[Update #2]: MTG Arena's Aftermath expansion has now launched ahead of schedule due to some server issues.

[Update]: Magic: The Gathering is extending its Standard rotation from two to three years in order to help the floundering format on tabletop.

Seemingly inspired by the supplemental Alchemy card drops that follow most Standard sets, Wizards of the Coast will soon be releasing the March of the Machine: The Aftermath mini-expansion. Once it arrives this May 11th, Aftermath will bring with it 50 new cards to play around with (15 uncommons, 25 rares and 10 mythics) - all of which will be legal in Standard.

Unsurprisingly given the name, the various Aftermath cards will offer us little hints about what exactly happened to the various planes after Phyrexia was defeated, as well as what some of the fan-favorite characters are currently doing. The highlights include numerous Planeswalkers losing their spark, a certain character seemingly ascending to godhood, and the barriers between the worlds weakening and thus enabling even ordinary people to visit other planes.

As far as the actual gameplay is concerned, Aftermath is mostly here to supplement some of the themes and mechanics from the main set, while also adding a couple of fun new commanders to experiment with. You can check out the full list of cards, all neatly sorted by color, over at the official website.

If you're wondering how exactly Aftermath will be handled on MTG Arena, I'm afraid that hasn't been revealed just yet. If I were to hazard a guess, however, I'd say it'll likely follow the Alchemy formula and feature a slightly modified draft experience alongside new packs that will contain Aftermath uncommons/rares/mythics with March of the Machine commons filling out any gaps.

Whatever the case may be, I'll make sure to let you know once the Aftermath set goes live. Until then, have fun brewing up new decks!