Wizards of the Coast announced at this year’s PAX East, during the popular Magic panel, the title and details for the first release in the revamped two block set format  for its Magic: The Gathering CCG. Battle for Zendikar releases on October 2.

Battle for Zendikar is the first in the new two block, twice-a-year format announced last year.  The 274-card set will be released on October 2, with pre-release events held on September 26-27.  The official Battle for Zendikar Game Day is set for October 24-25, and Magic Online release is slated for October 12.

The set will be available in Booster Packs, Intro Packs, Fat Packs, and Event Decks. The initial concept and game design team was led by Mark Roasewater, and included Ian Duke, Dan Emmons, Ethan Fleischer, Dave Duskin, and Ari Levitch.  Erik Lauer was lead on the final game design and development team, which included Tim Aten, Kelly Digges, Ian Duke, Ben Hayes, Shawn Main, Yoni Skolnik and contributions from Matt Tabak.

This set will follow the new Modern Masters set arriving to Battleground Games & Hobbies in May.

Don’t forget – the new Magic The Gathering: Arena of the Planeswalkers board game arrives at Battleground Games & Hobbies this summer.