At Aztec Games, we’re always on the hunt for the next great addition to Magic: The Gathering, and Innistrad Remastered has us howling with excitement (pun intended). This upcoming set promises to revisit the eerie charm of Innistrad, bringing together the most iconic cards, mechanics, and vibes from across the plane’s history. Here’s what we’re looking forward to and why we think it’ll be a must-have for collectors and players alike.
Key Dates and Details for Innistrad Remastered
Mark your calendars—Innistrad Remastered is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases for Magic: The Gathering fans! Here’s all the dates you need to know:
Innistrad Remastered officially drops on January 24, 2025, with its Magic Online (MTGO) release likely arriving shortly beforehand. However, this set won’t be available on MTG Arena, as Shadows over Innistrad Remastered was already introduced to the client back in 2023.
What Makes Innistrad Remastered Unique
This remastered set pulls together highlights from multiple Innistrad-era releases and beyond, offering a comprehensive look at one of Magic’s most beloved planes. Here’s what you can expect to see:
Reprints from Key Innistrad Sets:
- Innistrad
- Dark Ascension
- Avacyn Restored
- Shadows over Innistrad
- Eldritch Moon
- Innistrad: Midnight Hunt
- Innistrad: Crimson Vow
Additional Notable Inclusions:
- Commander 2017
- March of the Machine
- Mirrodin
Like other remastered sets such as Ravnica Remastered and Time Spiral Remastered, this release focuses on delivering a curated experience by revisiting standout cards and mechanics from across multiple sets.
Unlikely Additions and Card Legality
The inclusion of Commander 2017 in Innistrad Remastered might seem unusual at first glance, but it makes perfect sense when you consider the return of Edgar Markov. Originally part of the Vampiric Bloodlust Commander Precon and later available as an elusive Judge Promo, Edgar’s reprint fits perfectly into the gothic themes of Innistrad.
Similarly, cards from Mirrodin and March of the Machine, such as Mass Hysteria and Invasion of Innistrad, are making an appearance. While it may seem odd to see these cards in an Innistrad-focused set, Wizards of the Coast has adopted a more thematic approach. Reprints are chosen not just for their original sets but for how well they align with Innistrad’s mechanics and flavor. In the case of Mass Hysteria, it ties neatly into the frenzy of Innistrad’s Werewolves, making it a flavorful and notable inclusion.
Card Legality in Innistrad Remastered
For those wondering about the impact on formats, Innistrad Remastered doesn’t change the legality of most cards, with one exception: Pauper. If a card’s rarity is downshifted to Common in this set, it becomes Pauper legal. Beyond that, all other cards retain their existing legality.
For example, Snapcaster Mage, one of Innistrad’s iconic cards, will remain legal in Modern, Legacy, Vintage, and Commander with its reprint. However, it still won’t be playable in Standard or Pioneer—so no Snapcaster Mage in those formats, unfortunately!
What This Means for Players
The thematic reprints and thoughtful inclusion of cards make Innistrad Remastered a unique celebration of Magic’s gothic plane. Whether you’re drafting, collecting, or updating your decks, this set offers something for everyone, with an eye toward both nostalgia and gameplay innovation.
Innistrad Remastered Product Lineup
With the introduction of Play Boosters starting with Murders at Karlov Manor, Innistrad Remastered continues this trend, offering only Play Boosters and Collector Boosters in its product lineup. Unlike larger releases, this set does not include Bundles, Gift Bundles, Prerelease Kits, or Commander Precons, as it’s considered a smaller-scale release.
While the absence of additional product types might seem limiting, the streamlined focus ensures that players and collectors can dive straight into the gothic charm of Innistrad through these curated booster options.
A Showcase of Stunning Card Treatments
Innistrad Remastered brings a treasure trove of card treatments, giving players and collectors plenty to chase. From nostalgic designs to brand-new innovations, here’s what you can look forward to in this gothic masterpiece:
Retro Frame Cards
Retro Frame cards make a dramatic return, showcasing sought-after Mythic Rares like Young Wolf, Liliana of the Veil, and Snapcaster Mage. Approximately 120 cards in the set feature this classic treatment, marking the debut of Retro Double-Face cards, exemplified by Huntmaster of the Fells. These Retro Frame cards can be opened in Play Boosters and Collector Boosters, though foils are exclusive to Collector Boosters.
Borderless Cards
As seen in Ravnica Remastered, Borderless cards are back, highlighting iconic Innistrad cards such as Mausoleum Wanderer, Young Wolf, Spell Queller, and the ever-popular Thraben Inspector. Borderless treatments can be found in both Play and Collector Boosters, offering an elevated presentation for Innistrad’s most memorable cards.
Movie Poster Cards
The cinematic Movie Poster cards return, having previously appeared in Secret Lairs and the Duskmourn: House of Horror Nightmare Bundle. Innistrad Remastered includes ten of these collectible cards, with Emrakul, the Promised End as one of the standout chase cards. These highly desirable treatments are exclusive to Collector Boosters.
Headliner Cards
Following the popularity of serialized cards in Universes Beyond: The Lord of the Rings, Innistrad Remastered introduces Headliner cards. These special chase cards are serialized and expected to become prized collector items. For Innistrad Remastered, the first Headliner card is Edgar Markov, featuring a Movie Poster treatment and serialized to just 500 copies. These exclusive cards appear in under 1% of Collector Boosters, making them a true treasure for collectors.
Showcase Equinox and Frag Frame Treatments
The Showcase frames from Innistrad: Midnight Hunt and Crimson Vow—Equinox and Frag Frame—return in Innistrad Remastered. These treatments grace some of the most iconic Werewolves and Vampires in the set, including Blood Artist and Huntmaster of the Fells. These treatments are more commonly available and can be found in both Play and Collector Boosters.
Innistrad Remastered combines the best of nostalgia and innovation with its wide array of card treatments. From Retro Frames and Borderless designs to serialized Headliner cards and cinematic Movie Posters, this set offers something for every collector.
Whether you’re opening boosters for the thrill or hunting specific cards to complete your collection, Innistrad Remastered promises a visual and thematic feast unlike any other. Ready to dive into the shadows? Make your mark today.