| Set | Set Symbol | Symbol Description | Set Code | Release Date | Total Cards | Common | Uncommon | Rare | Basic Land |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Age | A snowflake | ICE | June 1995 | 383 | 121 | 121 | 121 | 20 |
Note: Ice Age cards are black-bordered and feature a snowflake set symbol, emphasizing the set’s icy theme. It was also the first standalone expansion, containing basic lands and enough tools to build decks without needing additional sets.
Key Features and Mechanics #
- Standalone Expansion
Ice Age was the first MTG expansion intended for independent play, including basic lands and various reprints of staple cards to ensure players had the resources to construct decks right away. - Introduction of the “Snow” Supertype
Ice Age debuted snow-covered lands and other snow permanents, along with cards that interact specifically with snow. This opened up unique strategies and synergy centered on the cold environment. - Cumulative Upkeep
A new keyword mechanic where each upkeep cost grows over time. This represented the constant grind and increasing difficulty of maintaining magical effects in the harsh climate. - Cantrips
Ice Age introduced cantrips—spells that replace themselves by drawing a card. This mechanic enhanced card flow and has become a cornerstone of modern Magic design.
Notable Ice Age Cards #
Brainstorm
A powerful blue instant that draws three cards, then places two cards from your hand on top of your library, enabling unparalleled card manipulation.
Counterspell
The defining blue counter-magic spell, efficient and unconditional, providing a steadfast tool in control strategies.
Swords to Plowshares
An iconic white removal spell that exiles a creature and grants life to its controller, balancing potency with a minor drawback.
A black enchantment that allows you to pay life to exile cards from your library, which you then draw at the end of turn, enabling explosive card advantage.
Ice Age left an indelible mark on Magic by introducing the snow supertype, cumulative upkeep, and early cantrips, all wrapped in a dramatic storyline of survival in Dominaria’s frozen tundra. Its enduring mechanics and rich flavor still resonate with players, establishing Ice Age as a milestone in the game’s evolution.
