Shivan Reef

Shivan Reef was originally introduced in the 1995 expansion set Ice Age as part of a cycle of allied-colored pain lands. These lands became foundational to competitive Magic: The Gathering play, offering efficient mana fixing at the cost of life. When Wizards of the Coast curated the Ninth Edition core set in 2005, they included this version to maintain the viability of multicolored decks in the Standard format.

The Ninth Edition printing features artwork by Rob Alexander, a prolific landscape artist who has contributed to the game since its early years. Alexander utilized his signature painterly style to depict the harsh, volcanic terrain of the Shivan region, effectively communicating the land's dual-natured flavor. Upon its release in the core set, the card was well-received by players for its balance of utility and accessibility, remaining a staple choice for blue-red strategies.