Welcome to the Timeless format of Magic: The Gathering Arena
When playing Magic: The Gathering in the digital Arena, you usually choose a format that determines whether you play with only new cards (Standard), a mix of new and old cards (Historic), or a mix of new and old cards that are not older than the popular Return to Ravnica block (Explorer). There are also other formats like Brawl or Alchemy. But now there is another option: the Timeless format.
What makes the Timeless format special?
"We are creating Timeless as a home for the most powerful cards of MTG Arena," said Senior Product Manager Dave Finseth on the Magic Blog. "As MTG Arena has grown, we have accumulated additional strong sets like Wilds of Eldraine Enchanting Tales and Strixhaven Mystical Archive. These cards didn't have a good place to play outside of their limited formats without overflowing an existing constructed format. Timeless will be a place to play these cards."
Why is there a new Timeless format?
The Historic format was supposed to be the format where you can use any card you own. But over the years, Historic has accumulated a list of banned cards that are "a bit too much" even for casual play. That's why this year there were two events, Historic No Banned List and Historic Basically No Bans, to allow players to bring back their overpowered favorites for a limited time. These events were popular enough to create a permanent version: the Timeless format.
What does the new Khans of Tarkir set have to do with it?
With the new Khans of Tarkir set, Fetch Lands are coming back - cards that can be sacrificed to play land cards from your deck. These Fetch Lands have gone straight into Timeless and have been pre-banned in other formats.
What does the future hold for the Timeless format?
"We believe now is the right time to add a new format," said Finseth. "We have accumulated a healthy amount of these cards and expect more from things like bonus sheets, the list in play boosters, and sets like Modern Horizons 3 coming in 2024."
Are there any restrictions in the Timeless format?
Although Timeless doesn't have any banned cards, there is a restricted list for cards that are so powerful that you can only have one in your deck and sideboard. The first three cards to be restricted are Channel, Demonic Tutor, and Tibalt's Trickery. It is expected that more will be added as the format matures.
What impact will the new format have on Magic: The Gathering Arena?
The variety of different Magic: The Gathering formats can be confusing. But every new format has the potential to attract new players. However, it seems that Timeless is more appealing to the same people who already play Historic. Whether the two formats can coexist or if one will cannibalize the other remains to be seen.
Want to learn more about Magic: The Gathering Arena? Then check out our website! And if you're ready to dive into the action and try out the Timeless format, you can secure your Magic: The Gathering Arena Key here!
