Spoiler season is over and Magic: The Gathering fans now have full access to view every card in the upcoming DnD-themed MtG set and it's almost time to start playing with the new set for the first time. Although there are still almost two weeks until the first in-person pre-release events, Adventures in the Forgotten Realms is dropping on Magic Arena tomorrow for mobile and PC users.
The digital version of Magic: The Gathering always gets access to new sets a little early, especially since the pandemic started and many in-person pre-releases were cancelled, and that trend doesn't seem to be ending even as in-person events return to a more normal schedule. The new DnD-themed set is kicking off its pre-release window tomorrow, July 8, with Magic Arena early access.
The release schedule can be a little confusing as players try to figure out the difference between pre-release, digital pre-release, and actual release; but it's not as bad as it seems. The main thing to know is that Magic Arena players can start opening DnD packs on July 8 after the scheduled downtime. It's hard to predict an exact time, but players shouldn't expect to have access much earlier than 11am PT (2pm ET).
Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Arena Pre-Release Date
July 8, 2021 - Roughly 11am PT (2pm ET)
Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Paper Pre-Release
July 16, 2021
Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Paper Release
July 23, 2021
There is a lot of hype heading into this set considering the DnD tie-in, so it will be very interesting to see how the new cards and mechanics are received by both veteran players and by more casual DnD fans who are just checking the cards out because of the tie-in. There aren't a ton of new mechanics this time around (which makes sense since the set is replacing the usual Core Set spot), but there's still some complicated stuff going on.
Adventures in the Forgotten Realms also marks the last set before the upcoming fall Standard rotation, so players should start to think about the future metagame and how these new cards will or won't fit into the competitive tournament scene. Resale value obviously isn't a factor on Magic Arena, but it's helpful for paper players to be aware of which cards hold the highest value so they have some trade awareness.
Be sure to check back throughout the launch window for more strategy guides, updates, and news about the first ever Dungeons and Dragons-themed Magic: The Gathering set.
Magic: The Gathering is available now and the Adventures in the Forgotten Realms set releases on July 8 for Arena and in paper on July 23, 2021.