On February 7, 2025, Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts who visit The POP Shop will be treated to the release of “Aetherdrift,” the first Standard-legal set of the year. this is a full week prior to big box and online retailers, who can’t release until February 14. Aetherdrift introduces innovative racing themed mechanics, exciting Commander decks, and captivating artwork spanning three distinct planes of the Multiverse. Players are invited to engage in high-speed, high-stakes races, navigating perilous tracks and outmaneuvering rivals in a quest for interplanar glory.
New and Returning Mechanics in Aetherdrift
Aetherdrift brings a blend of fresh and familiar mechanics to enhance gameplay:
- Start Your Engines!: Upon controlling a permanent with “start your engines!” for the first time, your speed is set to 1. This speed can increase during the game, up to a maximum of 4, referred to as “max speed.” Certain cards offer abilities that activate upon reaching max speed.
- Exhaust: This mechanic allows for a one-time powerful effect through an activated ability. Once used, the exhaust ability cannot be activated again unless the permanent leaves and re-enters the battlefield, resetting its status.
- Vehicles: Returning in Aetherdrift, Vehicles start as artifacts and can become artifact creatures through the crew ability. By tapping creatures with sufficient power, players can crew Vehicles, turning them into formidable racers on the battlefield.
- Mounts and Saddle: Mounts, a returning creature type, often feature the saddle ability. By tapping other creatures with adequate power, players can saddle a Mount, granting it enhanced abilities, especially when attacking.
- Cycling: This returning mechanic allows players to pay a cost and discard a card with cycling to draw a new card, providing flexibility and aiding in deck consistency.
Prerelease Events
Players eager to experience Aetherdrift ahead of its official release can participate in Prerelease events starting on February 7, 2025. These events offer a hands-on opportunity to explore the new set in a casual tournament setting. Participants receive a Prerelease Pack containing six Play Booster Packs, a foil-stamped promo card, and a spindown life counter. Players then build a 40-card deck from their opened packs and compete in Swiss-style rounds. Prizes include additional Play Booster Packs and promotional items for top performers.
Promotional Offers
To celebrate the launch of Aetherdrift, several promotional offers are available:
- Buy-a-Box Promo: Purchasing a sealed box of Aetherdrift Play Boosters or Collector Boosters from participating local game stores entitles players to a special promo card, “Lifecraft Engine,” while supplies last.
- Pinfinity AR-Enhanced Collectible Pin: Players who participate in two or more Prerelease events can receive a limited-edition Aetherdrift pin featuring augmented reality enhancements. Supplies are limited, so early participation is encouraged.
Product Lineup
Aetherdrift offers a variety of products to suit different player preferences:
Play Boosters: Designed for both deck-building and Limited play, each Play Booster contains 14 Magic cards, including at least one foil card. A full display includes 30 boosters and a two-card box topper.
Collector Boosters: Aimed at collectors, each of these 15-card boosters is packed with rares, mythics, traditional foils, and full-art basic lands. Chase cards like Borderless Graffiti Giants and serialized Aetherspark cards can also be found. A display contains 12 boosters and a two-card box topper.
Commander Decks: Aetherdrift introduces two ready-to-play Commander decks, each led by a legendary creature and featuring 100 cards, including 10 new-to-Magic cards. Each deck comes with a traditional foil face commander, double-sided tokens, a Collector Booster Sample Pack, and a deck box.
Bundle Box: The Bundle is a great gift for Magic superfans and newcomers alike who visit your store. Put pedal to the metal and accelerate into the world of Aetherdrift.
Embrace the thrill of the race and prepare to navigate the Multiverse’s most treacherous tracks with Aetherdrift!
