---
title: Fourth Edition Set Overview
description: "**Fourth Edition**, released in **April 1995**, is the **fourth core set** of **[Magic: The Gathering](https://proxyking.biz/)**. 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…"
url: "https://proxyking.biz/resources/fourth-edition-set-overview/"
updated: "2025-02-16"
category: MTG Sets
---

# Fourth Edition Set Overview

**Fourth Edition**, released in **April 1995**, is the **fourth core set** of **[Magic: The Gathering](https://proxyking.biz/)**. 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

| Set | Set Symbol | Symbol Description | Set Code | Release Date | Total Cards | Common | Uncommon | Rare | Basic Land |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Fourth Edition | None | N/A | 4ED | April 1995 | 378 | 121 | 121 | 121 | 15 |

> **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](https://proxyking.biz/encyclopedia/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](https://proxyking.biz/wp-content/plugins/mtg-card-shortcode/assets/symbols/W.webp)** 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](https://proxyking.biz/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:

Armageddon

![Armageddon Magic: The Gathering card image](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/7/0794bc35-a8e1-4268-87b2-af5483ca6e5e.jpg?1783947875)

A classic white sorcery that destroys all lands. Used to disrupt opponents and gain board advantage.

[Wrath of God](https://proxyking.biz/product/wrath-of-god-mtg-beta/)

![Wrath of God Magic: The Gathering card image](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/5/4566f6a3-4d25-4df0-84be-fe4201138955.jpg?1783947863)

The quintessential white [board wipe](https://proxyking.biz/mtg-board-wipes/), destroying all creatures without regeneration.

Serra Angel

![Serra Angel Magic: The Gathering card image](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/0/8072d00a-82ff-4406-bdf8-1af20cd3a170.jpg?1783947865)

A 4/4 [Flying](https://proxyking.biz/encyclopedia/flying/) creature with [Vigilance](https://proxyking.biz/encyclopedia/vigilance/), serving as both an attacker and a [Defender](https://proxyking.biz/encyclopedia/defender/).

[Counterspell](https://proxyking.biz/product/counterspell-jp-alternate-mtg-mystical-archives/)

![Counterspell Magic: The Gathering card image](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/8/e8493631-6c9c-40a8-b7de-ecf26ba6bf7d.jpg?1783947861)

A two-mana blue instant that can negate any spell. Simple, efficient, and iconic.

[Birds of Paradise](https://proxyking.biz/product/birds-of-paradise-borderless-mtg-proxy-dominaria-remastered/)

![Birds of Paradise Magic: The Gathering card image](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/8/b8852e36-204c-4b3a-a4f8-33a98548fa7b.jpg?1783947821)

A 0/1 flyer for one green mana that taps for any color, allowing flexible mana ramp.

**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**.