Modern Horizons 3: You Should Know

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts, gear up for the highlight of the year: the release of Modern Horizons 3. Building on the monumental successes of its predecessors, this expansion is set to redefine the boundaries of modern and Commander formats alike. Featuring a trove of desirable reprints and innovative new cards, this release also marks a groundbreaking first—the introduction of a dedicated Commander subset specifically crafted for one of the community's favorite formats. Moreover, this year's edition will make its debut on MTG Arena, broadening its impact to include digital players. Join us at Amazing Discoveries as we explore the unique features and game-changing innovations of Modern Horizons 3, paving the way for what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in MTG history.

Key Launch Details

As we countdown to the launch of Modern Horizons 3, there are several key dates that Magic: The Gathering players should circle on their calendars. The excitement begins with the debut and previews on WeeklyMTG, starting May 21. This initial glimpse into what Modern Horizons 3 has to offer will continue until May 31, when the Card Image Gallery will complete, providing fans a full preview of the upcoming cards.

The anticipation only builds from there with a series of major events:

• Global Tabletop Launch: Set for June 14, this is when players can start purchasing and playing with the new cards at their favorite local game stores, like Amazing Discoveries.
• Prerelease Events: Starting June 7, these events give players an early opportunity to experience the cards in a tournament setting.
• MTG Arena and Magic Online Global Launch: Both platforms will see the new set go live on June 11, allowing digital players to join in the excitement.
• Open House Weekend: Also on June 14, this event is perfect for newcomers and veterans alike to get hands-on experience with Modern Horizons 3.
• Pro Tour Modern Horizons 3 at MagicCon: Taking place in Amsterdam from June 28–30, this will be a spectacle of high-level play showcasing the new set.

Modern Horizons 3 is not just another expansion; it’s a pivotal release that will impact a wide variety of formats, from Modern to Commander, and even the digital realms of MTG Arena and Magic Online. The anticipation is palpable as players speculate on how these cards will shake up the current meta and introduce new strategies.

Featured Cards and Expected Impact

Modern Horizons 3 is brimming with potential game-changers for both the tabletop and digital formats. Key new introductions and strategic reprints are poised to redefine competitive decks across multiple formats. Let's explore some of the standout cards and their expected impact on the Magic: The Gathering landscape.

Emrakul, the World Anew: This new iteration of Emrakul brings an Eldrazi Titan to the battlefield with the capability to shift control of all creatures a player controls when cast. This massive 12-mana creature not only flies and provides protection from spells and permanents cast that turn but also introduces the mechanic of Madness, allowing for a discounted play under the right conditions. The strategic implications for late-game scenarios are significant, potentially turning the tide in single, sweeping plays.

Ajani, Nacatl Pariah: A unique flip Planeswalker, Ajani enters the battlefield as a Legendary Creature that immediately creates a 2/1 white Cat Warrior creature token. Upon the demise of other Cat creatures you control, Ajani can exile and return to the battlefield transformed into a powerful Planeswalker. This duality allows for versatile deck strategies, emphasizing creature-based tactics that can pivot to powerful Planeswalker abilities mid-game.

Chthonian Nightmare: As a nod to the iconic Recurring Nightmare, this enchantment utilizes the returning Energy mechanic, providing three energy counters when it enters the battlefield. It offers a reusable way to bring creatures back from the graveyard by sacrificing another creature and paying energy, which could be pivotal in recurring value decks.

Reprints Impacting Modern

Modern Horizons 3 also includes crucial reprints that will be immediately legal in Modern, Legacy, Vintage, Pauper, and Commander, such as:

Priest of Titania, Kappa Cannoneer, and Laelia, the Blade Reforged: These cards add significant value to their respective strategies. Priest of Titania, for example, provides exceptional mana ramping potential in Elf-themed decks, a staple strategy that can dominate games if unchecked.

The Allied Fetches: Reprints like Windswept Heath, Bloodstained Mire, and others in various artistic treatments provide both aesthetic and strategic value, making essential land-fetching mechanics more accessible and diversifying deck-building options.

These cards, among others, are expected to influence the meta by enabling new combos and reinforcing existing archetypes. The strategic depth they introduce will be showcased in upcoming tournaments, where their true impact will start to unfold.

As players and collectors at Amazing Discoveries explore Modern Horizons 3, the set promises to not only enhance personal collections but also radically transform competitive play. Whether you're looking to disrupt the current meta or find new favorites for your Commander decks, Modern Horizons 3 has something to offer everyone.

Commander Focus and Precons

Modern Horizons 3 significantly enhances its appeal to the Commander community by integrating specially designed Commander-focused content. This year, the expansion introduces four new Commander Preconstructed decks (Precons), each tailored to distinct themes and strategies to enrich the Commander format. Here’s a detailed look at each of these Precons and the exclusive features offered in their Collector Edition variants.

Creative Energy Commander Precon

Theme: Focuses on the Energy mechanic, reinvigorated with new cards and synergies.

Color Identity: Jeskai (Red/White/Blue)

Strategic Impact: The Creative Energy deck capitalizes on the dynamic and interactive Energy mechanic first introduced in Kaladesh. This deck is designed to accumulate and utilize energy counters to activate powerful effects, making it highly adaptive and capable of explosive plays.

Eldrazi Incursion Commander Precon

Theme: Centers around the Eldrazi creatures, featuring Devoid and other Eldrazi-associated mechanics.

Color Identity: Five-color

Strategic Impact: Eldrazi Incursion explores the vast and terrifying world of Eldrazi, focusing on casting colossal creatures at a reduced cost. This deck benefits from diverse mana sources to support its five-color identity, enabling it to deploy some of the most powerful creatures in the game.

Graveyard Overdrive Commander Precon

Theme: Utilizes the graveyard as a resource, reminiscent of the Jund strategy in Modern.

Color Identity: Jund (Red/Black/Green)

Strategic Impact: Emphasizing a midrange playstyle, Graveyard Overdrive leverages the graveyard to recycle creatures and spells, continually applying pressure and gaining value over the course of the game. This strategy is perfect for players who enjoy a resilient and resourceful gameplay experience.

Tricky Terrain Commander Precon

Theme: Focuses on mana ramp and cloning effects.

Color Identity: Simic (Green/Blue)

Strategic Impact: Tricky Terrain is designed for players who enjoy manipulating the battlefield and generating vast amounts of mana. By ramping quickly and copying powerful creatures or spells, this deck can outpace opponents and control the game through sheer resource advantage.

Collector Edition Variants

Each of these Commander Precons is also available in a Collector’s Edition, which features several exclusive elements that enhance their collectibility and aesthetic appeal:

• Ripple Foil Treatment: A new type of foil that gives cards a unique, wavy texture, enhancing their visual and tactile appeal.
• Borderless Profile Cards: Each Collector's Edition deck includes two Borderless Profile cards, likely representing the primary commander and a secondary key card within the deck. These cards are highly sought after for their stunning artwork and frameless design, making them standout pieces in any collection.

The introduction of these Commander-focused products in Modern Horizons 3 not only caters to the growing Commander player base but also enriches the overall Magic: The Gathering ecosystem by offering new themes and strategies for exploration. Whether you're a seasoned Commander veteran or new to the format, these decks provide a compelling starting point for experiencing the depth and variety of Commander gameplay.

Modern Horizons 3 is not just a powerhouse of strategic depth but also a treasure trove for collectors. With a variety of special treatments and rare inclusions, this set is poised to capture the attention of collectors and investors alike. Let’s explore the most collectible aspects of the set and analyze current market trends that could influence potential valuable pickups.

Collectibility and Market Watch

Special Guests and Card Treatments

Special Guests: This subset features a selection of desirable reprints that will appear in both Play and Collector Boosters. Notably, cards like Solitude and potentially other Elementals such as Endurance, Fury, Grief, and Subtletyare expected to be part of this exciting subset. The inclusion of these powerful cards as Special Guests enhances the collectible value of the set and offers players high-powered options for their decks.

Extended Arts, Etched Foils, and Retro Frames: Modern Horizons 3 continues the tradition of including visually stunning card treatments. Extended Art cards provide a larger canvas that showcases the artwork beautifully, making these versions highly prized. Etched Foils, with their unique texture and visual appeal, and Retro Frames, which evoke nostalgia with a classic look, add depth and variety to the collector’s portfolio.

Fetch Lands and Serialized Eldrazi Titans

Fetch Lands: The inclusion of Allied Fetch lands such as Windswept Heath, Bloodstained Mire, and others in traditional, Retro, and Borderless printings offers not only strategic value but also significant collectible appeal. Following the trend seen with Modern Horizons 2, the availability of these lands in various artistic treatments is likely to make them more accessible price-wise over time, although initial demand may keep prices high.

Serialized Eldrazi Titans: A new highlight in Modern Horizons 3 is the introduction of serialized cards featuring the Eldrazi Titans. These cards, limited to 250 copies each and showcased in Double Rainbow Foil treatment, are expected to be highly sought after. Collectors and speculators alike will be keen on these limited editions, likely driving up their market value significantly.

Market Trends and Pricing

Current market trends indicate strong interest in both the gameplay and collectible aspects of Modern Horizons 3. Early pricing for key cards such as Emrakul, the World Anew, and the new fetch lands suggest robust demand. Collectors should particularly watch for:

Price Stability of Fetch Lands: Given their essential role in multiple formats, fetch lands are always in demand. Their prices may stabilize lower than initial peaks as more packs are opened, but they will remain a solid investment.

Potential for Serialized Cards: With their limited nature and unique aesthetic, serialized Eldrazi Titans are likely to command premium prices. Collectors looking for long-term value may consider acquiring these early if prices are within reasonable bounds post-release.

Advice for Collectors: For those looking to enhance their collections or capitalize on investment opportunities, prioritizing Special Guests with lasting gameplay impact, acquiring diverse card treatments of fetch lands, and monitoring the availability and pricing of serialized cards can maximize both the enjoyment and potential returns of their collection efforts.

Modern Horizons 3 promises to be a vibrant and dynamic set for players and collectors, offering a wide array of cards that are as playable as they are collectible. Whether you’re aiming to compete at the highest levels or curate a collection with lasting value, this set provides ample opportunities to explore and invest.

Products and Purchasing Options

As Modern Horizons 3 rolls out, a variety of product offerings are available to cater to different types of players and collectors. Understanding these options will help you make informed decisions based on your gameplay preferences and collecting goals. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect to find:

Play Booster Displays: Ideal for players looking to participate in drafts or simply boost their collections, these booster displays come packed with the potential for high-powered plays and valuable finds.

Collector Boosters: For those who treasure unique and visually stunning cards, Collector Boosters offer a higher concentration of premium cards. These boosters are especially appealing to collectors interested in special treatments like foil, extended art, and the new Ripple Foil.

Gift Bundles: Featuring a selection of boosters, exclusive accessories, and sometimes a collector’s item, Gift Bundles make perfect presents for any Magic enthusiast or as a treat to oneself.

Prerelease Kits: Available during prerelease events, these kits are a great way to get a first look and feel of the new set, complete with boosters and a themed promo card.

Commander Decks: Including both standard and Collector's Edition variants, these preconstructed decks are themed around key concepts from the set and offer a ready-to-play experience right out of the box.

With the diverse array of products available, it's wise to consider what fits best with your Magic endeavors. Are you looking to enhance your competitive deck, diversify your collection with rare prints, or enjoy a fun drafting experience with friends? Each product type serves a different need and budget, making it important to plan your purchases to maximize both enjoyment and value.

Conclusion

The release of Modern Horizons 3 is a momentous occasion that resonates across the Magic: The Gathering community, appealing to both competitive players and collectors alike. With its rich assortment of powerful new cards, returning favorites, and breathtaking special editions, this set promises to transform the landscape of gameplay and collecting.

We invite you to join us at Amazing Discoveries to experience everything Modern Horizons 3 has to offer. Whether you’re looking to compete, collect, or simply enjoy the latest in Magic, Amazing Discoveries is your destination for all things Modern Horizons 3. Visit our online store to pick up these commanders and build your decks, or visit our events page for upcoming events.