Magic: The Gathering (MTG) and Warhammer: Age of Sigmar are iconic fantasy games. One is a strategy-driven collectible card game, while the other is a high-fantasy miniature wargame steeped in lore. Recently, these two worlds have begun to intersect in exciting ways, most notably with the introduction of Age of Sigmar-themed MTG cards. This crossover has been nothing short of thrilling for fans of both franchises.
The Rise of Age of Sigmar in Magic: The Gathering
The influence of the Age of Sigmar on MTG cards is a natural progression, given both games’ shared themes of powerful magic, legendary battles, and intricate world-building. The collaboration between Wizards of the Coast and Games Workshop has led to the creation of MTG singles that bring the lore, characters, and iconic elements of the Age of Sigmar into the trading card format.
With MTG’s Universes Beyond series, players have seen various external properties incorporated into the card game, and Age of Sigmar is one of the latest to leap. These MTG singles are designed to capture the grandeur of the Mortal Realms, featuring mighty warriors, mythical creatures, and legendary artefacts from Sigmar’s domain.
Notable Age of Sigmar-Themed MTG Cards
Regarding MTG singles inspired by Age of Sigmar, several standout cards have captured the essence of the setting. From the divine warriors of Sigmar’s Stormcast Eternals to the terrifying hordes of Chaos, each card introduces elements that will feel familiar to Age of Sigmar fans while offering exciting new mechanics for Magic players.
1. Sigmar’s Chosen
A card representing the indomitable Stormcast Eternals, Sigmar’s Chosen is a powerful white mana creature card. It embodies Sigmar’s warriors’ resilience and divine might, featuring mechanics like indestructibility and vigilance, mirroring the way Stormcast Eternals are reforged upon death.
2. Lord of Change
A creature card representing one of Tzeentch’s most fearsome daemons, the Lord of Change is an imposing blue and red MTG single. With abilities that allow players to manipulate their deck and disrupt opponents, this card captures the trickery and sorcery associated with the Changer of Ways.
3. Nagash, Supreme Lord of Undeath
As a legendary black mana card, Nagash dominates the battlefield, allowing players to reanimate creatures from the graveyard. Just as in Age of Sigmar, where Nagash commands legions of undead, this card enables players to overwhelm opponents with a tide of fallen warriors.
4. Waaagh! Unleashed
Orcs (or Orruks, as they are known in Age of Sigmar) are infamous for their love of battle, and this card encapsulates their ferocity. A red-green sorcery spell, Waaagh! Unleashed grants all creatures haste and trample, perfectly capturing the wild energy of an orruk charge.
5. Realmgate Nexus
A unique land card, Realmgate Nexus allows players to tap for any colour of mana. It symbolises the mystical portals connecting the Mortal Realms, and the flavour text on the card references the vital role these gates play in the Age of Sigmar universe.
Why This Crossover Matters
The introduction of Age of Sigmar into Magic: The Gathering is more than just a fun novelty—it’s a meaningful way to merge two beloved fantasy franchises. For long-time Warhammer players, these MTG singles offer an accessible way to engage with their favourite setting in a new format. For Magic players, the cards introduce fresh mechanics and lore that enhance the game’s already deep strategy and storytelling elements.
Additionally, this crossover could introduce more players to both franchises. After seeing the characters on their cards, MTG players unfamiliar with Age of Sigmar might be drawn into its lore. At the same time, Age of Sigmar fans may be tempted to try magic upon seeing their favourite factions represented differently.
How These MTG Singles Impact Gameplay
The introduction of Age of Sigmar-themed MTG cards has also impacted deck-building strategies. Many of these cards introduce mechanics that reflect the key themes of the Age of Sigmar, such as resilience, war-driven aggression, and chaotic magic. Players are experimenting with new deck archetypes based on these themes, creating fresh and exciting gameplay.
For instance, a deck built around Stormcast Eternals would likely feature strong defensive mechanics, while a Chaos-aligned deck might focus on unpredictable effects and high-risk, high-reward strategies. This thematic depth makes the cards appealing for collectors and competitive Magic players looking for new strategies to explore.
The Future of Age of Sigmar in Magic: The Gathering
The success of Age of Sigmar-themed MTG singles suggests that this crossover could continue to expand. Wizards of the Coast has already embraced collaborations with franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Warhammer 40K, so a full-fledged Age of Sigmar set in the future is not out of the question.
If a complete set were released, players could expect even more iconic characters and settings from Age of Sigmar to be represented. Factions like the Skaven, Fyreslayers, and Seraphon could all see dedicated cards, further enriching the experience for both MTG and Age of Sigmar fans.
The fusion of Age of Sigmar and Magic: The Gathering is a dream come true for fantasy gaming enthusiasts. The MTG singles inspired by the Mortal Realms bring a fresh perspective to both games, offering compelling new gameplay experiences and deepening the connection between these legendary franchises.
Whether you’re a die-hard Warhammer player or a seasoned Magic veteran, these cards offer an exciting way to engage with both worlds. As the collaboration continues to grow, fans can look forward to even more stunning, lore-rich, and strategic Age of Sigmar-themed MTG cards in the future.
