Magic: The Gathering has been a popular collectible card game for over 25 years, and it has amassed a massive fan following. The game’s storyline and characters have captured the imagination of players worldwide, leading to numerous expansions and spin-offs. One of the most intriguing settings in the game is the plane of Phyrexia, a mechanical world ruled by the Phyrexians. In this blog post, we will explore the history of Phyrexia and how it has become a fascinating and popular aspect of Magic: The Gathering’s lore and collectability.
Phyrexia was first introduced in the Antiquities expansion set released in 1994. The plane was created by the character Urza as a weapon to defeat his arch-nemesis Yawgmoth. The plane is a dystopian world where everything is made of metal and flesh, and it’s inhabited by the Phyrexians, a race of sentient, mechanical beings. The Phyrexians are ruled by their god, Yawgmoth, who seeks to dominate all other planes of existence.
The Phyrexians were an immediate hit with Magic players. They were unlike any other creatures in the game, and their terrifying appearance and abilities made them a force to be reckoned with. In the years that followed, the Phyrexians became a recurring villain in Magic’s storyline, and players eagerly awaited their next appearance.
Over the years, the Phyrexians have appeared in several Magic sets, each time with new cards and mechanics. One of the most iconic Phyrexian cards is the creature card, Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite, which was introduced in the New Phyrexia expansion set released in 2011. The card’s art perfectly captures the essence of Phyrexia, with its imposing mechanical frame and twisted flesh.
The Phyrexians’ popularity has made them a valuable commodity for Magic collectors. Many of the older Phyrexian cards are highly sought after, and their value has only increased over time. One of the rarest and most valuable Phyrexian cards is the Mishra’s Workshop card from the Antiquities set, which can sell for thousands of dollars.
In addition to their collectability, the Phyrexians have also become a popular subject for Magic artists. Many of the cards featuring the Phyrexians have striking and unforgettable art, such as the card Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger, which features a menacing Phyrexian creature looming over a desolate landscape.
The plane of Phyrexia has become an essential part of Magic: The Gathering’s lore and collectability. The Phyrexians’ unique appearance and abilities have made them a fan favorite and a popular subject for artists. As Magic continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see more of Phyrexia and its inhabitants in future sets, which will only increase their value and appeal to collectors. If you’re a Magic fan and haven’t explored the world of Phyrexia, now is the time to start!
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Not sure which type of booster to get? Check out our article on the differences for each booster type here.