Magic: The
Gathering Set Spotlight: War of the Spark

Release Date: May 03, 2019

Introduction to War of the Spark

‘War of the Spark’ is a monumental expansion set within the world of
Magic: The Gathering. Released on May 03 2019, it marked the eighty-first
expansion set and brought a climactic showdown to the plane of Ravnica,
where Planeswalkers and their armies wage a war for control.

The Battle for Ravnica’s Survival

War of the Spark delivers an epic conflict as Nicol Bolas, the
God-Pharaoh, seeks to control the immortal power of the city-plane of
Ravnica. In a desperate bid to stop him, Planeswalkers from across the
multiverse converge to face the ultimate battle for the fate of
Ravnica.

Notable Mechanics and Themes

War of the Spark introduced several mechanics and themes that set it
apart:

• Planeswalkers: The set featured an unprecedented
  number of Planeswalker cards, each with their own abilities and loyalty
  counters.
• Amass: War of the Spark introduced the ‘amass’
  mechanic, which allows players to create a massive army of undead
  creatures.
• Static Abilities: Some Planeswalkers in the set
  had static abilities that continuously influence the game.

Notable Cards from War of the Spark

War of the Spark features several cards with distinctive abilities
and connections to the theme of the ultimate war for Ravnica. Some of
the most notable include:

• Nicol Bolas, Dragon-God: A powerful Planeswalker
  card representing Nicol Bolas at the height of his power.
• Teferi, Time Raveler: A versatile Planeswalker
  card known for its ability to control the timing of spells and
  abilities.
• Command the Dreadhorde: A devastating sorcery
  card that allows players to reanimate powerful creatures and
  Planeswalkers from the graveyard.

The War of the Spark Expansion Symbol

The expansion symbol for War of the Spark features a depiction of
Nicol Bolas’s horns, symbolizing his dominance and the impending war for
Ravnica.

Limited Print Run and Collectible Value

War of the Spark had a limited print run, contributing to the
collectible value of its cards. The cards from this set are recognized
by their distinctive black border, setting them apart from other Magic
sets.

Historical Significance

War of the Spark is historically significant for its climactic
storyline, the unprecedented number of Planeswalkers, and the
introduction of the ‘amass’ mechanic. It’s celebrated for its epic war
theme and the dramatic showdown between Nicol Bolas and the
Planeswalkers.

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