# 1995 Magic: The Gathering Ice Age #25

> Identify this 1995 Ice Age Magic: The Gathering card, Formation, by its card number 25 and white mana cost. A strategic Instant featuring banding mechanics for collectors.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 1995
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Ice Age
- **Card number**: #25
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Formation is a white Instant from the 1995 Ice Age expansion, cataloged as card number 25 in the set. Designed by artist Ken Meyer, Jr., this card belongs to the first major block of Magic: The Gathering, a period that defined the game's strategic depth through complex rules interactions. The card costs one generic mana and one white mana to cast, making it an accessible option for decks focused on white mana strategies. The primary utility of Formation lies in its ability to grant banding to a target creature until the end of the turn. Banding introduced unique combat rules, allowing players to group creatures together to distribute damage or block multiple attackers. This mechanic created memorable board states and tactical decisions during gameplay. Additionally, the card offers a secondary benefit by allowing the player to draw a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep, providing card advantage over time. For collectors, Ice Age remains a significant era in Magic history, and Formation serves as a recognizable piece of that legacy. Completing the Ice Age set requires securing every card, including this Instant, making it a valued component for serious set builders.

## FAQ

### What is the mana cost of Formation in Magic: The Gathering?

Formation costs one generic mana and one white mana to cast. It has a mana value of two and is played as an Instant.

### How does the banding mechanic work with Formation?

When Formation grants banding to a creature, that creature can attack in a band with up to one creature without banding. If any banding creatures are blocking or being blocked, the controller of the banding creatures chooses how to divide the combat damage among the blocking or blocked creatures.

### Who illustrated the Ice Age version of Formation?

Ken Meyer, Jr. is the artist credited with illustrating the original 1995 Ice Age printing of Formation.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.