The Most Reprinted Magic: The Gathering Cards

When it comes to the history and nostalgia of Magic: The Gathering, reprints and reprints of iconic cards hold a significant place. Every card that gets a second or third life through reprints has an important story to tell. In this article, we explore the most reprinted cards in the captivating world of Magic: The Gathering.

Planes and Leaves: The Quintessential Basic Lands

The 5 basic land cards—Plains, Mountain, Forest, Island, and Swamp—are the rock stars of the game's reprint history. They are not just ubiquitous; in every core set since 1993, they have been included, often with equal frequency. These cards are so fundamental that they are always present in every set containing them, making them a staple in the game's core mechanics.

Interestingly, the most reprinted card, according to previous trends, is not Mountain, as one might initially think. The Mountain card was accidentally included in Arabian Nights, which was not initially part of Magic: The Gathering. This historical fact has led to a slightly higher reprint count for Mountains than the other basic lands. However, the official reprints of basic lands in various core sets have since balanced out the numbers.

Plains: The Most Common Card

The Plains card often gets the nod as the most reprinted card due to its consistent presence in every core set since 1993. While Arabian Nights Mountain is technically a first edition printing, the reprint history of core sets has ensured that Plains remains the most common card. Its consistent inclusion in every core set, along with the equal frequency of other basic lands, has solidified its place as the most reprinted card of all time.

Other Notable Reprints

There are several other cards that have seen extensive reprinting, offering a glimpse into the popularity and utility of certain cards in Magic: The Gathering. Here are some notable reprints:

Giant Spider: This three-of-a-kind red-based creature has received 7 reprints, making it a very popular card. Despite the controversy around its reprints, it remains a beloved creature type, with people predicting that it might be the most reprinted card in the future. Serra Angel: This iconic Angel has been reprinted in multiple sets, showing its enduring popularity among players. It is the most commonly reprinted rare that has appeared in normal sets for multiple core sets, welcome decks, and so on. Giant Growth: This card, which boosts creatures by one power and toughness, was reprinted 34 times, reflecting its versatility and widespread use in both control and aggro decks. Dark Ritual and Counterspell: These iconic spells, essential for controlling and manipulating the board, have a significant reprint history, with 28 each.

Conclusion

The most reprinted Magic: The Gathering cards are a testament to the enduring legacy of the game. From the basic lands like Plains to iconic spells like Counterspell, these cards have become integral parts of the Magic: The Gathering universe. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just a casual player, these reprints are a part of the rich history of this beloved game.