Cover of the game Magic: The Gathering – Explorers of Ixalan

Magic: The Gathering – Explorers of Ixalan

Wizards of the Coast · Board game · 2017
Ludopedia
8.4 Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
7.1 BoardGameGeek
Players
2–4 · best 4
Play Time
30 min
Weight
Weight 3.0/5
Year
Year 2017
Minimum age
Minimum age 13+
Buy
8.4 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Explorers of Ixalan is a highly entertaining multiplayer experience that brings a refreshing twist to traditional Magic. The tile-based map exploration adds an incredible strategic layer, making every game unpredictable and social. It's perfect for those who want to play with friends without the heavy burden of building competitive decks from scratch.

Highlights
  • Dynamic map exploration
  • Ready-to-play thematic decks
  • Intense multiplayer interaction
  • High-quality new artwork
Keep in mind
  • Player elimination can be frustrating
  • Less customization than standard Magic
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you've been looking to shake up your traditional Magic sessions, Explorers of Ixalan is the perfect invitation for a fun group night. Forget the classic one-on-one duel for a moment: here, the experience centers on a tile-based map exploration that turns the battlefield into a living board. You choose from four iconic tribes—Vampires, Pirates, Merfolk, or Dinosaurs—and race to claim the Golden City. The best part is that the map isn't static. As you and your opponents push forward, new locations are revealed, triggering immediate bonuses or rewarding objectives that can flip the game on its head. It’s a fascinating blend of card game strategy with exploration and territory control mechanics. Since each tribe comes with its own pre-constructed 60-card deck, the learning curve is quite friendly, making it excellent for both Magic veterans and newcomers who want to dive into the Ixalan multiverse without the hassle of deck-building from scratch. The game flows in a multiplayer format where interaction is constant; you have to defend your sites while trying to sabotage your opponents' expansion. Get ready for some high-stakes moments, as player elimination is part of the struggle for jungle dominance. With new artwork and a dynamic that moves away from the standard "head-to-head" format, this box is a treat for anyone looking for a more thematic, social gaming session. It’s a robust way to enjoy the Magic universe with a dash of modern board gaming, where every decision on which tile to explore could be the difference between glory and total defeat in the jungles of Ixalan.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Magic The Gathering
Publisher Wizards of the Coast
Designer Bryan Hawley, Gavin Verhey, Peter Lee, Yoni Skolnik

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

760owners
63wishlist
14want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Do I need to know how to play Magic to enjoy this?
It helps a lot! Since it uses standard Magic rules, knowing the basics is essential, but the pre-constructed decks make it much easier to jump in.
How many players does it support?
It's designed for 2 to 4 players and works best in a multiplayer format (3 or 4) to fully enjoy the map exploration.
How long does a game take?
On average, 30 to 60 minutes, depending on player aggression and how quickly the map tiles are revealed.
Can I use these decks in other formats?
Yes! The cards are compatible with the Modern format and can be used in other Magic decks, though they are optimized for this specific mode.
Is it luck-based or pure strategy?
It's a balance. The exploration adds a luck factor when revealing tiles, but hand management and combat strategy are what ultimately define the winner.

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