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MTG fans often adopt tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed a zombie strategy at some point? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 well-known examples that align perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial mechanic, named "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar which grants boosts each time more creatures bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become strength as a player controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have been shown up occasionally across newer sets, Allies subtype has been much rarer — but this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many allies during the journey to bring back balance to the world, and there's no more fitting way to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its first set announcement, here is a look of an Allies plus one Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a popular minor figure from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill with mechanics, Teo can fly through the skies with his glider, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness for flying and his tribe's use of gliders through allowing you loot whenever you attack using a flying creature, while also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

The card also drains an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong addition, considering the card's low mana cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback of Shrine decks outside of EDH are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant criticism from the community, an iconic series like Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards will be launched November 21st.