Reveal: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Revives 2 Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

MTG fans consistently enjoy tribe-based tactics — what player has not constructed an elf deck at some point? — and this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two popular mechanics that match perfectly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar and provides buffs whenever more creatures with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power as a player controls additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until that changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of allies during the quest to restore peace to the world, so there's no better method to reflect this through an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its first set announcement, below are a look at an Ally and one Shrine cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a cherished supporting character from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom who lived in an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, he can soar in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo showcases his love for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying creature, while additionally pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful addition, considering its low cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of hate by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.