Highlights
The Universes Beyond series has successfully incorporated different franchises into Magic: The Gathering without causing major disruptions.
The Fallout set is expected to comprise four Commander decks centered around various factions, each with its own thematic playstyle.
The upcoming set will showcase beloved characters, renowned landmarks, and signature elements from the Fallout series, while also introducing fresh and exclusive elements tailored specifically for the tabletop game.
The upcoming addition to Magic: The Gathering's Universes Beyond collection, Fallout, will bring its distinctive post-apocalyptic essence to the beloved tabletop card game. Slated for release in March 2024, fans are eagerly exploring the extensive history of the Fallout franchise as well as examining previous IPs that have received the Universes Beyond treatment, all in anticipation of what this upcoming set will entail.
The Universes Beyond series has ventured into unexpected and unfamiliar territory, surprising many MTG enthusiasts. Despite initial reservations, Wizards of the Coast has successfully integrated various franchises into the card game's meta without causing excessive disruption. Starting with smaller additions as part of the Secret Lair Drop series, featuring cards from The Walking Dead, Stranger Things, and other IPs, Universes Beyond has since expanded to include entire Commanders' sets from external franchises. The Warhammer 40k, Dungeons and Dragons, and most recently, The Lord of the Rings sets have all been well-received, showcasing the series' boundless potential. With the upcoming arrival of Doctor Who Commander decks, the eclectic nature of the series continues to astound.
Previous Sets Tell MTG Fallout's Likely Trajectory
The Fallout set is expected to include four Commander decks, along with some collector boosters. It is likely that these decks will be divided into factions, each focusing on a specific mechanic and playstyle associated with that faction. It is possible that Wizards of the Coast may choose a different approach, but based on previous patterns, Commander decks based on Fallout's factions, such as the New California Republic, can be anticipated.
Brotherhood of Steel
VaultTec
Enclave
The Institute
The Minutemen
As the Fallout series continues to grow, there is an abundance of new and familiar characters and factions that can be included in the upcoming set. Wizards of the Coast may choose to explore various connections for its Commander deck themes, incorporating ghouls, mutants, and raiders to reflect the diverse flavors of the franchise. However, due to space constraints and the need to prioritize certain elements, it is inevitable that some beloved characters and iconic landmarks may be excluded. Nonetheless, there are still some reliable predictions that can be made.
Translating Video Game Lore to the Tabletop
In a hypothetical scenario, when building a Brotherhood of Steel deck, there are various options for choosing its Commander. While Elder Lyons held this role in Fallout 3, it might be more relevant to consider the current leader of the faction. Elder Arthur Maxson, for instance, could be a recognizable figure for fans. He could be portrayed as a knight-human with a moderate cost, featuring an ability that enhances all other humans on the battlefield. To ensure a strong finish for the faction, a recommended card could be Liberty Prime—a powerful, high-cost, colorless artifact creature with trample. Additionally, incorporating a board wipe effect would be a wise choice.
Similar to the Brotherhood of Steel, other factions' Commanders are likely to be authoritative figures. Preston Garvey could be the Minutemen Commander, possessing the ability to search the player's deck for a creature card and add it to their hand, reflecting his recruitment skills in the game. Shaun, on the other hand, could be the Institute deck Commander, representing their advanced technology in Magic: The Gathering through mechanics such as blue counters, milling, and drawing cards. It could be worthwhile to include Conrad as a dependable subordinate card, potentially equipped with removal abilities.
Expect to see the Fallout set exploring a plethora of possibilities. Iconic elements will undoubtedly make their way into the game, such as several Vaults taking on the role of legendary lands or enchantments. For those looking for a distinctive artifact, the Pip-Boy stands as a prime candidate. Fans would be in an uproar if Fallout's beloved Dogmeat didn't make an appearance in some form. While Wizards of the Coast's Universes Beyond series boasts an impressive lineup for 2024, Fallout holds the highest level of anticipation and must deliver a captivating experience to set the tone for the new year.
Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated release of Magic the Gathering Universes Beyond: Fallout in March 2024.