MTG Foundations review - An incredible blend of content for veterans and newcomers alike

I admittedly had reservations concerning MTG Foundations, but that’s certainly changed since the expansion launched. Instead of a series of rotating core sets over the next few years, this will be the only core set to go alongside the other expansions that make up the Standard meta. It feels like it’s been designed with Standard, Commander, and other Eternal formats in mind. There are some classic creatures, and some truly monstrous options in this set, that’s for sure.

With a selection of solid Planeswalkers, incredible new creatures, and some retro throwbacks, I’m excited for MTG Foundations. After cracking some packs myself, courtesy of Wizards of the Coast, I’ve got a good idea about the feel of the set. I have to admit, I really like it.

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MTG Foundations is the next major Core set until 2029, and that’s okay

MTG Foundations is more than just “the next Core Set”, though. Sure, that’s likely the primary function for Standard players. This is where many of the “staples” — powerful cards that go in a wide assortment of decks — will likely be found. They sure didn’t skimp on the powerful cards, that’s for sure. When I was looking at the reveals for the set, there were quite a few cards I looked at and said “Hey, I remember using that!”.

Some true classics came back to the forefront (Image via Wizards of the Coast)

Frankly, MTG Foundations is a perfect blend of classic, power cards, useful staples, new ideas, and familiar faces. It’s hard to explain how fun it was to crack a pack and see cards like Serra Angel, Shivan Dragon, and Llanowar Elves. When I first started playing Magic: The Gathering, as a Middle Schooler, those were cards I was pulling out of constructed decks and booster packs.

Are they going to be in competitive tournament decks? Well, probably not Serra or Shivan, but I can see Llanowars making a comeback. I could always be wrong though. However, are they fantastic bombs for draft? Oh yeah, I think so. Then you combine that with the planeswalkers, and overwhelmingly strong Mythic Rares, and you’ve got a fun blend of picks.

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MTG Foundations is also incredibly beginner-friendly

There's never been a better time to start Magic: The Gathering (Image via Wizards of the Coast)

One of the things I really appreciate about MTG Foundations as a set is how beginner-friendly it is. From the Starter Collection to the Beginner Box, there’s so much to love. The starter pack also came with a handy Deck Builders’ guide, so you have a clear idea of what each color does and how many lands you need.

It also goes into detail about concepts like Synergy, and the Mana Curve. Stuff like this was simply not discussed in the late 90s. We’ve come a long way since then, that’s for sure. The rules are discussed and turns are displayed in a way that makes sense for newcomers to the game.

I’m such a big fan of these products, even though I’ve been playing for decades at this point. Why? Because there’s no reason to gatekeep Magic: The Gathering. Anyone who wants to play should have access to it. The Beginner Box and starter packs are both excellent options for players who want to teach friends how to play, that’s for sure.

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MTG Foundations features some bonkers cards in terms of power

Some of my favorite cards are back in MTG! (Image via Wizards of the Coast)

I’m not talking about monetary value — though there are some pretty expensive cards in this set if you’re looking at the fancy, showcase versions of MTG Foundations cards. In terms of raw power, there are some amazing cards to look forward to. Doubling Season is back? That’s right, it sure is! With Innistrad coming back in 2025, it’s time to consider token swarms.

Liliana, Dreadhorde General got a reprint? You better believe she did! One of the strongest versions of Liliana in my estimation, and she’s back for the next 4-5 years. Then, Progenitus got a reprint, which is one of the most ridiculous, but satisfying Legends to play in my opinion.

Then there’s the ridiculous new card, Sire of Seven Deaths. A 7/7 with First Strike, Vigilance, Menace, Trample, Reach, Lifelink, Ward — Pay 7 life for 7 Mana? What a ridiculous card! I love it, though. What can I say? I’m a sucker for Eldrazi. The variety in card types and the possibilities for deck builds are really strong right now.

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A brand-new rule change takes place as of MTG Foundations

This expansion removes a rule that’s been in place since around M10. This is the removal of Combat Damage Assignment/Damage Assignment Order. Previously, if multiple creatures block a single attacker, the attacking player ordered which blockers would block in what order. That’s gone, now.

With this change, the creature’s combat damage is assigned and dealt as its controller desires during the combat damage step. Does this mean the days of simply dropping a buff on your first blocker to eliminate a threat?

You can still use, say, a Giant Growth to save one of your blockers after damage was assigned/before damage is dealt though. You also can’t throw down a removal spell to remove a blocker and guarantee your damage is going through. Once a creature has been selected as a blocker, even if it dies, that counts as being blocked.

Those removal spells, as far as I understand, must be cast before blocking is declared. While it does sound a little convoluted, I like the change and am interested to see how it will be received. It does feel like it favors attacking more than blocking, but I don’t hate the change.

I don’t see multiple blockers defending against one creature all that often. Some people were already playing this way in their casual games as well, so for them, nothing changed

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Final thoughts

Some of my favorite pulls in the Foundations expansion so far (Image via Wizards of the Coast)

I’m honestly a huge fan of MTG Foundations. It’s a perfect blend of new and old, packaged in a way that’s very easy to grasp. It’s beginner-friendly and has some amazing cards for players looking to pack their decks with a bit more oomph.

I’m very interested to see how this affects other expansions over the next few years too. This is a new experiment from Wizards of the Coast, and if that means fewer Core Sets, but more powerful Core Sets overall? I think I can get on board with that.