Modern Horizons 3: A Comprehensive Guide to the Latest Card Reveals

Introduction

Modern Horizons 3 (MH3), the latest expansion in the Magic: The Gathering universe, promises to shake up the Modern format with its innovative card designs and powerful mechanics. With over 300 cards revealed, MH3 has already sparked excitement and anticipation among players. This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth analysis of the most significant spoilers, discuss effective strategies, and highlight common mistakes to avoid when playing with these new cards.

Most Significant Spoilers

1. Serra the Benevolent & Serra Paragon

Serra the Benevolent and her companion, Serra Paragon, are two of the most impactful cards revealed in MH3. Serra the Benevolent is a powerful Planeswalker that can generate tokens, protect your board, and win the game through ultimate ability. Serra Paragon, on the other hand, is a strong creature that can draw cards and boost your other angels. Played together, these two cards can create a formidable presence on the battlefield.

2. Sanctifier en-Vec & Circle of Loyalty

In the world of Modern Horizons, the powerful colors of white and green have received significant boosts. Sanctifier en-Vec is a potent creature that can remove the most hated cards in the format, while Circle of Loyalty is an effective enchantment that can protect your creatures from removal spells. These cards provide significant value for white-based decks, making them a formidable force in Modern.

3. Titan of Industry & Engineered Explosives

Artifact-based decks have also received a massive upgrade in MH3. Titan of Industry is a terrifying creature with incredible power and toughness, while Engineered Explosives is a versatile removal spell that can deal with various threats. These cards have the potential to make artifact-based strategies more dominant in Modern, offering players new and exciting deck-building options.

4. Opposition Agent & Ephemerate

Blue players have long sought ways to counter the powerful creature decks in Modern. Opposition Agent is a new card that provides a unique solution, exiling creatures that target you or your planeswalkers. Ephemerate is a powerful instant that can protect your creatures or bounce your opponents' threats back to their hands. Together, these cards give blue-based decks a much-needed edge against creature-centric strategies.

5. Urza, Lord Protector & Mishra, Eminent One

Legendary Planeswalkers are often the centerpiece of powerful Modern decks, and Urza, Lord Protector and Mishra, Eminent One are no exception. Urza is an exceptional Planeswalker that can create powerful artifacts, while Mishra provides card advantage and the ability to manipulate your opponent's graveyard. These Planeswalkers offer unique and potent options for players looking to build control or combo-based decks.

Effective Strategies

1. Exploit the New Mechanics

MH3 introduces several new mechanics, such as cascade, retroactive, and supertype matters. Understanding these mechanics and their implications is crucial for success in Modern. Cascade allows you to cast additional spells for free, retroactive effects can be applied retroactively to previous events, and supertype matters cards can interact with specific card types (such as legends or planeswalkers). Mastering these mechanics will give you a competitive edge over your opponents.

2. Embrace the Power of Artifacts

Artifacts have become a central theme in MH3, and building decks that leverage their power is essential. Titan of Industry, Engineered Explosives, and Urza, Lord Protector are just a few examples of powerful artifacts that can significantly impact the game. Focus on cards that interact with artifacts or benefit from their presence on the battlefield.

3. Control the Battlefield with Planeswalkers

Planeswalkers have always been influential in Modern, and MH3 introduces several exceptional ones. Serra the Benevolent, Urza, Lord Protector, and Mishra, Eminent One offer a wide range of abilities that can control the game. Protecting and utilizing these Planeswalkers effectively can lead to significant advantages.

4. Exploit Synergies between Cards

MH3 is filled with cards that interact wonderfully with each other. Serra the Benevolent and Serra Paragon form a powerful duo, while Sanctifier en-Vec and Circle of Loyalty provide excellent synergy in white-based decks. Identifying and exploiting these synergies is vital in building cohesive and effective Modern decks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating the Power of New Mechanics

The new mechanics in MH3 can be confusing at first, leading players to undervalue their potential. Take the time to understand how cascade, retroactive, and supertype matter work. These mechanics can offer significant advantages if used correctly.

2. Overextending into Removal

MH3 provides several powerful removal spells, but it's important to avoid overextending into them. Removal is essential, but it's equally important to maintain a balance of threats and answers. Don't be afraid to leave some creatures on the battlefield if it means protecting your more valuable assets.

3. Ignoring Card Advantage

In Modern, card advantage is crucial. Focus on cards that generate card advantage, such as Opposition Agent, Ephemerate, and Mishra, Eminent One. Having more cards in hand gives you more options and increases your chances of winning the game.

Pros and Cons of MH3

Pros:

• Exciting New Mechanics: MH3 introduces innovative mechanics that add depth and complexity to the Modern format.
• Powerful New Cards: The expansion brings several exceptionally powerful cards that can reshape the Modern meta.
• Reinvigorated Archetypes: MH3 supports various existing archetypes and introduces new ones, keeping the Modern format fresh and exciting.

Cons:

• Price and Availability: Some MH3 cards have seen significant price increases, making them less accessible to all players.
• Complexity: The new mechanics in MH3 can be challenging to understand for some players, potentially creating a barrier to entry.
• Power Creep: Some cards in MH3 may be too powerful, potentially leading to a homogenized Modern format where only the strongest decks are viable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is MH3 released?
- MH3 is scheduled to be released on June 10, 2023.

2. What is the best way to prepare for MH3?
- Study the card spoilers, analyze the new mechanics, and experiment with deck-building ideas to stay ahead of the curve.

3. Where can I find more information about MH3?
- Visit the official Magic: The Gathering website, read articles and watch videos from reputable content creators, and join online communities to stay up to date on the latest news and developments.

4. Is MH3 a good investment?
- The value of MH3 cards can fluctuate over time. While some cards may increase in value, others may not. Consider your individual financial situation and collecting goals before investing in MH3.

5. How will MH3 affect the Modern format?
- MH3 is expected to significantly impact the Modern format, introducing new strategies and revitalizing existing ones. The meta may shift as players adjust to the new cards and mechanics.

6. Is MH3 a good set for beginners?
- MH3 is designed for experienced Modern players. The complexity of the new mechanics and the power level of the cards may be challenging for beginners to grasp.

7. How can I get involved in the MH3 community?
- Join online forums, participate in tournaments, and connect with other MH3 enthusiasts to share ideas, strategies, and experiences.

8. Is there a reprint policy for MH3?
- Yes, MH3 cards will be reprinted in future Standard-legal sets. However, the specific cards and timelines for reprints have not yet been announced.

Conclusion

Modern Horizons 3 promises to reshape the Modern format in exciting and unpredictable ways. Exploring the new mechanics, understanding the powerful cards, and adopting effective strategies will be crucial for success in the post-MH3 era. By embracing the innovative designs and leveraging the synergy between cards, players can unlock the full potential of this groundbreaking expansion and enjoy the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Modern Magic: The Gathering.