Path to Standard
What is Path to Standard?
Path to Standard is a fan-created Magic: The Gathering format designed to bridge the gap between casual thematic play and full-fledged Standard. Instead of diving straight into the ever-changing Standard card pool, players begin with a single, tightly focused starting set: Spider-Man cards only.
Over time, the format evolves as new Standard-legal sets are released. Each release gets added to the Path to Standard pool, slowly expanding the environment until, after a few years, the format fully “catches up” to Standard itself.
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The Starting Point: Spider-Man Standard (Set 0)
The inaugural card pool for Path to Standard is built entirely around Spider-Man and his world. Decks must be constructed using only:
• Spider-Man cards and his supporting cast (allies, villains, and iconic storylines).
• Basic lands.
This small card pool creates a fun, flavorful metagame of web-slinging aggro, villainous midrange, and team-up control decks, where every game feels like a Spider-Man comic come to life.
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Expanding the Path
With each new Standard release:
• That set is added to the Path to Standard pool.
• Players can mix new cards with the existing Spider-Man pool.
• The environment steadily grows broader and more diverse, evolving closer to actual Standard.
The idea is that, in a couple of years, Path to Standard players will have gradually transitioned into full Standard—without ever needing to buy in all at once or abandon their thematic Spider-Man foundation.
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Rotation & Timeline
• Unlike Standard, Path to Standard does not rotate immediately. It’s a cumulative build-up.
• Once the format finally catches up to the current Standard pool, Path to Standard will rotate alongside it, becoming a parallel entry point into official play.
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Why Play Path to Standard?
• Accessible: Players start with a narrow pool and grow over time.
• Thematic & Fun: Early years are Spider-Man-focused, creating a unique “Set 0 metagame.”
• On-Ramp to Competitive Play: By the time it catches up, you’ve naturally built a Standard collection and learned the format step by step.
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Great power, great responsibility — and a great way to learn Standard.
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