Battlebond

Battlebond is a set for the trading card game Magic: The Gathering, released in July 2018. It was designed with a focus on multiplayer games, specifically the two-headed giant format, where two players team up as a single entity. The set introduces several mechanics and card types tailored for this cooperative play experience.

One of the key new mechanics in Battlebond is "Partner." Cards with the Partner ability can be chosen as your commander in the Commander format, allowing you to have two commanders. This opens up new strategic possibilities for deck building and gameplay. Another notable addition is "Assist," a keyword action that allows you to give control of a creature or spell to another player. This facilitates cooperative play and can be used to help allies or even to set up advantageous plays for yourself in a multiplayer environment.

Battlebond also features "High Fives," a thematic element representing the camaraderie and shared victories of teammates. While not a mechanical keyword, it reinforces the set's focus on cooperation. The set was released alongside the Commander 2018 decks, further emphasizing its multiplayer orientation. The booster packs were designed to be opened in groups, with cards intended to be shared and drafted among friends. The set's flavor is rooted in the plane of Kylem, a world where champions engage in a grand tournament.