Card games are among the most popular board game formats with many benefits. So, millions of players love this format because of the low entry threshold, and every beginner can quickly learn how to play cards. In addition, the cards are part of the collection and can be collected as rare and ultra-rare items. However, how can card games remain interesting and exciting even 5-10 years after the original set's release? The answer is simple enough. It's all about card rotation.
Card rotation allows the original game's creators to continually release new cards and sets to keep the game relevant and evolving. In this article, we will talk about the standard card rotation in MTG, list current sets, and tell you which sets will become irrelevant in 2022.
What Is MTG Standard Rotation?
Rotation in Magic the gathering exists in a “Standard” format and represents the periodic addition and exclusion of cards from the game's list of cards allowed for use. In this format, it will not be possible to play the same deck of cards all the time. Over time, the cards will become obsolete and go out of use. You can replace them with cards from new sets.
Autumn is a key time of the year for the standard format because the rotation takes place in autumn, and the first new set of cards will be released. Several past sets become irrelevant at once with the release of new autumn sets.
The exit of sets from the rotation occurs in blocks of four releases. As you can see, the most long-playing releases are the autumn ones, which remain relevant for the “Standard” for two years.
All subsequent year releases have a correspondingly shorter lifespan in the “Standard” format. The most quickly losing relevance is the basic core sets that come out every summer and remain in the “Standard” for over a year.
What's In MTG “Standard” Rotation In 2022?
The “Standard” format is straightforward and recognizable - a head-to-head deathmatch with a 60-card deck and 20 life points for each player - but the format's regular card rotation, or "renewal," is just as crucial to its structure.
As soon as the new four sets are released, the following four “Standard” and “Alchemy” formats will no longer be relevant:
- Zendikar Rising;
- Kaldheim;
- Strixhaven: School of Mages;
- Dungeons & Dragons: Adventures in the Forgotten Realms.
These cards will no longer be usable in “Alchemy” or “Standard” but can only be added to the game if they are reissued. However, you shouldn't throw away these cards just yet, as they will still be relevant for “Explorer” and “Historic” formats.
After MTG rotation, the current sets will look like this:
- Innistrad: Midnight Hunt;
- Innistrad: Crimson Vow;
- Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty;
- Streets of New Capenna;
- Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate (Alchemy only);
- Dominaria United.
MTG Standard Rotation Features
We can highlight several positive features of the standard rotation in MTG at once:
- The standard format is the basis for most official MTG tournaments and remains the best for beginners. Thanks to the constant rotation, the cards are much more affordable than in other main formats, and the difference in the cost of a standard deck and, for example, the "Modern" where there is no rotation can differ tenfold;
- In addition, the regular rotation and the release of new cards make players constantly look for new strategies and tactics when playing the “Standard”, which adds additional interest to this format;
- In addition, a great advantage of the “Standard” rotation is that it is also possible to add energy and emotions to the game. Since card sets are constantly changing, you can change the course of your battles and never get bored during the match. And each new game will be unique.
As you can see, the “Standard” rotation has positive features that can justify the company's desire to make more money if the creators of the original card game can implement their plans correctly and without errors.
MTG Standard Rotation Shortcomings
Fortunately, the standard rotation has much fewer negative features than positive ones. Among them, there are:
- Of course, it is sad when good favourite cards come out of the format after rotation, but some of them are re-released, and in this case, you can continue to use the cards from the old sets if the same card is available in the official set;
- In addition, it can also be noted that some players may not have those few dollars to buy new boosters to build a deck regularly. Although these kits are cheaper, they require regular investment, which not everyone can afford.
Why Does MTG Standart Rotation Exist?
There are several reasons why sets and cards can rotate:
- From a business point of view. Thus, the table card games industry continues to exist due to the constant sales of new cards. If the company does not release new sets and doesn’t encourage players to buy new cards, the manufacturing company will not be able to stay on track and delight the players for a long time. And no one else will buy old sets from official sellers. This is why the "Standard" format was created, which involves the constant replacement of sets for playing in official tournaments and constant selling.
- In terms of game balance. Keeping the game balance at the same level is silly, as players will quickly get tired of the game and stop playing it. So, with the release of new sets, the balance can change, and the old strongest decks become mediocre, which now need to be changed to keep players at the top.
- In terms of game strategy. From this point of view, new sets are necessary so that players not only rebuild decks and take strong monsters to their team but also change their game strategy with the arrival of new characters and their abilities.
This approach helps the table card game remain popular all the time, and the players have the opportunity to fall in love with new characters and their skills all over again.
Are My Cards Useless After They Are Rotated?
You don't have to discard or sell your cards if they're no longer valid for “Standard”. So, you can always use outdated cards in other formats like “Modern”, “Pioneer”, or “Commander.” However, even in this case, you need to additionally check whether your cards are banned for these formats so that you can successfully defeat your opponents on the official battlefield.
However, if you don't play other formats than “Standard”, you'll either have to put your cards in collectible sleeves or sell them to other players who play alternative game formats.
Price Policy
As the card 2022 MTG rotation approaches, it is common for players to prepare the very best cards to sell on the secondary market. You can do the same. Decide on the cards you value the most and leave them in the special card sleeves, keeping them as your treasure. You can sell those cards that you consider the least valuable, but you know that they will be officially allowed in other formats at favorable prices for you.
Remember that you need to sell cards much earlier than the MTG “Standart” rotation process begins since the cost of previous cards will drop sharply during the change of sets. This is because it no longer makes sense for players to pay a lot for cards that are no longer relevant. However, the rarest cards may become more expensive as their official release is over, and nobody can get new cards from this set.
You can check out the official roadmap and see the release dates for new sets to get an idea of when it's best to list old cards for sale to get the most out of trading cards.
Important Thing Which Doesn't Not Depend On MTG Cards Rotation
Unfortunately, due to the material from which the cards are made, collectible items can deteriorate over time. It is especially traumatic for the collector if his favorite or most expensive card in the collection has been damaged. Fortunately, the collector community has long come up with a solution to keep the cards in proper form. So, for this, it is enough to use sleeves for cards. They can be purchased at any board game store in the accessories section. So, for example, there are several methods for protecting cards at once, such as using:
If the first method can damage the card due to bindings, in the case of double sleeves, you will not find anything better than this option. Double protection allows you to exclude any dust on your cards and effectively protects them from hand grease, liquids, and environmental influences. This approach to card protection will allow you to keep your cards for many years and sell them at the highest prices.
Bottom Line
As you can see, the standard card rotation in MTG is a rather controversial procedure. On the one hand, players can enjoy new characters, develop new strategies and diversify the game. On the other hand, players will have to buy new sets several times a year to participate in official tournaments.
FAQ
What Is Standard Rotation In MTG?
Standard rotation refers to the yearly rotation of cards in and out of the “Standard” format. This happens every October and typically affects around 20-25% of the Standard card pool.
What Does Standard Rotation Mean For My MTG Deck?
If you're a casual player, not much! You can continue playing with your favorite cards and don't need to worry about adding new cards to keep up with the competition. However, if you're looking to compete in tournaments or at your local game store, you'll need to know what cards are legal in “Standard.”
What Should I Do With My Old “Standard” Cards?
First of all, you can sell them on the secondary market. You can also hold onto your cards, as they may be playable in other formats or become more valuable in the future.
As A Beginner In MTG, What Sets Should I Buy?
If you're starting, we recommend checking out the beginner's guide to MTG standard rotation 2022. “Standard” rotation is a great way to jump into Magic, and you'll be able to play with the latest and most fantastic cards.