What is Return to Ravnica?

"Return to Ravnica" is an expansion set for Magic: The Gathering that revisits the iconic plane of Ravnica. This set introduces new cards, mechanics, and lore, bringing back the ten guilds that define Ravnica’s structure and culture. The expansion was part of a block that included "Gatecrash" and "Dragon's Maze," reintroducing players to the beloved city-world.

Ravnica

Ravnica is a massive ecumenopolis, a city that covers the entire plane. It is characterized by towering spires, sprawling districts, and deep catacombs. The world is governed by ten powerful guilds, each representing a different philosophy and playstyle. These guilds influence every aspect of life on the plane, from law enforcement to criminal activities, from scientific discoveries to religious devotion.

Guilds of Ravnica

Fun Fact! Deck-Naming Conventions

The below guilds are now commonly used to refer to colour combinations in decks - even if they don't contain any Ravnica cards!

Azorius Senate

The Azorius Senate is the lawmaking body of Ravnica, focused on structure, order, and bureaucracy. Led by Supreme Judge Isperia, they operate with a strict interpretation of the law, ensuring that society remains stable and under control. They are known for their massive courthouses, an intricate web of legal proceedings, and an extensive network of bureaucrats who enforce order.

Azorius Senate Gameplay

Azorius strategies focus on control, detaining creatures, counterspells, and locking down the board to outlast opponents.

Golgari Swarm

The Golgari Swarm represents death, decay, and rebirth. Led by the undead elf Jarad Vod Savo, they dwell in the undercity, recycling the dead and using decomposition as a means of fostering new life. The Golgari thrive in the darkest parts of Ravnica, ruling over vast underground tunnels filled with fungi, insects, and reanimated corpses.

Golgari Swarm Gameplay

Golgari decks utilize graveyard mechanics, reanimation, and resilience through creatures that return from the dead.

Izzet League

A guild of mad scientists and chaotic inventors, the Izzet League is defined by its fascination with experimentation and discovery. Led by the ancient dragon Niv-Mizzet, the Izzet constantly tinker with volatile spells, often resulting in explosive failures and groundbreaking discoveries. Their laboratories stretch across the plane, filled with arcane machines and dangerous magical experiments.

Izzet League Gameplay

Izzet strategies focus on instants, sorceries, and spell-copying mechanics, making them unpredictable and explosive in gameplay.

Cult of Rakdos

The Cult of Rakdos is a hedonistic and destructive guild that revels in chaos and suffering. Led by the demon Rakdos himself, they dominate Ravnica’s underworld through bloodthirsty performances, nightmarish circuses, and ruthless criminal enterprises. Their followers live for pleasure, violence, and the destruction of authority.

Cult of Rakdos Gameplay

Rakdos strategies involve aggressive play, sacrifice mechanics, direct damage, and overwhelming opponents with relentless attacks.

Selesnya Conclave

The Selesnya Conclave is a nature-worshiping collective that values unity, growth, and communal strength. They are led by a powerful group-mind entity known as Trostani, a trio of dryads who embody the unity of the guild. The Selesnya maintain lush gardens, sacred groves, and massive temples, preaching harmony between all living things.

Selesnya Conclave Gameplay

Selesnya decks focus on token generation, lifegain, and swarm tactics to create an overwhelming board presence.

Boros Legion

The Boros Legion is a militant guild dedicated to justice and order. Led by the archangel Aurelia, they act as Ravnica’s military force, protecting its citizens while aggressively enforcing their own brand of law. They are known for their fiery zeal and unwavering loyalty to their cause.

Boros Legion Gameplay

Boros strategies emphasize combat-focused mechanics, aggressive creatures, and teamwork to dominate the battlefield.

House Dimir

House Dimir operates in the shadows, specializing in espionage, secrecy, and deception. Officially, the guild does not exist, yet they weave an intricate web of spies, assassins, and mind mages who manipulate Ravnica’s politics. Their leader, Lazav, is a shapeshifter who can assume any identity.

House Dimir Gameplay

Dimir decks utilize mill strategies, hand disruption, and sneaky creatures with evasion mechanics to undermine opponents.

Gruul Clans

The Gruul Clans are a collection of barbaric warriors who reject civilization in favor of primal strength and wild instincts. They see Ravnica as a cage built by the other guilds and fight to tear down its structures. Their chieftains lead massive warbands, raiding and pillaging in the name of freedom.

Gruul Clans Gameplay

Gruul decks focus on massive creatures, land destruction, and aggressive beatdown strategies to overpower opponents.

Orzhov Syndicate

The Orzhov Syndicate is a guild of corrupt aristocrats and ghostly overlords who blend business with religious devotion. Their wealth and influence stretch across Ravnica, their power enforced through an eternal debt system where even death does not release a soul from servitude.

Orzhov Syndicate Gameplay

Orzhov strategies involve draining opponents' life, extorting resources, and utilizing afterlife mechanics to maintain control.

Simic Combine 

The Simic Combine is dedicated to biological evolution and adaptation. They fuse magic with science to create mutants and hybrids, striving for perfection in all living forms. Led by Prime Speaker Zegana, the Simic create new lifeforms through genetic manipulation and magical experimentation.

Simic Combine Gameplay

Simic decks focus on +1/+1 counters, adaptability, and evolving creatures to become stronger over time

Best Guilds of Ravnica Cards

Ravnica has introduced many powerful cards that have shaped both casual and competitive play. Some of the best cards include:

• Shocklands - Dual lands that allow players to have flexible mana options at the cost of life. 
• Lightning Helix - A powerful Boros spell that deals damage while providing lifegain.
• Deathrite Shaman - A highly efficient mana accelerator with graveyard interaction.
• Niv-Mizzet, Parun - A legendary Izzet creature that rewards spell casting with card draw and damage.

Ravnica Starter Decks and Precons

For players looking to experience Ravnica’s guilds firsthand, Wizards of the Coast has released preconstructed decks and starter kits. These decks are designed to introduce players to the unique playstyles of each guild. Some popular precons include:

• Guild Kits - Ready-to-play decks themed around each guild.
• Planeswalker Decks - Beginner-friendly decks featuring iconic Ravnican characters.
• Commander Decks - Decks that explore guild synergies in designed for EDH.

Ravnica remains one of the most beloved settings in Magic: The Gathering, offering deep lore, unique mechanics, and endless deck-building possibilities.