The Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Zendikar Rising Bundle offers a comprehensive package for both new and veteran players, blending the excitement of booster drafting with the depth of strategy that the game is known for. Released on September 25, 2020, this set marks the return to the adventure-filled world of Zendikar, where danger and discovery go hand in hand.
Zendikar Rising brings with it new mechanics and reintroduces some old favorites. The "Party" mechanic plays into the set's adventurous theme, with bonuses for having a full party of Cleric, Rogue, Warrior, and Wizard creatures. "Landfall" returns, rewarding players for playing land cards with various effects that can turn the tide of the game. Moreover, the set introduces "Modal Double-Faced Cards," which can be played as either lands or spells, adding a strategic layer to deck construction.
The Bundle itself is an attractive offering for players looking to engage with the new set. It includes 10 Zendikar Rising Draft Boosters, 40 regular land cards, and 20 foil land cards, all themed around Zendikar's lush and perilous landscapes. A unique feature of this bundle is the inclusion of an alternate art premium foil "Charix, the Raging Isle" card, which can be a formidable addition to any deck.
The packaging is designed to double as a collector's box, providing an attractive and practical storage solution. Included in the bundle is a 20-sided spindown life counter with the Zendikar Rising symbol, making it a useful tool for tracking life totals during gameplay.
The Zendikar Rising Bundle also features an accessory—a mini strategy guide that offers a glimpse into the set's mechanics, a showcase of some of the stunning art, and tips for building a deck around the new and returning mechanics.
For collectors and players who love the lore of Magic: The Gathering, the Zendikar Rising set is rich with story implications. It continues the narrative of the plane of Zendikar, known for its Eldrazi invasions and elemental upheaval. This time around, the focus is on the recovery of Zendikar post-Eldrazi destruction and the exploration of its wild, untamed frontiers.
In terms of gameplay, the Zendikar Rising Bundle is excellent for drafting. Drafting with friends or at your local game store is a thrilling experience, as the set is designed with this playstyle in mind. The booster packs in the bundle facilitate the draft format, allowing players to build their decks from a shared pool of cards, ensuring a unique experience each time.
For the competitive scene, Zendikar Rising shakes up the metagame with its new cards and synergies. Cards like "Lotus Cobra" and "Omnath, Locus of Creation" have already made a splash in tournament play, demonstrating the set's potential to influence competitive deck-building strategies.
The Zendikar Rising Bundle stands out for its value. With the boosters, lands, exclusive card, and other accessories, it provides a solid foundation for playing the new set and offers enough variety to keep both deck-building and games fresh. The bundle is priced to provide an economical entry point for enjoying Zendikar Rising, making it a perfect gift for the holiday season or a treat for oneself.
In summary, the Zendikar Rising Bundle is a testament to MTG's enduring appeal and its ability to reinvent itself with each new release. It is an invitation to explore the wilds of Zendikar, to revel in the joy of discovery and the thrill of combat. Whether you're drafting, collecting, or strategizing for your next tournament, the Zendikar Rising Bundle has something to offer for everyone. With its rich content and accessible price point, it's an excellent addition to any Magic player's collection.
