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Dominaria United
Dominaria United Logo
Set Information
Set symbol
Symbol description The Coalition symbol overlapping a Benalish shield
Design Ethan Fleischer (lead)
Zac Elsik
Bryan Hawley
Ari Nieh
James Rose
Mark Rosewater
Annie Sardelis
Cameron Williams
Development Ian Duke (co-lead)
Erik Lauer (co-lead)
Mark Gottlieb
Glenn Jones
Reggie Valk
Andrew Brown
Ben Lundquist
Michael Hinderaker
Art direction Zack Stella (Lead)
Tom Jenkot and Sarah Wassell (Booster Fun)
Release date September 9, 2022
Plane Dominaria
Themes and mechanics Legendary creatures, Legendary matters, Multicolor, throwbacks, Stun counters, Powerstones, Poison
Keywords/​ability words Domain, Kicker, Read ahead, Enlist
Set size 281 + 153
Expansion code DMU[1]
Development codename Judo[2]
March of the Machine Standard
Dominaria United The Brothers' War Phyrexia: All Will Be One
Magic: The Gathering Chronology
Secret Lair Drop Series: August Superdrop 2022 Dominaria United Dominaria United
Commander Decks
DMU expansion symbol

Expansion symbol

Dominaria United is the ninety-third Magic expansion. It was released on September 9, 2022, and kicked off the 30th-anniversary celebration of the game.[3][4][5][6][7]

Set details[ | ]

“  Back With a Vengeance  ”
Dominaria United key art

Dominaria United key art

Public domain name registries connected to this name were filed by a subsidiary registrar in January 2021.[8] A further registration with the gg domain was filed by Wizards of the Coast itself in May 2021.[9]

Dominaria United contains 281 cards (101 commons, 80 uncommons, 60 rares, 20 mythic rares, 20 basic lands), and includes randomly inserted premium versions of all cards. Set, Draft and Collector Boosters contain a legendary card in each booster, showing off a cast of beloved legends and characters that longtime fans will recognize. There are more than 40 legendary creatures across the set. The regular cards include 5 full-art "stained-glass" basic lands by Magali Villeneuve (#277-281).[10] The other cycles of basics depict automaton relics of the Brothers' War, Phyrexian ruins, and legendary artifacts respectively.[11]

DMU Stained Glass showcase - Braids Arisen Nightmare

Stained Glass showcase treatment.

Alternate card frames have a different card number than the original version. The Standard legal Jumpstart rares are #282-286, "Stained Glass" Legends are #287-327, and "textured foil" Legends are #328-368. Phyrexian cards are #369-371, borderless planeswalkers are numbered #372-376, while the borderless pain lands are #377-382. Extended artwork cards are numbered #383-427. The Buy-a-Box card is #428 and the Bundle promo is #429. The dark frame treatment cards from the Universal promo pack are numbered #430-434. The "Concept Praetor" art of Sheoldred, released with Phyrexia: All Will Be One, is #435.[12]

Dominaria United pays homage to the Invasion block in a similar way that the 2018 Dominaria set paid homage to Alpha and other early Magic editions.[13][14]

Storyline[ | ]

We return once again to Dominaria, meeting some familiar heroes and villains.[15] The story begins following Karn as he looks back on Dominaria's past to prepare for its future. The enemy is already on Dominaria, and it's only a matter of time before conflict breaks out. This kicks off the epic Phyrexian story arc spanning four sets where the fate of Dominaria — and the Multiverse — is set to unravel.[5]

The cards that represent the Story Spotlights in Dominaria United are:

Magic Story[ | ]

Main article: Magic Story
Title Author Publishing date Setting (plane) Featuring
Episode 1: Echoes in the Dark Langley Hyde 2022-08-10 Dominaria Karn, Jhoira (mentioned), Sheoldred, Rona
Episode 2: Sand in the Hourglass Langley Hyde 2022-08-11 Dominaria Karn, Ajani, Radha, Jhoira (mentioned), Jaya, Jodah, Aron Capashen, Stenn, Teferi
Homecoming Seanan McGuire 2022-08-12 Arcavios, Dominaria Liliana, Raven Man, Lim-Dûl, Elas il-Kor
Episode 3: The Locked Tower Langley Hyde 2022-08-12 Dominaria Karn, Jaya, Jodah, Stenn, Teferi, Shanna Sisay
Episode 4: A Brutal Blow Langley Hyde 2022-08-15 Dominaria Karn, Jaya, Jodah, Teferi, Shanna Sisay, Arvad, Raff Capashen, Slimefoot, Tiana, Ajani, Danitha Capashen, Meria, Aron Capashen, Ertai, Darigaaz, Jhoira, Radha, Jenson Carthalion (mentioned)
The Education of Ulf Brian Evenson 2022-08-15 Dominaria Ulf, Thranegeld, Silas Brotten, Jared Carthalion, Geyadrone Dihada
Death and Salvation Dan Sheehan 2022-08-16 Dominaria Squee, Bulp, Rarp, Spurna, Ertai, Salvation
Shards of Nightmares Phoebe Barton 2022-08-17 Dominaria Shanna Sisay, Tiana, Raff Capashen, Botono, Velena, Ulaten, Anyxni, Arvad, Elmegraun, Slimefoot, Braids
Faith in Birds Marcus Terrell Smith 2022-08-17 Dominaria Niambi, Pallar Ojanen, Zar Ojanen, Gbega, Jabras, Teshunda, Awateh, Kequia, Denik, Esbo, Mabutho, Lark Ojanen
Episode 5: A Whisper in the Wind Langley Hyde 2022-08-18 Dominaria Teferi, Karn, Jhoira, Ertai, Ajani, Jaya, Radha, Danitha Capashen, Sheoldred, Darigaaz, Jodah, Meria, Saheeli, Elesh Norn

Marketing[ | ]

DMU Jumpstart Booster

Jumpstart Booster

Dominaria United is sold in regular 16-card Draft Boosters (one card being a marketing card), Collector Boosters, Set Boosters, the Dominaria United Bundle, and two Commander decks.[16] The Draft Boosters feature artwork depicting Karn. The Set Boosters feature art depicting Ajani Goldmane, and the Collector Boosters feature artwork depicting Braids. In Dominaria United, every single Set, Draft, and Collector Booster comes with a guaranteed legendary creature.[16]

With the release of Dominaria United, 75 cards were rotated into The List, many of which were thematically or mechanically linked to the set. The List-cards can be found in the Set Boosters.

Jumpstart[ | ]

With this set, Wizards introduces set-related Jumpstart Boosters, replacing the Theme Boosters.[5] Jumpstart packs for Dominaria United feature cards from the set, including a rare or mythic rare, two foil basic lands, and a mechanically unique rare designed for the Jumpstart pack. There are 10 different themes.[17]

Box Toppers[ | ]

Dominaria United features a series of 20 box topper promos, referred to as "Legends Retold". These are 20 beefed up versions of legendary creatures from Legends.[6][16][18]

Lost Legends[ | ]

In selected collector boosters, an original card from Legends, found in an old warehouse, was included.[19][16][18] These "Lost Legends" appear in 3% of boosters, and not every card from Legends was included. Some cards were missing because of the well-known Legends collation problems, some because Wizards of the Coast doesn't want to be associated with a certain artist anymore, and some because the depictions or flavor texts are nowadays considered to be culturally offensive. Because original cards are used, their distribution doesn't violate the Reserved List.

Events[ | ]

Promos[ | ]

Tokens and markers[ | ]

DMU booster box

Colloctor Booster Box featuring Braids

Dominaria United has 26 tokens and emblems. Due to the inclusion of Box-Toppers and other cards corresponding to the Dominaria United Commander expansion, there are tokens with their Dominaria United Commander expansion symbol and code: [23]

  1. () {W} 4/4 Angel with flying and vigilance, for Historian's Boon and Jenson Carthalion, Druid Exile.
  2. () {W} 1/1 Bird with flying, for Aether Channeler, Love Song of Night and Day and Wingmantle Chaplain.
  3. () {W} 2/2 Knight with protection from red, for Rasputin, the Oneiromancer.
  4. () {W} 1/1 Soldier for Argivian Cavalier, Baird, Argivian Recruiter, Captain's Call, Defiler of Faith, Historian's Boon, Keldon Strike Team, King Darien XLVIII, Protect the Negotiators, Phyrexian Warhorse, Queen Allenal of Ruadach, Resolute Reinforcements, Scout the Wilderness, Torsten, Founder of Benalia, and Tura Kennerüd, Skyknight.
  5. () {U} 1/1 Merfolk for Emperor Mihail II.
  6. () {B} 1/1 Bird with flying and "This creature can't block.", for The Raven Man.
  7. () {B} 1/1 Insect with flying, for Xira, the Golden Sting.
  8. () {B} 2/2 Phyrexian for The Phasing of Zhalfir.
  9. () {B} 2/2 Zombie for Tobias, Doomed Conqueror.
  10. () {R} 2/1 Elemental with trample and haste for Lagomos, Hand of Hatred.
  11. () {R} 4/4 Dragon with flying, for The Elder Dragon War and Rith, Liberated Primeval, and Rohgahh, Kher Keep Overlord.
  12. () {R} 1/1 Goblin for Rasputin, the Oneiromancer, Rulik Mons, Warren Chief and Squee, Dubious Monarch.
  13. () {R} Kobolds of Kher Keep, a 0/1 Kobold for Rohgahh, Kher Keep Overlord and Rosnakht, Heir of Rohgahh.
  14. () {R} 1/1 Monk with prowess, for Jaya, Fiery Negotiator.
  15. () {G} 3/3 Badger creature for Greensleeves, Maro-Sorcerer.
  16. () {G} 3/3 Beast for Herd Migration.
  17. () {G} 2/2 Cat Warrior with forestwalk, for Jedit Ojanen, Mercenary.
  18. () {G} 1/1 Saproling for Nemata, Primeval Warden and The Weatherseed Treaty
  19. () {G} 4/4 Wurm creature for Baru, Wurmspeaker.
  20. () {M} 1/1 Sand Warrior for Hazezon, Shaper of Sand.
  21. () {R/G} Stangg Twin, a 3/4 legendary Human Warrior for Stangg, Echo Warrior.
  22. () {C} Ornithopter, a 0/2 Thopter artifact creature with flying, for Yotia Declares War.
  23. () {C} Powerstone artifact, for Karn, Living Legacy and The Mana Rig.
  24. () {C} Treasure artifact, for Ramirez DePietro, Pillager, and The Reaver Cleaver.
  25. () Emblem for Ajani, Sleeper Agent
  26. () Emblem for Jaya, Fiery Negotiator

Themes and mechanics[ | ]

Legendary creatures, Legendary matters, Multicolor, and throwbacks are revisited themes from Dominaria. Historic was also planned to return but it was removed in Set Design.[24]

Kicker is a returning mechanic originally featured in the Invasion block, and was also seen in Dominaria.[25] Its is a keyword ability that allows the player to pay an extra cost for a bonus effect.

Domain is another returning mechanic, an ability word that modifies an effect depending on the number of different basic lands you control.

Enlist is a new mechanic introduced here, a keyword ability that allows one to tap another creature to add its power to the attacking creature.

Read ahead is a new keyword ability on Sagas that allows the player to skip chapters to get to the effects they want.

Evergreen stun counters, that keep permanents out of the action for an extended period, are also introduced in this set. One card, Ajani, Sleeper Agent distributes Poison counters.

Card types[ | ]

The set introduces the Powerstone artifact type. Powerstone appears on predefined tokens with the ability “{T}: Add {C}. This mana can't be spent to cast a nonartifact spell.” Only seen on one card (and on one Commander card), this is a "throw-forward" to The Brothers' War.[14]

Counter types[ | ]

The set introduces Ingenuity counters and Phyresis counters.

Limited archetypes[ | ]

With a heavy Multicolored theme inspired by Invasion block's design and supported by exclusively off-color Kicker costs and Domain, Dominaria United supports a large variety of multicolored decks in Limited - ranging from two colors to five colors - with the default being two colors with a splash.[14] This obligated strong monocolored themes as a base to facilitate the diverse combinatorics of the colors and their respective strategies, which are as follows,

In combination, they form Dominaria United's fundamental limited archetypes in each color pair, which can be expanded upon with more colors and splashes:[14]

Cycles[ | ]

Dominaria United has fourteen cycles.

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Enemy double- Kickers Archangel of Wrath
({B/R})
Vodalian Mindsinger
({R/G})
Stronghold Arena
({G/W})
Temporal Firestorm
({W/U})
Urborg Lhurgoyf
({U/B})
Five cards with two enemy-colored Kicker costs that do the same effect each time they were kicked.
Defilers Defiler of Faith Defiler of Dreams Defiler of Flesh Defiler of Instinct Defiler of Vigor
Five rare Phyrexian creatures that simulate Phyrexian mana by allowing you to pay 2 life in place of one colored mana whenever you cast a spell. Each gives you an additional benefit whenever you cast a permanent spell of its color.
Typal Lords Valiant Veteran Vodalian Hexcatcher Shadow-Rite Priest Rundvelt Hordemaster Leaf-Crowned Visionary
Five rare creatures with mana value 2 that grant creatures of their type +1/+1 along with an additional benefit. They allude to Lords from Alpha.
Domain Rares Leyline Binding Sphinx of Clear Skies Drag to the Bottom Radha's Firebrand Herd Migration
Five rare or higher spells, with five distinct applications of domain.
Rare Sagas Urza Assembles The Titans The Phasing of Zhalfir The Cruelty of Gix The Elder Dragon War The World Spell
Five rare or higher Sagas with Read ahead that depict notable moments in Dominaria’s past.
Uncommon Sagas Love Song of Night and Day Founding the Third Path Braids’s Frightful Return Yotia Declares War The Weatherseed Treaty
Five uncommon Sagas with read ahead that depict notable moments in Dominaria’s past.
Cost Reducers Argivian Phalanx Tolarian Terror Writhing Necromass Molten Monstrosity Yavimaya Sojourner
Five expensive common creatures that have an in-built method of cost reduction.
Cycle name Kicker Color {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Uncommon off-color kicker spells {W} Protect the Negotiators Sheoldred’s Restoration Hurloon Battle Hymn Strength of the Coalition
{U} Runic Shot Monstrous War-Leech Fires of Victory Elvish Hydromancer
{B} Phyrexian Missionary Rona's Vortex Warhost's Frenzy Tear Asunder
{R} Cleaving Skyrider Battlewing Mystic Balduvian Atrocity Yavimaya Iconoclast
{G} Shalai's Acolyte Joint Exploration Choking Miasma Sprouting Goblin
Twenty uncommon cards that have an off-color kicker, one in each color for each other color.
Common off-color kicker spells {W} Tolarian Geyser Phyrexian Warhorse Keldon Strike Team Scout the Wilderness
{U} Stall for Time Tribute to Urborg Ghitu Amplifier Vineshaper Prodigy
{B} Benalish Sleeper Phyrexian Espionage In Thrall to the Pit Bog Badger
{R} Heroic Charge Timely Interference Aggressive Sabotage Colossal Growth
{G} Juniper Order Rootweaver Pixie Illusionist Urborg Repossession Viashino Branchrider
Twenty common cards that have an off-color kicker, one in each color for each other color.
Cycle name {G}{W}{U} {W}{U}{B} {U}{B}{R} {B}{R}{G} {R}{G}{W}
Tricolor legends Shanna, Purifying Blade Zur, Eternal Schemer Sol’Kanar the Tainted Soul of Windgrace Rith, Liberated Primeval
Five mythic rare tri-colored legendary creatures.

Double cycles[ | ]

Cycle name {W}{U} {U}{B} {B}{R} {R}{G} {G}{W} {W}{B} {U}{R} {B}{G} {R}{W} {G}{U}
Rare Legends Stenn, Paranoid Partisan Ertai Resurrected Rivaz of the Claw Meria, Scholar of Antiquity King Darien XLVIII Ratadrabik of Urborg Jhoira, Ageless Innovator Nemata, Primeval Warden Astor, Bearer of Blades Ivy, Gleeful Spellthief
Ten rare dual-colored legendary creatures.
Gold signposts Raff, Weatherlight Stalwart Vohar, Vodalian Desecrator Lagomos, Hand of Hatred Radha, Coalition Warlord Zar Ojanen, Scion of Efrava Elas il-Kor, Sadistic Pilgrim Balmor, Battlemage Captain Bortuk Bonerattle Baird, Argivian Recruiter Nael, Avizoa Aeronaut
Ten uncommon dual-colored legendary creatures, each a signpost for a draft archetype.
Three-pip signposts Tura Kennerüd, Skyknight
({U})
Rona, Sheoldred’s Faithful
({B})
Garna, Bloodfist of Keld
({R})
Rulik Mons, Warren Chief
({G})
Queen Allenal of Ruadach
({W})
Aron, Benalia’s Ruin
({W})
Najal, the Storm Runner
({U})
Uurg, Spawn of Turg
({B})
Tori D'Avenant, Fury Rider
({R})
Tatyova, Steward of Tides
({G})
Ten uncommon dual-colored legendary creatures that cost 2 mana of one color (as noted) and only 1 of another, each an additional signpost for a draft archetype.
Common taplands Idyllic Beachfront Contaminated Aquifer Geothermal Bog Wooded Ridgeline Radiant Grove Sunlit Marsh Molten Tributary Haunted Mire Sacred Peaks Tangled Islet
Ten common dual lands that have the corresponding basic land types and enter the battlefield tapped, surprisingly never done before. They allude to the original dual lands from Alpha.

Pairs[ | ]

Dominaria United has two mirrored pairs.

Mirrored Pairs Description
Blight Pile ({B}) Coral Colony ({U}) Two uncommon creatures with defender and an activated ability related to the number of creatures with defender.
Knight of Dawn’s Light ({W}) Knight of Dusk’s Shadow ({B}) Two uncommon Human Knights with an evergreen keyword, an ability that impacts life gain and an activated pump ability for 1M.

Reprinted cards[ | ]

Functional reprints[ | ]

Misprints[ | ]

Preconstructed decks[ | ]

Dominaria United features two Commander decks that are released as a regular part of a set's product line.

Theme
deck name
Color Identity Commander
{W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Painbow W U B R G Jared Carthalion
Legends' Legacy W B R Dihada, Binder of Wills

References[ | ]

  1. Information below the text box
  2. Wizards of the Coast (April 19, 2021). "Strixhaven Vision Design Handoff Document, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. Mark Rosewater (August 27, 2021). "We just shifted one earlier. Standard didn’t go up in premier sets.". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  4. Adam Styborski (August 24, 2021). "What Happened In Magic Showcase 2021?". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. a b c Wizards of the Coast (May 12, 2022). "Your Sneak Peek at Double Masters 2022, Dominaria United, and Beyond". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. a b c d Adam Styborski (July 21, 2022). "Legends Return: The First Dominaria United Previews Are Here". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. Jess Dunks (August 26, 2022). "Dominaria United Release Notes". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. Paynswalker (January 19, 2021). "Domain registrations for a return to ...". Reddit.
  9. Paynswalker (May 5, 2021). "The Hot New Trend in MTG Domains (and a minor confirmation)". Reddit.
  10. Magali Villeneuve (July 22, 2022). "For the first time in my MTG journey, I got a full set of Basic Lands!". Twitter.
  11. Building Worlds – Dominaria United (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (August 16, 2022).
  12. Clayton Kroh and Adam Styborski (December 13, 2022). "A First Look at Phyrexia: All Will Be One". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. Mark Rosewater (July 19, 2022). "Im so hyped for dominaria united can you say...". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  14. a b c d Mark Rosewater (August 22, 2022). "Dominaria United We Stand, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. Magic Showcase 2021 (live) (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (August 24, 2021).
  16. a b c d Tim Brown (August 18, 2022). "Dominaria United Product Overview". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  17. June 30, 2022 Announcement Day (Video). Weekly MTG. YouTube (June 30, 2022).
  18. a b Mike Turian (August 18, 2022). "Collecting Dominaria United". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  19. Blake Rasmussen (July 21, 2022). "Lost Legends". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  20. Japanese Dominaria United promo campaign. Reddit (August 19, 2022).
  21. Magic 30 Promos - Serra Angel, Lord of Atlantis, Sengir Vampire, Shivan Dragon, Llanowar Elves. Reddit (August 19, 2022).
  22. Adam Styborski (August 18, 2022). "The Next Year of Magic From Wizards Presents". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  23. Clayton Kroh (August 26, 2022). "The Tokens of Dominaria United". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  24. Mark Rosewater (August 18, 2022). "Dominaria United We Stand, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  25. Matt Tabak (August 18, 2022). "Dominaria United Mechanics". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  26. Mark Rosewater (August 18, 2022). "Why choosing to use 6 lands instead of a cycle of 5?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  27. Wizards of the Coast (August 26, 2022). "Statement on Dominaria United Artwork for Heroic Charge". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  28. Jess Dunks (September 2, 2022). "Dominaria United Oracle Changes". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

External links[ | ]

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