Battle for Zendikar, released on October 2, 2015, is the 68th expansion in Magic: The Gathering and marks the beginning of the new Two-Block Paradigm. This large set contains 274 cards, including 25 basic lands (five more than the standard 20), with special full-art versions that harken back to the original Zendikar set. These striking full-art lands appear in booster packs and fat packs, offering both new players and collectors a chance to add stunning visuals to their decks.

Set on the iconic plane of Zendikar, this set reintroduces the Allies, once adventurers, as a united front against the ancient and powerful Eldrazi—a terrifying colorless faction that uses the exile zone in innovative ways. Battle for Zendikar is defined by this clash between the “colored” factions of Zendikar and the “colorless” Eldrazi, creating a gameplay experience where color identity directly affects strategy.

With the end of traditional core sets, Battle for Zendikar also saw R&D testing out same-art reprints, such as Felidar Sovereign, keeping beloved cards available in Standard while freshening them up within a new context.

One of the most exciting aspects for collectors was the introduction of Expedition cards, a promotion where ultra-rare reprints of iconic lands were randomly included in boosters. These Expeditions, with their unique frame and foiling, became highly sought-after chase cards and remain some of the most valuable collectibles in Magic today. Overall, Battle for Zendikar combines epic storytelling with beautiful design and innovative gameplay, making it a memorable expansion for players and collectors alike.