Magic: The Gathering has sparked excitement among fans with hints of a potential collaboration with the acclaimed franchise, Avatar: The Last Airbender. In an ambitious release schedule set for 2025, Wizards of the Coast plans to unveil seven new Magic: The Gathering sets, kicking off with Innistrad Remastered at the end of January. So far, the company has disclosed six of these upcoming sets, including titles like Aetherdrift, Tarkir: Dragonstorm, and Edge of Eternities, which will explore various official Magic planes. Notably, the much-anticipated Universes Beyond series will feature crossovers with franchises like Final Fantasy and Marvel’s Spider-Man.
Among the sets remains an intriguing mystery: a third Universes Beyond installment is poised to feature an unknown intellectual property (IP). Current speculation suggests that this mystery IP could very well be Avatar: The Last Airbender. This theory stems from subtle teases in recent Daily Deal promotions on Magic: The Gathering Arena, with one daily deal reportedly referencing elements synonymous with Avatar. Although it may come across as speculative, it aligns with previous insights from Chris Mooney, the lead designer of the anticipated set, suggesting that this crossover could indeed be a distinct match for the beloved card game.
Did MTG Tease An Avatar: The Last Airbender Set?
Did Daily Deals in MTG Arena Hint at the New Set?
YouTuber Amy the Amazonian has brought attention to subtle cues in Magic: The Gathering Arena‘s daily deals. Since January 1, 2025, the deals have featured cards that cleverly hint at the upcoming sets. For instance, Aetherdrift was signaled through vehicle-themed cards, while dragon cards alluded to Tarkir: Dragonstorm. Furthermore, sci-fi elements for Edge of Eternities were represented by cards with “Star”in their titles. The Final Flare card hinted at the Final Fantasy collaboration, with spiders teasing Marvel’s Spider-Man.
As of January 6, MTG Arena had discounted several cards like Into the Fire and Earth Cult Elemental, offering a clear nod to the elemental themes integral to the Avatar franchise. The inclusion of two “bender” cards further strengthens the theory that an Avatar-themed set could be forthcoming, particularly since previous daily deals have all aligned with the 2025 releases.
Why Avatar MTG Cards Make Sense
The Appeal of Avatar and Its Fit with MTG
The crossover potential between Avatar and Magic: The Gathering appears promising, despite Avatar typically appealing to a younger audience compared to other franchises in the Universes Beyond series. Significantly, each elemental aspect within Avatar aligns well with the five colors of Magic: The Gathering. Black, for instance, could incorporate some of the more mystical elements of the lore. Enthusiasts are eager to see how prominent figures like Aang and Korra might be presented as Legendary beings within the game and how various bending styles could translate into unique mechanics or spells.
Moreover, Chris Mooney’s previous statements bolster the speculation surrounding the Avatar set. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed excitement over leading the design of the unannounced set, calling it a “lifelong dream come true.”
I’m thrilled to announce that Unannounced Universes Beyond was my first ever set lead. It was a lifelong dream come true and I can’t wait to tell you all… anything more about it! #WOTCstaff https://t.co/nEAnZwkQny — Chris Mooney 🇺🇸 (@ChrisKMooney) October 25, 2024
His enthusiasm parallels an earlier comment when he noted his long-standing interest in possibly creating an Avatar video game. These hints collectively suggest that Mooney’s affection for Avatar could strongly influence the development of a potential card set.
When Will Avatar Cards in MTG Be Confirmed?
Anticipated Announcement Timeline
If indeed there is an Avatar-themed Universes Beyond set in the works, an official announcement could be imminent, possibly within January. However, it is equally plausible that Wizards may wait until MagicCon Chicago in February to reveal further details. Since the existence of the unknown IP was first brought to attention at the last MagicCon, it would be strategic for Wizards to capitalize on the event for a significant reveal. Nevertheless, with fans clamoring for the news, Wizards will likely seek to build excitement for this much-anticipated set.
As Magic: The Gathering continues to explore various franchises for its Universes Beyond series, the direction this collaboration might take could significantly influence the future landscape of the game. With many prominent franchises already explored, the introduction of an esteemed animated series like Avatar could open new avenues for creativity and innovation in card design. As players await confirmation, the anticipation surrounding this potential crossover only grows.
Source: Amazonian/YouTube, Chris Mooney/Twitter (1, 2)
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