MTG December 2024 Bans: Current Status of Banned and Unbanned Magic: The Gathering Cards

On December 16, 2024, Wizards of the Coast unveiled its latest update to the banned cards list for Magic: The Gathering. This immediate revision affects select play formats and introduces significant changes, particularly for certain deck archetypes. Among the newly banned cards is a highly coveted special card that has remained unregulated for over a year.

The latest announcement by Wizards of the Coast not only details the addition of new banned cards, but also brings several cards back into the legal play environment. While the update includes only a handful of each, it specifically pertains to a single format. Considering the unique mechanics of this format, potential future changes may be limited. As the year wraps up, this update signals a significant evolution in MTG’s gameplay landscape for 2024.

Newly Banned Cards – December 2024

Recent Additions to the Banned List in Magic: The Gathering

As part of the recent update, five cards have been added to the banned list in Magic: The Gathering. One key highlight is “The One Ring,” an ultra-rare card from The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, which is known for having only a single physical copy. Although players can still access it within the Historic format on Magic: The Gathering Arena, its ban significantly impacts Modern play.

Other cards added to the banned list include three from the recent Modern Horizons 3 set, as well as a reprint from March of the Machine. Below is the complete list of newly banned cards effective December 2024:

Card Name	Set Name	Banned Format
Jegantha, the Wellspring	Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, March of the Machine (reprint)	Pioneer, Modern, Explorer
The One Ring	The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth	Modern
Amped Raptor	Modern Horizons 3	Modern
Psychic Frog	Modern Horizons 3	Legacy
Vexing Bauble	Modern Horizons 3	Legacy

Notably, “Jegantha, the Wellspring”is banned across multiple formats due to its ability as a Companion card and its versatile mana generation capabilities. Similarly, “Amped Raptor”creates opportunities for drawing cards through energy exchanges without incurring mana costs. The bans serve to recalibrate the competitive environment of the affected formats, particularly in Legacy.

Newly Unbanned Cards – December 2024

Modern Format Welcomes Back Some Cards

Treasure token art from Magic: The Gathering

This latest update to the banned cards list also allows for the unbanning of several cards, specifically within the Modern format. One noteworthy return is “Green Sun’s Zenith,”which has been absent from Modern since 2011. While it is uncommon for cards to be reinstated after a lengthy ban, the evolving nature of Magic frequently leads to such updates as new sets are released.

Here is a list of cards that are now available for legal play:

Card Name	Expansion Name	Unbanned Format
Mox Opal	Scars of Mirrodin	Modern
Green Sun’s Zenith	Mirrodin Besieged	Modern
Faithless Looting	Dark Ascension	Modern
Splinter Twin	Modern Masters 2015 Edition	Modern

Wizards of the Coast explained in their announcement that these reversals aim to evoke nostalgia for the Modern format’s past. With the introduction of new cards, earlier decisions regarding card bans can become outdated. The statement emphasized this perspective, underscoring that the Modern landscape has evolved significantly.

Future Banned and Restricted List Updates

Upcoming Banned List Changes Expected Early 2025

Magic: The Gathering Woodland Forest from Bloomburrow.

This update on banned cards in Magic: The Gathering not only introduces new bans but also reinstates several cards from prior years, reflecting the dynamic nature of gameplay. The most consequential addition is undoubtedly “The One Ring,”which has a significant impact on the game’s Modern format. With an additional banned and restricted update slated for early 2025, players should remain vigilant as the banned list continues to evolve.

For further details, refer to the official announcement from Wizards of the Coast.

Source and Images