{"id":2364,"date":"2026-05-28T18:11:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T18:11:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/?p=2364"},"modified":"2026-05-28T18:11:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T18:11:27","slug":"uub-may-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/uub-may-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"An Unofficial Update Bulletin for the May 2026 Gatherer Update"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Originally published on 2026-05-28; last reviewed on 2026-05-28; last updated on 2026-05-28)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometime after the <em>Secrets of Strixhaven<\/em> update (between the 21<sup>st<\/sup> of April and the 20<sup>th<\/sup> of May), Wizards of the Coast (WotC) made an unscheduled update to <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Gatherer<\/a>. This update includes functional and nonfunctional changes, some of which are potential previews for an upcoming rules change and an upcoming mechanic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shout-out to WotC for giving me a second preview after <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/tla-uub\/#bloom-tender-nonfunctional\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the one for the <em>vivid<\/em> mechanic<\/a> back in November\/December. You\u2019re the best!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong> I have no special insight into the inner workings of WotC\u2019s rules team, so any observations are based solely on the published updates and my own knowledge of and experience with <em>Magic<\/em>\u2019s rules system. While I strive for completeness and correctness, I may have missed some changes; in particular, my process for archiving and comparing Gatherer revisions is still a work in progress. (Then again, WotC often omit minor changes in their own bulletins, so it\u2019s par for the course.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#functional-changes\">Functional changes to Oracle text<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#nonfunctional-changes\">Nonfunctional changes to Oracle text<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#previews\">Previews (nonfunctional)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"functional-changes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Functional changes to Oracle text<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Revelation required<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some cards allow a player to reveal the top card of their library (often after looking at that card), and if the player does so, an effect is generated based on the revealed card&#8217;s qualities. A handful of cards use a related wording that does not require the player to actually reveal the top card of their library to get the effect: these cards generate their effects based purely on the top card&#8217;s qualities, whether or not that card gets revealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update replaces the wording of three of those cards with the standard wording. Now, a player must reveal the top card in order to get the related effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A simple search for cards whose text includes the phrase &#8220;may reveal&#8221; and a later &#8220;if&#8221; shows that (at least) one card, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/NCC\/en-us\/88\/swindlers-scheme\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Swindler&#8217;s Scheme<\/a>, remains unchanged. If a lesser company were involved, I would just assume that the person(s) responsible were not competent enough or lacked the attention span to assess the 90 or so cards returned by that search, and that they overlooked Swindler&#8217;s Scheme. This is not the case here though, since WotC produce the world\u2019s premier trading card game and <a href=\"https:\/\/markrosewater.tumblr.com\/post\/814557912385110016\/re-thoughts-on-magic-the-gathering-you-call\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the amount of work they invest into each release is practically unparalleled<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As such, leaving Swindler&#8217;s Scheme unchanged must have been a deliberate decision. Maybe WotC prefer the play pattern of Swindler&#8217;s Scheme blindly countering spells, without either player knowing the top card&#8217;s identity; this could even be a hint that WotC plan to introduce Alchemy cards and mechanics to tabletop <em>Magic<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or maybe WotC want to support public health: it is known that analyzing large numbers of cards\u2014like the aforementioned 90\u2014is mentally and physically taxing, even for professionally trained experts, and WotC as a company care deeply about the health of their employees and their customers. Leaving Swindler\u2019s Scheme unchanged sends a strong message to not overexert oneself in pursuit of minor goals like intuitive card functionality; better to stick to manageable numbers\u2014say 15 to 20 cards\u2014than risk severe health issues. (If you, dear reader, have recently looked at more than 20 cards in one session, please see your doctor.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This update applies to: <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/PCA\/en-us\/49\/the-maelstrom\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">The Maelstrom<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/LTR\/en-us\/161\/elven-farsight\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Elven Farsight<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/LTR\/en-us\/199\/doors-of-durin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Doors of Durin<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old ability text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you planeswalk to The Maelstrom and at the beginning of your upkeep, you may reveal the top card of your library. If it&#8217;s a permanent card, you may put it onto the battlefield. If you revealed a card but didn&#8217;t put it onto the battlefield, put it on the bottom of your library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New ability text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you planeswalk to The Maelstrom and at the beginning of your upkeep, you may reveal the top card of your library. If a permanent card is revealed this way, you may put it onto the battlefield. If you revealed a card but didn&#8217;t put it onto the battlefield, put it on the bottom of your library.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adventure names restored<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/spm-uub\/#renamed-adventures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><em>Magic: The Gathering | Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man<\/em> update<\/a> changed the alternative names of four adventurer cards released in <em>Magic: The Gathering\u2014FINAL FANTASY<\/em> and <em>Magic: The Gathering\u2014FINAL FANTASY Commander<\/em>. In each case, the first word of the two-word Adventure name was replaced with the second word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update reverts that change and restores the printed names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This update applies to: <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/FIN\/en-us\/285\/lindblum-industrial-regency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Lindblum, Industrial Regency<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/FIN\/en-us\/286\/midgar-city-of-mako\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Midgar, City of Mako<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/FIN\/en-us\/293\/zanarkand-ancient-metropolis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Zanarkand, Ancient Metropolis<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/FIC\/en-us\/83\/hildibrand-manderville\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hildibrand Manderville<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Oracle text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#f5f5f5\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-stretch is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lindblum, Industrial Regency<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Land \u2013 Town<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This land enters tapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">{T}: Add {R}.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\/\/ADV\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Siege Siege<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">{2}{R}<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instant &#8211; Adventure<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Create a 0\/1 black Wizard creature token with &#8220;Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this token deals 1 damage to each opponent.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-stretch is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:34%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gatherer-static.wizards.com\/Cards\/medium\/9BEE1FEDF54A57387122C1F773D00CAAD464535E8807EE90C2B0A10E4186152F.webp\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/FIN\/en-us\/285\/lindblum-industrial-regency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Gatherer<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/scryfall.com\/card\/fin\/285\/lindblum-industrial-regency-mage-siege\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Scryfall<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Oracle text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#f5f5f5\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-stretch is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lindblum, Industrial Regency<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Land \u2013 Town<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This land enters tapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">{T}: Add {R}.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\/\/ADV\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mage Siege<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">{2}{R}<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instant &#8211; Adventure<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Create a 0\/1 black Wizard creature token with &#8220;Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this token deals 1 damage to each opponent.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-stretch is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:34%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gatherer-static.wizards.com\/Cards\/medium\/9BEE1FEDF54A57387122C1F773D00CAAD464535E8807EE90C2B0A10E4186152F.webp\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/FIN\/en-us\/285\/lindblum-industrial-regency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Gatherer<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/scryfall.com\/card\/fin\/285\/lindblum-industrial-regency-mage-siege\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Scryfall<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thran Turbine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If an effect produces mana and places a restriction on it that prevents the mana from being spent on a specific use case, the template \u201cThis mana can\u2019t be spent to [do something]\u201d is used. The sole exception was <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/UZ\/en-us\/311\/thran-turbine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Thran Turbine<\/a>, which used the sentence \u201cYou can\u2019t spend this mana to cast spells.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update changes Thran Turbine&#8217;s rules text to the standard wording. This is a functional change, since Thran Turbine\u2019s previous text prevented only the ability\u2019s controller from spending the mana to cast spells; the standard wording applies to all players, whether or not they originally produced the mana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old rules text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the beginning of your upkeep, you may add {C}{C}. You can&#8217;t spend this mana to cast spells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New rules text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the beginning of your upkeep, you may add {C}{C}. This mana can&#8217;t be spent to cast spells.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rohirrim Chargers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/eoe-uub\/#less-rules-text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><em>Edge of Eternities<\/em> update<\/a> changed the text of four cards by removing a paragraph of rules text and replacing it with an identically worded paragraph of flavor text. Essentially, each of those cards lost an ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update reverts that change for one of those cards, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/LTC\/en-us\/496\/rohirrim-chargers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Rohirrim Chargers<\/a>, and restores its prior rules text and its prior lack of flavor text. The other three cards remain unchanged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This update does not apply to: <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/NEO\/en-us\/63\/mirrorshell-crab\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Mirrorshell Crab<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/MKM\/en-us\/44\/case-of-the-filched-falcon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Case of the Filched Falcon<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/TDM\/en-us\/199\/kheru-goldkeeper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Kheru Goldkeeper<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old rules text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may exert this creature as it attacks. <em>(It won&#8217;t untap during your next untap step.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New rules text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may exert this creature as it attacks. <em>(It won&#8217;t untap during your next untap step.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whenever you exert a creature, reveal cards from the top of your library until you reveal an Equipment card. Put that card onto the battlefield attached to that creature, then put the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"nonfunctional-changes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nonfunctional changes to Oracle text<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reach reordered<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update changes the rules text of several dozen cards by moving the reach keyword to the front of keyword lists. In such lists, reach appears first, second only to defender. Notably, reach appears before first strike, hexproof, menace, trample, and vigilance. Cards that already listed reach first remain unchanged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following cards see reach move to the front of a list of keyword abilities: <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/NPH\/en-us\/106\/chancellor-of-the-tangle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Chancellor of the Tangle<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/CMR\/en-us\/253\/sentinel-spider\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Sentinel Spider<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/2X2\/en-us\/271\/ruric-thar-the-unbowed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ruric Thar, the Unbowed<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/JOU\/en-us\/117\/bassara-tower-archer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Bassara Tower Archer<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/HOU\/en-us\/112\/bitterbow-sharpshooters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Bitterbow Sharpshooters<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/HOU\/en-us\/130\/ramunap-hydra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ramunap Hydra<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/LCC\/en-us\/296\/zacama-primal-calamity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Zacama, Primal Calamity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/C18\/en-us\/46\/thantis-the-warweaver\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Thantis, the Warweaver<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/WAR\/en-us\/180\/vivien-champion-of-the-wilds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Vivien, Champion of the Wilds<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/DRC\/en-us\/111\/elder-gargaroth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Elder Gargaroth<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/CMR\/en-us\/274\/colfenor-the-last-yew\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Colfenor, the Last Yew<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/AFR\/en-us\/98\/drider\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Drider<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/AFR\/en-us\/112\/lolth-spider-queen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Lolth, Spider Queen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/AFC\/en-us\/44\/catti-brie-of-mithral-hall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Catti-brie of Mithral Hall<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/FDN\/en-us\/659\/halana-and-alena-partners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Halana and Alena, Partners<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/TDC\/en-us\/336\/weathered-sentinels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Weathered Sentinels<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/CLB\/en-us\/261\/wilson-refined-grizzly\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Wilson, Refined Grizzly<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/40K\/en-us\/92\/hierophant-bio-titan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hierophant Bio-Titan<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/BRO\/en-us\/256\/titania-gaea-incarnate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Titania, Gaea Incarnate<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/J25\/en-us\/591\/resistance-skywarden\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Resistance Skywarden<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/MOM\/en-us\/213\/vorinclex\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Vorinclex<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/LTC\/en-us\/493\/legolass-quick-reflexes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Legolas&#8217;s Quick Reflexes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/LCC\/en-us\/90\/curious-altisaur\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Curious Altisaur<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/MKM\/en-us\/209\/izoni-center-of-the-web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Izoni, Center of the Web<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/PIP\/en-us\/78\/harold-and-bob-first-numens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Harold and Bob, First Numens<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/OTC\/en-us\/32\/rumbleweed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Rumbleweed<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/MH3\/en-us\/160\/lion-umbra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Lion Umbra<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/BLB\/en-us\/136\/frilled-sparkshooter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Frilled Sparkshooter<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/BLB\/en-us\/173\/galewind-moose\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Galewind Moose<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/BLB\/en-us\/183\/lumra-bellow-of-the-woods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Lumra, Bellow of the Woods<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/BLB\/en-us\/212\/finneas-ace-archer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Finneas, Ace Archer<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/BLB\/en-us\/248\/short-bow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Short Bow<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/BLC\/en-us\/7\/the-odd-acorn-gang\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">The Odd Acorn Gang<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/DSC\/en-us\/5\/rendmaw-creaking-nest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Rendmaw, Creaking Nest<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/FDN\/en-us\/1\/sire-of-seven-deaths\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Sire of Seven Deaths<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/DFT\/en-us\/165\/hazard-of-the-dunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hazard of the Dunes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/DFT\/en-us\/225\/thundering-broodwagon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Thundering Broodwagon<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/TDM\/en-us\/139\/dragon-sniper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Dragon Sniper<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/FIN\/en-us\/99\/ragnarok-divine-deliverance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ragnarok, Divine Deliverance<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/FIN\/en-us\/213\/balthier-and-fran\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Balthier and Fran<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/FIN\/en-us\/260\/iron-giant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Iron Giant<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/EOE\/en-us\/156\/rig-for-war\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Rig for War<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/SPM\/en-us\/10b\/amazing-spider-man\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Amazing Spider-Man<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/OM1\/en-us\/21b\/surris-silk-tech-vanguard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Surris, Silk-Tech Vanguard<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/TLA\/en-us\/232\/the-lion-turtle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">The Lion-Turtle<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/ECL\/en-us\/190\/pummeler-for-hire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Pummeler for Hire<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/SOS\/en-us\/2\/rancorous-archaic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Rancorous Archaic<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/SOS\/en-us\/123\/magmablood-archaic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Magmablood Archaic<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/SOS\/en-us\/168\/wildgrowth-archaic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Wildgrowth Archaic<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/SOS\/en-us\/207\/old-growth-educator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Old-Growth Educator<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old rules text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vigilance, reach<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New rules text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reach, vigilance<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following cards see reach move to the front of a list of keyword counters: <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/IKO\/en-us\/153\/flycatcher-giraffid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Flycatcher Giraffid<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/IKO\/en-us\/175\/vivien-monsters-advocate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Vivien, Monsters&#8217; Advocate<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/NEO\/en-us\/193\/invoke-the-ancients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Invoke the Ancients<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/REX\/en-us\/16\/owen-grady-raptor-trainer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Owen Grady, Raptor Trainer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old rules text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This creature enters with your choice of a vigilance counter or a reach counter on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New rules text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This creature enters with your choice of a reach counter or a vigilance counter on it.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following cards see a keyword ability preceding reach move to a separate paragraph: <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/7E\/en-us\/26\/longbow-archer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Longbow Archer<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/PS\/en-us\/96\/ancient-spider\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ancient Spider<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/MRD\/en-us\/131\/tel-jilad-archers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Tel-Jilad Archers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old rules text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First strike; reach <em>(This creature can block creatures with flying.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New rules text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reach <em>(This creature can block creatures with flying.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First strike<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use \u201cas long as\u201d as long as possible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update replaces an &#8220;if&#8221; in the rules text of two cards with &#8220;as long as,&#8221; which is the default wording for such effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This update applies to: <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/M19\/en-us\/219\/palladia-mors-the-ruiner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Palladia-Mors, the Ruiner<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/TDM\/en-us\/198\/karakyk-guardian\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Karakyk Guardian<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old ability text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Palladia-Mors has hexproof if it hasn&#8217;t dealt damage yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New ability text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Palladia-Mors has hexproof as long as it hasn&#8217;t dealt damage yet.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Elvish Spirit Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <em>Aetherdrift<\/em> update changed the self-reference in <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/DMR\/en-us\/157\/elvish-spirit-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Elvish Spirit Guide<\/a>&#8216;s rules text. The new self-reference did not match <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/this-object\/#individual-template-errors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the guidelines released with <em>Magic: The Gathering Foundations<\/em><\/a> though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update replaces that self-reference with one that matches the guidelines. Other provisional features from the <em>Aetherdrift<\/em> update and from subsequent updates remain unchanged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old rules text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exile this creature from your hand: Add {G}.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New rules text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exile this card from your hand: Add {G}.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Motivated Pony<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update restores a \u201cthe battlefield\u201d to the text of <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/LTC\/en-us\/42\/motivated-pony\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Motivated Pony<\/a>\u2019s triggered ability. The text now matches the standard template for cases where the text only checks whether a permanent entered the battlefield, without affecting that permanent in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old ability text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whenever this creature attacks, attacking creatures get +1\/+1 until end of turn. If a Food entered under your control this turn, untap those creatures and they get an additional +2\/+2 until end of turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New ability text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whenever this creature attacks, attacking creatures get +1\/+1 until end of turn. If a Food entered the battlefield under your control this turn, untap those creatures and they get an additional +2\/+2 until end of turn.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Read this reminder only as an instant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update adds reminder text to four cards with a mana-producing ability that is not a mana ability. The reminder text states that those abilities may be activated only as an instant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Six other cards with similar abilities remain unchanged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This update applies to: <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/RVR\/en-us\/175\/deathrite-shaman\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Deathrite Shaman<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/SOC\/en-us\/225\/priest-of-forgotten-gods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Priest of Forgotten Gods<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/DFT\/en-us\/240\/radiant-lotus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Radiant Lotus<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/FIC\/en-us\/99\/the-warring-triad\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">The Warring Triad<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This update does not apply to: <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/A25\/en-us\/151\/soulbright-flamekin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Soulbright Flamekin<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/UST\/en-us\/154\/mad-science-fair-project\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Mad Science Fair Project<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/BOT\/en-us\/3\/jetfire-ingenious-scientist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Jetfire, Ingenious Scientist<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/WHO\/en-us\/115\/bigger-on-the-inside\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Bigger on the Inside<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/PIP\/en-us\/116\/red-death-shipwrecker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Red Death, Shipwrecker<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/ECL\/en-us\/157\/soulbright-seeker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Soulbright Seeker<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old ability text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">{T}: Exile target land card from a graveyard. Add one mana of any color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New ability text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">{T}: Exile target land card from a graveyard. Add one mana of any color. <em>(Activate only as an instant.)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Park Heights Maverick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update removes a \u201cthe\u201d from <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/NCC\/en-us\/63\/park-heights-maverick\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Park Heights Maverick<\/a>\u2019s reminder text. The reminder text now matches the standard \u201cthe most life or tied for most life\u201d wording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dethrone <em>(Whenever this creature attacks the player with the most life or tied for the most life, put a +1\/+1 counter on it.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dethrone <em>(Whenever this creature attacks the player with the most life or tied for most life, put a +1\/+1 counter on it.)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guardian of the Forgotten<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update replaces an erroneous \u201cthe top card of your library\u201d in <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/MH3\/en-us\/28\/guardian-of-the-forgotten\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Guardian of the Forgotten<\/a>\u2019s reminder text with \u201cit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whenever a modified creature you control dies, manifest the top card of your library. <em>(Equipment, Auras you control, and counters are modifications. To manifest a card, put the top card of your library onto the battlefield face down as a 2\/2 creature. Turn it face up any time for its mana cost if it&#8217;s a creature card.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whenever a modified creature you control dies, manifest the top card of your library. <em>(Equipment, Auras you control, and counters are modifications. To manifest a card, put it onto the battlefield face down as a 2\/2 creature. Turn it face up any time for its mana cost if it&#8217;s a creature card.)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"previews\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Previews (nonfunctional)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Draw this card only as an instant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update adds reminder text to the seven cards with a mana ability whose effect includes drawing cards. The reminder text claims that those abilities may be activated only as an instant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This claim does not match the Comprehensive Rules\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/yawgatog.com\/resources\/magic-rules\/#R605\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">current rules on mana abilities<\/a>. As such, this reminder text may indicate an upcoming rules change intended to rein in mana abilities with exotic effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(\u201cReminder text\u201d may be the wrong term here, since reminder text is text that <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/UND\/en-us\/35\/duh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">reminds the reader about a rule they already know<\/a>. In this case, there is no rule to remind the reader of, so \u201cgaslighting text\u201d may be more appropriate.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notably, the rulings on the cards\u2019 Gatherer pages are left unchanged and correctly state that the mana abilities may be activated while casting a spell or activating another ability. The new reminder text contradicts those rulings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a lesser company were involved, I would just assume that the person(s) responsible were not competent enough or lacked the attention span to update both the reminder text and the rulings, along with the actual rules. This is not the case here though, since WotC produce the world\u2019s premier trading card game and <a href=\"https:\/\/markrosewater.tumblr.com\/post\/814557912385110016\/re-thoughts-on-magic-the-gathering-you-call\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the amount of work they invest into each release is practically unparalleled<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As such, introducing the unsupported and contradictory reminder text must have been a deliberate decision. At a guess, WotC want to remind the public that neither reminder text nor WotC-issued rulings are relevant to <em>Magic<\/em>\u2019s rules system or to official tournaments: the Comprehensive Rules dictate how cards function, outweighed only by a head judge\u2019s interpretation thereof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This update applies to: <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/JMP\/en-us\/462\/chromatic-sphere\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Chromatic Sphere<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/OD\/en-us\/299\/darkwater-egg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Darkwater Egg<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/OD\/en-us\/304\/mossfire-egg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Mossfire Egg<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/OD\/en-us\/308\/shadowblood-egg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Shadowblood Egg<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/OD\/en-us\/309\/skycloud-egg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Skycloud Egg<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/OD\/en-us\/311\/sungrass-egg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Sungrass Egg<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/BLC\/en-us\/259\/selvala-explorer-returned\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Selvala, Explorer Returned<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old rules text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">{1}, {T}, Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color. Draw a card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New rules text (example):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">{1}, {T}, Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color. Draw a card. <em>(Activate only as an instant.)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mill this card only as an instant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update adds reminder text to two cards with a mana ability whose activation cost includes milling cards. The reminder text claims that those abilities may be activated only as an instant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This claim does not match the Comprehensive Rules\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/yawgatog.com\/resources\/magic-rules\/#R605\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">current rules on mana abilities<\/a>. As such, this reminder text may indicate an upcoming rules change intended to rein in mana abilities with exotic activation costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(\u201cReminder text\u201d may be the wrong term here, since reminder text is text that <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/UND\/en-us\/35\/duh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">reminds the reader about a rule they already know<\/a>. In this case, there is no rule to remind the reader of, so \u201cgaslighting text\u201d may be more appropriate.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notably, the rulings on both cards\u2019 Gatherer pages remain unchanged and correctly state that the mana abilities may be activated while casting a spell or activating another ability. The new reminder text contradicts those rulings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, there is one other card with a mana ability whose activation cost includes milling cards: <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/OD\/en-us\/298\/charmed-pendant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Charmed Pendant<\/a>. Its mana ability already has an activation instruction to activate it only as an instant. That instruction remains unchanged despite being redundant under the potential rules change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a lesser company were involved, I would just assume that the person(s) responsible were not competent enough or lacked the attention span to update both the reminder text and the rulings, along with the actual rules. This is not the case here though, since WotC produce the world\u2019s premier trading card game and <a href=\"https:\/\/markrosewater.tumblr.com\/post\/814557912385110016\/re-thoughts-on-magic-the-gathering-you-call\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the amount of work they invest into each release is practically unparalleled<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As such, introducing the unsupported and contradictory reminder text must have been a deliberate decision. At a guess, WotC want to remind the public that neither reminder text nor WotC-issued rulings are relevant to <em>Magic<\/em>\u2019s rules system or to official tournaments: the Comprehensive Rules dictate how cards function, outweighed only by a head judge\u2019s interpretation thereof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This update applies to: <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/SOC\/en-us\/351\/millikin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Millikin<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/INR\/en-us\/61\/deranged-assistant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Deranged Assistant<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old rules text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">{T}, Mill a card: Add {C}. <em>(To mill a card, put the top card of your library into your graveyard.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New rules text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">{T}, Mill a card: Add {C}. <em>(Activate only as an instant. To mill a card, put the top card of your library into your graveyard.)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Uvilda, Dean of Perfection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 update replaces hone counters in <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/STX\/en-us\/160\/uvilda-dean-of-perfection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Uvilda, Dean of Perfection<\/a>\u2019s rules text with refine counters. This is not a functional change, since no other card refers to either kind of counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similar updates were made to <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/DIS\/en-us\/122\/palliation-accord\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Palliation Accord<\/a> and its use of shield counters with the <em>Streets of New Capenna<\/em> update, and to <a href=\"https:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/MI\/en-us\/0\/energy-vortex\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Energy Vortex<\/a> and its use of energy counters with the <em>Kaladesh<\/em> update. In both cases, the associated card set used the respective kind of counter as a new mechanic, so a similar thing may happen with hone counters. (What hone counters will be used for is anybody\u2019s guess.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notably, the ruling on Uvilda\u2019s Gatherer page remains unchanged and still refers to hone counters. If a lesser company were involved, I would just assume that the person(s) responsible were not competent enough or lacked the attention span to update the ruling along with the rules text. This is not the case here though, since WotC produce the world\u2019s premier trading card game and <a href=\"https:\/\/markrosewater.tumblr.com\/post\/814557912385110016\/re-thoughts-on-magic-the-gathering-you-call\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the amount of work they invest into each release is practically unparalleled<\/a>. As such, the decision to leave the ruling\u2019s text unchanged must have been deliberate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old rules text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">{T}: You may exile an instant or sorcery card from your hand and put three hone counters on it. It gains &#8220;At the beginning of your upkeep, if this card is exiled, remove a hone counter from it&#8221; and &#8220;When the last hone counter is removed from this card, if it&#8217;s exiled, you may cast it. It costs {4} less to cast this way.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New rules text:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">{T}: You may exile an instant or sorcery card from your hand and put three refine counters on it. It gains &#8220;At the beginning of your upkeep, if this card is exiled, remove a refine counter from it&#8221; and &#8220;When the last refine counter is removed from this card, if it&#8217;s exiled, you may cast it. It costs {4} less to cast this way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An overview of the Oracle updates released between Secrets of Strixhaven and Magic: The Gathering | Marvel Super Heroes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":479,"featured_media":767,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"language":[],"class_list":["post-2364","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-unofficial-update-bulletins"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2364","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/479"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2364"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2364\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2377,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2364\/revisions\/2377"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/767"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2364"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2364"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/nametherule\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=2364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}