Breaking Down the New MTG Arena Meta After 2025 Rotation

Rotation in Magic: The Gathering is like your favorite TV show killing off a main character. You knew it was coming, but it still hurts. This year, Dominaria United, All Will Be One, Aftermath and The Brothers’ War will be taking their final bow.

What does that mean for MTG Arena’s Standard meta? Grab a snack, because things are about to get wild. Let’s talk about what’s gone, what’s rising, and how you can stay ahead of the competition.

What Cards Are Leaving Standard in 2025?

Dominaria United

• Sheoldred, the Apocalypse: A defining card for black-based control and midrange decks, known for its oppressive life-drain ability.
• Liliana of the Veil: A classic planeswalker that has been a staple in discard and midrange strategies.

The Brothers’ War

• Cityscape Leveler: An uncounterable, board-dominating artifact creature that has been a finisher in ramp and artifact decks.
• Mishra’s Foundry: A utility land that has provided aggro decks with additional late-game pressure.

Phyrexia: All Will Be One

• Tyrranax Rex: A nearly unkillable toxic creature that has been a powerhouse for green ramp decks.
• Mondrak, Glory Dominus: A key enabler for token strategies, doubling token production efficiently.

March of the Machine / Aftermath

• Invasion of Ikoria: A versatile tutor and finisher for creature-based strategies.
• Chandra, Hope’s Beacon: A pivotal planeswalker for red spell-slinging decks.

Bottom Line

The 2025 rotation will remove some of the most impactful cards in Standard, particularly those that have defined black midrange, ramp, and control archetypes. This shake-up will pave the way for new strategies to emerge as sets like Aetherdrift and Tarkir: Dragonstorm enter Standard.

Best Decks to Play After MTG Arena’s 2025 Rotation

Now that we’ve bid farewell to several key cards, what’s coming next? Here’s what we expect to dominate:

Aggro is Back (And It’s Spicy)

With many midrange tools rotating out, it’s time for fast, aggressive decks to make their move. Mono-Red and Boros Aggro are looking very strong post-rotation.

Key Aggro Cards to Watch:

• Ogre Chitterlord: Allows you to swarm your opponent before they can establish their defenses.
• Slickshot Show-Off: A hasty beater that maintains constant pressure.

Prediction: If you enjoy aggressive strategies, this Standard season will be particularly rewarding.

Control is in the Lab (But It’s Not Dead)

While losing cards like Sheoldred is significant, control decks are adapting. Expect Azorius or Esper Control to remain viable.

Key Control Cards to Watch:

• Inverted Iceberg: Offers both removal and card draw, essential for control strategies.
• Cryptic Coat: A versatile tempo play that can disrupt aggressive opponents.

Prediction: Control will persist, though it may take time to establish its new identity.

Midrange: Adapting or Dying?

With the rotation of key cards, midrange decks face challenges. However, new strategies are emerging.

Possible Midrange Survivors:

• Green Stompy: Leveraging powerful creatures to maintain board presence.
• Rakdos Sacrifice: Utilizing synergies to control the board and generate value.
• Esper ???: Innovative builds may arise as players experiment with new card combinations.

Prediction: Midrange isn't dead but will require significant adaptation.

What’s the Best Deck to Play After the 2025 Rotation?

If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve:

Want to Win Fast? Play Boros Aggro.

Like Making Opponents Miserable? Play Azorius Control.

Enjoy Watching the World Burn? Try Rakdos Sacrifice.

Not sure what to build? Start with a flexible deck that can adapt to the meta shifts while still winning games. The early weeks of post-rotation Standard will be wild, but players who adjust quickly will have a serious advantage.

How MTG Arena’s Standard Rotation Will Change the Meta

This rotation is going to shake things up HARD. If you were relying on meta staples from the last two years, it’s time to relearn Standard and adapt.

Key Takeaways:

Aggro decks are about to be EVERYWHERE. With fewer efficient sweepers and midrange stabilizers, expect decks like Boros Aggro and Mono-Red Burn to surge in popularity.

Control will survive, but it’s got to work harder now. Without Sheoldred, or the Apocalypse punish aggressive decks, control players will need to find new ways to stabilize against early threats.

Midrange needs a major rework to stay relevant. The loss of Scheming Seer, Liliana of the Veil, and Sheoldred means midrange decks need new ways to generate value over time.