The Impact of Modern Horizons 3 on Magic: The Gathering

We’ve had some time with MH3 now, and like prior iterations of the Modern Horizons sets, the cards are super popular for proxying. The set lives up to the reputation of Modern Horizons by introducing powerful, often over-the-top cards that redefine the meta, effectively creating a pseudo-rotation. This forces players to reconsider their classic decks and adapt to the influx of new powerhouses.

I’ve long advocated for Wizards of the Coast to find ways to monetize Modern, but this cycle of constant upheaval feels like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it brings excitement and innovation to the format. On the other, it sidelines some of our most beloved cards. Regardless of how you feel about it, Modern Horizons sets are undeniably entertaining, brimming with reprints, fan favorites, and clever callbacks that appeal to Magic veterans.

That said, there are some real gripes and complaints with MH3 in the context of MTG in a broader sense. Before we jump into the top five new cards, let’s discuss the criticisms.

Problems:

• Power Creep: Many in the community feel that Modern Horizons sets are contributing to power creep, introducing cards that will overshadow existing cards and mess with the game balance. This is echoed in the discussions around the impact of these sets on the Modern format.
• Format Identity: Some players feel that the power of these sets is making Modern feel like a “Horizons Block Constructed” format and killing the metagame.
• Financial Impact: High demand cards can increase the cost for players to stay competitive and raise concerns around accessibility and the financial burden on the player base.

In response to the impact of supplemental sets like Modern Horizons some community members have proposed alternative formats. For example the Heritage format excludes these sets to preserve a gradually evolving metagame with a wide range of unique strategies and to appreciate the card pool history.

5. Flare of Cultivation

Flare of Cultivation stands out as a highlight of the free spell cycle in Modern Horizons 3. Essentially a reimagined Cultivate, Flare costs one green and double green, but can be cast for free if you sacrifice a non-token green creature. This makes it an attractive option for decks that rely on ramping early.

Why is this significant? Imagine playing Arboreal Grazer, sacrificing it to cast Flare, and suddenly you have three lands in play on turn one. This could lead to a turn-two Karn, The Great Creator, or even a Primeval Titan. The potential for turbo ramp strategies is enormous, and Flare of Cultivation could be the cornerstone of a new archetype.

4. Flad, Titan of Fires Fury

Meet Flad, Titan of Fires Fury – the Boros cousin to Uro and Kroxa. Flad’s entry cost is similar to her predecessors, but she packs a powerful punch by acting as a recurring Lightning Helix. On entering the battlefield or attacking, Flad deals damage and gains life, stabilizing your board while pressuring opponents.

Although not as game-breaking as Uro, Flad brings a consistent, aggressive advantage that could slot into Boros midrange decks or even serve as a finisher in red-white control builds. Her presence could revive interest in Boros strategies, which have lagged behind in Modern.

3. Nadu, Winged Wisdom

Nadu is a unique value engine that combines card draw with land ramp. Whenever a creature you control is targeted by a spell or ability, you reveal the top card of your library. If it’s a land, it enters the battlefield. Otherwise, you put it in your hand. This effect can trigger twice per turn for each creature.

In practice, Nadu fits well in Bant blink decks or even combo-oriented builds. Equipping creatures with cards like Lightning Greaves or repeatedly targeting them with zero-mana abilities from artifacts can lead to overwhelming value. Nadu might not define Modern, but he’s sure to find a home in niche strategies.

2. Gin’s Labyrinth

Gin’s Labyrinth is a game-changer. This land taps for colorless mana, but if you exile a colorless card with a mana value of seven or greater, it taps for two colorless instead. This effectively doubles mana production in decks like Eldrazi Tron, accelerating massive threats earlier than ever before.

The ability to return the exiled card to your hand adds flexibility and ensures you won’t lose key pieces forever. This land will be a staple in Tron, Eldrazi decks, and possibly even artifact-centric builds, reinforcing the power of high-cost colorless spells in Modern.

1. Shifting Woodland

Shifting Woodland takes the top spot. This green land enters untapped if you control a forest and can transform into a copy of any permanent in your graveyard for four mana. The combo potential is staggering – turning into Omniscience, Primeval Titan, or any high-impact card provides unparalleled late-game value.

Beyond its combo potential, Shifting Woodland serves as a flexible tool for midrange and ramp decks, allowing for repeated use of powerful creatures and enchantments. Its impact on the meta could be profound, reshaping the way players approach deck construction and graveyard interactions.

Honorable Mentions

Modern Horizons 3 is packed with other notable cards that deserve recognition, even if they didn’t quite make the top five. Here are a few standout mentions:

• Vexing Bauble – An uncommon artifact that lets you cast spells without paying their mana costs, making it a potential powerhouse for decks like Rakdos Scam or Crashing Footfalls.
• Kappa Cannoneer – A key addition for artifact-based strategies, giving Affinity and similar decks a robust win condition.

These cards, while not top-five material, are certainly strong enough to see consistent play across multiple Modern archetypes.

Wrapping Up

Modern Horizons 3 has already begun shaking up the Modern format in ways we haven’t seen since the last installment. Whether you love or hate the idea of Modern’s pseudo-rotation, there’s no denying that these new cards bring excitement and innovation to the game. Keep an eye on Flare of Cultivation, Flad, Nadu, Gin’s Labyrinth, and Shifting Woodland – they’re redefining the Modern landscape.

Happy brewing!