One of my favorite eras of D&D is Ravenloft, and naturally, Magic: The Gathering has its own equivalent—Innistrad. First released in 2011, Innistrad captures the same gothic horror vibe, making it, in my opinion, the perfect Magic counterpart to Ravenloft. Now, in 2025, Innistrad is making a comeback with Innistrad Remastered, a pseudo-farewell to 36-pack booster boxes. This set marks the glorious (or frustrating) return of Edgar Markov alongside a host of iconic vampire and werewolf cards.

What I love most about Magic: The Gathering is its eerie, monstrous designs—the kind of horror that brings nightmares to life. While modern players might think of Duskmourn when they hear "Horror," if Duskmourn represents contemporary scares, then Innistrad is the Universal Classic Monsters—a timeless, gothic masterpiece. I’m thrilled to see it return.

Collector’s Boosters

Opening packs to chase the shiniest cardboard is an addiction many collectors know all too well. But cracking a booster box only to pull two or three showcase cards? That can be pretty disheartening. So why not open packs where you're guaranteed something special?

The Collector’s Booster packs in Innistrad Remastered were especially exciting—at least in my experience. I opened a couple and pulled a retro-frame Edgar Markov and a Movie Poster Griselbrand. Two for two on Collector’s Boosters! Sure, that’s a small sample size, but from what I’ve seen, these packs are packed with value.

Now, if you’re debating a regular booster box versus a Collector’s Booster box, it really depends on what you're looking for. A normal box is ideal for drafting with friends, since Collector’s Boosters only come with 15 packs. But if you’re a showcase art collector, hunting for a specific commander, or just want a guaranteed hit, Collector’s Boosters are fantastic. Plus, Innistrad Remastered reintroduces serialized cards—so if luck is on your side, you might even pull a serialized Edgar Markov Movie Poster card.

Showcase Art

Showcase art cards are a staple in every set—typically rare cards featuring stunning alternate full-art designs. But Innistrad Remastered takes it to another level with its uniquely collectible showcase cards. Personally, I know I’ll be hunting them down.

The Movie Poster mythic cards, in particular, look incredible. Sure, they might be a bit tricky to read during gameplay, but if that’s a concern, you can always look up the regular card text. Either way, these designs are absolutely worth it.

As I mentioned earlier, the Edgar Markov Movie Poster card is serialized, making it even more sought after. But it’s not the only standout—other notable cards in this style include Griselbrand, The Gitrog Monster, Olivia Voldaren, Emrakul, The Meathook Massacre, Through the Breach, and more!

Retro Frames

What’s one thing we know always sells like hotcakes? Nostalgia. And Innistrad Remastered taps into that perfectly by bringing back retro-border cards, giving players a taste of Magic’s classic aesthetic.

Every pack includes one retro-frame card of random rarity and a retro-frame land, making each opening a little trip down memory lane. Whether you’re a longtime player who remembers cracking packs in the early days or a newer fan who appreciates vintage design, these cards hit differently.

I’ve seen plenty of players online praising the retro frames, and honestly, I have to agree, Magic cards just look better with that old-school border. There’s something about the clean, timeless design that makes them feel extra special, whether you’re collecting, building decks, or just admiring the art.

Possible Commanders

Multicolor Commanders

Edgar Markov – One of the most popular commanders in Magic makes his triumphant return! This White/Black/Red Vampire Knight is a powerhouse, buffing your creatures and spawning an army of vampires to overwhelm your opponents.
Olivia Voldaren – While Edgar might be the go-to Vampire commander, Olivia offers a completely different playstyle. As a Black/Red Vampire, she doesn’t require you to stack your deck with vampires—she simply makes them herself by transforming other creatures.
Gisa and Geralf – Not into vampires? Maybe zombies are more your speed! This Blue/Black Human Wizard lets you reanimate hordes of zombies from your graveyard, ensuring your undead army is always growing.
Grimgrin, Corpse-Born – Another Blue/Black option, but this time your commander is a zombie itself. While Gisa and Geralf focus on reanimation, Grimgrin thrives on sacrifice strategies, growing stronger as your creatures fall.
Liesa, Forgotten Archangel – This White/Black Angel is a fantastic choice for decks built around creatures that just won’t stay dead. With Liesa leading your army, your creatures keep coming back while your opponents’ losses are permanent.
The Gitrog Monster – A Black/Green Frog Horror that’s infamous for its intricate synergy and long, drawn-out combos. Many consider Gitrog a perfect commander for players looking to step beyond the “newbie” stage and master complex interactions.

Mono-Color Commanders

Archangel Avacyn – This Mono-White Angel might have a high casting cost, but she’s worth every mana. When she enters the battlefield, she makes all your creatures indestructible. Then, when one of your creatures dies, she flips into Avacyn, the Purifier, dealing a devastating amount of damage.
Thalia, Heretic Cathar – Another Mono-White option, Thalia is a Human Soldier who excels at slowing down opponents. Built into the right deck, she becomes a nightmare for your enemies, taxing their resources and limiting their plays until they can barely function.

Final Thoughts

Innistrad Remastered is an incredible set for Magic: The Gathering, delivering stunning artwork, powerful commanders, and a heavy dose of nostalgia. What more could you ask for?

As the last set to feature 36-pack booster boxes, Innistrad Remastered is loaded with powerful cards, making now the perfect time to grab a box. Whether you’re looking to relive the classics, build a stronger deck, or host a draft night with friends, this set offers something for everyone.

Innistrad Remastered is available now online, at your local card shops, or select retailers.