Fourth Edition Set Overview

Fourth Edition, released in April 1995, is the fourth core set of Magic: The Gathering. It sought to update and broaden the foundational card pool by reprinting popular and influential cards from past expansions—including Arabian Nights, Antiquities, Legends, and The Dark—making them more accessible to new and seasoned players alike. Fourth Edition was also the first core set to include cards from Legends and The Dark, further diversifying the playable pool.

Fourth Edition Set Info #

Note: Fourth Edition cards have white borders and no set symbol, following core set conventions of the era.

Key Features and Changes #

1. Language Expansion #

For the first time, a Magic set was printed in multiple languages beyond English. Fourth Edition was available in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese, greatly expanding the game’s global Reach

2. Design Updates #

• Border Changes: This set reintroduced beveled borders, previously absent in Revised Edition.
• Enhanced Colors: Cards received more saturated inks, resulting in richer, brighter visuals.
• New White Mana Symbol: The standard {W} symbol for white mana debuted here.
• Updated Tap Symbol: The old “T” tap icon was replaced with the now-familiar curved arrow.

3. Card Pool Adjustments #

• Removal of 51 Cards: Certain cards from Revised Edition were omitted for power-level or design reasons (most notably, the original dual lands).
• Addition of 122 Cards: Reprints from earlier expansions added variety and depth.
• Exclusion of Original Dual Lands: Concerns over their power level led to their removal, significantly altering mana-fixing strategies.

Notable Fourth Edition Cards #

While Fourth Edition mostly contained reprints, several cards within its roster remain enduring staples across multiple formats:

Fourth Edition played a pivotal role in shaping early Magic, refining the core set concept, and extending the game’s international footprint through multilingual printings. Its blend of classic reprints and notable design improvements left a lasting mark on the game’s evolution, inviting more players worldwide to experience Magic: The Gathering.