Check out Magic The Gathering: Murders at Karlov Manor cards, mechanics & more

It's been a huge year for Magic The Gathering. The long-running card game is about to hit its 99th expansion with Murders at Karlov Manor, but more than that, it feels like it's broken through into the mainstream more than ever before.

Whether you had your first slice of the 'Color Pie' because the Doctor Who crossover intrigued you, or you liked the idea of delving into caves with dinosaurs, or you're just looking to get ready for next year's Fallout sets or the Final Fantasy one that'll follow after, it's a great time to start playing.

Still, just before the expansion counter ticks over into triple digits, we have cases to solve. Murders at Karlov Manor will add new mechanics to the returning Ravnica region, as well as new characters.

What is Murders at Karlov Manor in Magic The Gathering?

As per Wizards of the Coast's latest blog post, "Alquist Proft and the Ravnican Agency of Magicological Investigations need to uncover a murderer.

"With a string of murders (and attempted murders) across Ravnica, the race is on to uncover who's next—and who's behind it all."

Now, I'm no detective, but given the cast list here includes characters with names like 'Massacre Girl, Known Killer' and 'Judith, Carnage Connoisseur', I think it may take some time to deduce who it is that's been snuffing characters out.

Check out just a few of the cards below:

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Magic The Gathering's Murders at Karlov Manor mechanics

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Thankfully, the Investigate mechanic returns, letting you more speedily get through your deck by drawing cards.

Players can also cast cards face down as part of the new Disguise mechanic, triggering effects when they're flipped (how very Yu-Gi-Oh).

Cases are another mechanic, working similarly to Sagas, with multiple steps. One ability is active at all times, but another can be triggered by "solving" the case via a condition.

You can collect Evidence, too, and cards used as evidence can trigger additional effects.

All of this should help you identify a Suspect, applying "Suspected" to a creature, giving them Menace and removing their ability to block until it leaves the battlefield of its Suspected status is removed by an effect.

Murders at Karlov Manor meta puzzles

Wizards is also making the lofty promise of 'Mystery Files' puzzles that'll be rolled out each day from pre-release, while new dossier-style cards will also debut. Check out one below:

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It's ambitious, with 12 puzzles and 1 'meta puzzle' to be solved. Starting January 16, players can visit the Ravnica Detective Agency website to find clues.

Play Boosters explained

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Image via WOTC

Murders at Karlov Manor will see the debut of a new 'Play Booster' pack type that's somewhat of a crossover between the Draft and Set Boosters.

These include 14 cards and one non-playable card, which can be anything from a Token to an ad, or an art card.

There's a detailed breakdown of the Play Booster contents on the Wizards blog, but a quick rundown is as follows:

• 6 Common cards
• 1 Common or 1 Card from The List
• 3 Uncommons
• 1 Wildcard
• 1 Main set Rare or Mythic Rare
• 1 Foil of any rarity
• 1 Basic Land
• 1 Non-Playable card

It'll be interesting to see how the community reacts, and many of the slots include 'Booster Fun', which could be extended or alternate artwork.

What is Ravnica: Clue Edition?

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If you've played Clue (or Cluedo, as it's more commonly known in the UK) and have a hankering to solve a mystery with friends, you may find that Ravnica: Clue Edition is right up your suspicious dark alley.

Offering a blend of the multiplayer board game and an array of brand new cards and revamped classics (never thought I'd see a 'Lead Pipe' artefact in Magic The Gathering), it could be a great way to introduce friends to the hobby, or just be a great game in its own right.

We'll find out more when Wizards reveals new information in January.

When does Murders at Karlov Manor launch?

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Wizards of the Coast appears to have identified Magic's rise in popularity (how could it not?) and is now pushing new products out pretty aggressively.

Lost Caverns of Ixalan only debuted on November 17, but the three-month release schedule remains intact with Murders at Karlov Manor arriving on February 9, 2024. Pre-release kicks off on February 2, 2024.

There's been plenty of blowback in the community for the rate at which new sets and boxed products are dropping but, as a new MTG player myself, I adored Lost Caverns of Ixalan so am hoping Wizards can keep the same level of quality here.

As for Ravnica: Clue Edition, you'll find that from February 23, 2024. You can preorder it here.

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