Magic The Gathering Set Symbols In Chronological Order
Magic The Gathering is a popular trading card game that has been around since 1993. Over the years, the game has released a number of sets, each with its own unique set symbol. These symbols have become iconic and are instantly recognizable to fans of the game. In this article, we will take a look at the set symbols in chronological order.
Alpha
The first set of Magic The Gathering was Alpha, released in 1993. The set symbol for Alpha is a black spade with a stylized “M” in the center. This symbol is still used to represent the game itself and is commonly seen on merchandise and promotional materials.
Beta
Released in the same year as Alpha, Beta had the same set symbol as its predecessor. The only difference is that the symbol was printed in a slightly lighter shade of black. This was because the original printing plates for Alpha were damaged and needed to be replaced.
Unlimited
Unlimited was released in 1993 as well and is notable for being the first Magic The Gathering set to be printed in unlimited quantities. The set symbol for Unlimited is the same as Alpha and Beta, with the black spade and stylized “M”.
Arabian Nights
Arabian Nights was released in 1993 and was the first expansion set for Magic The Gathering. The set symbol for Arabian Nights is a yellow scimitar on a red background. This symbol is meant to evoke the setting of the set, which is based on the stories of One Thousand and One Nights.
Antiquities
Antiquities was released in 1994 and is notable for being the first set to have a storyline. The set symbol for Antiquities is a brown cog with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the different artifacts that are featured in the set.
Legends
Legends was released in 1994 and is notable for being the first Magic The Gathering set to feature multicolored cards. The set symbol for Legends is a red crown with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the different legendary creatures that are featured in the set.
The Dark
The Dark was released in 1994 and is notable for being the first Magic The Gathering set to have a horror theme. The set symbol for The Dark is a black skull with a stylized “M” in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the dark and ominous nature of the set.
Fourth Edition
Fourth Edition was released in 1995 and is notable for being the first set to be printed in a white border. The set symbol for Fourth Edition is the same as Unlimited, with the black spade and stylized “M”.
Fallen Empires
Fallen Empires was released in 1994 and is notable for being the first Magic The Gathering set to focus on tribal themes. The set symbol for Fallen Empires is a green tree with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the different tribes that are featured in the set.
Ice Age
Ice Age was released in 1995 and is notable for being the first Magic The Gathering set to have a snow-covered theme. The set symbol for Ice Age is a white snowflake on a blue background. This symbol is meant to represent the frigid setting of the set.
Homelands
Homelands was released in 1995 and is notable for being the last set in the original storyline. The set symbol for Homelands is a brown castle with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the different factions that are featured in the set.
Alliances
Alliances was released in 1996 and is notable for being the first Magic The Gathering set to have a two-color theme. The set symbol for Alliances is a blue and white shield with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the different alliances that are featured in the set.
Mirage
Mirage was released in 1996 and is notable for being the first Magic The Gathering set to be set in a fictional world. The set symbol for Mirage is a red sun with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the fiery setting of the set.
Visions
Visions was released in 1997 and is notable for being a direct sequel to Mirage. The set symbol for Visions is a green eye with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the visions and prophecies that are featured in the set.
Weatherlight
Weatherlight was released in 1997 and is notable for being a direct sequel to Mirage and Visions. The set symbol for Weatherlight is a purple ship on a green background. This symbol is meant to represent the legendary ship that is featured in the set.
Tempest
Tempest was released in 1997 and is notable for being the first Magic The Gathering set to feature the Weatherlight crew. The set symbol for Tempest is a blue thunderbolt with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the tempestuous setting of the set.
Stronghold
Stronghold was released in 1998 and is notable for being the second set in the Weatherlight storyline. The set symbol for Stronghold is a red castle with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the stronghold of the villainous Volrath.
Exodus
Exodus was released in 1998 and is notable for being the third and final set in the Weatherlight storyline. The set symbol for Exodus is a green gate with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the portal that leads to the final battle against Volrath.
Urza's Saga
Urza's Saga was released in 1998 and is notable for being the first set in the Urza block. The set symbol for Urza's Saga is a blue "U" on a green background. This symbol is meant to represent the power and influence of the wizard Urza.
Urza's Legacy
Urza's Legacy was released in 1999 and is notable for being the second set in the Urza block. The set symbol for Urza's Legacy is a purple "L" on a green background. This symbol is meant to represent the legacy that Urza leaves behind.
Urza's Destiny
Urza's Destiny was released in 1999 and is notable for being the final set in the Urza block. The set symbol for Urza's Destiny is a red "D" on a green background. This symbol is meant to represent the destiny of Urza and his allies.
Mercadian Masques
Mercadian Masques was released in 1999 and is notable for being the first set in the Mercadian Masques block. The set symbol for Mercadian Masques is a black mask on a blue background. This symbol is meant to represent the deceitful and treacherous nature of the Mercadian society.
Nemesis
Nemesis was released in 2000 and is notable for being the second set in the Mercadian Masques block. The set symbol for Nemesis is a purple mask on a blue background. This symbol is meant to represent the insidious and manipulative tactics of the Nemesis faction.
Prophecy
Prophecy was released in 2000 and is notable for being the final set in the Mercadian Masques block. The set symbol for Prophecy is a white mask on a blue background. This symbol is meant to represent the prophetic nature of the set.
Invasion
Invasion was released in 2000 and is notable for being the first set in the Invasion block. The set symbol for Invasion is a red and white shield with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the different factions that are battling for control of the plane.
Planeshift
Planeshift was released in 2001 and is notable for being the second set in the Invasion block. The set symbol for Planeshift is a blue and white shield with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the different planeswalkers who are involved in the conflict.
Apocalypse
Apocalypse was released in 2001 and is notable for being the final set in the Invasion block. The set symbol for Apocalypse is a green and white shield with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the ultimate clash between the different factions.
Odyssey
Odyssey was released in 2001 and is notable for being the first set in the Odyssey block. The set symbol for Odyssey is a red and black mask on a white background. This symbol is meant to represent the mysterious and dangerous nature of the Odyssey plane.
Torment
Torment was released in 2002 and is notable for being the second set in the Odyssey block. The set symbol for Torment is a black and red mask on a white background. This symbol is meant to represent the twisted and horrific nature of the set.
Judgment
Judgment was released in 2002 and is notable for being the final set in the Odyssey block. The set symbol for Judgment is a white and blue mask on a white background. This symbol is meant to represent the judgment and justice that is delivered in the climactic conclusion of the story.
Onslaught
Onslaught was released in 2002 and is notable for being the first set in the Onslaught block. The set symbol for Onslaught is a red and white shield with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the different tribes that are featured in the set.
Legions
Legions was released in 2003 and is notable for being the second set in the Onslaught block. The set symbol for Legions is a green and white shield with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the massive armies that are featured in the set.
Scourge
Scourge was released in 2003 and is notable for being the final set in the Onslaught block. The set symbol for Scourge is a black and white shield with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the ultimate conflict between the different factions.
Mirrodin
Mirrodin was released in 2003 and is notable for being the first set in the Mirrodin block. The set symbol for Mirrodin is a silver sun with a number in the center. This symbol is meant to represent the metallic and artificial nature of the Mirrodin