Magic: The Gathering
Set Spotlight: Ice Age

Release Date: June 1995

Introduction to Ice Age

‘Ice Age’ is a captivating expansion set within the world of Magic:
The Gathering. Released in June 1995, it marked the sixth expansion set
and introduced a chilling new world for players to explore, embracing
themes of icy landscapes and survival.

A World in Eternal Winter

Ice Age immerses players in a world gripped by an endless winter. The
set paints a vivid picture of a realm struggling to survive in the face
of extreme cold and icy landscapes, a stark departure from previous
themes.

Notable Mechanics and Themes

Ice Age introduced several mechanics and themes to capture the
essence of its icy world:

• Snow-Covered Lands: A hallmark of the set, these
  special lands are ‘snow-covered,’ and they introduced the concept of
  ‘snow mana.’ Snow mana was a unique resource that interacted with
  various cards and abilities.

• Cumulative Upkeep: Many cards in Ice Age had the
  ‘cumulative upkeep’ mechanic, requiring players to pay an increasing
  cost each turn to keep the card in play.

• Alliances: The set’s story and themes were
  further expanded in the ‘Alliances’ expansion, which was closely tied to
  Ice Age and added even more cards and mechanics to the world.

Notable Cards from Ice Age

Ice Age features several cards with distinctive abilities and
interactions. Some of the most notable include:

• Necropotence: A black enchantment that allowed
  players to draw cards at the cost of life, becoming a powerful
  card-drawing engine.

• Jester’s Cap: An artifact with a unique ability
  to remove cards from an opponent’s library, providing a strategic
  advantage.

• Zuran Orb: A powerful artifact that could be
  sacrificed to gain life, offering survival options in the harsh, icy
  world.

The Ice Age Expansion Symbol

The expansion symbol for Ice Age features a snowflake, which
perfectly encapsulates the set’s theme of unending winter and the unique
‘snow mana.’

Limited Print Run and Collectible Value

Ice Age, like other early sets, had a limited print run, contributing
to the collectible value of its cards. The cards from this set are known
for their distinctive white border, setting them apart from later Magic
sets.

Historical Significance

Ice Age is historically significant for introducing the snow-covered
lands and snow mana, which added a layer of complexity to Magic
gameplay. Its unique themes and mechanics left a lasting impression on
the game.

As with all Magic cards, the value of cards from Ice Age can
fluctuate over time due to collector demand and format legality. To stay
updated on Ice Age and its cards, we recommend checking Magic: The
Gathering websites, consulting with local card shops, and connecting
with fellow collectors.