Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces 2 Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed a zombie strategy once or twice? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back 2 well-known examples that fit seamlessly with the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar and gives bonuses each time more creatures with this type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become power when a player has additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared occasionally across recent sets, the Ally subtype was far less common — but this ends in ATLA, where this feature is central.

Aang has to gather many friends on the journey to bring back balance across the four nations, and there's no better method to represent that through a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After the initial set reveal, below are previews of one Allies plus a Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one beloved supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo can glide through the skies using his glider, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases his passion for the skies along with his tribe's use of gliders through letting the player loot whenever you attack using a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful addition, given its low cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are that Shrines are always Legendary, but this card can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of criticism from fans, a beloved series like Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.

Chloe Thompson
Chloe Thompson

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and consumer electronics.