After years of “hat sets” (wild west, gothic mystery) and Universes Beyond crossovers, Magic: The Gathering is finally reviving its deep worldbuilding roots with Edge of Eternities, a space opera-inspired set launching August 1.
Why Edge of Eternities Feels Like a Return to Magic’s Golden Age
Rich, original lore (no more “holodeck” genre tropes)
A fresh, isolated setting: The Sothera system, a dying star turned supervoid
Complex factions:
- Pinnacle (Federation-like evacuators).
- Monoists (black hole-worshipping zealots).
- Celestial Palatinate (crusader knights).
Tezzeret & Karn as the only major Planeswalkers (for now).
The Story So Far: A Cosmic Mystery Unfolds
Seth Dickinson (The Traitor Baru Cormorant) is writing a choose-your-own-adventure tale starring:
- Sami, a scrappy ship captain searching for a lost cat (Mirri, a Weatherlight Saga nod).
- Tan, their crewmate, exploring a haunted mining planet.
- Tezzeret, scheming with an android named Mm’menon (Memnarch reference?).
Big Lore Implications:
- The Eldrazi & Fomori (from Outlaws of Thunder Junction) may return.
- Slivers are now in-universe horror monsters (like Alien’s xenomorphs).
- Weftwalking (FTL travel) might be tied to planeswalking.
What Makes Edge of Eternities Special?
No nostalgia crutches – A brand-new corner of the Multiverse.
Deep faction conflicts (not just creature-type tribes).
Weird sci-fantasy flavor:
- Terraforming insectoids.
- Space angels & androids.
- Asteroid-dwelling greatwurms.
A Turning Point for Magic’s Storytelling?
After years of diminishing returns (March of the Machines wrapped up 30 years of arcs), Edge of Eternities could mark a creative resurgence.
Hope for the Future:
- More original planes, less IP crossovers.
- Character-driven narratives (not just cosmetic “hats”).
- Long-term lore consequences (unlike recent filler sets).
Final Verdict
Edge of Eternities feels like peak MTG worldbuilding—strange, ambitious, and unshackled from nostalgia. If Dickinson’s story keeps this momentum, Magic’s next era could be its best yet.
