Magic 2012, like Magic 2011 before it, changes the terminology of the game by introducing the word "dies" officially to the Magic terminology, replacing the phrase "is put into the graveyard from the battlefield". The word "dies" was a slang term for this occurrence, with or without a trigger, before this change.

It also introduces a new keyword in Hexproof, which is similar to Shroud except the controller of the permanent can still target it. This ability used to be colloquially referred to as "Troll Shroud" in reference to Troll Ascetic, one of the first and most popular cards with that mechanic.

The keyword Bloodthirst returns after its initial appearance in Guildpact and a small cameo in Future Sight, though other Guildpact keywords will not. Unlike its appearance in Guildpact, Bloodthirst is particularly focused in black on its Vampire tribe.

The set will also see the return of Planeswalkers, though it will not be restricted solely to the original Lorwyn 'walkers as Gideon Jura and Sorin Markov have their cards in the set. For the first time, new (three) Planeswalkers are made for a core set. Like in Magic 2011, these planeswalkers get a number of cards referencing to them.

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2011-07-15

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