Creature type/History

Creature type

 

History

 

Originally, in Alpha, creature types were largely used for flavor-related reasons. This was continued until Fallen Empires, when creatures types had in-game mechanical implications. The first block in which creature types mattered was Tempest, particularly via the Licids and Slivers, both of which creature types shared a mechanical identity among its creature cards.

Before the Grand Creature Type Update, creature types were only changed when a card was reprinted. This policy was straightforward when only core sets and regular expansions were considered. However, it became quite complicated when digital sets on Magic Online (such as the release of the Mirage block or Masters Edition) were considered "reprints". Offbeat reprints found in Coldsnap theme decks and the timeshifted cards in Time Spiral added to the confusion.

Updates before the Grand Update

Limited Edition Alpha

• Introduction of the Angel, Assassin, Avatar, Basilisk, Bear, Cleric, Cockatrice, Demon, Djinn, Dragon, Dwarf, Elemental, Elf, Faerie, Gargoyle, Giant, Goblin, Hydra, Imp, Knight, Merfolk, Minotaur, Nightmare, Nymph (later changed to Dryad, then back to Nymph), Ogre, Orc, Pegasus, Rat, Serpent, Shade, Skeleton, Specter, Spider, Treefolk, Troll, Unicorn, Vampire, Wall, Wizard, Wolf, Wraith, Wurm, and Zombie types.
• Introduction of the now obsolete Bodyguard (later changed to Human), Clone (later changed to Shapeshifter), Doppelganger (later changed to Shapeshifter), Enchantress (later changed to Human Druid), Force (later changed to Elemental), Fungusaur (later changed to Fungus Dinosaur), Gaea's Liege (later changed to Avatar), Ghoul (later changed to Zombie), Goblin King (later changed to Goblin), Hero (later changed to Human Soldier), Lion (later changed to Cat), Lord (now obsolete), Lord of Atlantis (later changed to Merfolk), Mammoth (later changed to Elephant), Mana Bird (later changed to Bird), Paladin (later changed to Knight), Phantasm (later changed to Illusion), Roc (later changed to Bird), Shadow (later changed to Spirit), Ship (later changed to Human Pirate), and Will-O'-the-Wisp (later changed to Spirit) types.

Revised Edition

• Lord of Atlantis became Lord (Lord of Atlantis).
• Goblin-King became Lord (Goblin King).

Sixth Edition

• Aesthir became Bird (Wild Aesthir).
• Archer became Soldier (Femeref Archers) (other archers Oracle only; to be reversed in the Grand Update).
• Autocrat became Minion (Sengir Autocrat) (in Time Spiral changed again into Human).
• Cyclops became Giant (Hulking Cyclops) (later reversed).
• Dead became Skeleton (Kjeldoran Dead).
• Evil-Eye became Horror (Evil Eye of Orms-by-Gore) (in Time Spiral changed again into Eye).
• Falcon became Bird (Mesa Falcon) (change in Zephyr Falcon and other falcons Oracle only).
• Folk of An-Havva became Townsfolk (Oracle only; later to be changed into Human).
• Gorilla became Ape (Gorilla Chieftain).
• Gorilla-Pack became Ape (Gorilla Pack; Oracle only).
• Hunter became Minion (Abyssal Hunter).
• Lost-Soul became Minion (Lost Soul) (in the Grand Update, Spirit would be added).
• Mana Bird became Bird (Birds of Paradise).
• Nature-Spirit became Elemental (Maro).
• Nymph became Dryad (Shanodin Dryads).
• Pigeon became Bird (Carrier Pigeons; Oracle only).
• Python became Snake (Python).
• Rider became Elf (Elven Riders).
• Rooster became Chicken (Zodiac Rooster; Oracle only).
• Undead became Horror or Wraith (Hidden Horror, Odylic Wraith).
• Wildcat became Cat Warrior (Uktabi Wildcats) (in this case Warrior was eliminated again in 7th Edition).
• Wyvern became Drake (Cerulean Wyvern; Oracle only).

Mercadian Masques

• Caterpillar became Insect (Giant Caterpillar).

Battle Royale

• Blinking-Spirit became Spirit (Blinking Spirit).
• Night-Stalker became Nightstalker (Feral Shadow).

Seventh Edition

• Rag-Man became Minion (Rag Man).
• Cat Warrior became Cat (Uktabi Wildcats).
• Scavenger-Folk became Scavenger (Scavenger Folk) (changed again to Human in the Grand Update).
• Tiger became Cat (Sabretooth Tiger).
• Splinter-tokens became Sprite-tokens (Splintering Wind; Oracle only).

Eighth Edition

• Rukh became Bird (Rukh Egg).

Champions of Kamigawa

• Legend became the supertype Legendary.

Ninth Edition

• Behemoth became Elemental (Llanowar Behemoth)
• Cheetah became Cat (King Cheetah) (other Cheetahs unaffected)
• Clone became Shapeshifter (Clone)
• Force became Elemental (Force of Nature)
• Hell's Caretaker became Horror (Hell's Caretaker)
• Lion became Cat (Savannah Lions)
• Monkey became Ape (Tree Monkey, Zodiac Monkey)
• Nekrataal became Human (Nekrataal)
• Will-O'-The-Wisp became Spirit (Will-O'-The-Wisp)

Mirage digital release

• Ancestor became Human Cleric (Auspicious Ancestor)
• Dreadnought added to Phyrexian Dreadnought
• Mantis became Insect (Giant Mantis)
• Martyr became Cleric (Vigilant Martyr)
• Meerkat became Mongoose (Karoo Meerkat)
• Swarm became Insect (Locust Swarm)
• Tombspawn became Zombie (Tombstone Stairwell)
• Wood became Plant (Jungle Patrol)

Ravnica: City of Guilds

• Introduction of the Archon type.
• Introduction of the Lammasu type.

Guildpact

• Introduction of the Weird type.

Coldsnap Themedecks

• Ghoul became Zombie (Ashen Ghoul) (other Ghouls not affected).
• Mammoth became Elephant (Woolly Mammoths) (other Mammoths not affected)
• Mistfolk became Illusion (Mistfolk)
• Warthog became Beast (Giant Warthog)

Visions digital release

• Butterfly became Insect (Giant Caterpillar)
• Chimera added to the Chimeras
• Hippopotamus became Hippo (Pygmy Hippo)
• Lichenthrope became Plant Fungus (Lichenthrope)
• Lion became Cat (Mtenda Lion and Jamuraan Lion)
• Mindsucker became Horror (Urborg Mindsucker)
• Necrosavant became Zombie Giant (Necrosavant)
• Wildebeest became Beast (Stampeding Wildebeests) (later altered to Antelope)
• Warthog became Boar (Warthog)

Time Spiral "Timeshifted"

• Kor type added (Looter il-Kor)
• Cavalry became Knight (Moorish Cavalry)
• Dandân became Fish (Dandân)
• Dervish became Monk (Whirling Dervish)
• Dauthi type added (Dauthi Slayer)
• Eye was (re)introduced with Evil Eye of Urborg. Accordingly, Evil Eye of Orms-by-Gore was changed again.
• Flying-Man became Human (Flying Men)
• Gaea's Liege became Avatar (Gaea's Liege)
• Hunter became Cleric (Witch Hunter)
• Mosquito became Insect (Swamp Mosquito)
• Ship became Spirit (Ghost Ship). Other changes from Ship were realized in the Grand Update.
• Sindbad became Human (Sindbad)
• Soltari type added (Soltari Priest)
• Sorcerer became Wizard (Ovinomancer)
• Sprite-tokens reverted to Splinter-tokens (Splintering Wind)
• Squire became Soldier (Squire)
• Taskmaster became Kobold (Kobold Taskmaster)
• Uncle-Istvan became Human (Uncle Istvan)

Tenth Edition

• Introduction of the Metathran type (Sky Weaver)

Masters Edition

• Archaeologist became Artificer (Argivian Archaeologist)
• Avenger became Soldier (Righteous Avengers)
• Brother became Human (Brothers of Fire)
• Ball-Lightning became Elemental (Ball Lightning)
• Doppelganger became Shapeshifter (Vesuvan Doppelganger)
• Eater became Horror (Eater of the Dead)
• Fallen became Zombie (The Fallen)
• Lemure became Spirit (Hyalopterous Lemure)
• Mist became Elemental (Hungry Mist)
• Mob became Human (Angry Mob)
• Poison-Snake became Snake (Serpent Generator)
• Preacher became Cleric (Preacher)
• Raider became Warrior (Erg Raiders)
• Shadow became Spirit (Nether Shadow)
• Singing-Tree became Plant (Singing Tree)
• Speaker became Cleric (Death Speakers)
• Strider became Yeti (Shambling Strider)
• Toad became Frog (Chub Toad)
• Tortoise became Turtle (Giant Tortoise)
• Villain became Beast (Spinal Villain)
• War-Rider became Warrior (Varchild's War-Riders)
• Witch became Wizard (Cuombajj Witches)

Weatherlight digital release

• Aboroth became Elemental (Aboroth)
• Avizoa became Jellyfish (Avizoa)
• Barishi became Elemental (Barishi)
• Gatekeeper became Horror (Abyssal Gatekeeper)
• Peacekeeper became Human (Peacekeeper)
• Thundermare became Elemental Horse (Thundermare)
• Vulture became Bird (Wake of Vultures) (other Vultures not affected)

Prelude to the Grand Creature Type Update

Mirrodin was the first set to implement the race-class model and along with it most notably the Human subtype was introduced. At that time it was an open question whether creature types on existing cards should be changed. In the end, the decision was made in favor of having consistent creature types in the core set (Ninth Edition).

While a mass errata was ruled out in the beginning, a couple of years later Aaron Forsythe hinted at an Oracle update. Since Lorwyn block had a tribal theme, it was the perfect opportunity to realize those "sweeping changes."

Grand Creature Type Update

The Grand Creature Type Update was a mass update of creature types, as part of the regular Oracle update for Lorwyn in October 2007. With 1197 affected cards, it represented the bulk of the changes. The update ranks as one of the biggest changes to the Oracle (the update for Ninth Edition has been comparable in scope, changing hundreds of local enchantments to Auras).

A major objective was bringing older creatures into conformity with the modern race-class model (e.g. Human Soldier). Many creatures were given the Human subtype, while others were assigned races like Dryad, Dauthi, Kor, or Merfolk. Creatures that lacked an obvious class were given one. Additionally, 146 creature types were removed and became obsolete, most of them being one-offs such as "Ali-from-Cairo" or "People-of-the-Woods". Un-sets types were also dropped. Eight new types were added.

A few types that were removed in the Update have since been reintroduced to the game, such as Dog, Dinosaur, Inquisitor, Noble, and Ranger.

Before this update, several creatures had no creature subtypes. Before Champions of Kamigawa, the legendary supertype did not exist, and legendary creatures were instead printed with the Legend creature type, and no other types (as "Summon Legend" or "Creature — Legend"). Many artifact creatures did not have subtypes and some cards that animated did not list any creature types gained in the process. All such cards acquired types in the Update. However, for flavor reasons, Nameless Race was retained as the only creature without a creature type.

The changes were controversial, as seen on the Magic the Gathering forums. Players either disagreed with the necessity of the update or whether the individual changes were right. For many years, R&D considered the Grand Creature Type Update to have been a mistake, because many cards no longer behaved as they were written. More recently, such errata has become acceptable again, as seen in the updates adding the Phyrexian type to older cards, because turnover within the staff shifted the majority opinion.

Dropped creature-types

Abomination, Aladdin, Albatross, Alchemist, Ali-Baba, Ali-from-Cairo, Alligator, Ambush-Party, Ant, Asp, Bandit, Banshee, Bee, Being, Bodyguard, Brownie, Bull, Bureaucrat, Caravan, Carnivore, Carriage, Cave-People, Cheetah, Chicken, Child, Clamfolk, Cobra, Constable, Cow, Crusader, Designer, Devouring-Deep, Dinosaur, Dog, Donkey, Dragonfly, Drill-Sergeant, Eel, Effigy, El-Hajjâj, Enchantress, Entity, Erne, Essence, Exorcist, Expansion-Symbol, Farmer, Fiend, Frostbeast, Fungusaur, Gaea's-Avenger, Gamer, General, Ghost, Ghoul, Guardian, Gus, Gypsy, Harlequin, Heretic, Hero, Hipparion, Hornet, Horseman, Hyena, Infernal-Denizen, Inquisitor, Island-Fish, Jackal, Keeper, Kelp, King, Lady-of-Proper-Etiquette, Legend, Legionnaire, Leper, Lord, Lurker, Lycanthrope, Mage, Maiden, Mammoth, Marid, Master, Medusa, Merchant, Mime, Minor, Miracle-Worker, Mold-Demon, Monster, Mummy, Murk-Dweller, Nameless-Race, Narwhal, Niall-Silvain, Noble, Paladin, Paratrooper, Penguin, People-of-the-Woods, Phantasm, Pig, Pikemen, Pixie-Queen, Poltergeist, Pony, Priest, Pyknite, Ranger, Robber, Roc, Rock-Sled, Sage, Scavenger, Shark, Ship, Shyft, Sister, Smith, Sorceress, Spuzzem, Spy, Stangg-Twin, Tactician, Tarpan, Teddy, Thief, The-Biggest-Baddest-Nastiest-Scariest-Creature-You'll-Ever-See, Titan, Townsfolk, Tracker, Twin, Viper, Vulture, Waiter, Walking-Dead, Wasp, Whippoorwill, Wight, Wiitigo, Wirefly, Wolverine-Pack, Wolves-of-the-Hunt, Wretched.

Added creature-types

Anemone, Anteater, Elk, Harpy, Metathran, Nautilus, Scarecrow, Squid, Thalakos.

Reinstated

Cyclops

The "Grand Creature Type Update" Update

As expected, mistakes were made in the first update. Subsequently, 90 cards were updated when Morningtide was released.

• The recently introduced type Anemone was dropped again. Glowing Anemone was changed back to Beast and received the added Jellyfish type.
• Gremlin was dropped in favor of Ouphe (Phyrexian Gremlins). This was later reversed.
• Spawn became Elemental (Elder Spawn) This was later reversed (and Spawning Pit from Darksteel always kept producing spawn tokens).
• Hyena made a return (Gibbering Hyenas)

After the "Grand Creature Type Update" Update

Eventide

• Introduction of the Noggle type.

Magic 2010

• Introduction of the Siren type.

Zendikar

• Introduction of the Ally and Surrakar types.

Rise of the Eldrazi

• Introduction of the Eldrazi type
• The Spawn type was reinvented for tokens created by several cards from Rise of the Eldrazi. Elder Spawn wasn't changed back to its original type but remained an Elemental, until the release of Innistrad.

Magic 2011

• Egg became Bird. When the M11 card Roc Egg was printed, the creature type "Egg" was decommissioned and Rukh Egg was changed accordingly.

Scars of Mirrodin

• Introduction of the Hippogriff type.

Mirrodin Besieged

• With the re-introduction of the Gremlin creature type in Mirrodin Besieged (Flensermite), Phyrexian Gremlins changed back from Ouphe to Gremlin.
• Introduction of the Germ type.

New Phyrexia

• Introduction of the Praetor type.

Innistrad

• Introduction of the Werewolf type.

Theros

• Introduction of the types God and Sable.
• Re-introduction of the type Nymph.
• For Challenge Decks the card type Hero, the subtype Head and supertype Elite were used, but not added to the comprehensive rules.

Journey into Nyx

• Introduction of the Lamia type.
• For Challenge Decks the Reveler subtype was used, but again not added to the comprehensive rules.

Khans of Tarkir

• Introduction of the Naga type.

Fate Reforged

• Removal of the Anteater type.

Battle for Zendikar

• Introduction of the Scion and Processor types.

Shadows over Innistrad

• Introduction of the Mole type.

Kaladesh

• Introduction of the Aetherborn, Pilot, and Servo creature types.
• Re-introduction of the Monkey creature type.

Aether Revolt

• R&D no longer feels that every supported creature type mentioned in the card name must also be among that card's types. Therefore, Quicksmith Rebel and others don't have the Rebel type.

Amonkhet

• Re-introduction of the Jackal type.

Ixalan

• Introduction of the Trilobite type.
• Re-introduction of the Dinosaur type.

Unstable

• Unstable (re)introduces many types, but these are not legal and don't appear in the comprehensive rules. New are Beaver, Brainiac, Cyborg, Deer, Hatificer, Head (previously seen in the Face the Hydra Challenge Deck), Kangaroo, Killbot, Raccoon, Scientist, Vampyre and Wrestler. Spy and Villain are reintroduced.

Battlebond

• Introduction of the Azra type.

Global Series: Jiang Yanggu & Mu Yanling

• Introduction of the Pangolin type.

Core set 2019

• Re-introduction of the Egg type.

War of the Spark

• Introduction of the Army type.

Commander 2019

• Introduction of the Sculpture type.

Throne of Eldraine

• Introduction of the Mouse, Peasant and Warlock types.
• Re-introduction of the Noble type.

Ponies: The Galloping

• Introduction of the unofficial, silver-bordered Alicorn type.
• Re-introduction of the Pony type as silver-bordered.

Theros: Beyond Death

• Introduction of the Demigod and Tentacle types.

Unsanctioned

• Introduction of the unofficial, silver-bordered types Art, Chameleon, Die and Grandchild.

Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths

• Introduction of the Otter type.
• Reintroduction of the Shark type.

Core Set 2021

• Reintroduction of the Dog type. Removal of Hound.

Kaldheim

• Introduction of the Phyrexian type.

Strixhaven: School of Mages

• Introduction of the Inkling and Fractal types.
• Pests appear for the first time outside of Mirrodin and as non-artifact creatures.

Modern Horizons 2

• Re-introduction of the Ranger type.
• Phyrexian Creature Type Update.

Dungeons & Dragons: Adventures in the Forgotten Realms

• Introduction of the Bard, Beholder, Gnoll, Halfling, Hamster, and Tiefling types.

Streets of New Capenna

• Raccoon becomes an eternal creature type.

Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate

• Introduction of the Gith and Walrus types.

Unfinity

• Introduction of the acorn Porcupine and Sketch types.
• Introduction of the eternal Alien, Balloon, Child, Clown, Employee, Gamer, Guest, Performer, and Robot types.

Warhammer 40,000 Commander Decks

• Introduction of the Astartes, C'Tan, Custodes, Necron, Primarch, and Tyranid types for Universes Beyond.
• Reintroduction of the Inquisitor type.

Phyrexia: All Will Be One

• Introduction of the Mite type.

Doctor Who

• Introduction of the Cyberman, Dalek, and Time Lord types for Universes Beyond.
• Introduction of the Detective and Doctor types.
• Scientist becomes an eternal creature type.

The Lost Caverns of Ixalan

• Introduction of the Capybara, Llama and Snail types.

Fallout

• Introduction of the Sloth and Synth types.

Outlaws of Thunder Junction

• Introduction of the Armadillo, Coyote, Mount, Possum and Varmint types.
• Beaver and Porcupine become eternal creature types.

Upcoming

• Naga made obsolete and replaced with Snake.
• Viashino made obsolete and replaced with Lizard.

External links

• Mark Gottlieb (September 26, 2007). "The Grand Creature Type Update". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
• Mark Rosewater (November 18, 2002). "Beast of Show". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.