Magic: The Gathering has always been a game of strategy and skill, and the latest set, Foundations, brings a significant change to the combat mechanics that will shake things up for players. This change is intended to make combat more dynamic and strategic, giving both attackers and defenders new ways to outmaneuver each other.
What is the ‘Big Change’, you ask? It’s the removal of damage assignment order. This is one of (if not the) the most notable changes in the Foundations set. Previously, when an attacking creature was blocked by multiple creatures, the attacking player had to assign damage to each blocker in a specific order. This often allowed defenders to use tricks and abilities to save their key creatures by assigning lethal damage to the first blocker in the order.
With the new rules, it is the attacking player who now has the freedom to designate damage to each blocker however they choose. This means that the attacker can decide to spread the damage out or focus it on specific blockers, making it harder for defenders to predict and counter the attack. This change shifts the power dynamic in combat, giving attackers more control and really shaking up extant blocking strategies.
This change will have a significant impact on gameplay, especially in scenarios where multiple blockers are involved. Attackers can now exert more control over combat, messing with their opponents strategies and better defending their own attacking creatures or better taking down opposing creatures. For example, a powerful creature blocked by several smaller creatures can now choose to deal lethal damage to some and spare others, potentially disrupting the defender’s plans.
Defenders, on the other hand, will need to be more cautious and strategic when blocking. They can no longer rely on the damage assignment order to protect their key creatures, and will need to adapt their tactics to account for the new rules.
Both new and experienced players will need to adjust their strategies to accommodate this change. The Foundations set includes tutorials and resources to help players understand and master the new combat mechanics. As players become more familiar with the new rules, we can expect to see innovative and exciting new strategies emerge in the game.
All in all, the removal of the damage assignment order in Magic: The Gathering’s Foundations set is an interesting move that shakes things up. I don’t know that I’m an experienced enough player to say whether it’s a good change, but I can appreciate that it is a big change. It challenges players to think more critically and creatively about adapting their combat tactics. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, this change is sure to impact your Magic: The Gathering experience. Let us know how it goes!
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