MTG Innistrad Remastered has burst onto the scene with all the force of a raging storm. This horror-themed set recently launched, bringing a multitude of new products with it. But what exactly is it about, and is it worth jumping in for this second round of gothic excitement?
To assist you in exploring the spookiest setting in Magic: The Gathering, our knowledgeable tabletop enthusiasts have gathered all you need to understand about MTG Innistrad Remastered. From release dates to gameplay mechanics, we’ve got it all covered. Plus, we’ll highlight the best deals available.
Not sure which cards to focus on? Don’t worry! We’ve tapped some MTG experts to help you figure out what makes a winning Innistrad Remastered deck. If you’re aiming to seize victory in one of the greatest card games out there, these insights should guide you well.
What is MTG Innistrad Remastered?
- The first set of 2024
- Explores classic setting & cards
- Gothic horror-inspired
As the title suggests, this set returns to the haunting world of Innistrad, filled with vampires, werewolves, zombies, and all things eerie. This setting first debuted in 2011 and has seen multiple expansions since then—over six sets in total—making it clear that Wizards of the Coast believes in the theory of “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.”
However, the Remastered edition isn’t a brand-new addition; it revives beloved cards from previous sets while incorporating some nostalgic frames to help fans reminisce.
This release diverges from standard MTG launches by not including traditional Commander decks, focusing instead on Play and Collector booster packs.
MTG Innistrad Remastered release date
The anticipation for MTG Innistrad Remastered is finally behind us. The set officially launched on January 24, 2025.
Here’s a quick look at the schedule:
- Premium Preview Events: January 17 – 23
Full tabletop release: January 24
It’s important to note that this set is only available as a physical product; Innistrad Remastered won’t be offered on MTG Arena.
MTG Innistrad Remastered products
- Only Play & Collector boosters available
- No precons, pre-release, or bundles offered
What products does MTG Innistrad Remastered include? Unlike many other Magic releases, this horror set features just a couple of offerings without the typical bundles, pre-release packs, or preconstructed Commander decks.
Here’s what you can find:
Play boosters
The reliable Play boosters are your main method for acquiring MTG Innistrad Remastered cards. They can be used to build decks of any kind or for playing formats like Draft or Sealed.
Collector boosters
If you have an eye for stunning artwork or want to collect alternative designs, Collector Booster packs should definitely be on your radar. While these are generally pricier, especially if you buy them one at a time, they provide unique card styles that aren’t available elsewhere.
MTG Innistrad Remastered mechanics
As a reimagining rather than a completely new set, MTG Innistrad Remastered shouldn’t catch seasoned players off guard. That said, it does introduce some interesting mechanics worth noting:
- Transforming Double-Faced Cards: In this monstrous realm, it’s fitting that Innistrad features unique double-sided cards. For instance, werewolves have one side displaying their human form and the other showing their beastly side, activated by specific triggers such as not casting sorceries on your turn.
- Meld: This intense mechanic allows two double-sided cards to merge, forming an even more powerful creature.
- Blood: This token type can either be discarded to draw cards or used to upgrade certain creatures.
- Disturb: This ability lets you cast the backside of a card from your graveyard, paying the Disturb cost rather than its normal mana cost.
- Undying: If a card with undying dies without any +1/+1 counters, it returns to your hand with a +1/+1 counter.
- Flashback: This mechanic allows you to cast a card from your graveyard for its Flashback cost, after which the card is exiled.
- Emerge: This unique casting option lets you sacrifice a creature to play this card, evoking a sense of something sinister bursting forth.
- Investigate: This action allows you to create a Clue token, which can be sacrificed to draw a card.
- Soulbond: Two creatures can bond together to gain special benefits.
- Madness: Madness allows you to cast cards when they are discarded.
- Miracle: When a card with Miracle is drawn, it can be cast for its Miracle cost instead of its mana cost.
- Escalate: This allows you to pay additional costs to choose from multiple effects.
MTG Innistrad Remastered Tips
What should you focus on when diving into MTG Innistrad Remastered? I reached out to Magic enthusiast and writer from PC Gamer, James Bentley, for his expert advice.
“The greatest aspect of selecting standout cards from a remastered set is their established importance or iconic status. While you won’t find many surprises, the long-term value is unquestionable, given its history. From this set, I suggest you keep an eye on the following cards…”
- Edgar Markov: This powerful vampire leader should be a priority due to his outstanding synergy and strong eminence effect. He creates more vampires without being on the battlefield and boosts them each time he attacks, which he excels at thanks to his haste and first strike abilities.
- Emrakul, the Promised End: Bringing this imposing Eldrazi to your deck may feel a bit overpowered, but Emrakul is certainly worth it. This 13/13 creature for 13 mana can be summoned using clever graveyard strategies and takes control of an opponent’s turn, making it a formidable ally.
- Avacyn, Angel of Hope: This indestructible giant also grants your other permanents the same resistance to destruction. Pair her up with a board wipe, and watch as your side remains intact while your opponents’ creatures vanish.
- Snapcaster Mage: This blue creature gives instant or sorcery spells in your graveyard the ability to be cast again, while also acting as a chump blocker. It’s a fantastic addition to any deck.
- Craterhoof Behemoth: If you love heavy hitters, this 6/6 trampler boosts your other creatures based on your total number of creatures, allowing for a colossal offensive.
- Meathook Massacre: This card may even outperform its recent counterpart, as it serves as an efficient board wipe while also gaining you life and dealing damage for every creature that perishes. It can potentially end the game in one play if your opponents lack a counter.
MTG Innistrad Remastered Story
- No formal narrative for this set
- Set in a realm of vampires & the undead
Since this isn’t a main MTG release, Innistrad Remastered lacks a traditional storyline. However, you can still find charming details on some cards that deliver essential flavor.
The artwork contributes to the dark atmosphere, revealing a world filled with vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and other Gothic horror influences. In this terrifying realm, humans often live in dread. Although there are some heroic figures trying to restore balance (like the departed Archangel Avacyn), the most famous character remains the vampire planeswalker, Sorin Markov.
Best MTG Innistrad Remastered Deals
If you’re looking to save money while collecting MTG Innistrad Remastered, you’re in luck. We’ve employed our bargain-hunting tools to compile the best prices for you. Check them out below.
New to Magic: The Gathering? Make sure to check out our guide on how to play Magic: The Gathering, or dive into our feature on how to play MTG Commander.