Burrowing

Burrowing was originally printed in the Legends expansion in 1994 before appearing as card number 170 in the 1999 Classic Sixth Edition core set. The card represents a quintessential example of early Magic: The Gathering design, focusing on thematic mechanical utility by granting creatures the ability to avoid being blocked. Its inclusion in Sixth Edition served as an effort to keep iconic, flavor-rich spells available to players during a period of transition for the game's core rules and aesthetics.

The artwork for the Sixth Edition printing features the work of artist Brian Snoddy, whose illustrations defined much of the visual identity for the game's first decade. His approach for this card emphasized a gritty, high-fantasy tone, utilizing distinct line work and muted earth tones to capture the tactile experience of a creature submerging into the landscape. Upon its release in the core set, the card was received as a functional, low-rarity staple that highlighted the importance of evasion in early competitive deck building.