Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is set to intrigue players once again with the release of Murders at Karlov Manor. Set on the iconic plane of Ravnica, this new collection isn’t your typical multicolor guild-centered release. Instead, it introduces a thrilling murder mystery theme with brand-new mechanics that combine the excitement of investigation with the strategic depth MTG is known for.
In this article, we’ll explore the key aspects of Murders at Karlov Manor, dive into its unique mechanics, and highlight the exciting reprints and updates, including The List and Special Guests. Let’s investigate!
A Murder Mystery in Ravnica
Ravnica has long been one of Magic’s most beloved planes, known for its multicolor guild system. However, in Murders at Karlov Manor, the usual guild-centric gameplay takes a back seat to a riveting whodunit storyline. Players are tasked with uncovering the mystery behind a series of murders within the infamous Karlov Manor, all while avoiding becoming the next victim.
This set introduces Magic’s own take on the murder mystery genre, blending elements from popular books, TV shows, and films. Expect plenty of plot twists and gameplay surprises as you navigate the clues and mechanics designed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Investigate Mechanic: Returning with a Twist
The investigate mechanic, a fan favorite, returns in Murders at Karlov Manor, offering players the chance to dig deeper into the mystery. When you investigate, you create Clue tokens, which can be sacrificed to draw cards. This mechanic not only fits the set’s mystery theme but also adds depth to gameplay, allowing players to search for answers and gain the upper hand by gathering critical resources.
However, investigate isn’t the only detective-themed mechanic in this set. Magic has introduced several new mechanics that enhance the sense of intrigue and investigation.
New Mechanics: Disguise, Cloak, Suspect, and Collect Evidence
Several new mechanics debut in Murders at Karlov Manor, each designed to evoke the feeling of solving a mystery:
- Disguise – Similar to the morph mechanic, disguise allows players to cast creatures face-down as 2/2 creatures. Players can later turn these face-down cards up when certain conditions are met. The mechanic is perfect for hiding in plain sight, adding a level of deception to the gameplay.
- Cloak – Similar to manifest, this new mechanic also allows players to play cards face-down as 2/2 creatures, but with a twist. The cloak mechanic enhances the sense of secrecy, as players may later reveal the true nature of these cloaked cards, turning the tide of the game.
- Suspect – This mechanic gives creatures menace, making them harder to block, but with a trade-off: suspects can’t block themselves. This cleverly represents the dual nature of being accused—while they are dangerous, they are also vulnerable to counterattacks. It creates a fun push-pull dynamic, challenging players to balance offense and defense.
- Collect Evidence – This mechanic requires players to interact with their graveyards, a key part of MTG’s gameplay. By exiling specific cards from the graveyard, players can trigger certain effects, representing the process of gathering clues and piecing together the mystery. This new graveyard interaction mechanic ties in beautifully with the murder mystery theme.
New Card Type: Cases
Adding to the intrigue is the introduction of a brand-new card type: Cases. These enchantments function similarly to Sagas, but with a crime-solving twist. Each Case has multiple abilities:
- The first ability is triggered when the Case enters the battlefield.
- The middle ability requires players to meet specific conditions, such as controlling three artifacts, to progress the case.
- The final ability is triggered when players successfully solve the case, leading to significant rewards.
This new card type brings a fresh layer of narrative and strategic complexity to the game.
Reprints and Special Guest Cards: Classic Cards with a Twist
Alongside the new mechanics and story elements, Murders at Karlov Manor also features plenty of reprints, including cards from The List and Special Guests.
The List: Updated for Murders at Karlov Manor
The List is a curated selection of cards from Magic’s history, first introduced in 2020’s Zendikar Rising. Cards from The List can randomly appear in booster packs, offering players a chance to pull classic Magic cards alongside new ones. Previously, The List contained 300 cards, but it has been trimmed to just 50 cards in Murders at Karlov Manor, ensuring each reprint is carefully chosen.
These 50 cards include 40 regular reprints and 10 Special Guests. The reprints range from common to mythic rare, and they provide a fun way to add variety to limited play. Each card from The List can be easily identified by the small white Planeswalker symbol in the bottom left corner.
Special Guests: Iconic Cards with New Art
Special Guests are some of the most powerful and iconic Magic cards, reprinted with stunning new borderless art. Among these are classic cards like Show and Tell, Gamble, and Tireless Tracker. These cards are available in both foil and non-foil versions, with the foil versions found exclusively in Collector Boosters.
Not only can players find these cards in physical boosters, but Special Guests also make an appearance in MTG Arena, where they can be used in various digital formats. This dual availability makes Special Guests an exciting addition for both tabletop and digital players.
How to Find The List and Special Guests in MTG Arena
MTG Arena has also embraced The List, incorporating it into Play Boosters in the digital platform. There are a few changes, however, with Baleful Mastery, Cavalier of Thorns, and Death Cloud being replaced by Possibility Storm, Evolutionary Leap, and Smuggler’s Copter. These changes ensure a more balanced digital gameplay experience while still delivering the thrill of finding iconic cards.
Players can find The List cards in about 12.5% of Play Boosters, both in tabletop and on Arena, easily identified by the white Planeswalker symbol. Similarly, Special Guests appear in non-foil in Play Boosters and in foil in Collector Boosters.
Parting Thoughts: A Must-Have for MTG Fans
Murders at Karlov Manor promises to be one of the most exciting MTG sets in recent memory, offering a perfect blend of mystery, strategic gameplay, and iconic reprints. Whether you’re drawn to the new mechanics like Disguise and Cloak, eager to solve a Case, or hoping to pull a classic card from The List, this set offers something for every type of player. Prepare yourself to dive into the mystery, and don’t let the killer get away!
