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Magic The Gathering Card Sets In Chronological Order

If you're a fan of Magic the Gathering, you know that the game is all about collecting cards and building your deck. But with so many different sets released over the years, it can be hard to keep track of them all. In this article, we'll take a look at the Magic the Gathering card sets in chronological order. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran, this guide will help you keep track of all the different sets that have been released over the years.

Alpha

Alpha Magic The Gathering Card Set

Alpha was the first Magic the Gathering set to be released back in 1993. It featured 295 cards, including some of the most iconic cards in the game like Black Lotus, Ancestral Recall, and Mox Sapphire. Alpha cards are incredibly rare and valuable today, with some cards selling for tens of thousands of dollars.

Beta

Beta Magic The Gathering Card Set

Beta was released just a few months after Alpha in 1993. It was essentially the same set as Alpha, but with some minor changes to the rules text and card borders. Beta cards are also quite rare and valuable, although not quite as much as their Alpha counterparts.

Unlimited

Unlimited Magic The Gathering Card Set

Unlimited was released in 1993 as a way to meet the huge demand for Magic the Gathering cards. It was essentially the same set as Beta, but with an unlimited print run. Unlimited cards are much more common than Alpha or Beta cards, but still hold some value due to their age and rarity.

Arabian Nights

Arabian Nights Magic The Gathering Card Set

Arabian Nights was the first expansion set for Magic the Gathering, released in 1993. It featured 92 new cards inspired by the tales of the Arabian Nights. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Juzam Djinn, Library of Alexandria, and City of Brass.

Antiquities

Antiquities Magic The Gathering Card Set

Antiquities was the second expansion set for Magic the Gathering, released in 1994. It featured 100 new cards focused on the artifacts of the game's lore. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Mishra's Workshop, Strip Mine, and Urza's Tower.

Revised

Revised Magic The Gathering Card Set

Revised was released in 1994 as an updated version of the Unlimited set. It featured some new cards and updated rules text, as well as a new card border. Revised cards are much more common than Alpha or Beta cards, but are still considered valuable due to their age and rarity.

Legends

Legends Magic The Gathering Card Set

Legends was released in 1994 and featured 310 new cards, focused on legendary creatures and heroes from the game's lore. Some of the most notable cards from this set include The Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale, Angus Mackenzie, and Karakas. Legends is also notable for being the first set to feature multicolored cards.

The Dark

The Dark Magic The Gathering Card Set

The Dark was released in 1994 and featured 119 new cards. It was a darker and more macabre set than previous sets, with a focus on horror and the supernatural. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Maze of Ith, Blood Moon, and Ball Lightning.

Fallen Empires

Fallen Empires Magic The Gathering Card Set

Fallen Empires was released in 1994 and featured 187 new cards. It was a smaller set than previous sets, with a focus on tribal themes and small, low-powered creatures. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Hymn to Tourach, Goblin Grenade, and High Tide.

Ice Age

Ice Age Magic The Gathering Card Set

Ice Age was released in 1995 and featured 383 new cards. It was the first set to introduce the concept of snow-covered lands, which had special abilities when used with other snow-covered cards. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Necropotence, Force of Will, and Jester's Cap.

Alliances

Alliances Magic The Gathering Card Set

Alliances was released in 1996 and featured 144 new cards. It was a small set designed to be played in conjunction with the Ice Age set. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Force of Will (reprinted from Ice Age), Cursed Scroll, and Thawing Glaciers.

Mirage

Mirage Magic The Gathering Card Set

Mirage was released in 1996 and featured 350 new cards. It was set on the plane of Jamuraa and featured African-inspired themes and artwork. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Lion's Eye Diamond, Impulse, and Phyrexian Dreadnought.

Visions

Visions Magic The Gathering Card Set

Visions was released in 1997 and featured 167 new cards. It was a small set designed to be played in conjunction with the Mirage set. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Natural Order, Stasis, and Vampiric Tutor.

Weatherlight

Weatherlight Magic The Gathering Card Set

Weatherlight was released in 1997 and featured 167 new cards. It was set on the plane of Rath and focused on the story of the Weatherlight, a ship that appeared in previous sets. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Yawgmoth's Bargain, Winding Canyons, and Repercussion.

Tempest

Tempest Magic The Gathering Card Set

Tempest was released in 1997 and featured 350 new cards. It was set on the plane of Rath and focused on the story of Gerrard Capashen and his crew aboard the Weatherlight. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Tolarian Academy, Wasteland, and Time Spiral.

Stronghold

Stronghold Magic The Gathering Card Set

Stronghold was released in 1998 and featured 143 new cards. It was a small set designed to be played in conjunction with the Tempest set. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Volrath's Stronghold, Mogg Fanatic, and Thran Quarry.

Exodus

Exodus Magic The Gathering Card Set

Exodus was released in 1998 and featured 143 new cards. It was set on the plane of Dominaria and focused on the story of the apocalypse caused by the Phyrexians. Some of the most notable cards from this set include City of Traitors, Phyrexian Altar, and Oath of Druids.

Urza's Saga

Urza'S Saga Magic The Gathering Card Set

Urza's Saga was released in 1998 and featured 350 new cards. It was set on the plane of Dominaria and focused on the story of the legendary wizard Urza. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Tinker, Gaea's Cradle, and Yawgmoth's Will.

Urza's Legacy

Urza'S Legacy Magic The Gathering Card Set

Urza's Legacy was released in 1999 and featured 143 new cards. It was a small set designed to be played in conjunction with the Urza's Saga set. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Worn Powerstone, Metalworker, and Treetop Village.

Urza's Destiny

Urza'S Destiny Magic The Gathering Card Set

Urza's Destiny was released in 1999 and featured 143 new cards. It was set on the plane of Dominaria and focused on the story of Urza's final battle against the Phyrexians. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Academy Rector, Yavimaya Hollow, and Karn, Silver Golem.

Mercadian Masques

Mercadian Masques Magic The Gathering Card Set

Mercadian Masques was released in 1999 and featured 350 new cards. It was set on the plane of Mercadia and focused on the story of a rebellion against the ruling class. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Rishadan Port, Lin Sivvi, Defiant Hero, and Crop Rotation.

Nemesis

Nemesis Magic The Gathering Card Set

Nemesis was released in 2000 and featured 143 new cards. It was a small set designed to be played in conjunction with the Mercadian Masques set. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Chainer's Edict, Skyship Weatherlight, and Parallax Wave.

Prophecy

Prophecy Magic The Gathering Card Set

Prophecy was released in 2000 and featured 143 new cards. It was set on the plane of Jamuraa and focused on the story of the planeswalker Teferi. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Rhystic Study, Avatar of Woe, and Vintara Snapper.

Invasion

Invasion Magic The Gathering Card Set

Invasion was released in 2000 and featured 350 new cards. It was set on the plane of Dominaria and focused on the story of the Phyrexian invasion. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Phyrexian Arena, Squirrel Nest, and Magma Jet.

Planeshift

Planeshift Magic The Gathering Card Set

Planeshift was released in 2001 and featured 143 new cards. It was a small set designed to be played in conjunction with the Invasion set. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Gaea's Balance, Energy Field, and Cataclysmic Gearhulk.

Apocalypse

Apocalypse Magic The Gathering Card Set

Apocalypse was released in 2001 and featured 143 new cards. It was set on the plane of Dominaria and focused on the final battle between the forces of good and evil. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Spiritmonger, Vindicate, and Phyrexian Arena (reprinted from Invasion).

Odyssey

Odyssey Magic The Gathering Card Set

Odyssey was released in 2001 and featured 350 new cards. It was set on the plane of Otaria and focused on the story of the necromancer Kamahl. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Cabal Coffers, Mirari, and Upheaval.

Torment

Torment Magic The Gathering Card Set

Torment was released in 2002 and featured 143 new cards. It was a small set designed to be played in conjunction with the Odyssey set. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Cabal Coffers (reprinted from Odyssey), Exile, and Entomb.

Judgment

Judgment Magic The Gathering Card Set

Judgment was released in 2002 and featured 143 new cards. It was set on the plane of Otaria and focused on the story of Kamahl's journey to redemption. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Genesis, Patriarch's Bidding, and Decree of Justice.

Onslaught

Onslaught Magic The Gathering Card Set

Onslaught was released in 2002 and featured 350 new cards. It was set on the plane of Dominaria and focused on the story of the onslaught of the morph creatures. Some of the most notable cards from this set include Polluted Delta, Bloodstained Mire, and Gaea's Cradle (reprinted from Urza's Saga).

Legions

Legions Magic The Gathering Card Set

Legions was released in 2003 and featured 145 new cards. It was a small set designed to be played in conjunction with the Onslaught set. Legions was notable for being the first set to contain only creature cards, with

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