MTG Aetherdrift is revving its engines as launch day approaches, and we’re now just a few weeks away from the racing-themed set. What makes it stand out from other Magic: The Gathering releases, though? And is it worth betting on?
Our team is here to give you the lowdown on this multiversal death race, from the exact release date to new mechanics being introduced for MTG Aetherdrift. We’ve also included the full product lineup and where to get the goods for less (our price-matching software is always on the lookout for deals, so any bargains will appear below).
Basically, this is a pitstop for anyone wanting to swot up on all things Aetherdrift. We’ll update this page with tips from our in-house experts as we approach the finish line too, so keep an eye out if you’re looking to master one of the best card games.
What is MTG Aetherdrift?
- The first main set of 2025
- Racing-themed
- Visits multiple MTG worlds
Aetherdrift is the first major, main-line Magic set of 2025. That means it includes a couple of premade Commander decks, a Bundle, and alongside the usual Play and Collector Boosters.
In terms of what it’s about, this is a racing-themed product that draws on everything from Mario Kart to Mad Max. That means you’ll find racers from multiple worlds we’ve visited before in MTG lore, not to mention a few we haven’t. Plenty of existing characters are skidding onto the racetrack for MTG Aetherdrift as well; Chandra and Loot are amongst the returning faces we’ll see behind the wheel.
MTG Aetherdrift release date
We don’t have long to wait until MTG Aetherdrift screeches past the finish line; it’s only a few weeks away, and will actually arrive in tabletop form on Valentine’s Day. Who says romance is dead?
Here’s the exact release schedule, including the launch window for MTG Arena:
- Story: January 14, 2025
- Debut: January 21, 2025
- Card previews: January 21 – 31, 2025
- Pre-release: February 7 – 13, 2025
- MTG Arena release: February 11, 2025
- Tabletop release: February 14, 2025
As an aside, it’s worth pointing out that the digital version for MTG Arena is coming out early. Rather than dropping on Valentine’s day, mobile and PC players will get it a couple of days early on February 11.
MTG Aetherdrift products
- Two Commander decks
- Play & Collector boosters
- Bundle & Pre-release
As the first major set of 2025 (and unlike MTG Innistrad Remastered), Aetherdrift gets everything publisher Wizards of the Coast can throw at it. That means Play Boosters, Collector Boosters, Commander decks, a Bundle, and more.
Want the full lowdown? Here you go.
Commander decks
MTG Aetherdrift includes Commander decks like all other main releases, but it breaks the mold by having two instead of the usual four. It’s not clear why Wizards of the Coast have stripped things back, but perhaps this will avoid one particular deck being so popular it becomes wildly overpriced while the others languish in its shadow.
Oddly, neither of these decks focus on driving or racers to any great degree.
Play Boosters
As always, Play Boosters are available for this MTG set. They’re perfect for Limited formats like Draft and Sealed, though you can of course use them to build up decks.
Collector boosters
As the name would suggest, these are made for the collectors amongst you thanks to including cards you won’t get anywhere else. However, they’re more expensive as a result.
Bundles & Prerelease
If you want the best possible kickoff to Aetherdrift or are buying a present for the Magic fan in your life the following options will be perfect:
MTG Aetherdrift mechanics
As the first ‘main’ set of 2025, MTG Aetherdrift introduces a raft of new and returning mechanics to spice up your games. Unsurprisingly, these are all racing themed. Here’s a brief overview.
- Speed: Appropriately, the biggest addition for Aetherdrift is Speed. You gain a point of Speed whenever an opponent loses life during your turn, and if you reach Max Speed (a score of 4), certain abilities might trigger. ‘Streaking Oilgorger’ gains lifelink at Max Speed, for example.
- Start Your Engines: Cards with this ability allow you to start building up Speed.
- Exhaust: This is all about giving you a much-needed boost, representing the old saying “pedal to the metal.” However, it can only be used once per card.
- Vehicle: Unsurprisingly, a set about racing includes vehicles. This returning mechanic introduces cars and more that can be crewed by other cards for specific effects.
- Mount & Saddle: These aren’t new mechanics, but they are appropriate for this set’s high-speed theme. Saddling a mount (by tapping cards) usually gives that creature a bonus.
- Cycling: Racing along on your… bicycle? Here’s another returning mechanic that lets you discard a card and draw another one.
MTG Aetherdrift story
- Story revisits Kaladesh, now called Avishkar
- Involves a death race across the multiverse
- Prize is an Aetherspark which can make anyone a Planeswalker
Because this is Magic’s first major set of 2025, a multi-part story is available to provide context for all the shenanigans you’ll be getting up to over the next few months.
Things kick off on Avishkar (a steampunk plane that used to be called Kaladesh) following a revolution that deposed the former, corrupt government. As a way to usher in this fresh start, the new rulers are throwing the multiversal Ghirapur Grand Prix – a legitimized version of a once-illegal street race. The winner earns the ‘Aetherspark,’ a mystical treasure that turns its bearer into a Planeswalker (AKA someone with the ability to travel the multiverse at will).
Numerous characters from Magic: The Gathering history are approaching the start line, including Chandra Nalaar, an interdimensional critter known as Loot, and Winter – a survivor from the horror-themed realm of MTG Duskmourn. All of them have a reason to seek out the Aetherspark, but only one can get there first. You can catch up on the official plot here.
Best MTG Aetherdrift deals
Hoping to save on Aetherdrift? Not a problem. Our price-matching software is always on the lookout for the lowest possible price, and you’ll find these displayed below.
If you’re new to the hobby, don’t miss our guide on how to play Magic: The Gathering. For those wanting to break into the game’s premier match type, be sure to check out this feature on how to play MTG Commander as well.