Everything we know about MTG Kaldheim mechanics so far

A lot is happening in Magic: The Gathering’s latest set, Kaldheim. Set on a Viking-inspired plane of Kaldheim, fan-favorite mechanics and themes are returning to Magic. Thanks to an early look at Set and Booster theme cards, Wizards of the Coast has given players a look at what to expect in MTG Kaldheim.

Tribal themes and Changelings

Kaldheim appears to be bringing a more tribal theme to Magic. Elves, Dwarves, Giants, Angels, and Humans appear to be the primary creature types for Kaldheim. Players should expect to see more tribal cards and effects that only target a specific creature type in spoilers soon.

To help give these tribes a boost, shapeshifters are making a return. Shapeshifters with the unique keyword ability Changeling gain all creature types in the game. That means one creature can be an Elf Camel Wizard Goblin Sliver Oyster plus the other 245 other creature types in Magic all at once.

Flip Gods and Equipment

Lands aren’t the only thing flipping in Kaldheim. There may be a new cycle of modal Gods coming as well. If not flip Gods then more unique combinations of creatures and artifacts. In Zendikar Rising, we saw plenty of creatures, instances, and sorceries turning into lands.

While we have only seen one card so far, the theme may be more artifact-based given the heavy emphasis on equipment other spoiled cards have hinted at.

Vehicles and Treasures

Both these card types are seeing a return in Kaldheim though they seem to be primarily in Red and White for now. They may not be heavily featured in other colors in Kaldheim, but it is a little too early to be certain. At the least, they seem to be doing interesting things with the two, like returning Gilded Assault Cart from the graveyard to hand.

Sagas are back in Kaldheim

We don’t know how much of an impact Sagas will have on Kaldheim but they’re off to a good start. Showdown of the Skalds was previewed earlier so we won’t go into too much detail here. Sagas can be hard to evaluate since they are only on the board for a limited time. Because of that though, they tend to be pretty strong.

Allied Pathway lands

Completing the allied Pathway land cycle are five new flip lands. These modal cards let players choose what side they want to cast depending on their needs. We covered these too earlier in the Week of Metal, though only four of the five have been revealed.

This likely is not everything Wizards of the Coast has in mind for MTG Kaldheim, as players still have not seen a unique keyword or ability for the Viking-themed set. Make sure to follow Daily Esports as spoiler season ramps up on Janurary 7, and we get a better look at what is coming to the set.