As someone who primarily plays Pauper, I'm quite interested in the next Masters set, since it's one of the best ways for new cards to enter the format. Right now WotC is probably licking their wounds and rethinking things, after Iconic Masters and Masters 25. They've said no more format-specific Masters sets, so I'll discount those.
It's also quite possible that Masters sets will be phased out completely, in favor of supplemental draft sets like Conspiracy and Battlebond, which have seemed to be critical (at least) successes.
But, if they do keep doing Masters sets, what themes do you think they'll focus on? It seems like there's a lot of potential.
Tribal Masters: A widely popular theme. I don't think WotC has ever made a tribal block that 100% worked as a draft environment, but this could be their chance.
"Timmy" Masters: A draft environment focusing on "battlecruiser" magic, kind of like Rise of the Eldrazi did, which was quite unique and popular. The name could be something like "Epic Masters." You'd think they wouldn't have many high value reprints to keep the EV up in this, but they could have stuff like the original Emrakul, the Aeons Torn and Griselbrand.
Plane-specific Masters: Innistrad, Zendikar. Probably not Ravnica, as it will have been revisited so recently.
Graveyard Masters: Combinining a slew of graveyard-focused mechanics from many sets, such as a Flashback, Dredge, Delirium, Madness, Delve, etc. Good place for some needed Pauper reprints such as Chainer's Edict, Battle Screech, Prismatic Strands, and Moment's Peace.
Artifact Masters: A theme that's spread across many sets, from Antiquities to both Mirrodin blocks to Kaladesh, with lots of exciting reprints.
Oldschool Masters: Lots of cards legal in "Oldschool Magic," ideally with the old frames. This probably won't ever happen, but I can still dream.
I would think after how badly the new 'non format specific' thing has faceplanted, we will get maybe one more themed set(never reprinted before Masters?) just because it takes time for them to slam on the brakes and go back to doing it for formats.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Project Booster Fun makes it less fun to open a booster.
I would think after how badly the new 'non format specific' thing has faceplanted, we will get maybe one more themed set(never reprinted before Masters?) just because it takes time for them to slam on the brakes and go back to doing it for formats.
This. It seems like "Iconic" and "25th Anniversary" have failed, and meanwhile Battlebond, Unstable, and Conspiracy have shown the value of a fun casual draft format that has needed reprints or EDH bling. I suspect Masters sets will go the way of the dinosaur, and that we'll get one more themed masters (Tribal Masters seems EXTREMELY likely) and then probably have more fun draft sets and go a few years before we get a Modern Masters that can catch up and go all the way to Kaladesh with reprints without feeling bad. From there I imagine it'll be a rotation between unsets, 2HG sets (maybe Battlebond II, maybe a 2HG set on another plane), multiplayer brawl sets (maybe Conspiracy III, maybe a multiplayer set on another plane like New Phyrexia), and a modern/eternal masters set every spring/summer.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sufferer of EDHD
Commander - Currently Playing: RCRDaretti: Superfriends Forever RCR WGBDoran: Ent-mootWBG GGGMultani: Group Bear HugGGG GB(B/G)The Gitrog Monster: Dredgefall DurdleGB(B/G) RGWGahiji, the Honored Group Hug MonsterRGW UB(U/B)Yuriko, Ninja Trinket AggroUB(U/B) WUBRGAtogatog: Assembling a OHKOWUBRG
I would like it if they replaced the Masters set with yearly Battlebond and Conspiracy. I personally find those more exciting then the Masters. Just the excitement of the new cards ,cheaper price tag and exploring new planes that we don't see normally will draw more people. Besides, with the Core sets back plus the Battlebond and Conspiracy reprinting cards, there's no need for it.
I think the only way to sell a pure reprint draft set that has a high price us to make the draft experience unique. (Aside from value cards if course)
And thus themed environments such as the afrorementioned tribal, artifact, or graveyard blocks are hugely interesting, kind of like playing theme cubes.
To add to that, a heavy multicolor masters set would be interesting as well.
I would think after how badly the new 'non format specific' thing has faceplanted, we will get maybe one more themed set(never reprinted before Masters?) just because it takes time for them to slam on the brakes and go back to doing it for formats.
This. It seems like "Iconic" and "25th Anniversary" have failed, and meanwhile Battlebond, Unstable, and Conspiracy have shown the value of a fun casual draft format that has needed reprints or EDH bling. I suspect Masters sets will go the way of the dinosaur, and that we'll get one more themed masters (Tribal Masters seems EXTREMELY likely) and then probably have more fun draft sets and go a few years before we get a Modern Masters that can catch up and go all the way to Kaladesh with reprints without feeling bad. From there I imagine it'll be a rotation between unsets, 2HG sets (maybe Battlebond II, maybe a 2HG set on another plane), multiplayer brawl sets (maybe Conspiracy III, maybe a multiplayer set on another plane like New Phyrexia), and a modern/eternal masters set every spring/summer.
While I love the first two unsets and think the third is alright, Maro seemed to give the impression that WotC isn't going to make Unsets any sort a regular thing or even an irregular thing.
I think WotC has moved so far away from what made Unglued/Unhinged so special that any future Unset is essentially going to be Un-lite and minimally different from the normal non-standard sets.
I can definitely see them going back to one Masters set per one and a half years or even two years. The latest string of Eternal into MM17 into Iconic into 25 in less than 24 months was clearly way too much, and I believe that they got the message loud and clear since they announced no such set for the Fall/Winter. With about two years between sets like these we might actually be hungry for more between them instead of feeling overwhelmed. They also have to get their act together and reprint more good stuff or lower the price, because people were pretty angry about 25.
The other realistic option is to discontinue them. They have followed this pattern with a lot of other product lines where they start off very strong, then weaken them and water them down gradually over time, then discontinue them when people are unhappy with them. This is what happened to From the Vault, Duel Decks, Event Decks and many other product lines, and I expect it to happen to Challenger Decks and Spellbook (if the first was even good) in the next couple of years as well. The first Challenger Decks were insane by WotC standards, but I´ll be shocked if they are this good in 2020. This could easily happen do Masters sets too. The key difference, though is that since Masters sets are not a regular/annual/seasonal thing, they don´t have to announce that they´re discontinuing them. They could simply stop making them and say nothing, so that they keep the door open for something like Modern Masters 2021 if the market seems ready for it then, without looking like they´re flip-flopping (again).
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When I hit my 3000 post mark, I'm gone for good.
Stay reasonable, be mindful of your expectations and don't feed the trolls.
I can definitely see them going back to one Masters set per one and a half years or even two years. The latest string of Eternal into MM17 into Iconic into 25 in less than 24 months was clearly way too much, and I believe that they got the message loud and clear since they announced no such set for the Fall/Winter. With about two years between sets like these we might actually be hungry for more between them instead of feeling overwhelmed. They also have to get their act together and reprint more good stuff or lower the price, because people were pretty angry about 25.
The other realistic option is to discontinue them. They have followed this pattern with a lot of other product lines where they start off very strong, then weaken them and water them down gradually over time, then discontinue them when people are unhappy with them. This is what happened to From the Vault, Duel Decks, Event Decks and many other product lines, and I expect it to happen to Challenger Decks and Spellbook (if the first was even good) in the next couple of years as well. The first Challenger Decks were insane by WotC standards, but I´ll be shocked if they are this good in 2020. This could easily happen do Masters sets too. The key difference, though is that since Masters sets are not a regular/annual/seasonal thing, they don´t have to announce that they´re discontinuing them. They could simply stop making them and say nothing, so that they keep the door open for something like Modern Masters 2021 if the market seems ready for it then, without looking like they´re flip-flopping (again).
Yeah, that seems logical. But with such long development times for the sets, how many crappy future Masters sets do they have stuck in warehouses or somewhere in the pipeline? Core 2019 as printed before Dominaria and it was theorized that Battlebond was rushed with its purple core, higher quality, Japanese paper and printer. I'm thinking the next Masters set is just going to be really bad.
MTGS Wikia Article about "New World Order"
Every time I read a comment about "Well if this card had card draw/trample/haste/indestructible/hexproof/life gain...", I think "You're missing the point." They're armchair developer comments that fail to take into account the card's role in the greater Limited and Standard environment. No, it may not be as good as whatever card you're comparing it to. There's a reason for that. Not every burn spell is Lightning Bolt, nor does it need to be or should be.
PSA to everyone who keeps forgetting about the Reserved List:
You're on a website dedicated to talking about MtG. You're only a few keystrokes away from finding out what cards are on the Reserved List. You're also only a few keystrokes away from finding out why some cards on the Reserved List got foil printings in FtV, as Judge promos, or whatnot, as well as why that won't happen again. Stop doing this.
The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that a tribal masters set would be a fun draft experience.
You'd have to have slivers, because people would complain if you didn't. Then you'd pick two or three color tribes to build the set around:
Jund Goblins.
Mardu Knights or Vampires
Esper Zombies or Merfolk
Abzan Elves
Golgari Fungus
Boros Soldiers or Giants
Selesnya Cats
Izzet or Temur Elementals
Then throw in Changelings and perhaps a few mistform creatures to provide creatures that can go in any tribes deck, two or three of each colors iconic, a selection of solid limited spells (including some much needed reprints), ensure each tribe has a few good legendary creatures, and a solid mana base consisting of both common, uncommon, and rare lands and artifacts. And boom, instant success.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
It's about time for the reserved list to die, for the sake of Vintage and Legacy (And Commander).
---
Numquam evolutioni obstes. Solum conculceris.
Pascite draconem, evolvite aut morimini.
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
It's also quite possible that Masters sets will be phased out completely, in favor of supplemental draft sets like Conspiracy and Battlebond, which have seemed to be critical (at least) successes.
But, if they do keep doing Masters sets, what themes do you think they'll focus on? It seems like there's a lot of potential.
Tribal Masters: A widely popular theme. I don't think WotC has ever made a tribal block that 100% worked as a draft environment, but this could be their chance.
"Timmy" Masters: A draft environment focusing on "battlecruiser" magic, kind of like Rise of the Eldrazi did, which was quite unique and popular. The name could be something like "Epic Masters." You'd think they wouldn't have many high value reprints to keep the EV up in this, but they could have stuff like the original Emrakul, the Aeons Torn and Griselbrand.
Plane-specific Masters: Innistrad, Zendikar. Probably not Ravnica, as it will have been revisited so recently.
Graveyard Masters: Combinining a slew of graveyard-focused mechanics from many sets, such as a Flashback, Dredge, Delirium, Madness, Delve, etc. Good place for some needed Pauper reprints such as Chainer's Edict, Battle Screech, Prismatic Strands, and Moment's Peace.
Artifact Masters: A theme that's spread across many sets, from Antiquities to both Mirrodin blocks to Kaladesh, with lots of exciting reprints.
Oldschool Masters: Lots of cards legal in "Oldschool Magic," ideally with the old frames. This probably won't ever happen, but I can still dream.
Any other ideas?
Corrupt Control B | Burn R | UG Turbofog UG | White Weenie W | GW Tethmos WG | BG Cycling Combo BG
Enchantress GBW | Colorless Tron C | Red Deck Wins R | UG Madness UG | Mono-G Tron G | UR Puzzlehorns UR
Rhystic Tron WU| WU Prowess WU | BR Reanimator BR | Mono-R Control R | Stompy G | Temur Tron URG
Mardu Infinite Priest WBR | 85-Card Dredge BRG | Elves GU | Boros Bully RW | Jeskai Familiars RWU
(W/U)(B/R)GForm of Progenitus, Shape of a Scrubland
BRGJund Tokens with Prossh, the Magic Dragon Foil
URGAnimar, the RUG CleanerFoil
RRRFeldon of the Third Path 2.0 Foil
BG(B/G)Not Another Meren DeckFoil
UR(U/R)Mizzix, Y Control and X Burn Spells
(W/U)(B/R)GHarold Ramos - The 35 Foot Long Twinkie (In +1/+1 counters)
UB(U/B)Dragonlord Silumgar
This. It seems like "Iconic" and "25th Anniversary" have failed, and meanwhile Battlebond, Unstable, and Conspiracy have shown the value of a fun casual draft format that has needed reprints or EDH bling. I suspect Masters sets will go the way of the dinosaur, and that we'll get one more themed masters (Tribal Masters seems EXTREMELY likely) and then probably have more fun draft sets and go a few years before we get a Modern Masters that can catch up and go all the way to Kaladesh with reprints without feeling bad. From there I imagine it'll be a rotation between unsets, 2HG sets (maybe Battlebond II, maybe a 2HG set on another plane), multiplayer brawl sets (maybe Conspiracy III, maybe a multiplayer set on another plane like New Phyrexia), and a modern/eternal masters set every spring/summer.
RCRDaretti: Superfriends Forever RCR
WGBDoran: Ent-mootWBG
GGGMultani: Group Bear HugGGG
GB(B/G)The Gitrog Monster: Dredgefall DurdleGB(B/G)
RGWGahiji, the Honored Group Hug MonsterRGW
UB(U/B)Yuriko, Ninja Trinket AggroUB(U/B)
WUBRGAtogatog: Assembling a OHKOWUBRG
And thus themed environments such as the afrorementioned tribal, artifact, or graveyard blocks are hugely interesting, kind of like playing theme cubes.
To add to that, a heavy multicolor masters set would be interesting as well.
Yes, especially since multi-colored focused blocks have been some of the most popular draft environemtns of all time (Invasion block, Ravnica block).
Corrupt Control B | Burn R | UG Turbofog UG | White Weenie W | GW Tethmos WG | BG Cycling Combo BG
Enchantress GBW | Colorless Tron C | Red Deck Wins R | UG Madness UG | Mono-G Tron G | UR Puzzlehorns UR
Rhystic Tron WU| WU Prowess WU | BR Reanimator BR | Mono-R Control R | Stompy G | Temur Tron URG
Mardu Infinite Priest WBR | 85-Card Dredge BRG | Elves GU | Boros Bully RW | Jeskai Familiars RWU
While I love the first two unsets and think the third is alright, Maro seemed to give the impression that WotC isn't going to make Unsets any sort a regular thing or even an irregular thing.
I think WotC has moved so far away from what made Unglued/Unhinged so special that any future Unset is essentially going to be Un-lite and minimally different from the normal non-standard sets.
The other realistic option is to discontinue them. They have followed this pattern with a lot of other product lines where they start off very strong, then weaken them and water them down gradually over time, then discontinue them when people are unhappy with them. This is what happened to From the Vault, Duel Decks, Event Decks and many other product lines, and I expect it to happen to Challenger Decks and Spellbook (if the first was even good) in the next couple of years as well. The first Challenger Decks were insane by WotC standards, but I´ll be shocked if they are this good in 2020. This could easily happen do Masters sets too. The key difference, though is that since Masters sets are not a regular/annual/seasonal thing, they don´t have to announce that they´re discontinuing them. They could simply stop making them and say nothing, so that they keep the door open for something like Modern Masters 2021 if the market seems ready for it then, without looking like they´re flip-flopping (again).
Stay reasonable, be mindful of your expectations and don't feed the trolls.
Doomsdayin'
Yeah, that seems logical. But with such long development times for the sets, how many crappy future Masters sets do they have stuck in warehouses or somewhere in the pipeline? Core 2019 as printed before Dominaria and it was theorized that Battlebond was rushed with its purple core, higher quality, Japanese paper and printer. I'm thinking the next Masters set is just going to be really bad.
However, I'm dubious that they'll do that within the next year because Ravnica will be dominating over half of it.
Artifact Masters would be tons of fun.
Every time I read a comment about "Well if this card had card draw/trample/haste/indestructible/hexproof/life gain...", I think "You're missing the point." They're armchair developer comments that fail to take into account the card's role in the greater Limited and Standard environment. No, it may not be as good as whatever card you're comparing it to. There's a reason for that. Not every burn spell is Lightning Bolt, nor does it need to be or should be.
You'd have to have slivers, because people would complain if you didn't. Then you'd pick two or three color tribes to build the set around:
Jund Goblins.
Mardu Knights or Vampires
Esper Zombies or Merfolk
Abzan Elves
Golgari Fungus
Boros Soldiers or Giants
Selesnya Cats
Izzet or Temur Elementals
Then throw in Changelings and perhaps a few mistform creatures to provide creatures that can go in any tribes deck, two or three of each colors iconic, a selection of solid limited spells (including some much needed reprints), ensure each tribe has a few good legendary creatures, and a solid mana base consisting of both common, uncommon, and rare lands and artifacts. And boom, instant success.
---
Numquam evolutioni obstes. Solum conculceris.
Pascite draconem, evolvite aut morimini.