The release of Scourge made a large impact on tournament play. In particular, the addition of Goblin Warchief rose the Goblin tribe to tournament-worthy status in multiple formats, making it easily the best tribe in the game for the foreseeable future. Eternal Dragon gave white control decks both a robust card advantage and finisher all in one. Almost in protest, the Scourge card Stifle also allowed decks to counter things that where previously immune.

Story: The war between Phage and Akroma is over with no true winner. Meanwhile, the Mirari poisoning is further polluting the inhabitants of Otaria, the elves are becoming taller and stronger, more like the very trees they protect. The soldiers are merging with their weapons and armor into living juggernauts. Zombies are sprouting new, more powerful arms...and heads. Also, the same explosion that created Karona, created a new master for the slivers, the Sliver Overlord.