Changes to the present banned list, effective 15.08.2024:
Banned
All cards that bring a sticker or an Attraction into the game are banned.
Unbanned
None.
Unban Trial
None.
Explanation
In compliance to the mothership at WotC we decided unanimously to ban all cards that introduce stickers and Attractions to the game. We did so to limit the differences to other, more commonly played formats with the goal to reduce the entrance barrier to European Highlander and to limit the obstacles for future Tournament Organizers. We decided against banning Unsets per se, since especially these “fun” sets allow WotC to introduce new and “outlandish” mechanics to eternal formats, which might not be feasible for regular sets.
Currently we don’t see major offenders in our format. Therefore we decided against any bans.
The current banned list has been shrunken significantly over the past years. Only the cream of the crop, like Power 9, Underworld Breach, Thassa’s Oracle, etc., remain. An unban and trial of any of those remaining cards would substantially impact our format. Since these remaining cards are so powerful, we can only test and evaluate their influence in a metagame, that has not been shaken by other, unintended factors. With the release of MH3 all eternal formats have been heavily affected and so is Highlander. The full extent of MH3’s impact on Highlander is still incalculable and might overshadow possible trials. Many of potentially powerful cards of MH3 have not been properly tested in Highlander, yet, and there is still much to explore. A trial would blur the lines between the influences of MH3 and the influences of a potential unban. Therefore we decided to wait with further trials and monitor the current format.
Cards to watch
Currently we don’t see major offenders in our format. Please, feel free to give us suggestions of cards we should specifically monitor, in case you think there is need for action.
Next scheduled banlist update: November 1st, 2024
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