Outlaws of Thunder Junction: You Should Know

Dive into the frontier with the year's thrilling second Standard release, "Outlaws of Thunder Junction" – a journey to an entirely new realm brimming with risk, raids, and rugged cowboys. This expansion is not just another addition to your collection; it's a response to a longstanding wish within the Magic: The Gathering community for an adventure set in the untamed expanses of the Wild West.

Following the chilling tales from "Murders at Karlov Manor," it's time to don your hats and prepare for a wild ride. Let's explore all the excitement and details we've gathered about "Outlaws of Thunder Junction." Join us at Amazing Discoveries as we break down what makes this expansion a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Outlaws of Thunder Junction: Key Dates, Sneak Peeks, and Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars and stay ahead with the essential timeline for "Outlaws of Thunder Junction," the latest exhilarating chapter awaiting in the world of Magic: The Gathering.

Story Begins: March 18
Debut and Previews Begin: March 26
Card Image Gallery and Previews Complete: April 5
MTG Arena Global Release: April 16
Global Tabletop Release: April 19
Prerelease Events: April 12–18
Open House: April 19–21
Commander Party: April 26 – May 2
Store Championship: May 4–12
Standard Showdown: April 19 – July 25
Outlaws of Thunder Junction Set Code: OTJ
Commander: Outlaws of Thunder Junction Set Code: OTC
Special Guests Set Code: SPG
Breaking News Set Code: OTP
The Big Score / The Vault Set Code: BIG

Circle April 19 on your calendars for the worldwide debut of "Outlaws of Thunder Junction," with an early arrival on Magic Online and MTG Arena slated for April 16. The excitement begins even sooner with the prerelease events, scheduled from April 12-18, where fans can get a firsthand experience of the cowboy-themed set everyone's been talking about.

Outlaws of Thunder Junction Story

Set in the heart of the Wild West, "Outlaws of Thunder Junction" presents a story-driven adventure that Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts have eagerly awaited. This villain-centric Standard set marks the thrilling conclusion of the Omenpath Arc, which began with the enchanting mysteries of the Wilds of Eldraine. Our protagonist, Kellan, relentlessly continues his quest to reunite with his father, the elusive Oko, against a backdrop of desert dust and danger.

In the bustling, lawless town of Thunder Junction, Oko has assembled a formidable crew of the Multiverse's most sought-after outlaws to orchestrate a heist of unparalleled scale, promising wealth and power beyond imagination. This infamous gang includes the likes of Vraska, Annie Flash, Tinybones, and Rakdos, led by none other than Oko himself. The narrative unfolds through captivating episodes, each paving the way to the anticipated preview events:

Accompanying the main storyline are gripping side stories that delve deeper into the characters and their motives:

Mechanics and Keywords in Outlaws of Thunder Junction

Outlaws of Thunder Junction is poised to shake up the state of play when it comes to MTG, not least in part thanks to the brand new mechanics that are both powerful and thematic.

Committing a Crime: This intriguing gameplay element, while building on familiar mechanics, introduces a novel twist specifically crafted for "Outlaws of Thunder Junction." Engaging in actions that target an opponent or their assets (including spells, permanents, and even elements within their hand, library, or graveyard) categorizes your move as "committing a crime." The challenge lies in keeping track of these nefarious deeds, especially with cards like Oko, the Ringleader, that thrive on your criminal endeavors.

Plot: The "Plot" keyword allows players to pay a specified cost to exile a card from their hand, marking it as "plotted." This strategic maneuver sets the stage for future turns, where the plotted card can be cast from exile without the need to pay its mana cost. This mechanic not only mirrors the thematic elements of planning and executing heists or schemes within the lawless expanses of Thunder Junction but also opens up new avenues for tactical gameplay and deck-building strategies.

Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander Precons

With the release of "Outlaws of Thunder Junction," four Commander Preconstructed decks are set to hit the shelves, each offering a unique thematic experience that aligns with the Wild West ambiance of the set. Let’s saddle up and take a closer look at these decks, their leaders, and the strategies they might inspire.

Grand Larceny:

Diving into the shadows, the "Grand Larceny" deck brings the cunning essence of Sultai (Black/Green/Blue) to the forefront, with Gonti at the reins. Hailing from the inventive plane of Kaladesh, Gonti's predilection for commandeering opponents' cards is expected to play a central role in this deck’s strategy. This Commander Precon invites players to embrace the art of theft, manipulating the battlefield by wielding the very resources of their adversaries against them.

Most Wanted:

Commanding the "Most Wanted" deck is Olivia, a figure steeped in the gothic lore of Innistrad. This Mardu (Black/White/Red) deck is anticipated to showcase synergies that thrive on "creature matters" mechanics, potentially weaving together the aggressive and tactical strengths of Vampires or Mercenaries. The deck promises to embody the fierce and relentless spirit of its constituents, making it a formidable presence on the battlefield.

Quick Draw:

The "Quick Draw" deck celebrates the spellslinger tradition within the Izzet (Blue/Red) colors, focusing on casting a flurry of spells to trigger powerful effects from the permanents you control. Although the identity of its legendary leader remains shrouded in mystery, their roots in Thunder Junction suggest a character fully immersed in the lore and challenges of this wild new plane. Players can expect a deck that rewards clever play and strategic spellcasting, echoing the fast-paced duels of the Wild West.

Desert Bloom:

"Desert Bloom" brings the Naya (Green/White/Red) colors to life under the leadership of Yuma, a character recently woven into the "Outlaws of Thunder Junction" narrative and Magic’s first-ever trans man character. This deck’s focus on the Desert land subtype aligns with its thematic connection to the set, encouraging players to amass and utilize Desert lands to their advantage. Yuma's story and the deck's mechanics offer a fresh perspective on resilience and growth amidst the arid expanses of Thunder Junction.

Each of these Commander Precons for "Outlaws of Thunder Junction" offers a distinct pathway to exploring the vast, untamed narratives and strategies of the Magic: The Gathering universe.

As we ride off into the sunset of our exploration of "Outlaws of Thunder Junction," it's clear that this latest addition to the Magic: The Gathering universe promises an adventure as vast and thrilling as the Wild West itself. Gear up for adventure by preordering your packs and Commander Precons at Amazing Discoveries’ online store. Don't miss out on the excitement—join our community for upcoming events and prereleases. Whether you're a seasoned mage or new to the planes, there's a place for you in this grand saga. Visit our events page, reserve your spot, and let’s dive into the action together. Your next Magic adventure starts here at Amazing Discoveries.