Magic: The Gathering Head Designer, Mark Rosewater, recently confirmed via his personal blog that the upcoming set, Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths will include a complete backstory.
Hey Mark, since you linked the story article earlier, can you confirm or deny that Ikoria will be getting a summary like that or something a little longer?
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Rosewater’s response was short and simple, but great news for fans of Magic lore – replying:
Ikoria will have a story, not just a summary.
Mark Rosewater
The recent release of Theros Beyond Death broke a long-running tradition of sets including back stories, and many fans were concerned this was the start of a new normal.
Thankfully, Rosewater confirmed that the lack of story in Theros Beyond Death would not be the norm going forward, and fans of Magic lore can look forward to a full and fresh narrative in April.
While the storyline for Ikoria is still relatively unknown, it is confirmed to be a plane full of big creatures, and according to Rosewater, will include the ability to “…play with and make your own monsters.”
Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths releases April 24, 2020 with prerelease events taking place the week prior on April 17-19.