To improve balance, Magic: The Gathering will soon ban Lurrus of the Dream-Den from both its Modern and Pioneer formats. Wizards of the Coast's groundbreaking card game features an enormous selection of different abilities and characters to collect, though some cards are inevitably more powerful than others. An ever-growing Magic: The Gathering ban list removes cards that damage the title's balance, though this often frustrates players who have built strategies around these specific cards.
Since launching in 1993, Magic: The Gathering has continued to expand over the course of nearly 30 years. While a constant influx of new sets ensures that players stay engaged with new strategies and abilities, these additional variables always threaten to break the game's balance. A new card may even be harmless on its own, but combined with other cards it could suddenly become unstoppable. Different Magic: The Gathering formats, including Modern and Pioneer, restrict certain cards in order to create unique gameplay experiences. Banning cards, like MtG's Hullbreacher commander card ban, can also remove problematic cards from the game altogether.
As announced by Wizards of the Coast, the companion card Lurrus of the Dream-Den is being banned in Modern and Pioneer formats. The Cat Nightmare was added to the game's collectible cast in 2020, and since then it has become a must-have part of any player's deck. The legendary creature decreases the mana value of other cards, and it also allows players to cast a spell from their graveyard during each turn. Wizards of the Coast explains that this power and popularity has homogenized the Modern and Pioneer experiences, and so Lurrus will be banned from both modes after March 7.
While many fans will consider Lurrus of the Dream-Den a well-deserved ban, other popular cards may soon get the same treatment. MtG's Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer card was added to the colorful card cast in 2021, but many players feel that the powerful character will soon be removed from play. The crafty Monkey Pirate allows players to actually steal their opponent's cards for their own use, which can be an exceptionally deadly skill in the hands of a sly player. While Ragavan is still fair to use in the Modern format, only time will tell whether a ban awaits in the simian's future.
Lurrus of the Dream-Den has become a must-have addition to any Magic: The Gathering deck, and this severely limits the fun and variety of the collectible card game. Banning the Cat Nightmare is therefore a wise choice, though fans of the powerful card are sure to be left frustrated. Within Modern and Pioneer games, Magic: The Gathering players no longer need to watch their backs for the terrifying Cat Nightmare.
Source: Wizards of the Coast
