Where your shoebox commons become Multiverse legends

Introduction

Primordial is a Magic: The Gathering format designed for players who value flavor, creativity, and accessibility. In this format:

• Every deck tells a story about the Multiverse, allowing players to explore Magic’s rich lore.

Primordial is inspired by limited formats and starter decks, making it ideal for casual players, lore enthusiasts, and creative brewers.

Deck Construction Rules

Primordial decks follow these construction guidelines:

• Minimum Deck Size: 40 cards.
• Set Consistency: All cards must come from the same set (same set code).
• Deck Composition:
  • Exactly 2 mythic rare or rare cards, with no more than 1 of any specific mythic rare or rare by English name.
  • Exactly 6 uncommon cards, with no more than 2 of any specific uncommon by English name.
  • Any number of common cards, with no more than 4 of any specific common by English name.
  • Any number of basic lands.

Sideboard Rules

The sideboard in Primordial must follow these rules:

• Size Limit: No more than 10 cards.
• Set Consistency: All sideboard cards must come from the same set as the deck.
• Combined Limits: The deck and sideboard together cannot exceed:
  • 2 of any mythic rare or rare.
  • 2 of any uncommon.
  • 4 of any common.
• The limits of exactly 2 mythic rares or rares and exactly 6 uncommons do not apply to the combined deck and sideboard.

Sideboard Switching Rules

You may include other mythic rares or rares and other uncommons in your sideboard. However, when switching cards between games:

• If you add a mythic rare or rare to your deck, you must remove one to maintain the exactly 2 mythic rares or rares rule.
• Similarly, if you add an uncommon, you must remove another to respect the exactly 6 uncommons rule.

Additional Rules

Card Rarity Rule

A card’s rarity in Primordial is determined by its printed rarity in the player’s chosen set. This ensures consistency and preserves the intended balance of the format.

Cards That Explicitly Refer to Another Card

Cards that explicitly refer to another card from a different set can be played together as if they were from the same set.

Example: Gate to the Afterlife explicitly refers to God-Pharaoh’s Gift. These two cards may be included together in a Primordial deck.

Free Land and Old Sets Rule

At the start of a game, before the first player is determined, players with decks from an old set may reveal a basic land card they own from outside the game and put it onto the battlefield. This provides a slight boost for decks built with older, less powerful sets.

Definition of an Old Set: An old set is any set printed before the Eighth Edition.

Complementary Rules

The following basic lands can be played with any set: Plains, Island, Swamp, Mountain, and Forest. This rule ensures that sets without basic lands remain playable.

Why Play Primordial?

Primordial offers a fresh take on Magic: The Gathering by blending the excitement of limited formats with the creative storytelling of Magic’s lore. Whether you’re a casual player, a lore aficionado, or a brewing enthusiast, Primordial provides an engaging, balanced, and affordable gameplay experience.

Join the Community

Have questions or want to connect with other Primordial players? Visit our FAQ, check out the About Deck and Sideboard Rules section, or join the discussion on our Discord server.