Aetherdrift: Everything You Need to Know About Magic’s First Standard Release of 2025
Magic: The Gathering is set to have an incredible year in 2025, with blockbuster Universes Beyond releases like Final Fantasy and Marvel’s Spider-Man. However, within the core Magic universe, all eyes are on Aetherdrift, the first Standard release of the year. This groundbreaking set brings high-octane death-racing across three planes, driven by the Omenpaths and headlined by the return of Chandra Nalaar in the Ghirapur Grand Prix. Here’s a deep dive into everything we know about Aetherdrift so far.
Key Dates and Events
Global Release: February 14, 2025
MTG Arena & MTGO Release: February 11, 2025
Previews Begin: January 21, 2025
Complete Card Gallery Release: January 31, 2025
MagicCon Chicago & Pro Tour Aetherdrift: February 21-23, 2025
Aetherdrift Store Championship: March 8-30, 2025
Aetherdrift’s release coincides with the new Play Booster format—an update that reduces the number of boosters per display from 36 to 30, allowing retailers to manage stock more efficiently. Additionally, Aetherdrift introduces an exciting array of products, including Play and Collector Boosters, Bundles, two Commander Precons, and a Finish Line Bundle, ensuring players of all preferences have something to look forward to.
Lore and Worldbuilding
Aetherdrift pushes Magic’s multiverse into uncharted territory by spanning three planes: Avishkar (formerly Kaladesh), Amonkhet, and Muraganda. Each plane brings unique themes to the story:
Avishkar: Post-revolution, the Consulate has been replaced by the Avishkar Assembly. This vibrant plane of invention now hosts the Ghirapur Grand Prix, a dangerous race where the Aetherspark—a device capable of granting Planeswalker abilities—is the ultimate prize.
Amonkhet: Returning to this desert world, Aetherdrift brings back the themes of Eternalize and Zombies.
Muraganda: This primordial plane’s dinosaurs and oozes add a primal twist to the story, marking its first major appearance since being hinted at in past sets.
The Ghirapur Grand Prix serves as the set’s centerpiece, where competitors from across the multiverse risk it all for the Aetherspark. Returning hero Chandra Nalaar takes center stage, racing to win the artifact for her partner, Nissa Revane.
Aetherdrift Products
As Aetherdrift is a Standard release, the set includes Play and Collector Boosters, Bundles, Prerelease Kits, two Commander Precons, and the Finish Line Bundle, all set to launch on February 14. A noteworthy update accompanying this release is that Play Booster Displays now contain 30 boosters per display instead of the previous 36. This change follows feedback from retailers and stores after the introduction of Play Boosters with Murders at Karlov Manor. Retailers have expressed that smaller boxes help manage stock more efficiently.
This adjustment might also pave the way for lower prices on Play Booster Displays in the future, though Wizards of the Coast has so far only provided MSRP details for individual Play Boosters.
Commander Precons and Themes
Aetherdrift includes two Commander decks:
Living Energy (Temur: Green/Blue/Red)
Focuses on the Energy mechanic, first introduced in Kaladesh.
Features Saheeli, Radiant Creator as the primary commander and Pia Nalaar, Chief Mechanic as the alternate commander.
Eternal Might (Esper: White/Blue/Black)
Centers on Amonkhet’s Eternalize mechanic and Zombie synergies.
Led by Temmet, Naktamun’s Will, with Hashaton, Scarab’s Fist as the backup commander.
Special Guests and Reprints
Aetherdrift introduces Special Guests, a collection of Masters-style reprints with unique in-world designs and a new First-Place Foil treatment exclusive to Box Toppers. Some notable reprints include:
Chrome Mox
Chandra’s Ignition
Lord of the Undead
Pathbreaker Ibex and Skysovereign, Consul Flagship
These cards come with vibrant reimagined art, and First-Place Foils—a striking yellow-gold finish—are sure to be collector favorites.
Card Treatments and Collectibility
Aetherdrift offers a dazzling array of card treatments, including:
Extended Art Cards: Available on rares and mythics.
Graffiti Giant Cards: Exclusive to Gearhulks and Amonkhet Gods.
Borderless Rude Cards: Inspired by retro hot rod art, these cards showcase vehicles and creatures with a unique aesthetic.
Serialized Cards: Aetherdrift introduces a serialized Borderless The Aetherspark, limited to 500 copies.
Japan Showcase and Fracture Foils: Featuring ten cards, these treatments highlight the artistry Magic is known for.
The set also includes stunning Full-Art Basic Lands, depicting the high-speed races of the Ghirapur Grand Prix.
Looking Ahead
With its high-octane theme, innovative mechanics, and captivating lore, Aetherdrift is poised to be one of Magic’s most thrilling Standard releases yet. Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced races, the powerful new cards, or the intricate storytelling, there’s something in Aetherdrift for every Magic player. Be sure to mark your calendars for February 14, 2025, and get ready to rev your engines!