Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Revives Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal strategies — what player hasn't assembled a goblin strategy before? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back 2 beloved mechanics that align seamlessly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar set which grants bonuses whenever additional creatures with the Ally type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also gain abilities as you controls more of them in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have shown up here and there across newer releases, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — but that ends with ATLA, in which this feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of allies on the quest to bring back balance across the four nations, so there's no more fitting way to reflect that in a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its initial set announcement, below is previews at an Ally and one Shrine card in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess with engineering, he is able to fly through the skies using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness of flying and his tribe's use of flying machines through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, and also pumping your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes one more life anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This looks like an impactful addition, given the card's low mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover products have been garnering significant criticism by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.

Rebecca Gallegos
Rebecca Gallegos

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino trends and player psychology.