Eldraine Draft Booster packs
• 20 regular basic lands
• 20 foil basic lands
• 1 foil alt-art bundle promo card

A set in Magic: The Gathering is a pool of cards released together and designed for the same play environment. Cards in a set can be obtained either randomly through booster packs, or in box sets that have a fixed selection of cards. An expansion symbol and, more recently, a three-character abbreviation is printed on each card to identify the set it belongs to.^[1] The most recent released set is Innistrad: Midnight Hunt.

Rating system[]

A rating system for complexity in the line of sets was introduced with Fifth Edition, Tempest and Portal Second Age, (1997–1998). These ratings stopped appearing on packaging with the release of Lorwyn (2007).

	Starter-level sets were sets attempting the lowest possible level of Magic mechanical complexity. Starter-level sets were aimed to introduce, and teach, prospective and newer players to the game. They have been discontinued for a while as they did not fulfill this purpose, but have been brought back recently in the form of 2-Player Starter Sets, and more recently as Spellslinger Starter Kits.
	Advanced-level sets are the core sets of the game.
	Expert-level sets are sets that are generally of the highest level of Magic thematic and mechanical complexity. Expert-level sets are all expansion sets.

Expansions[]

Expansions are sets that feature the latest Standard-legal cards and mechanics. The most recently released expansions form a large part of the game's Constructed and Limited environments. Each expansion has a theme running through the gameplay and flavor of its cards. Until 2018, expansions were organized into blocks according to their theme and release date.

Expansions are the focal point of Magic, especially its primary gameplay format, Standard. Standard annually rotates out older sets in favor of newer ones, putting less emphasis on legacy cards. Since core sets were briefly discontinued in 2015, expansion sets currently make up most of the card pool in Standard.

For a long time, Magic expansions used to be grouped into blocks, which carried an overarching theme across two or three sets. A large expansion established each block's setting and mechanics, followed by one or two set(s) that developed on the block's themes.^[2] These are abandoned under the current system.

Set Design ends roughly eight months before a set releases.^[3][4]

History[]

The game's first expansions, from Arabian Nights (1993) to Homelands (1995), were independent releases as they came out before the introduction of blocks. Mirage block established a convention of making expansions in blocks of three, one block per year. This practice would remain the default for Magic from 1996–2014. Exceptions were Coldsnap (2006), an extra summer expansion that was retconned into Ice Age block; and Lorwyn–Shadowmoor block (2007–08), two mini-blocks of two sets apiece.^[5]

The latter's structure was adopted into the "Two-Block Paradigm," the block structure effective since Magic Origins (2015). Under this system, Wizards eliminated the core set to allow them to make four expansion sets each year. These were divided into two blocks annually: one including the autumn and winter sets, and a second including the spring and summer sets.^[6]

The Two-Block Paradigm proved to be unsuccessful in some cases. The demise of the block structure was announced by Rosewater on June 12, 2017.^[7] From 2018 on, three large standalone sets were to be released each year (spring, autumn and winter), supplemented by a revamped Core Set in the summer. This was called the Three-and-One Model.

By 2020, Wizards of the Coast decided to stop using the term "Standard-legal set" for expansions as it implied a little too strongly that the new sets were just about Standard. Instead they started to use the term premier set.^[8] In 2021, they increased the annual number of premier sets from four to five, and it seemed like that increased cadence would continue into 2022. When talking internally about a set, Wizards of the Coast talk about the KSPs (key selling points), what they think will most excite the players about it.^[9]

Large and small expansions[]

A large expansion is one with more than 240 cards, while a small expansion has 200 or fewer. The typical block structure begins with a large set, followed by small set(s) in a supporting role. However, the second or third set can also grow into a large set as needed by R&D.^{[note 1][5]} Historically (under the three-set block formula) this has been due to a need for the third set to expand on the block's existing themes while also having its own unique flavor and mechanics.^[2][6]

The exact number of cards in a set has varied widely over the years, especially those from before the block structure was well defined. Mirage block through Onslaught block established a convention of 350 cards in the first set, and 143 cards in each of the second and third sets. This changed with Mirrodin block, which reduced the size difference between the large and small expansions by shifting some uncommons and rares from the former into the latter.^[10] The new custom (306 large, 165 small) continued until Coldsnap.

Time Spiral block increased the size of its expansions to accommodate its timeshifted cards. The Standard card pool consisting of Time Spiral, Lorwyn, and Shadowmoor blocks was the largest in Magic history. Following this, feedback regarding the number of cards printed annually caused Wizards to cut back the size of sets.^[11][12]Alara block introduced Mythic rare and decreased the size of the large sets, dropping common, uncommon and rare cards by 20 each and introducing 15 of the new rarity. Small sets also decreased uncommon and rare counts. Given the fast turnaround, it was clear the Wizards was already planning on decreasing set sizes before feedback reinforced this.

Innistrad introduced double-faced cards, and with it a separate sheet that increased set size any time it returned. Magic 2015 restored the 20 uncommons cut during Alara block for the purposes of better Limited play.

Beginning in the fall of 2015, there were two large expansions released each year, one in the fall and one in the spring (the Two-Block Paradigm).^[6] The Standard play format rotated with the release of each large expansion, rather than just once a year as had been the case since 1997; however, only one mid-season rotation went forward before negative feedback convinced Wizards to return to the once-a-year cycle. In this new structure, core sets were eliminated. After the introduction of the Two-Block Paradigm, the second set of a two-expansion block would be usually small (but not always). To facilitate the new draft structure (2 boosters of the second set / 1 of the first set) the average size for a small expansion went up to around 184, adding ten commons, seven rares and some mythics.^[13][14][15]

Small expansions were abandoned with the introduction of the Three-and-One Model.^[7] This means that Rivals of Ixalan was the last small expansion. Once Core Set 2019 (two sets after Rivals) released, Standard had over 2,000 legal cards, just on par with the Time Spiral-Shadowmoor size, and each eight-set Standard since has been larger than that.

Dungeons & Dragons: Adventures in the Forgotten Realms increased the number of rares and mythics to sixty and twenty respectively.

The default Magic set nowadays has 101 commons, 80 uncommons, 60 rares, and 20 mythic rares.^[16]

Theme decks[]

Preconstructed theme decks are released in fixed box sets. They were later replaced with planeswalker decks^[17] and Commander decks.

Standalone sets[]

A standalone set is a set that is designed to be played by itself. Ice Age, Mirage and Tempest were all marketed as such.^[18] The concept became outdated when the block structure was improved upon, but was reinvented with the Three-and-One Model.

Core sets[]

Core sets form the base set of cards for tournament play and rotations.^[19] After the Limited Edition, all core sets through Tenth Edition consisted solely of reprinted cards; as of Magic 2010 they feature new cards beside reprints. Following Magic Origins, the core sets were discontinued to allow room for four expansions annually under the Two-Block Paradigm.^[20] This was reversed with the introduction of the Three-and-One Model.^[7]

Supplemental sets[]

Supplemental sets are products not intended for Standard environments. They usually introduce new casual game variants, early on often with oversized cards. Some were sold in box sets, others in booster packs. These often take the "(Draft) Innovation Product" slot in Wizards of the Coast's annual release schedule.^[21] One of the current design constraints for innovation products is that it can be sold in a booster pack.^[22]

Other examples of innovation sets:

Other examples of supplemental (= non-premier) products:

Un-sets[]

Un-sets (Unglued, Unhinged, Unsanctioned, and Unstable) are self-parody sets that are sold in booster packs, and are silver-bordered to denote they are not tournament-legal. Championed by Mark Rosewater, they are themed around mechanics that would be impossible to print in a normal expansion.^[24][25] Although these set are targeted to the casual crowd, they also may contain cards specifically designed with Cube and Commander in mind, for playgroups who are okay with using them.

Annex sets[]

Annex sets are a special line of products started with Amonkhet block. The idea is that they are "complete experiences in a box" released after the set they are associated with.^[26] R&D has decided to do Annex products when they make sense instead of forcing them for every set.^[27] Starting with Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, the annex sets became Set Commander decks

Portal and Starter[]

Portal and Portal Second Age were entry-level products that used a simplified form of Magic. Portal Three Kingdoms was an adaptation of the series for the Asian market, based on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Starter was another attempt, after the Portal series, to ease new players into the game.

These were eventually replaced with intro pack, planeswalker decks, and Deck Builder's Toolkits to accommodate starter-level players.^[28]

Commemorative sets[]

Commemorative sets are non-tournament-legal, gold-bordered sets that honor and celebrate certain sets or decks.

Compilation sets[]

Compilation sets are reprint sets distributed in booster packs. Compilation sets are also considered to be supplemental sets.^[29]

List of Magic expansions and sets[]

The following is a chronological list of all Magic: The Gathering expansions and sets released thus far. Old two-letter set codes used prior to the release of Torment are listed in parenthesis after the current code.