Magic Returns to Its Roots with Upcoming Set

Magic: The Gathering is set to revisit Dominaria, specifically the kingdom of Zhalfir, which is where Teferi first emerged in the game’s original lore. This new expansion is scheduled for release in fall 2027. Once a formidable nation within Dominaria, Zhalfir was lost due to Teferi’s manipulation of powerful magic and later became a separate plane following the invasion of New Phyrexia.

If you’re looking for a break from spaceships, mutant turtles, and superheroes, Zhalfir is the perfect destination. This kingdom is a cornerstone of Magic’s rich history, and the upcoming set is sure to reintroduce many beloved characters from the franchise. Teferi, the renowned time wizard, will undoubtedly take center stage, having been a key figure in many pivotal events across the Magic Multiverse.

Teferi’s journey began with his natural affinity for magic, leading to his recruitment by Urza at the Tolarian Academy, where he trained wizards to face the first Phyrexian invasion. After his time at the Academy, he became a Royal Mage of Zhalfir. Eventually, he awakened his planeswalker spark and fortified Zhalfir by establishing the five Creeds, each representing a color of magic. However, when the Phyrexian invasion loomed, Teferi chose to phase Zhalfir out of existence, using magic to remove it from the fabric of space and time.

Three centuries after the Phyrexians were seemingly defeated, Teferi returned to Dominaria to restore Zhalfir. Unfortunately, the plane was unstable due to time rifts, leading to disastrous results, and Zhalfir appeared lost forever. Yet, during the second Phyrexian invasion, Teferi discovered a way back to his homeland. With Wrenn’s assistance, he reunited Zhalfir with the multiverse, enabling its army to play a crucial role in overcoming the Phyrexians. This led to a swap in the multiverse, with Zhalfir now existing as its own plane.

The narrative will unfold further in the new set, which will also reintroduce elements from the past. Following the swap, the five suns of Mirrodin—once corrupted by Phyrexian Oil—now orbit Zhalfir. The original Mirrodin refugees have found a home in Zhalfir, promising the return of familiar characters, card types, and possibly even archetypes, such as the affinity for artifacts that debuted in the Mirrodin set.

Karn may also play a significant role in this new storyline, as he was the architect of Mirrodin and worked tirelessly to restore it. After Magic’s recent explorations into Universes Beyond, fans will relish the reunion of iconic characters from the franchise for the first time since March of the Machine.

Zhalfir is set to launch on October 1, 2027.