Magic: The Gathering Aetherdrift preview card

Cards, planeswalkers and motorcycles, oh my! Magic: The Gathering is Akira-powersliding to the table with its latest expansion, Aetherdrift!

The first standard set of 2025 sees the return of Chandra Nalaar, a fiery fan-favorite planeswalker who is in search of the Aetherspark – the top prize for winning the Ghirapur Grand Prix. The Aetherspark is a highly coveted artifact made by Ishikari Bindra that is capable of granting an artificial planeswalker spark to anyone (along with the all the perks that come with it). Think of it as an automated external defibrillator (AED) but for desparked plansewalkers.

Based on the previous story points in Magic, it is a safe bet that Chandra is after the Aetherspark for Nissa.

As part of the upcoming set, it is always our pleasure at UnGeek to showcase new cards and with that – here’s a first look at Aetherjacket:

Aetherjacket is a colorless artifact with the creature type ‘Thopter’. There’s a lot of things going on for this common 3-drop – aside from the fact that it is colorless and can be slotted in any deck, it has a lot of utilities at its disposal.

With flying and vigilance, it can make sure to get the job done as it both evades grounded creatures while at the same time can function as a blocker during an opponents turn. The tap ability, though a bit slow because of sorcery speed, can make your opponent think twice on dropping their precious artifacts.

I’m seeing this card to be used mainly in limited (draft) format due to its versatility and that you can add it to any deck color. It also helps that its keywords are a good combination for both offence and defense. The tap ability can also come in a pinch for spot removal when there are powerful artifacts or artifact creatures on the other side of the board.

Aetherdrift Product Lineup

As usual, Magic: the Gathering will offer a lot of products focusing on the latest expansion. The contents will of course vary and depend on how you approach the game as there is something for everyone here. Aside from the usual play boosters and pre-release bundles, EDH (commander) afficionados can also avail of new pre-constructed decks that include new cards and legendary creatures to brew or update your existing decks!

Check out Aetherdrift’s key dates below:

Full Card Image Gallery: January 31
Aetherdrift Prerelease Events: February 7–13
MTG Arena Release: February 11
Tabletop Release: February 14
Magic Academy Events: February 14–April 3
Standard Showdown: February 14–April 3
Commander Party, Round 1: February 21–27
Aetherdrift Store Championship: March 8–30
Commander Party, Round 2: March 14–20

Also, you can use Wizards of the Coast’s store locator to find an LGS near you! So what are you waiting for? Rev up that engine and head on to your nearest friendly local game store for Aetherdrift!

Interview: Mike Turian, product architect for Murders at Karlov Manor

Murders at Karlov Manor Preview Card | Repulsive Mutation