The Gathering Has Another D&D Region Begging for a Set

Over the last few years, Magic: The Gathering has been going crazy with crossovers. From Warhammer 40,000 and Transformers to Dr. Who and Hatsune Miku, players can collect cards from tons of different IPs thanks to various Universes Beyond products. However, there are even a few Magic: The Gathering crossovers that are not a part of the Universes Beyond, including Dungeons and Dragons: Adventures in the Forgotten Realms and Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur’s Gate, as both expansions are set in the universe of D&D, which is also owned by Wizards of the Coast.

Though the Baldur’s Gate 3-inspired MTG set met mixed reviews power-wise, fans of the 2023 Game of the Year loved collecting their favorite characters from it, and certain cards like Black Market Connections and Ancient Copper Dragon became mainstays. On the other hand, Dungeons and Dragons: Adventures in the Forgotten Realms did incredibly well, becoming one of the best-selling sets in history. The success of these sets proves there is a market for Dungeons and Dragons in Magic: The Gathering, and the setting of Ravenloft would be the perfect candidate for such an expansion.

Ravenloft Deserves a Magic: The Gathering Expansion

What is Ravenloft in Dungeons and Dragons?

Ravenloft is a horror-themed Dungeons and Dragons setting that has existed since 1983. Popularized by Strahd von Zarovich, the dark vampire lord of Barovia, the realm has been the subject of many campaigns and books, including new titles like Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd, a Dungeons and Dragons novel that was released in May.

However, there is more to Ravenloft than just Barovia and Strahd. The dark dimension is full of countless Domains of Dread, each focused on a Darklord that is equal parts master and prisoner of their respective demesne. From the zombie apocalypses of Falkovnia and the Frankenstein-esque nightmares of Lamordia to the folk sacrifices of Tepest and the monster-filled wilds of Valachan, there are Ravenloft realms that match every kind of horror imaginable.

Major Domains of Dread in Ravenloft

Ravenloft is an incredibly popular setting in Dungeons and Dragons as well. In the last decade alone, Curse of Strahd has remained the most popular adventure module for 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons, despite releasing only two years into its run. Though it may not be as mainstream as the Forgotten Realms from Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights, Ravenloft has a long and beloved history to pull from all the same.

Why Ravenloft is Perfect for Magic: The Gathering

While any Dungeons and Dragons setting could easily translate into Magic: The Gathering, Ravenloft might have the easiest time doing so. Wizards of the Coast has already done several spooky sets in the past, including multiple returns to Magic: The Gathering‘s horror realm of Innistrad, the whimsically dark Shadowmoor and Eventide sets, and even Duskmourn: House of Horror, a set inspired by modern horror films.

There is also robust existing support for creature types and keywords that would theoretically need to appear in a Ravenloft set as well. Zombies, vampires, werewolves, constructs, and more already have tons of existing cards from previous sets, meaning they probably wouldn’t have to invent too many mechanics to make it happen. As a Dungeons and Dragons setting, it could even reprint certain cards from the D&D and BG3 expansions with a new, darker flair.

There hasn’t been any news about a return to Dungeons and Dragons MTG since the Baldur’s Gate 3 set in 2022, but Wizards of the Coast would be leaving money on the table if it didn’t do so eventually. If Magic: The Gathering ever does come back for another D&D card expansion, Ravenloft will hopefully be given the chance to shine.

Franchise

Magic: The Gathering

Original Release Date

1993

Age Recommendation

13+