Theros Beyond Death is the 83rd Magic expansion and the fourth set to take place on the plane of Theros. It was released on January 24, 2020 with 254 cards in the set. Like every Standard-legal set, Theros Beyond Death is legal in all formats.

Like the original Theros block, Theros Beyond Death is heavily influenced by ancient Greek mythology, following Elspeth’s betrayal by Heliod and her escape from the Underworld. The set’s catchphrase, “Escape Your Fate,” is reflected in both the story and the cards.

Escape is the headline mechanic of the set, creating some of the set’s most powerful and format-defining cards. Cards with escape can be cast from the graveyard for their escape cost, split between mana and exiling other cards from your graveyard. This mechanic led to Uro, Titan of Nature’s Wrath, which ended up banned in Standard, Historic, Pioneer and Modern, and Underworld Breach, which ended up being banned quickly in Legacy. Kroxa, Titan of Death’s Hunger has also appeared in multiple formats. Finally, Thassa’s Oracle has become a premiere win condition for competitive Commander decks, Legacy Doomsday decks and was the focal point of the Historic Tainted Pact combo deck before getting banned.

The original Therosian pantheon of gods makes an appearance as well, with the now slain Xenagos replaced with Klothys, God of Destiny. Heliod, Sun-Crowned and Klothys have both made waves in multiple Magic formats, with Heliod helming a Modern combo deck with Walking Ballista and Klothys appearing as a common sideboard card in formats ranging from Standard to Legacy.

Enchantments are also a main focus of Theros Beyond Death, like the other Theros sets. Constellation returns as a mechanic, as does devotion. Whether it’s pumping creatures with Auras or getting one-shot value from enchantments like Omen of the Sea, enchantments are the center of Theros Beyond Death.

Theros Beyond Death has unique showcase cards, styled like the constellations. All the legendary Gods and Demigods of the set come in this style, with an associated Secret Lair bringing the old Therosian pantheon into the modern age with a similar style.

Theros Beyond Death comes in both draft booster boxes and collector’s booster. Two preconstructed introductory-level Planeswalker Decks were also released alongside it, featuring exclusive versions of Elspeth and Ashiok.