Alliances, released in June 1996, builds on the mechanics and themes of Ice Age with a smaller set full of powerful and efficient spells. It continues support for Snow-Covered lands and Cumulative Upkeep, while introducing cards that reward color pairings and control strategies. The set also focuses on disruption, tempo, and utility. Notable cards include Force of Will, Lake of the Dead, Thawing Glaciers, Balduvian Horde, and Helm of Obedience. With its compact size and high-impact cards, Alliances became a cornerstone of competitive Magic.