The Rise of the Gatewatch: A Comprehensive Exploration of Magic: The Gathering's Expansion

The Rise of the Gatewatch is the third set in the Battle for Zendikar block for Magic: The Gathering. It was released on January 22, 2016, and is notable for introducing new mechanics, Planeswalkers, and the continuation of the story arc that began in Battle for Zendikar.

Magic: The Gathering: Rise of the Gatewatch: A Visual History

by Jenna Helland

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	479906 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	256 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the Rise of the Gatewatch expansion, exploring its mechanics, themes, and impact on the game. We will also provide an overview of the set's most iconic cards and discuss their impact on the metagame.

Mechanics

The Rise of the Gatewatch introduces several new mechanics to Magic: The Gathering, including:

• Ingest: Ingest allows a player to exile a card from their opponent's graveyard. This mechanic is often used to disrupt graveyard strategies or to gain information about an opponent's deck.
• Rally: Rally triggers when a creature enters the battlefield under your control. It allows you to put a +1/+1 counter on another creature you control.
• Surge: Surge allows you to cast a spell from your hand for its Surge cost if you control a creature with power 3 or greater. This mechanic encourages aggressive play and can lead to explosive turns.

Themes

The Rise of the Gatewatch continues the story arc that began in Battle for Zendikar. The set focuses on the Gatewatch, a group of Planeswalkers who have come together to fight the Eldrazi, ancient and powerful beings that are threatening to destroy Zendikar.

The set also explores the themes of hope and resistance. The Gatewatch are fighting against overwhelming odds, but they refuse to give up. They believe that they can save Zendikar, and they are willing to fight to the end.

Planeswalkers

The Rise of the Gatewatch introduces five new Planeswalkers to Magic: The Gathering: Gideon Jura, Jace Beleren, Chandra Nalaar, Nissa Revane, and Tamiyo. These Planeswalkers are all powerful allies who can help you turn the tide of battle.

• Gideon Jura is a white Planeswalker who is a skilled swordsman and a powerful leader. His abilities allow him to protect his allies and boost their power.
• Jace Beleren is a blue Planeswalker who is a master of mind magic. His abilities allow him to control his opponents' minds and draw cards.
• Chandra Nalaar is a red Planeswalker who is a powerful pyromancer. Her abilities allow her to deal damage to her opponents and burn their cards.
• Nissa Revane is a green Planeswalker who is a powerful druid. Her abilities allow her to create tokens, boost the power of her creatures, and control the battlefield.
• Tamiyo is a blue Planeswalker who is a master of knowledge and wisdom. Her abilities allow her to draw cards, gain life, and control the game's tempo.

Eldrazi

The Eldrazi are the primary antagonists of the Rise of the Gatewatch expansion. They are ancient and powerful beings that are threatening to destroy Zendikar.

The Eldrazi are immune to most forms of damage and their abilities allow them to control the battlefield and drain their opponents' life. They are a formidable enemy, but the Gatewatch are determined to stop them.

Impact on the Game

The Rise of the Gatewatch expansion had a significant impact on Magic: The Gathering. The set's new mechanics, Planeswalkers, and Eldrazi all had a major impact on the metagame.

Ingest and Rally quickly became staples in many decks. Ingest disrupted graveyard strategies and Rally provided a powerful way to boost the power of your creatures. Surge also saw some play, but it was not as popular as Ingest and Rally.

The new Planeswalkers were all powerful additions to their respective colors. Gideon Jura became a popular choice in white decks, Jace Beleren saw play in blue decks, and Chandra Nalaar was a staple in red decks. Nissa Revane and Tamiyo were also popular, but they were not as dominant as the other three.

The Eldrazi were a powerful addition to the game. They were a formidable threat that could quickly overwhelm an opponent if they were not dealt with quickly. The Eldrazi also helped to promote the Ingest mechanic, as many of their cards had abilities that allowed them to exile cards from their opponents' graveyards.

The Rise of the Gatewatch is a groundbreaking expansion for Magic: The Gathering. It introduces new mechanics, Planeswalkers, and Eldrazi that have a major impact on the game. The set is also notable for its compelling story arc and its beautiful artwork.

If you're a fan of Magic: The Gathering, then you need to check out the Rise of the Gatewatch expansion. It's a set that has something for everyone, and it's sure to provide hours of entertainment.

Magic: The Gathering: Rise of the Gatewatch: A Visual History

by Jenna Helland

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	479906 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	256 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE