Proving an orthodox Magic: The Gathering set can still sell—as long as it’s packed with powerful cards.
Magic Untapped reports the latest Magic: The Gathering set, Tarkir: Dragonstorm, has been so popular stores are selling out of it and sometimes struggling to restock. «Demand for Tarkir: Dragonstorm has been exceptionally high and we are working to bring more to the market», said Wizards Play Network community manager Nelson Brown.
It’s tempting to put this down to how traditional Dragonstorm is. It’s a return to a setting that debuted in 2014, with a theme—dragons, obv—which is as close to generic fantasy as you can get. But while some recent sets, like the racing-themed Aetherdrift and detective-themed Murders at Karlov Manor, have been criticized for leaning too hard into gimmicks, we did just have the extremely old-fashioned Foundations too. It’s not like this is the only chance players have had to put money down on conventionally themed cards this year.
Meanwhile Magic’s «Universes Beyond» crossovers are still doing well, and excitement is particularly high for the Final Fantasy set due on June 13. I wouldn’t be surprised if that one sells out at plenty of stores too, given how even people who were previously down on crossovers have changed their tune after seeing how rad the cards look.
While it may not be as palatable to Magic tragics, the other thing Tarkir: Dragonstorm has going for it is simply that it’s well-stocked with powerful new and returning cards—particularly ones that are useful in Commander, which is still the most-played official format.
