Aetherdrift Debut Spoilers and Latest Updates

Aetherdrift is the first new Standard-legal set for 2025, based on a multiplanar race to win the almighty Aetherspark. It is slated for release on February 11th on MTG Arena, and February 14th on tabletop (global). The story has just concluded on January 20th, and its official debut is the next day after. Ahead of it will be this very recap post, and I will list all of the updates for the set as it develops during spoiler season (check out the card spoilers section as well!) 

(first wave of major updates slated for tomorrow!)

Aetherdrift Expansion Symbol

Storyline Intro

As the Phyrexian invaders descend upon Ghirapur, a brilliant outcast named Ishikari activates her forbidden invention, hoping to harness the power of planeswalking itself, even if it kills her.

Two years after he plane survived this horrific event, her creation, the mysterious Aetherspark, becomes the prize in the city's greatest race. In this present day, the undefeated street racer Spitfire hides both her identity as a former noble's daughter and her burning ambition to claim that prize. But she'll have to outrace not just the famous planeswalker Chandra Nalaar, but also a desperate man who's made dark bargains to win at any cost...

Mechanics

Speed

A new player trait that starts at 0. When you first control a permanent with "Start your engines!", your speed becomes 1. Then, once per turn, whenever an opponent loses life during your turn and your speed is less than 4, increase your speed by 1. Your speed can't go higher than 4 (max speed).

Max Speed

A designation for abilities that trigger when your speed is 4. Written as "Max speed — [Ability]" on cards.

Exhaust

An activated ability that can only be used once per permanent. Usually includes a way to track its use, like adding counters or creating tokens. If the permanent leaves and returns to the battlefield, it can use its exhaust ability again.

Crew

Needless to say, in a set that sounds vehicle-heavy, the mechanic of being able to ride these artifact types should be an automatic inclusion. Not exactly for the objective of winning a race of course, unless you are talking about a life point race.

Mount

The creature version of crew first featured inn Outlaws of Thunder Junction. It returns for the exact same reason as crew is a returning mechanic lore wise.

Cycling

An even older returning mechanic that lets you discard a card with cycling from your hand and pay its cycling cost to draw a card. Some cards have additional effects when cycled.

NOTE: Aetherdrift will also be the first set to introduce the Seal creature type. (yes, that aquatic mammal) Oh and yes, Pilot creatures will be returning in this set as well.

Important Dates

Introduction Podcast
January 10

Story Begins
January 13-20

Start of Debut and Previews
January 21

Commander Deck Previews
January 21

Card Image Gallery Complete
January 31

Prerelease
February 7-13

MTG Arena Release
February 11

Global (Tabletop) Release
February 14

Store Championship
March 8-30

Debut Spoilers

^{(ordered chronologically, by their official reveal timing)}

Debut Aftershow Spoilers

^{(ordered chronologically, by their official reveal timing, excludes reprints)}

Featured Commanders Debut Spoilers