Like the gold rush of ‘49, folk are flocking to Magic: the Gathering’s Thunder Junction to stake their claim. A largely uninhabited, desolate plane linked to many others by the newly formed Omenpaths, Thunder Junction is a prime location for trade routes, with access to countless other planes available to anyone with feet. Or a mount.

Thunder Junction introduces Mounts as a new creature type, which each come with the Saddle ability. Saddle functions a lot like Crew, except that creatures can attack unsaddled just fine. Saddling them, however, confers some nifty extra effects, such as impulse draws or copying the creatures that were tapped to saddle it. For a more detailed explanation, check out my Mount and Saddle guide.

But the set isn’t called Mounts of Thunder Junction. It’s Outlaws of Thunder Junction. Outlaws aren’t another new creature type, instead being a catch-all term for Assassins, Mercenaries, Pirates, Rogues, and Warlocks are outlaws. There are a lot of new cards that check for outlaw status in this set, so keep an eye out on that to be a major archetype in both Sealed and Draft formats like the ones scheduled for this weekend.

Speaking of outlaws, Pokémon players will want to stay legal by updating their decks immediately: As of April 5th, regulation mark “E” cards are no longer legal. While nobody is going to rustle up a posse to hunt you down for bringing playing a Battle VIP Pass, it will get you disqualified from future tournaments. Thankfully, Professors Jim and Jonn will be in the store on Sunday, April 14th at 1:00 PM to help you update your deck or build a fresh one.

GATHER FOR MAGIC

OTJ - Outlaws of Thunder Junction Prerelease

Friday, April 12th & Saturday, April 13th, 6:00 PM

Get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time in this week’s Outlaws of Thunder Junction prerelease events. Your entry fee gets you six packs to build your sealed deck from, packed full as a tick with outlaws and introducing the new Crime, Saddle, and Plot mechanics. There’s Loot for the takin’, so don’t miss your chance to take part in the next big heist. Entry fee: $35 ($30 preorder)

Casual Commander

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:00 PM.

The most popular format in Magic, Commander, is back on the table. Bring your favorite deck, or playtest a new one against other magicians. No entry fee: These battles are for honor, not prizes!

IN THE WORLD OF POKÉMON

Pokémon Day

Sunday, April 14th, 1:00 PM

The ever-popular monthly Pokémon Day event is back with all of your favorite activities. See Pokémon Professors Jim & Jonn to Learn To Play and for help building your new deck at 1:00, then hang around for everyone's favorite activity, Pokémon Bingo. Win packs, promos, and prizes! Remember, all players under 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Entry fee: $10.

Standard Constructed Tournament

Sunday, April 14th, 3:00 PM

The new Standard format goes into effect on April 5th, so this will be your first opportunity to test out your new deck in the new meta. Cards with the “E” regulation mark will no longer be allowed, so say “goodbye” to your Battle VIP Passes. Full details of the new format can be found here.

Pokémon League Casual Play

Monday and Saturday at 6:30 PM, Sunday at noon

The $6 entry fee comes with a pack of your choice from any in the store.

TIME TO DUEL! Yu-Gi-Oh!

Advanced Constructed Grand Prix

Friday, April 12th, 7:00 PM

Prove your skill in the Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game’s Advanced Constructed Grand Prix.  This event is held monthly on the second Friday of the month.  Points are accrued over the course of 2024. Earn OTS Tournament Packs while demonstrating your skills as a duelist. Entry fee: $10

Advanced Constructed Tournament

Wednesday & Thursdays, 7:00 PM

Duel for supremacy in the Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game. Earn OTS Tournament Packs while demonstrating your skills as a duelist. Entry fee: $5

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

Into the Inklands Lorcana League

Monday & Saturday, 6:30 PM

The adventures in the Inklands continue with Locana League. Bring your sealed deck, or join the fun! The initial entry fee includes a starter deck of your choice, a booster pack, and a 200-card deck box to keep your sealed cards from getting mixed up with your collection. Entry fee: $25 (one-time charge)

THIS MEANS WAR(HAMMER)!

Warhammer 40K League

Sunday, 5:00 PM

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. At Gam3Escape, there is only Warhammer! Whether it’s a Tyranid terror or a Blood Angel battalion, stage your army and prepare for battle at the weekly Warhammer 40K League.