Magic: The Gathering – Explorers of Ixalan (2017) Board Game

Magic: The Gathering – Explorers of Ixalan is a standalone board game that was released in 2017 by Wizards of the Coast, the same company behind the popular Magic: The Gathering trading card game. This board game combines elements of exploration, fantasy, and territory building, allowing players to experience the world of Ixalan in a unique way.

Game Components of Magic: The Gathering – Explorers of Ixalan

Preconstructed Decks: Four tournament-legal decks, each themed around different tribes (Dinosaurs, Merfolk, Pirates, and Vampires).

Tiles: Used to create a modular board, enhancing the game’s replayability.

Reprint Cards: Includes reprints of older cards with updated art to fit the Ixalan theme, such as Time Warp, Aggravated Assault, and Blatant Thievery.

Saproling Token: A visually appealing token with new art.

How To Setup Magic: The Gathering – Explorers of Ixalan

To set up the game, players first assemble the modular board using the tiles provided. Each player selects one of the four preconstructed decks and shuffles it. The game typically starts with each player beginning their turn, drawing a hand of cards, and then proceeding with the standard Magic: The Gathering turn structure, adapted for the themed setting of Ixalan.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Modular Board: Players use tiles to create a different board each game, adding variety to the gameplay.

Deck Building: Although the decks are preconstructed, players can rebuild them for more consistency or to fit their playstyle.

Card Synergies: The game emphasizes synergies between cards within each tribe’s deck.

Objective: The objective is to reduce your opponent’s life total to zero, using the cards and strategies provided in the preconstructed decks.

Player Experience

Magic: The Gathering – Explorers of Ixalan offers a fresh take on the traditional Magic: The Gathering experience. Players get to explore the world of Ixalan through four distinct tribes, each with its unique playstyle and strategies. The modular board adds a new layer of complexity and replayability, making each game session different.

Pros

Unique Setting: The game is set in the Ixalan world, offering a new and exciting environment for Magic players.

Reprint Cards: Includes valuable reprints that can be useful for Commander and other formats.

Modular Board: Enhances replayability and adds a new layer of strategy.

Preconstructed Decks: Great for new players or those looking to explore different tribes without building decks from scratch.

Cons

Cost: The game was initially priced at $64.99, which might be steep for some players.

Deck Choices: Some players felt that the preconstructed decks needed adjustments for better consistency.

Limited New Content: The set primarily includes reprints rather than new cards, which might disappoint some collectors.

Personal Thoughts on Magic: The Gathering – Explorers of Ixalan

This game is ideal for both new and experienced Magic: The Gathering players who are looking to explore the Ixalan setting in a unique way. It’s particularly beneficial for those interested in the four iconic tribes and their respective playstyles. However, for collectors seeking new and rare cards, this set might not offer as much value since it is primarily composed of reprints. Overall, it’s a great addition to any Magic: The Gathering collection, offering a fun and dynamic way to engage with the game.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.