What sets are illegal in Pioneer?

What Sets are Illegal in Pioneer?

As the Pioneer format continues to grow in popularity, many players are curious to know which sets are legal and which ones are not. In this article, we will answer this question and provide a comprehensive guide on what sets are illegal in Pioneer.

Definition of Pioneer

Before we dive into the list of illegal sets, let’s define what Pioneer is. Pioneer is a constructed format in Magic: The Gathering that was introduced in 2020. It is a mid-power level format that allows players to use cards from all sets released from Return to Ravnica forward. The format is designed to be more accessible and less competitive than formats like Modern and Legacy, but still challenging and fun for players of all levels.

What Sets are Illegal in Pioneer?

Not all sets are legal in Pioneer. In fact, there are several sets that are not allowed in the format. Here are the sets that are currently banned in Pioneer:

• Return to Ravnica (RTR): This set was released in 2012 and is the starting point for the Pioneer format. All cards from RTR are legal in Pioneer.
• Gatecrash (GTC): Released in 2013, Gatecrash is the second set in the block. It contains several powerful cards that were initially banned in Standard, but are now legal in Pioneer.
• Dragon’s Maze (DRM): Released in 2013, Dragon’s Maze is the third set in the block. It is not as powerful as the first two sets, but still contains several popular cards.
• Theros (THS): Released in 2013, Theros is the first set in the Theros block. It is known for its powerful Gods and auras.
• Born of the Gods (BOG): Released in 2014, Born of the Gods is the second set in the Theros block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Journey into Nyx (JNYX): Released in 2014, Journey into Nyx is the third set in the Theros block. It is known for its powerful creatures and removal spells.

Here is a table summarizing the banned sets:

Why are these sets illegal in Pioneer?

These sets were initially banned in Standard due to their overpowered cards and unbalanced power level. The Pioneer format aims to create a more balanced and accessible environment for players, so these sets were banned to ensure that the format remains fun and challenging.

What sets are legal in Pioneer?

Now that we have established what sets are illegal in Pioneer, let’s take a look at the sets that are legal. All sets released after Return to Ravnica are legal in Pioneer, including:

• M15 (Magic 2015): Released in 2014, M15 is a Core Set that contains several popular cards, including a few that are still playable in Pioneer.
• Khans of Tarkir (KTK): Released in 2014, Khans of Tarkir is the first set in the Khans of Tarkir block. It contains several powerful cards, including a few that were banned in Standard.
• Fate Reforged (FRF): Released in 2015, Fate Reforged is the second set in the Khans of Tarkir block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Dragons of Tarkir (DOP): Released in 2015, Dragons of Tarkir is the third set in the Khans of Tarkir block. It is known for its powerful dragons and removal spells.
• Battle for Zendikar (BFZ): Released in 2015, Battle for Zendikar is the first set in the Battle for Zendikar block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Oath of the Gatewatch (OGW): Released in 2016, Oath of the Gatewatch is the second set in the Battle for Zendikar block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Shadows over Innistrad (SOI): Released in 2016, Shadows over Innistrad is the first set in the Shadows over Innistrad block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Eldritch Moon (EMN): Released in 2016, Eldritch Moon is the second set in the Shadows over Innistrad block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Kaladesh (KLD): Released in 2016, Kaladesh is the first set in the Kaladesh block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Aether Revolt (AER): Released in 2017, Aether Revolt is the second set in the Kaladesh block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Amonkhet (AKH): Released in 2017, Amonkhet is the first set in the Amonkhet block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Hour of Devastation (HOU): Released in 2017, Hour of Devastation is the second set in the Amonkhet block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Ixalan (XLN): Released in 2017, Ixalan is the first set in the Ixalan block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Rivals of Ixalan (RIX): Released in 2018, Rivals of Ixalan is the second set in the Ixalan block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Dominaria (DOM): Released in 2018, Dominaria is the first set in the Dominaria block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Core Set 2019 (M19): Released in 2018, M19 is the first Core Set in the M19 block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Guilds of Ravnica (GRN): Released in 2018, Guilds of Ravnica is the first set in the Guilds of Ravnica block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Ravnica Allegiance (RNA): Released in 2019, Ravnica Allegiance is the second set in the Guilds of Ravnica block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• War of the Spark (WAR): Released in 2019, War of the Spark is the first set in the War of the Spark block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Core Set 2020 (M20): Released in 2019, M20 is the second Core Set in the M20 block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Throne of Eldraine (ELD): Released in 2019, Throne of Eldraine is the first set in the Throne of Eldraine block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.
• Core Set 2021 (M21): Released in 2020, M21 is the third Core Set in the M21 block. It contains several cards that were popular in Standard, including a few that are still banned.

Here is a table summarizing the legal sets:

In conclusion, the Pioneer format is a dynamic and ever-changing environment that allows players to use cards from all sets released after Return to Ravnica. The banned sets listed above are not allowed in the format, while the legal sets are allowed. Players can build decks using cards from the legal sets and compete against each other in tournaments and casual games.