Tundra

Tundra was released in 1993 as part of the Limited Edition Alpha set, the inaugural printing of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game created by Richard Garfield and published by Wizards of the Coast. Designed to introduce the concept of 'dual lands'—cards that count as two different basic land types simultaneously—it provided players with significant strategic flexibility by allowing them to tap for either white or green mana. The set was printed in limited quantities in the United States and was intended to be the foundation of a hobbyist game, though its immediate popularity quickly turned it into a cultural phenomenon.

The artwork for Tundra was created by illustrator Christopher Rush, one of the most prolific early artists for the game. His depiction of the landscape focuses on a stark, icy environment, aligning with the mechanical intent of providing a foundational, utility-based resource for deck building. While the aesthetic was somewhat understated compared to the game’s more fantastical creature cards, the card’s technical utility ensured its status as a staple in competitive play throughout the early history of the game, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the reserve list.