Premier Draft LCI 1 January 2024
1 January 03:42 - Masimensch 7 Wins - 1 LossesMaindeck
| Creature (17) | |||
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| Instant, Sorcery, Enchantment, Artifact (7) | |||
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1
Abrade
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| Land (16) | |||
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8
Forest
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8
Mountain
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Sideboard
Pack 1 Pick 1: Itzquinth, Firstborn of Gishath
Hit the Mother Lode
0.0 Discover 10 sounds exciting, but you’re pretty likely to hit something much cheaper in most Limited decks, and by the time you’re casting this, you’re probably not desperate for treasure
0.0 Discover 10 sounds exciting, but you’re pretty likely to hit something much cheaper in most Limited decks, and by the time you’re casting this, you’re probably not desperate for treasure
Malamet Battle Glyph
3.5 One mana for fight is often a playable card in Green, but this one comes with serious upside! Because it’s so cheap, resolving a creature and then using this to fight in the same turn will be a regular occurrence, and getting a permanent boost that makes your creature more capable of surviving and winning a fight with an opposing creature is awesome
3.5 One mana for fight is often a playable card in Green, but this one comes with serious upside! Because it’s so cheap, resolving a creature and then using this to fight in the same turn will be a regular occurrence, and getting a permanent boost that makes your creature more capable of surviving and winning a fight with an opposing creature is awesome
Itzquinth, Firstborn of Gishath
4.5 A two mana 2/3 with Haste is a great place to start, and this comes with quite the kicker. If you have two extra mana, you get this awesome punch effect. Keep in mind, you have Itzquinth do the damage. If this was always a 4-mana 2/3 with Haste that did two to something, that would be a great Limited card – and this has the flexibility of coming down earlier when that’s better and letting another dinosaur do the damage. Yeah…that’s pretty nuts. This looks like an incredible signpost Uncommon
4.5 A two mana 2/3 with Haste is a great place to start, and this comes with quite the kicker. If you have two extra mana, you get this awesome punch effect. Keep in mind, you have Itzquinth do the damage. If this was always a 4-mana 2/3 with Haste that did two to something, that would be a great Limited card – and this has the flexibility of coming down earlier when that’s better and letting another dinosaur do the damage. Yeah…that’s pretty nuts. This looks like an incredible signpost Uncommon
Colossadactyl
3.0 This is a great statline and keyword combination for the cost. Not much more to say here
3.0 This is a great statline and keyword combination for the cost. Not much more to say here
Inverted Iceberg
3.5 The front side of the card has a useful card type, loads your graveyard, and replaces itself. It would probably be a C all on its own. And in the late game you can transform it into a creature that your opponent is going to have to do something about. Even if it doesn’t impact the board on turn two, I think it does enough for the cost and the upside is big
3.5 The front side of the card has a useful card type, loads your graveyard, and replaces itself. It would probably be a C all on its own. And in the late game you can transform it into a creature that your opponent is going to have to do something about. Even if it doesn’t impact the board on turn two, I think it does enough for the cost and the upside is big
In the Presence of Ages
2.5 I think you’ll want one of these in most Green decks. It helps you load the yard while drawing you a couple of cards in most cases
2.5 I think you’ll want one of these in most Green decks. It helps you load the yard while drawing you a couple of cards in most cases
Sunfire Torch
2.0 So…this is a really roundabout Shock. It takes some extra steps, and more total mana, but eventually it does 2 to something! You can also keep it around for a meager power boost if you want. Being an artifact and a card that can put itself into the graveyard has extra value here too, but I do think this takes too much work to really be looked at as premium removal.
2.0 So…this is a really roundabout Shock. It takes some extra steps, and more total mana, but eventually it does 2 to something! You can also keep it around for a meager power boost if you want. Being an artifact and a card that can put itself into the graveyard has extra value here too, but I do think this takes too much work to really be looked at as premium removal.
Malamet Scythe
2.0 When you use this as a combat trick, it’s going to feel pretty good. After all, it helps your creature win combat and keeps +2/+2 sticking around. After that initial equip, having to pay 4 at a time to move this will feel rough, but if you’ve already traded one-for-one, we’re just talking about upside at that point.
2.0 When you use this as a combat trick, it’s going to feel pretty good. After all, it helps your creature win combat and keeps +2/+2 sticking around. After that initial equip, having to pay 4 at a time to move this will feel rough, but if you’ve already traded one-for-one, we’re just talking about upside at that point.
Rampaging Spiketail
2.5 We recently saw cards with landcycling for two really underperform, but they have some advantages in this format. Like all land cyclers, this has the upside of getting you a land when you draw it early, and being a reasonably relevant card in the later stages of the game. And in this case, the Spiketail is likely to enable a pretty good attack when you cast it. But the extra value of land cyclers comes as a result of this format’s graveyard-heavy theme. Cycling this counts as descending, and it also makes it more likely you get to Descend 4 or 8, and you can also exile it from your graveyard for Craft
2.5 We recently saw cards with landcycling for two really underperform, but they have some advantages in this format. Like all land cyclers, this has the upside of getting you a land when you draw it early, and being a reasonably relevant card in the later stages of the game. And in this case, the Spiketail is likely to enable a pretty good attack when you cast it. But the extra value of land cyclers comes as a result of this format’s graveyard-heavy theme. Cycling this counts as descending, and it also makes it more likely you get to Descend 4 or 8, and you can also exile it from your graveyard for Craft
Rumbling Rockslide
2.5 This can kill lots of things at 4, and it does scale the longer the game goes. It’s a bit clunky as a 4-mana Sorcery, so it isn’t premium removal, but the first copy of it seems pretty appealing in most Red decks
2.5 This can kill lots of things at 4, and it does scale the longer the game goes. It’s a bit clunky as a 4-mana Sorcery, so it isn’t premium removal, but the first copy of it seems pretty appealing in most Red decks
Thousand Moons Infantry
2.0 A three mana 2/4 with kind-of sort-of vigilance is decent, and the idea here is to get multiple taps out of the Infantry for your cards that want you tap creatures or artifacts for effects. I can see this performing that role decently enough
2.0 A three mana 2/4 with kind-of sort-of vigilance is decent, and the idea here is to get multiple taps out of the Infantry for your cards that want you tap creatures or artifacts for effects. I can see this performing that role decently enough
Relic's Roar
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
Dinotomaton
3.0 A 4-mana 4/3 Menace is pretty close to a 2.5, so the upside of giving something else menace right away is pretty nice! It won’t always enable a good attack, but it will pretty frequently, especially if you’re curving out
3.0 A 4-mana 4/3 Menace is pretty close to a 2.5, so the upside of giving something else menace right away is pretty nice! It won’t always enable a good attack, but it will pretty frequently, especially if you’re curving out
Sunshot Militia
2.0 This seems like a decent way to finish your opponent off in Red artifact decks. Even if they stabilize, this two drop can make it impossible for them provided you have artifacts and creatures around, and that’s not a huge ask. This only being Sorcery speed, like most of these effects, certainly matters, as being able to wait until the end of your opponents turn would mean you can keep all our blocks up – but still, I think this will do enough to warrant a slot in your deck
2.0 This seems like a decent way to finish your opponent off in Red artifact decks. Even if they stabilize, this two drop can make it impossible for them provided you have artifacts and creatures around, and that’s not a huge ask. This only being Sorcery speed, like most of these effects, certainly matters, as being able to wait until the end of your opponents turn would mean you can keep all our blocks up – but still, I think this will do enough to warrant a slot in your deck
Promising Vein
2.5 In the Lord of the Rings set, we saw that an Evolving Wilds that can tap for mana, but costs 1 generic to sacrifice, was a pretty big downgrade from a traditional Evolving Wilds. Having to pay one just makes a world of difference. That said, it does have a useful subtype in this set, and that probably means it will be a bit more useful than its predecessor.
2.5 In the Lord of the Rings set, we saw that an Evolving Wilds that can tap for mana, but costs 1 generic to sacrifice, was a pretty big downgrade from a traditional Evolving Wilds. Having to pay one just makes a world of difference. That said, it does have a useful subtype in this set, and that probably means it will be a bit more useful than its predecessor.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Ixalli's Lorekeeper
Ixalli's Lorekeeper
1.0 // 3.0 This is some serious ramp in a deck with lots of dinos, and close to unplayable when you don't
1.0 // 3.0 This is some serious ramp in a deck with lots of dinos, and close to unplayable when you don't
Chart a Course
3.0 It is two mana to draw two reasonably often, and that’s an insane deal. Even when you can’t quite make that happen, two mana to draw two and discard 1 isn’t a bad deal, especially in a format with graveyard stuff all over the place
3.0 It is two mana to draw two reasonably often, and that’s an insane deal. Even when you can’t quite make that happen, two mana to draw two and discard 1 isn’t a bad deal, especially in a format with graveyard stuff all over the place
Forgotten Monument
2.0 This tries to address the problem that most caves only produce colorless, and that’s a huge hit to your mana base if you’re not careful. If you do have enough Caves, this provides some nice fixing, but if you’re really reliant on getting this for your fixing your’e going to be in some trouble
2.0 This tries to address the problem that most caves only produce colorless, and that’s a huge hit to your mana base if you’re not careful. If you do have enough Caves, this provides some nice fixing, but if you’re really reliant on getting this for your fixing your’e going to be in some trouble
Kaslem's Stonetree
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
Acrobatic Leap
1.5 One mana tricks that give +1/+3 are rarely worthwhile in Limited. The boost is enough to save a creature in combat, but not enough to help it win combat often enough. The flying and untap angle here do make it so you can both punch in for lethal in the air or ambush a flyer, but those use cases are all much too frequent for this to be something that makes the cut in all your white aggro decks.
1.5 One mana tricks that give +1/+3 are rarely worthwhile in Limited. The boost is enough to save a creature in combat, but not enough to help it win combat often enough. The flying and untap angle here do make it so you can both punch in for lethal in the air or ambush a flyer, but those use cases are all much too frequent for this to be something that makes the cut in all your white aggro decks.
Unlucky Drop
3.0 Because it puts the creature back in your opponents deck, it does actually let you trade 1-for-1, and that’s important. Keep in mind your opponent makes the choice about where to put the card. This does get a small knock simply for not being a permanent, in a color where permanents really matter
3.0 Because it puts the creature back in your opponents deck, it does actually let you trade 1-for-1, and that’s important. Keep in mind your opponent makes the choice about where to put the card. This does get a small knock simply for not being a permanent, in a color where permanents really matter
Relic's Roar
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
Fungal Fortitude
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
Malamet Brawler
2.0 The awkward thing about this card is that by the time you can attack with something else that is worth giving trample to, your Brawler is probably not going to uh…brawl very well. I mean, it’s a fine two drop, but not one I’m excited about
2.0 The awkward thing about this card is that by the time you can attack with something else that is worth giving trample to, your Brawler is probably not going to uh…brawl very well. I mean, it’s a fine two drop, but not one I’m excited about
Join the Dead
4.0 This is great without Descend, and with it it’s incredible. Always remember that double Black ends up being a problem sometimes, but this is so efficient that it doesn’t matter much.
4.0 This is great without Descend, and with it it’s incredible. Always remember that double Black ends up being a problem sometimes, but this is so efficient that it doesn’t matter much.
Thousand Moons Crackshot
1.5 Sometimes you’ll be able to attack with this and really open the floodgates on your opponent by getting their best blocker out of the way, but three mana is a lot, and your opponent also always knows this is coming, making it a lot less useful. You’re rarely going to use this ability early, and by the late game it has some diminishing returns.
1.5 Sometimes you’ll be able to attack with this and really open the floodgates on your opponent by getting their best blocker out of the way, but three mana is a lot, and your opponent also always knows this is coming, making it a lot less useful. You’re rarely going to use this ability early, and by the late game it has some diminishing returns.
Etali's Favor
1.0 You just don’t want to pay for that stats boost when you’re seriously risking getting 2-for-1’d. The Discover part does mean that this makes sure to give you back a card, but the card you get back won’t be impressive enough to offset this card’s weak effect, at least not enough for this to be the kind of Red card you’re interesting in playing consistently
1.0 You just don’t want to pay for that stats boost when you’re seriously risking getting 2-for-1’d. The Discover part does mean that this makes sure to give you back a card, but the card you get back won’t be impressive enough to offset this card’s weak effect, at least not enough for this to be the kind of Red card you’re interesting in playing consistently
River Herald Scout
3.0 You would happily play a two mana 2/3 with Surveil one, and you’d happily play a two mana ½ that draws you a card, and you’re getting one of those every time you cast it
3.0 You would happily play a two mana 2/3 with Surveil one, and you’d happily play a two mana ½ that draws you a card, and you’re getting one of those every time you cast it
Hidden Cataract
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
Pack 1 Pick 3: Pathfinding Axejaw
Earthshaker Dreadmaw
4.0 You know they had to make a Colossal Dreadmaw reference, and they did it by giving us a strictly better version. Even drawing one card off of this is an excellent deal, and that seems doable - and the ceiling is a lot higher! And the fail case is just the original Dreadmaw
4.0 You know they had to make a Colossal Dreadmaw reference, and they did it by giving us a strictly better version. Even drawing one card off of this is an excellent deal, and that seems doable - and the ceiling is a lot higher! And the fail case is just the original Dreadmaw
Digsite Conservator
2.5 Graveyard hate is really legit in this format, as keeping your opponent from being able to craft or take advantage of Descent is going to really matter, so I think a two mana 2/1 that hates on the graveyard is probably already kind of playable. Add in the Discover upside and we’re talking about something that is perfectly solid. You won’t always have that 4 mana of course, but when you do you might generate a two-for-one, or at least really make your graveyard-loving opponent’s life a lot more difficult while getting a card to replace the Conservator
2.5 Graveyard hate is really legit in this format, as keeping your opponent from being able to craft or take advantage of Descent is going to really matter, so I think a two mana 2/1 that hates on the graveyard is probably already kind of playable. Add in the Discover upside and we’re talking about something that is perfectly solid. You won’t always have that 4 mana of course, but when you do you might generate a two-for-one, or at least really make your graveyard-loving opponent’s life a lot more difficult while getting a card to replace the Conservator
Self-Reflection
2.5 Paying 6 to copy a creature is pretty rough. Hard to consistently get your man's worth there. However, with Flashback in the mix this has 2-for-1 potential, and Blue mills itself enough for this to give you nice value out of the graveyard
2.5 Paying 6 to copy a creature is pretty rough. Hard to consistently get your man's worth there. However, with Flashback in the mix this has 2-for-1 potential, and Blue mills itself enough for this to give you nice value out of the graveyard
Nurturing Bristleback
3.0 This adds a very real presence to the board at 7 mana, and cycling is extra good in a set with Descend
3.0 This adds a very real presence to the board at 7 mana, and cycling is extra good in a set with Descend
Malamet Veteran
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
Abrade
4.0 This is great every time it gets printed, and it might actually be better here. Two for 3 damage at instant speed is already premium, but this format has a ton of artifacts and artifact creatures too, and this can also destroy those outright.
4.0 This is great every time it gets printed, and it might actually be better here. Two for 3 damage at instant speed is already premium, but this format has a ton of artifacts and artifact creatures too, and this can also destroy those outright.
Pathfinding Axejaw
3.5 This will either be a 4-mana 5/4 with Surveil 1, or a 4-mana 4/3 that draws you a card. Both of those are pretty nice for the cost.
3.5 This will either be a 4-mana 5/4 with Surveil 1, or a 4-mana 4/3 that draws you a card. Both of those are pretty nice for the cost.
Family Reunion
2.0 I like this take on a mass pump effect. White can go wide, as usual, in this format, so buffing everything is a big game sometimes, but having the hexproof option attached is nice too, as it makes this useful in a wider variety of situations – namely, at times when your opponent tries to remove one of your creatures. The total package is a solid card you’re going to want one of in a lot of your White creature-heavy decks.
2.0 I like this take on a mass pump effect. White can go wide, as usual, in this format, so buffing everything is a big game sometimes, but having the hexproof option attached is nice too, as it makes this useful in a wider variety of situations – namely, at times when your opponent tries to remove one of your creatures. The total package is a solid card you’re going to want one of in a lot of your White creature-heavy decks.
Out of Air
2.0 So, this is either a Harder-to-cast Essence Scatter, or a harder-to-cast Counterspell. I’m not super enthusiastic about either of those modes. Countermagic that costs double blue can be rough in Limited, because you are far from guaranteed to have it up when you need to. That’s sort of true of all counterspells, but one with more mana intensive requirements in a format where your mana just isn’t very good is extra hard to use
2.0 So, this is either a Harder-to-cast Essence Scatter, or a harder-to-cast Counterspell. I’m not super enthusiastic about either of those modes. Countermagic that costs double blue can be rough in Limited, because you are far from guaranteed to have it up when you need to. That’s sort of true of all counterspells, but one with more mana intensive requirements in a format where your mana just isn’t very good is extra hard to use
Rampaging Spiketail
2.5 We recently saw cards with landcycling for two really underperform, but they have some advantages in this format. Like all land cyclers, this has the upside of getting you a land when you draw it early, and being a reasonably relevant card in the later stages of the game. And in this case, the Spiketail is likely to enable a pretty good attack when you cast it. But the extra value of land cyclers comes as a result of this format’s graveyard-heavy theme. Cycling this counts as descending, and it also makes it more likely you get to Descend 4 or 8, and you can also exile it from your graveyard for Craft
2.5 We recently saw cards with landcycling for two really underperform, but they have some advantages in this format. Like all land cyclers, this has the upside of getting you a land when you draw it early, and being a reasonably relevant card in the later stages of the game. And in this case, the Spiketail is likely to enable a pretty good attack when you cast it. But the extra value of land cyclers comes as a result of this format’s graveyard-heavy theme. Cycling this counts as descending, and it also makes it more likely you get to Descend 4 or 8, and you can also exile it from your graveyard for Craft
Thousand Moons Crackshot
1.5 Sometimes you’ll be able to attack with this and really open the floodgates on your opponent by getting their best blocker out of the way, but three mana is a lot, and your opponent also always knows this is coming, making it a lot less useful. You’re rarely going to use this ability early, and by the late game it has some diminishing returns.
1.5 Sometimes you’ll be able to attack with this and really open the floodgates on your opponent by getting their best blocker out of the way, but three mana is a lot, and your opponent also always knows this is coming, making it a lot less useful. You’re rarely going to use this ability early, and by the late game it has some diminishing returns.
Adaptive Gemguard
2.5 4-mana 3/3s have not performed well of late. The fact aggro decks can just attack into them with their two and three drops while they hold up a combat trick has been a real problem. This one can get bigger if you have artifacts and creatures lying around, and that’s certainly doable. It even counts itself for the effect.
2.5 4-mana 3/3s have not performed well of late. The fact aggro decks can just attack into them with their two and three drops while they hold up a combat trick has been a real problem. This one can get bigger if you have artifacts and creatures lying around, and that’s certainly doable. It even counts itself for the effect.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Malamet Brawler
Malicious Eclipse
0.5 This type of card is always pretty awkward in Limited. The effect has a really high ceiling for sure, but the floor is bad because you just don’t end up in decks very often where you can be certain it will hurt your opponent more than you when you cast it. If you find yourself in a control deck that doesn’t have many creatures that die to this, it can work out reasonably well, but that kind of deck just doesn’t come together often enough. This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This type of card is always pretty awkward in Limited. The effect has a really high ceiling for sure, but the floor is bad because you just don’t end up in decks very often where you can be certain it will hurt your opponent more than you when you cast it. If you find yourself in a control deck that doesn’t have many creatures that die to this, it can work out reasonably well, but that kind of deck just doesn’t come together often enough. This is mostly sideboard material.
Rampaging Ceratops
2.0 This has solid stats and blocking it is no easy task.
2.0 This has solid stats and blocking it is no easy task.
Clay-Fired Bricks
4.0 Hitting a land drop and gaining two life isn't bad, and it also has a very relevant card type. Then in the late game it has a massive impact on the board. Like, the kind of impact that drastically improves your chances of winning.
4.0 Hitting a land drop and gaining two life isn't bad, and it also has a very relevant card type. Then in the late game it has a massive impact on the board. Like, the kind of impact that drastically improves your chances of winning.
Quicksand Whirlpool
2.5 Casting this for six is kind of rough, but casting it for three is solid enough, especially in less aggressive decks.
2.5 Casting this for six is kind of rough, but casting it for three is solid enough, especially in less aggressive decks.
Dead Weight
3.5 This is good every time we see it, especially because they tend to put it in formats where you can get some extra value out of it. One mana for -2/-2 is already premium, as you can trade up all the time, but the extra value in this format comes as a result of all of the Descend. Permanents that are removal spells are going to give you some nice extra value, and that’s certainly true here
3.5 This is good every time we see it, especially because they tend to put it in formats where you can get some extra value out of it. One mana for -2/-2 is already premium, as you can trade up all the time, but the extra value in this format comes as a result of all of the Descend. Permanents that are removal spells are going to give you some nice extra value, and that’s certainly true here
Orazca Puzzle-Door
2.5 It’s an artifact, which some Blue decks care about, and it puts two cards into your graveyard all on its own, something other Blue decks care about. Mix that in with the fact that what this does for the cost is kind of passable anyway, and I think we’re talking about a solid playable
2.5 It’s an artifact, which some Blue decks care about, and it puts two cards into your graveyard all on its own, something other Blue decks care about. Mix that in with the fact that what this does for the cost is kind of passable anyway, and I think we’re talking about a solid playable
Malamet Veteran
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
Sunshot Militia
2.0 This seems like a decent way to finish your opponent off in Red artifact decks. Even if they stabilize, this two drop can make it impossible for them provided you have artifacts and creatures around, and that’s not a huge ask. This only being Sorcery speed, like most of these effects, certainly matters, as being able to wait until the end of your opponents turn would mean you can keep all our blocks up – but still, I think this will do enough to warrant a slot in your deck
2.0 This seems like a decent way to finish your opponent off in Red artifact decks. Even if they stabilize, this two drop can make it impossible for them provided you have artifacts and creatures around, and that’s not a huge ask. This only being Sorcery speed, like most of these effects, certainly matters, as being able to wait until the end of your opponents turn would mean you can keep all our blocks up – but still, I think this will do enough to warrant a slot in your deck
Screaming Phantom
2.5 It has passable stats and helps enable all of your graveyard shenanigans that you’re almost guaranteed to have in Black
2.5 It has passable stats and helps enable all of your graveyard shenanigans that you’re almost guaranteed to have in Black
Join the Dead
4.0 This is great without Descend, and with it it’s incredible. Always remember that double Black ends up being a problem sometimes, but this is so efficient that it doesn’t matter much.
4.0 This is great without Descend, and with it it’s incredible. Always remember that double Black ends up being a problem sometimes, but this is so efficient that it doesn’t matter much.
Malamet Brawler
2.0 The awkward thing about this card is that by the time you can attack with something else that is worth giving trample to, your Brawler is probably not going to uh…brawl very well. I mean, it’s a fine two drop, but not one I’m excited about
2.0 The awkward thing about this card is that by the time you can attack with something else that is worth giving trample to, your Brawler is probably not going to uh…brawl very well. I mean, it’s a fine two drop, but not one I’m excited about
Pack 1 Pick 5: Abrade
Eaten by Piranhas
2.5 This coming with Flash is kind of a game changer. Without it, this would be the usual mediocre Blue removal spell that doesn’t ever entirely remove a creature. Spending a card on removal and having the creature still able to block and attack, even if it’s smaller, is really frustrating. And in this format that’s extra bad because of all the stuff that lets you sacrifice or tap creatures for value, among other things. But, when you add Flash, suddenly you can use this to make the creature you put it on die in combat, before your opponent ever has a chance to get more value out of it
2.5 This coming with Flash is kind of a game changer. Without it, this would be the usual mediocre Blue removal spell that doesn’t ever entirely remove a creature. Spending a card on removal and having the creature still able to block and attack, even if it’s smaller, is really frustrating. And in this format that’s extra bad because of all the stuff that lets you sacrifice or tap creatures for value, among other things. But, when you add Flash, suddenly you can use this to make the creature you put it on die in combat, before your opponent ever has a chance to get more value out of it
Oteclan Landmark
3.0 One mana to scry 2 isn’t very good, even in a format where you can sacrifice or tap this for value. But…this is way more than that, because crafting it isn’t a hug challenge, and the creature you get is a legitimate threat, because giving flying to your other attackers makes for a powerful effect. Between the format’s artifact synergy, and this card’s upside, this looks like a really nice Common to me
3.0 One mana to scry 2 isn’t very good, even in a format where you can sacrifice or tap this for value. But…this is way more than that, because crafting it isn’t a hug challenge, and the creature you get is a legitimate threat, because giving flying to your other attackers makes for a powerful effect. Between the format’s artifact synergy, and this card’s upside, this looks like a really nice Common to me
Deep Goblin Skulltaker
2.0 The Gray Ogre statline is ugly, even with Menace, but this can grow without a ton of effort, and obviously the bigger it gets, the better Menace feels
2.0 The Gray Ogre statline is ugly, even with Menace, but this can grow without a ton of effort, and obviously the bigger it gets, the better Menace feels
Cavern Stomper
2.5 This thing means business, and in addition to adding such a nice body to the board, it also improves your next draw significantly. The ability is costly, but there are certainly times where it matters
2.5 This thing means business, and in addition to adding such a nice body to the board, it also improves your next draw significantly. The ability is costly, but there are certainly times where it matters
Fanatical Offering
2.5 This probably isn’t quite Deadly Dispute, but I think that’s a pretty good comparison. This format has lots and lots of expendable stuff around, and this will often feel like you’re giving up very little to draw two and get a Map token, and that’s some serious value
2.5 This probably isn’t quite Deadly Dispute, but I think that’s a pretty good comparison. This format has lots and lots of expendable stuff around, and this will often feel like you’re giving up very little to draw two and get a Map token, and that’s some serious value
Attentive Sunscribe
2.5 There are some vehicles in the set, in addition to many White cards that like it when you tap your stuff. This adds a decent bonus to those effects, while also being an early artifact to get those kinds of things going.
2.5 There are some vehicles in the set, in addition to many White cards that like it when you tap your stuff. This adds a decent bonus to those effects, while also being an early artifact to get those kinds of things going.
Adaptive Gemguard
2.5 4-mana 3/3s have not performed well of late. The fact aggro decks can just attack into them with their two and three drops while they hold up a combat trick has been a real problem. This one can get bigger if you have artifacts and creatures lying around, and that’s certainly doable. It even counts itself for the effect.
2.5 4-mana 3/3s have not performed well of late. The fact aggro decks can just attack into them with their two and three drops while they hold up a combat trick has been a real problem. This one can get bigger if you have artifacts and creatures lying around, and that’s certainly doable. It even counts itself for the effect.
Abrade
4.0 This is great every time it gets printed, and it might actually be better here. Two for 3 damage at instant speed is already premium, but this format has a ton of artifacts and artifact creatures too, and this can also destroy those outright.
4.0 This is great every time it gets printed, and it might actually be better here. Two for 3 damage at instant speed is already premium, but this format has a ton of artifacts and artifact creatures too, and this can also destroy those outright.
Armored Kincaller
3.0 This will gain you three pretty often in Green, and that’s a pretty good ETB to have on a three mana 3/3
3.0 This will gain you three pretty often in Green, and that’s a pretty good ETB to have on a three mana 3/3
Out of Air
2.0 So, this is either a Harder-to-cast Essence Scatter, or a harder-to-cast Counterspell. I’m not super enthusiastic about either of those modes. Countermagic that costs double blue can be rough in Limited, because you are far from guaranteed to have it up when you need to. That’s sort of true of all counterspells, but one with more mana intensive requirements in a format where your mana just isn’t very good is extra hard to use
2.0 So, this is either a Harder-to-cast Essence Scatter, or a harder-to-cast Counterspell. I’m not super enthusiastic about either of those modes. Countermagic that costs double blue can be rough in Limited, because you are far from guaranteed to have it up when you need to. That’s sort of true of all counterspells, but one with more mana intensive requirements in a format where your mana just isn’t very good is extra hard to use
Hidden Necropolis
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
Pack 1 Pick 6: Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar
Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar
3.5 A three mana 3/3 that shuts off your opponent’s spells during your turn is something that always makes the cut, and this comes with some awesome upside, since it will draw you a few cards sometimes. The easiest way to make this do its thing is to get +1/+1 counters with Explore, but any stats boost on your creatures will work
3.5 A three mana 3/3 that shuts off your opponent’s spells during your turn is something that always makes the cut, and this comes with some awesome upside, since it will draw you a few cards sometimes. The easiest way to make this do its thing is to get +1/+1 counters with Explore, but any stats boost on your creatures will work
Sinuous Benthisaur
0.0 // 4.0 This has some insane potential. Even if you just have two caves, this is a 6-mana 4/4 that draws you two cards. That’s really amazing, and even with one cave it’s a passible card. Now…if there are no Caves around it’s awful, but if your deck has 4 or more caves in it, you’re going to be happy to play this most of the time
0.0 // 4.0 This has some insane potential. Even if you just have two caves, this is a 6-mana 4/4 that draws you two cards. That’s really amazing, and even with one cave it’s a passible card. Now…if there are no Caves around it’s awful, but if your deck has 4 or more caves in it, you’re going to be happy to play this most of the time
Envoy of Okinec Ahau
2.5 Solid base stats, and a passable mana sink ability. Not much more to say about it.
2.5 Solid base stats, and a passable mana sink ability. Not much more to say about it.
Fungal Fortitude
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
Poison Dart Frog
3.0 This fixes your mana, ramps you, and can even trade for anything. That last part is nice, because mana dorks have diminishing returns the longer the game goes, but this one will also do something
3.0 This fixes your mana, ramps you, and can even trade for anything. That last part is nice, because mana dorks have diminishing returns the longer the game goes, but this one will also do something
Fanatical Offering
2.5 This probably isn’t quite Deadly Dispute, but I think that’s a pretty good comparison. This format has lots and lots of expendable stuff around, and this will often feel like you’re giving up very little to draw two and get a Map token, and that’s some serious value
2.5 This probably isn’t quite Deadly Dispute, but I think that’s a pretty good comparison. This format has lots and lots of expendable stuff around, and this will often feel like you’re giving up very little to draw two and get a Map token, and that’s some serious value
Thousand Moons Crackshot
1.5 Sometimes you’ll be able to attack with this and really open the floodgates on your opponent by getting their best blocker out of the way, but three mana is a lot, and your opponent also always knows this is coming, making it a lot less useful. You’re rarely going to use this ability early, and by the late game it has some diminishing returns.
1.5 Sometimes you’ll be able to attack with this and really open the floodgates on your opponent by getting their best blocker out of the way, but three mana is a lot, and your opponent also always knows this is coming, making it a lot less useful. You’re rarely going to use this ability early, and by the late game it has some diminishing returns.
Frilled Cave-Wurm
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
Seeker of Sunlight
0.0 A one mana 1/1 just isn’t’ a stat-line that stays relevant, and while this has the ability to stay more relevant thanks to it’s activated ability, it’s costly enough and clunky enough at sorcery speed that it is only something you’re going to start using in the extreme late game. This is bad at virtually every other stage
0.0 A one mana 1/1 just isn’t’ a stat-line that stays relevant, and while this has the ability to stay more relevant thanks to it’s activated ability, it’s costly enough and clunky enough at sorcery speed that it is only something you’re going to start using in the extreme late game. This is bad at virtually every other stage
Hidden Nursery
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
Pack 1 Pick 7: Staggering Size
Kaslem's Stonetree
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
Dead Weight
3.5 This is good every time we see it, especially because they tend to put it in formats where you can get some extra value out of it. One mana for -2/-2 is already premium, as you can trade up all the time, but the extra value in this format comes as a result of all of the Descend. Permanents that are removal spells are going to give you some nice extra value, and that’s certainly true here
3.5 This is good every time we see it, especially because they tend to put it in formats where you can get some extra value out of it. One mana for -2/-2 is already premium, as you can trade up all the time, but the extra value in this format comes as a result of all of the Descend. Permanents that are removal spells are going to give you some nice extra value, and that’s certainly true here
Staggering Size
2.0 This offers a big enough boost to make a creature win combat pretty often, and trample can result in some pretty serious damage to your opponent too. I think you’ll play one of these in lots of aggressive Green decks
2.0 This offers a big enough boost to make a creature win combat pretty often, and trample can result in some pretty serious damage to your opponent too. I think you’ll play one of these in lots of aggressive Green decks
Miner's Guidewing
2.0 A one mana 1/1 with Flying and Vigilance isn’t a great card on its own, but getting to explore when it dies is pretty sweet. You do need another creature around for that part to matter, though.
2.0 A one mana 1/1 with Flying and Vigilance isn’t a great card on its own, but getting to explore when it dies is pretty sweet. You do need another creature around for that part to matter, though.
Pathfinding Axejaw
3.5 This will either be a 4-mana 5/4 with Surveil 1, or a 4-mana 4/3 that draws you a card. Both of those are pretty nice for the cost.
3.5 This will either be a 4-mana 5/4 with Surveil 1, or a 4-mana 4/3 that draws you a card. Both of those are pretty nice for the cost.
Cartographer's Companion
2.0 This doesn’t feel like a great rate to me. You can sort of look at it as a 4-mana 2/1 that draws you a card or a 4-mana 3/2 with some card selection, and neither of those is very good…but there are some decks in the format that want cards that make two artifacts, as well as decks that want to explore and so forth, so it’s probably not terrible
2.0 This doesn’t feel like a great rate to me. You can sort of look at it as a 4-mana 2/1 that draws you a card or a 4-mana 3/2 with some card selection, and neither of those is very good…but there are some decks in the format that want cards that make two artifacts, as well as decks that want to explore and so forth, so it’s probably not terrible
Tectonic Hazard
0.5 This is sideboard material, your opponent has to have a ton of X/1s for this to be worth it.
0.5 This is sideboard material, your opponent has to have a ton of X/1s for this to be worth it.
Runaway Boulder
1.5 Lots of decks want to run as many permanents as possible because of Descend, and the Boulder gives you a removal spell that is still a permanent. Now…it is very far from being efficient, but it does deal with most things, and you can also cycle it away – which also matters for Descend. With all that in mind, it will definitely make the cut a decent chunk of the time
1.5 Lots of decks want to run as many permanents as possible because of Descend, and the Boulder gives you a removal spell that is still a permanent. Now…it is very far from being efficient, but it does deal with most things, and you can also cycle it away – which also matters for Descend. With all that in mind, it will definitely make the cut a decent chunk of the time
Captivating Cave
2.0 Filter lands have been performing better, of late, at least in sets with multicolor themes, and while this set one doesn’t have a strong one of those, the fact this has a useful sub type and can be used to put some counters on stuff, while also setting up Descend, probably means it’s decent enough
2.0 Filter lands have been performing better, of late, at least in sets with multicolor themes, and while this set one doesn’t have a strong one of those, the fact this has a useful sub type and can be used to put some counters on stuff, while also setting up Descend, probably means it’s decent enough
Pack 1 Pick 8: River Herald Guide
Bartolomé del Presidio
3.0 Gobbling up expendable creatures and map tokens to get bigger is pretty nice. The best thing about this card is that it doesn’t have the restrictions we often see on this kind of effect these days – you can use it as many times a turn as you want, and it doesn’t cost any mana. This means just attacking with Bartolome is going to give your opponent a headache, as things could go very wrong no matter what they decide to do. Sacrificing to this also triggers things that care about descend
3.0 Gobbling up expendable creatures and map tokens to get bigger is pretty nice. The best thing about this card is that it doesn’t have the restrictions we often see on this kind of effect these days – you can use it as many times a turn as you want, and it doesn’t cost any mana. This means just attacking with Bartolome is going to give your opponent a headache, as things could go very wrong no matter what they decide to do. Sacrificing to this also triggers things that care about descend
Chart a Course
3.0 It is two mana to draw two reasonably often, and that’s an insane deal. Even when you can’t quite make that happen, two mana to draw two and discard 1 isn’t a bad deal, especially in a format with graveyard stuff all over the place
3.0 It is two mana to draw two reasonably often, and that’s an insane deal. Even when you can’t quite make that happen, two mana to draw two and discard 1 isn’t a bad deal, especially in a format with graveyard stuff all over the place
Family Reunion
2.0 I like this take on a mass pump effect. White can go wide, as usual, in this format, so buffing everything is a big game sometimes, but having the hexproof option attached is nice too, as it makes this useful in a wider variety of situations – namely, at times when your opponent tries to remove one of your creatures. The total package is a solid card you’re going to want one of in a lot of your White creature-heavy decks.
2.0 I like this take on a mass pump effect. White can go wide, as usual, in this format, so buffing everything is a big game sometimes, but having the hexproof option attached is nice too, as it makes this useful in a wider variety of situations – namely, at times when your opponent tries to remove one of your creatures. The total package is a solid card you’re going to want one of in a lot of your White creature-heavy decks.
Shipwreck Sentry
2.0 We see two mana 3/3s with Defender that can only attack when X happens in a turn, and they always end up being decent. Even when they can’t attack, they have nice bodies that your opponent usually can’t just attack into, and on the turns they can rumble, they are pretty good at that too
2.0 We see two mana 3/3s with Defender that can only attack when X happens in a turn, and they always end up being decent. Even when they can’t attack, they have nice bodies that your opponent usually can’t just attack into, and on the turns they can rumble, they are pretty good at that too
Malamet Scythe
2.0 When you use this as a combat trick, it’s going to feel pretty good. After all, it helps your creature win combat and keeps +2/+2 sticking around. After that initial equip, having to pay 4 at a time to move this will feel rough, but if you’ve already traded one-for-one, we’re just talking about upside at that point.
2.0 When you use this as a combat trick, it’s going to feel pretty good. After all, it helps your creature win combat and keeps +2/+2 sticking around. After that initial equip, having to pay 4 at a time to move this will feel rough, but if you’ve already traded one-for-one, we’re just talking about upside at that point.
River Herald Guide
3.0 This is another Explore ETB creature that gives you a really good rate, regardless of which Explore thing happens
3.0 This is another Explore ETB creature that gives you a really good rate, regardless of which Explore thing happens
Fungal Fortitude
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
Pack 1 Pick 9: Malamet Scythe
Hit the Mother Lode
0.0 Discover 10 sounds exciting, but you’re pretty likely to hit something much cheaper in most Limited decks, and by the time you’re casting this, you’re probably not desperate for treasure
0.0 Discover 10 sounds exciting, but you’re pretty likely to hit something much cheaper in most Limited decks, and by the time you’re casting this, you’re probably not desperate for treasure
In the Presence of Ages
2.5 I think you’ll want one of these in most Green decks. It helps you load the yard while drawing you a couple of cards in most cases
2.5 I think you’ll want one of these in most Green decks. It helps you load the yard while drawing you a couple of cards in most cases
Sunfire Torch
2.0 So…this is a really roundabout Shock. It takes some extra steps, and more total mana, but eventually it does 2 to something! You can also keep it around for a meager power boost if you want. Being an artifact and a card that can put itself into the graveyard has extra value here too, but I do think this takes too much work to really be looked at as premium removal.
2.0 So…this is a really roundabout Shock. It takes some extra steps, and more total mana, but eventually it does 2 to something! You can also keep it around for a meager power boost if you want. Being an artifact and a card that can put itself into the graveyard has extra value here too, but I do think this takes too much work to really be looked at as premium removal.
Malamet Scythe
2.0 When you use this as a combat trick, it’s going to feel pretty good. After all, it helps your creature win combat and keeps +2/+2 sticking around. After that initial equip, having to pay 4 at a time to move this will feel rough, but if you’ve already traded one-for-one, we’re just talking about upside at that point.
2.0 When you use this as a combat trick, it’s going to feel pretty good. After all, it helps your creature win combat and keeps +2/+2 sticking around. After that initial equip, having to pay 4 at a time to move this will feel rough, but if you’ve already traded one-for-one, we’re just talking about upside at that point.
Thousand Moons Infantry
2.0 A three mana 2/4 with kind-of sort-of vigilance is decent, and the idea here is to get multiple taps out of the Infantry for your cards that want you tap creatures or artifacts for effects. I can see this performing that role decently enough
2.0 A three mana 2/4 with kind-of sort-of vigilance is decent, and the idea here is to get multiple taps out of the Infantry for your cards that want you tap creatures or artifacts for effects. I can see this performing that role decently enough
Relic's Roar
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
Dinotomaton
3.0 A 4-mana 4/3 Menace is pretty close to a 2.5, so the upside of giving something else menace right away is pretty nice! It won’t always enable a good attack, but it will pretty frequently, especially if you’re curving out
3.0 A 4-mana 4/3 Menace is pretty close to a 2.5, so the upside of giving something else menace right away is pretty nice! It won’t always enable a good attack, but it will pretty frequently, especially if you’re curving out
Pack 1 Pick 10: Forgotten Monument
Forgotten Monument
2.0 This tries to address the problem that most caves only produce colorless, and that’s a huge hit to your mana base if you’re not careful. If you do have enough Caves, this provides some nice fixing, but if you’re really reliant on getting this for your fixing your’e going to be in some trouble
2.0 This tries to address the problem that most caves only produce colorless, and that’s a huge hit to your mana base if you’re not careful. If you do have enough Caves, this provides some nice fixing, but if you’re really reliant on getting this for your fixing your’e going to be in some trouble
Kaslem's Stonetree
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
Acrobatic Leap
1.5 One mana tricks that give +1/+3 are rarely worthwhile in Limited. The boost is enough to save a creature in combat, but not enough to help it win combat often enough. The flying and untap angle here do make it so you can both punch in for lethal in the air or ambush a flyer, but those use cases are all much too frequent for this to be something that makes the cut in all your white aggro decks.
1.5 One mana tricks that give +1/+3 are rarely worthwhile in Limited. The boost is enough to save a creature in combat, but not enough to help it win combat often enough. The flying and untap angle here do make it so you can both punch in for lethal in the air or ambush a flyer, but those use cases are all much too frequent for this to be something that makes the cut in all your white aggro decks.
Unlucky Drop
3.0 Because it puts the creature back in your opponents deck, it does actually let you trade 1-for-1, and that’s important. Keep in mind your opponent makes the choice about where to put the card. This does get a small knock simply for not being a permanent, in a color where permanents really matter
3.0 Because it puts the creature back in your opponents deck, it does actually let you trade 1-for-1, and that’s important. Keep in mind your opponent makes the choice about where to put the card. This does get a small knock simply for not being a permanent, in a color where permanents really matter
Relic's Roar
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
Thousand Moons Crackshot
1.5 Sometimes you’ll be able to attack with this and really open the floodgates on your opponent by getting their best blocker out of the way, but three mana is a lot, and your opponent also always knows this is coming, making it a lot less useful. You’re rarely going to use this ability early, and by the late game it has some diminishing returns.
1.5 Sometimes you’ll be able to attack with this and really open the floodgates on your opponent by getting their best blocker out of the way, but three mana is a lot, and your opponent also always knows this is coming, making it a lot less useful. You’re rarely going to use this ability early, and by the late game it has some diminishing returns.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Out of Air
Malamet Veteran
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
Family Reunion
2.0 I like this take on a mass pump effect. White can go wide, as usual, in this format, so buffing everything is a big game sometimes, but having the hexproof option attached is nice too, as it makes this useful in a wider variety of situations – namely, at times when your opponent tries to remove one of your creatures. The total package is a solid card you’re going to want one of in a lot of your White creature-heavy decks.
2.0 I like this take on a mass pump effect. White can go wide, as usual, in this format, so buffing everything is a big game sometimes, but having the hexproof option attached is nice too, as it makes this useful in a wider variety of situations – namely, at times when your opponent tries to remove one of your creatures. The total package is a solid card you’re going to want one of in a lot of your White creature-heavy decks.
Out of Air
2.0 So, this is either a Harder-to-cast Essence Scatter, or a harder-to-cast Counterspell. I’m not super enthusiastic about either of those modes. Countermagic that costs double blue can be rough in Limited, because you are far from guaranteed to have it up when you need to. That’s sort of true of all counterspells, but one with more mana intensive requirements in a format where your mana just isn’t very good is extra hard to use
2.0 So, this is either a Harder-to-cast Essence Scatter, or a harder-to-cast Counterspell. I’m not super enthusiastic about either of those modes. Countermagic that costs double blue can be rough in Limited, because you are far from guaranteed to have it up when you need to. That’s sort of true of all counterspells, but one with more mana intensive requirements in a format where your mana just isn’t very good is extra hard to use
Thousand Moons Crackshot
1.5 Sometimes you’ll be able to attack with this and really open the floodgates on your opponent by getting their best blocker out of the way, but three mana is a lot, and your opponent also always knows this is coming, making it a lot less useful. You’re rarely going to use this ability early, and by the late game it has some diminishing returns.
1.5 Sometimes you’ll be able to attack with this and really open the floodgates on your opponent by getting their best blocker out of the way, but three mana is a lot, and your opponent also always knows this is coming, making it a lot less useful. You’re rarely going to use this ability early, and by the late game it has some diminishing returns.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Malamet Veteran
Quicksand Whirlpool
2.5 Casting this for six is kind of rough, but casting it for three is solid enough, especially in less aggressive decks.
2.5 Casting this for six is kind of rough, but casting it for three is solid enough, especially in less aggressive decks.
Orazca Puzzle-Door
2.5 It’s an artifact, which some Blue decks care about, and it puts two cards into your graveyard all on its own, something other Blue decks care about. Mix that in with the fact that what this does for the cost is kind of passable anyway, and I think we’re talking about a solid playable
2.5 It’s an artifact, which some Blue decks care about, and it puts two cards into your graveyard all on its own, something other Blue decks care about. Mix that in with the fact that what this does for the cost is kind of passable anyway, and I think we’re talking about a solid playable
Malamet Veteran
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
Pack 1 Pick 13: Oteclan Landmark
Oteclan Landmark
3.0 One mana to scry 2 isn’t very good, even in a format where you can sacrifice or tap this for value. But…this is way more than that, because crafting it isn’t a hug challenge, and the creature you get is a legitimate threat, because giving flying to your other attackers makes for a powerful effect. Between the format’s artifact synergy, and this card’s upside, this looks like a really nice Common to me
3.0 One mana to scry 2 isn’t very good, even in a format where you can sacrifice or tap this for value. But…this is way more than that, because crafting it isn’t a hug challenge, and the creature you get is a legitimate threat, because giving flying to your other attackers makes for a powerful effect. Between the format’s artifact synergy, and this card’s upside, this looks like a really nice Common to me
Fanatical Offering
2.5 This probably isn’t quite Deadly Dispute, but I think that’s a pretty good comparison. This format has lots and lots of expendable stuff around, and this will often feel like you’re giving up very little to draw two and get a Map token, and that’s some serious value
2.5 This probably isn’t quite Deadly Dispute, but I think that’s a pretty good comparison. This format has lots and lots of expendable stuff around, and this will often feel like you’re giving up very little to draw two and get a Map token, and that’s some serious value
Out of Air
2.0 So, this is either a Harder-to-cast Essence Scatter, or a harder-to-cast Counterspell. I’m not super enthusiastic about either of those modes. Countermagic that costs double blue can be rough in Limited, because you are far from guaranteed to have it up when you need to. That’s sort of true of all counterspells, but one with more mana intensive requirements in a format where your mana just isn’t very good is extra hard to use
2.0 So, this is either a Harder-to-cast Essence Scatter, or a harder-to-cast Counterspell. I’m not super enthusiastic about either of those modes. Countermagic that costs double blue can be rough in Limited, because you are far from guaranteed to have it up when you need to. That’s sort of true of all counterspells, but one with more mana intensive requirements in a format where your mana just isn’t very good is extra hard to use
Pack 1 Pick 14: Thousand Moons Crackshot
Fungal Fortitude
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
Thousand Moons Crackshot
1.5 Sometimes you’ll be able to attack with this and really open the floodgates on your opponent by getting their best blocker out of the way, but three mana is a lot, and your opponent also always knows this is coming, making it a lot less useful. You’re rarely going to use this ability early, and by the late game it has some diminishing returns.
1.5 Sometimes you’ll be able to attack with this and really open the floodgates on your opponent by getting their best blocker out of the way, but three mana is a lot, and your opponent also always knows this is coming, making it a lot less useful. You’re rarely going to use this ability early, and by the late game it has some diminishing returns.
Pack 1 Pick 15: Kaslem's Stonetree
Kaslem's Stonetree
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
Pack 2 Pick 1: Restless Anchorage
Restless Anchorage
4.0 Like all the cards in this cycle, the fixes your mana and has the ability to become very relevant creatures in the later stages of the game – creatures that are largely immune to Sorcery-speed removal. And never underestimate how big of a deal it is that one of your lands that produced mana for you early, remains a very real card late. This one even has evasion and generates Map tokens, which makes it really impactful
4.0 Like all the cards in this cycle, the fixes your mana and has the ability to become very relevant creatures in the later stages of the game – creatures that are largely immune to Sorcery-speed removal. And never underestimate how big of a deal it is that one of your lands that produced mana for you early, remains a very real card late. This one even has evasion and generates Map tokens, which makes it really impactful
Hoverstone Pilgrim
2.5 A 5-mana 2/5 Flyer with Ward 2 isn’t the worst thing ever, and this can really strip the graveyard bare. Alternatively, you can use it to put your own stuff back into your library, something that might actually matter in this format, where it looks possible to go pretty hard on milling yourself. Once you’re down to your last few cards, getting to decide what you’re going to draw always feels pretty sweet
2.5 A 5-mana 2/5 Flyer with Ward 2 isn’t the worst thing ever, and this can really strip the graveyard bare. Alternatively, you can use it to put your own stuff back into your library, something that might actually matter in this format, where it looks possible to go pretty hard on milling yourself. Once you’re down to your last few cards, getting to decide what you’re going to draw always feels pretty sweet
Zoyowa Lava-Tongue
3.0 A two mana 2/2 death touch is a solid enough starting point, so the fact that Zoyowa gives you such a huge bonus for descending is amazing. ESPECIALLY if you manage to start triggering him in the early game, which looks more than doable in the format. If your opponent can’t deal with him and you start making your opponent make these choices, none of them are going to feel very good. In the late game, they get a lot less impressive
3.0 A two mana 2/2 death touch is a solid enough starting point, so the fact that Zoyowa gives you such a huge bonus for descending is amazing. ESPECIALLY if you manage to start triggering him in the early game, which looks more than doable in the format. If your opponent can’t deal with him and you start making your opponent make these choices, none of them are going to feel very good. In the late game, they get a lot less impressive
Spyglass Siren
3.0 This looks like a great one drop. It reminds me a bit of Voldaren Epicure, and that’s some great company to keep. You get a decent enough one mana 1/1 Flyer, and then some additional value on top of that? Value that has some format-specific synergy? Yeah, this is good
3.0 This looks like a great one drop. It reminds me a bit of Voldaren Epicure, and that’s some great company to keep. You get a decent enough one mana 1/1 Flyer, and then some additional value on top of that? Value that has some format-specific synergy? Yeah, this is good
Visage of Dread
3.0 This will hit a card in your opponent's hand every single time on turn two, and it will often have a card to hit much later than that. It does have the potential of feeling terrible when you wiff, but it makes up for that with the Craft upside, which is likely going to be accessible by the stage of the game when it does wiff. Disrupting the opponent early and getting a big monster late will feel best of course.
3.0 This will hit a card in your opponent's hand every single time on turn two, and it will often have a card to hit much later than that. It does have the potential of feeling terrible when you wiff, but it makes up for that with the Craft upside, which is likely going to be accessible by the stage of the game when it does wiff. Disrupting the opponent early and getting a big monster late will feel best of course.
Deconstruction Hammer
3.0 One to play and one to equip for +1/+1 is a borderline playable, and this set has more than enough targets for the disenchant effect for this to turn into a removal spell. I think this will be a surprisingly good Common, because it can destroy so many permanents in the format.
3.0 One to play and one to equip for +1/+1 is a borderline playable, and this set has more than enough targets for the disenchant effect for this to turn into a removal spell. I think this will be a surprisingly good Common, because it can destroy so many permanents in the format.
Volatile Wanderglyph
2.0 This will let you rummage when you attack or crew a vehicle, but perhaps most importantly, it lets you do it when you tap it using one of the many cards in this format that lets you tap artifacts and creatures for value. It doesn’t seem essential for that type of deck, but it certainly seems useful.
2.0 This will let you rummage when you attack or crew a vehicle, but perhaps most importantly, it lets you do it when you tap it using one of the many cards in this format that lets you tap artifacts and creatures for value. It doesn’t seem essential for that type of deck, but it certainly seems useful.
Another Chance
2.5 Playing one copy of this effect is usually a good idea in Black decks in Limited, but that’s even more the case in this format, since milling yourself and loading the graveyard in general is easier than normal, and there are more payoffs than normal for doing it too. You still probably don’t want more than one of these, but that first copy is something I’m going to value pretty highly for a common
2.5 Playing one copy of this effect is usually a good idea in Black decks in Limited, but that’s even more the case in this format, since milling yourself and loading the graveyard in general is easier than normal, and there are more payoffs than normal for doing it too. You still probably don’t want more than one of these, but that first copy is something I’m going to value pretty highly for a common
Soaring Sandwing
1.5 So, the landyclers in Blue, Black, and Green all really interest me because of the descent mechanic. White doesn’t really have that going on, though you might be able to use it with craft at least. Still… I think that makes this a little less useful. You can throw this away early to hit a land drop, and in the late game if you gives you a beefy creature that can gain you life, which can sometimes help you stabilize
1.5 So, the landyclers in Blue, Black, and Green all really interest me because of the descent mechanic. White doesn’t really have that going on, though you might be able to use it with craft at least. Still… I think that makes this a little less useful. You can throw this away early to hit a land drop, and in the late game if you gives you a beefy creature that can gain you life, which can sometimes help you stabilize
Disturbed Slumber
0.0 This effect is basically never worth it. I get it, you can ambush your opponent’s attacker with a land, or suddenly do 4 out of nowhere, but the times where that’s actually worth a card are infrequent. I’d rather have something that permanently adds to the board
0.0 This effect is basically never worth it. I get it, you can ambush your opponent’s attacker with a land, or suddenly do 4 out of nowhere, but the times where that’s actually worth a card are infrequent. I’d rather have something that permanently adds to the board
Frilled Cave-Wurm
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
Deathcap Marionette
2.0 We’ve already seen that descending is a key part of what Black wants to do in this format, and the Marionette helps you do it while being capable of trading with anything thanks to death touch
2.0 We’ve already seen that descending is a key part of what Black wants to do in this format, and the Marionette helps you do it while being capable of trading with anything thanks to death touch
Etali's Favor
1.0 You just don’t want to pay for that stats boost when you’re seriously risking getting 2-for-1’d. The Discover part does mean that this makes sure to give you back a card, but the card you get back won’t be impressive enough to offset this card’s weak effect, at least not enough for this to be the kind of Red card you’re interesting in playing consistently
1.0 You just don’t want to pay for that stats boost when you’re seriously risking getting 2-for-1’d. The Discover part does mean that this makes sure to give you back a card, but the card you get back won’t be impressive enough to offset this card’s weak effect, at least not enough for this to be the kind of Red card you’re interesting in playing consistently
Fanatical Offering
2.5 This probably isn’t quite Deadly Dispute, but I think that’s a pretty good comparison. This format has lots and lots of expendable stuff around, and this will often feel like you’re giving up very little to draw two and get a Map token, and that’s some serious value
2.5 This probably isn’t quite Deadly Dispute, but I think that’s a pretty good comparison. This format has lots and lots of expendable stuff around, and this will often feel like you’re giving up very little to draw two and get a Map token, and that’s some serious value
Hidden Cataract
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
Pack 2 Pick 2: Echoing Deeps
Echoing Deeps
1.5 There aren’t that many lands it will be exciting to copy, but I guess copying some of the Discover lands isn’t too bad. Still, this will only produce colorless mana if you get it early and that’s pretty rough
1.5 There aren’t that many lands it will be exciting to copy, but I guess copying some of the Discover lands isn’t too bad. Still, this will only produce colorless mana if you get it early and that’s pretty rough
Goldfury Strider
2.0 The base stats here are very underwhelming, and the idea here is that you can use some combination of artifacts and creature tokens that are available in the set to make this a 5/5 trampler, in which case you’re talking about something significantly more impressive. It is a pretty big bummer that you have to do it at sorcery speed, as the threat of activation here would make it a lot better. You’re just…not always going to have the extra stuff around to buff this, and even when you do, I don’t think you’re going to feel like you’re doing something all that impressive.
2.0 The base stats here are very underwhelming, and the idea here is that you can use some combination of artifacts and creature tokens that are available in the set to make this a 5/5 trampler, in which case you’re talking about something significantly more impressive. It is a pretty big bummer that you have to do it at sorcery speed, as the threat of activation here would make it a lot better. You’re just…not always going to have the extra stuff around to buff this, and even when you do, I don’t think you’re going to feel like you’re doing something all that impressive.
Market Gnome
3.0 This is great sacrifice and craft fodder. Both of those look doable in White.
3.0 This is great sacrifice and craft fodder. Both of those look doable in White.
Sunbird Standard
2.0 We’ve seen time and time again, a three mana artifact that taps for mana of any color isn’t playable in Limited. It’s just too slow, and a mana boost like this just isn’t worth a card most of the time. However…this obviously has some real upside, since it can turn into a creature. And it can do it fairly flexibly, since it can exile any permanent type. That said, it is usually going to be a 2/2 Flyer that can tap for two mana – which is nice, but the set up cost of getting there is pretty significant. It takes quite the mana investment, even if the Standard itself can be used
2.0 We’ve seen time and time again, a three mana artifact that taps for mana of any color isn’t playable in Limited. It’s just too slow, and a mana boost like this just isn’t worth a card most of the time. However…this obviously has some real upside, since it can turn into a creature. And it can do it fairly flexibly, since it can exile any permanent type. That said, it is usually going to be a 2/2 Flyer that can tap for two mana – which is nice, but the set up cost of getting there is pretty significant. It takes quite the mana investment, even if the Standard itself can be used
Seeker of Sunlight
0.0 A one mana 1/1 just isn’t’ a stat-line that stays relevant, and while this has the ability to stay more relevant thanks to it’s activated ability, it’s costly enough and clunky enough at sorcery speed that it is only something you’re going to start using in the extreme late game. This is bad at virtually every other stage
0.0 A one mana 1/1 just isn’t’ a stat-line that stays relevant, and while this has the ability to stay more relevant thanks to it’s activated ability, it’s costly enough and clunky enough at sorcery speed that it is only something you’re going to start using in the extreme late game. This is bad at virtually every other stage
Child of the Volcano
2.0 Hill Giant statlines have been bad lately. But, if this can consistently come down as a 4/4, it will feel pretty nice, and that seems doable. After all, all that needs to happen is you attack and your opponent decides to trade, things like that. Then, it has the potential to grow easily on subsequent turns too, especially when paired with the more graveyard-oriented colors like Black and Blue
2.0 Hill Giant statlines have been bad lately. But, if this can consistently come down as a 4/4, it will feel pretty nice, and that seems doable. After all, all that needs to happen is you attack and your opponent decides to trade, things like that. Then, it has the potential to grow easily on subsequent turns too, especially when paired with the more graveyard-oriented colors like Black and Blue
Relic's Roar
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
Panicked Altisaur
2.0 This seems solid for five mana. It’s hard to attack through, and it can chip away at your opponent in the late game
2.0 This seems solid for five mana. It’s hard to attack through, and it can chip away at your opponent in the late game
Hotfoot Gnome
2.0 A three mana 3/1 with Haste with a useful card type in Artifact is probably a 1.5, but it’s nice this can tap to give things haste. Once it isn’t a very good attacker on its own – which will be often – it can at least make your other creatures into better attackers. Still, this isn’t nearly as good as one mana 1/1s with this ability that we’ve seen in the recent past
2.0 A three mana 3/1 with Haste with a useful card type in Artifact is probably a 1.5, but it’s nice this can tap to give things haste. Once it isn’t a very good attacker on its own – which will be often – it can at least make your other creatures into better attackers. Still, this isn’t nearly as good as one mana 1/1s with this ability that we’ve seen in the recent past
Petrify
2.0 They really are giving Pacifism upside these days! This one can shut off abilities and hit artifacts too! The problem with this card in this format is that there is a prominent sacrifice theme, and even an entire mechanic – in Craft – that lets you exile permanents you control, there’s also a bunch of cards that let you tap your creatures and artifacts for value, and so on. In other words, Petrify will have a hard time giving you a full card of value consistently, because your opponent will still be able to do enough stuff with their permanents that this doesn’t shut the card down entirely
2.0 They really are giving Pacifism upside these days! This one can shut off abilities and hit artifacts too! The problem with this card in this format is that there is a prominent sacrifice theme, and even an entire mechanic – in Craft – that lets you exile permanents you control, there’s also a bunch of cards that let you tap your creatures and artifacts for value, and so on. In other words, Petrify will have a hard time giving you a full card of value consistently, because your opponent will still be able to do enough stuff with their permanents that this doesn’t shut the card down entirely
Didact Echo
3.0 A 5-mana 3/2 that draws you a card is already kind of passable – after all, it can generate a 2-for-1. But..if this always had Flying? It would be an amazing Common. While it having flying won't be that automatic, Descend 4 does seem fairly achievable by turn 5 for Blue decks in this format
3.0 A 5-mana 3/2 that draws you a card is already kind of passable – after all, it can generate a 2-for-1. But..if this always had Flying? It would be an amazing Common. While it having flying won't be that automatic, Descend 4 does seem fairly achievable by turn 5 for Blue decks in this format
Fungal Fortitude
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
River Herald Scout
3.0 You would happily play a two mana 2/3 with Surveil one, and you’d happily play a two mana ½ that draws you a card, and you’re getting one of those every time you cast it
3.0 You would happily play a two mana 2/3 with Surveil one, and you’d happily play a two mana ½ that draws you a card, and you’re getting one of those every time you cast it
Promising Vein
2.5 In the Lord of the Rings set, we saw that an Evolving Wilds that can tap for mana, but costs 1 generic to sacrifice, was a pretty big downgrade from a traditional Evolving Wilds. Having to pay one just makes a world of difference. That said, it does have a useful subtype in this set, and that probably means it will be a bit more useful than its predecessor.
2.5 In the Lord of the Rings set, we saw that an Evolving Wilds that can tap for mana, but costs 1 generic to sacrifice, was a pretty big downgrade from a traditional Evolving Wilds. Having to pay one just makes a world of difference. That said, it does have a useful subtype in this set, and that probably means it will be a bit more useful than its predecessor.
Pack 2 Pick 3: Rampaging Ceratops
Rampaging Ceratops
2.0 This has solid stats and blocking it is no easy task.
2.0 This has solid stats and blocking it is no easy task.
Scampering Surveyor
3.5 Skittering Surveyor has a friend, I guess. And it looks pretty good! Ramping your mana, fixing your mana, and even helping you set up cave stuff seems like a pretty good deal when it comes attached to a 4-mana 3/2
3.5 Skittering Surveyor has a friend, I guess. And it looks pretty good! Ramping your mana, fixing your mana, and even helping you set up cave stuff seems like a pretty good deal when it comes attached to a 4-mana 3/2
Twists and Turns
3.5 Scry 1 before you explore is a big upgrade, and obviously this can help you find the lands you need to transform it, and once transformed it's a great late game mana sink. The fact it explores when it ETBs is awesome too! I don't really think this needs a build around grade, since even on its own it seems playable, provided you're a slowish Green deck. And you're pretty likely to have more explore without even trying too
3.5 Scry 1 before you explore is a big upgrade, and obviously this can help you find the lands you need to transform it, and once transformed it's a great late game mana sink. The fact it explores when it ETBs is awesome too! I don't really think this needs a build around grade, since even on its own it seems playable, provided you're a slowish Green deck. And you're pretty likely to have more explore without even trying too
Deep Goblin Skulltaker
2.0 The Gray Ogre statline is ugly, even with Menace, but this can grow without a ton of effort, and obviously the bigger it gets, the better Menace feels
2.0 The Gray Ogre statline is ugly, even with Menace, but this can grow without a ton of effort, and obviously the bigger it gets, the better Menace feels
Petrify
2.0 They really are giving Pacifism upside these days! This one can shut off abilities and hit artifacts too! The problem with this card in this format is that there is a prominent sacrifice theme, and even an entire mechanic – in Craft – that lets you exile permanents you control, there’s also a bunch of cards that let you tap your creatures and artifacts for value, and so on. In other words, Petrify will have a hard time giving you a full card of value consistently, because your opponent will still be able to do enough stuff with their permanents that this doesn’t shut the card down entirely
2.0 They really are giving Pacifism upside these days! This one can shut off abilities and hit artifacts too! The problem with this card in this format is that there is a prominent sacrifice theme, and even an entire mechanic – in Craft – that lets you exile permanents you control, there’s also a bunch of cards that let you tap your creatures and artifacts for value, and so on. In other words, Petrify will have a hard time giving you a full card of value consistently, because your opponent will still be able to do enough stuff with their permanents that this doesn’t shut the card down entirely
Pathfinding Axejaw
3.5 This will either be a 4-mana 5/4 with Surveil 1, or a 4-mana 4/3 that draws you a card. Both of those are pretty nice for the cost.
3.5 This will either be a 4-mana 5/4 with Surveil 1, or a 4-mana 4/3 that draws you a card. Both of those are pretty nice for the cost.
Malamet Veteran
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
Marauding Brinefang
2.5 The common landcyclers feel like they will be extra good in the graveyard decks in the format, and Blue is definitely interested in the graveyard. This is because you can get extra value out of landycling these early – as it puts a permanent into your graveyard. Then, like usual with landcyclers, in the later stage of the game you get a beefy creature
2.5 The common landcyclers feel like they will be extra good in the graveyard decks in the format, and Blue is definitely interested in the graveyard. This is because you can get extra value out of landycling these early – as it puts a permanent into your graveyard. Then, like usual with landcyclers, in the later stage of the game you get a beefy creature
Etali's Favor
1.0 You just don’t want to pay for that stats boost when you’re seriously risking getting 2-for-1’d. The Discover part does mean that this makes sure to give you back a card, but the card you get back won’t be impressive enough to offset this card’s weak effect, at least not enough for this to be the kind of Red card you’re interesting in playing consistently
1.0 You just don’t want to pay for that stats boost when you’re seriously risking getting 2-for-1’d. The Discover part does mean that this makes sure to give you back a card, but the card you get back won’t be impressive enough to offset this card’s weak effect, at least not enough for this to be the kind of Red card you’re interesting in playing consistently
River Herald Scout
3.0 You would happily play a two mana 2/3 with Surveil one, and you’d happily play a two mana ½ that draws you a card, and you’re getting one of those every time you cast it
3.0 You would happily play a two mana 2/3 with Surveil one, and you’d happily play a two mana ½ that draws you a card, and you’re getting one of those every time you cast it
Didact Echo
3.0 A 5-mana 3/2 that draws you a card is already kind of passable – after all, it can generate a 2-for-1. But..if this always had Flying? It would be an amazing Common. While it having flying won't be that automatic, Descend 4 does seem fairly achievable by turn 5 for Blue decks in this format
3.0 A 5-mana 3/2 that draws you a card is already kind of passable – after all, it can generate a 2-for-1. But..if this always had Flying? It would be an amazing Common. While it having flying won't be that automatic, Descend 4 does seem fairly achievable by turn 5 for Blue decks in this format
Mineshaft Spider
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but it does help you with graveyard stuff
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but it does help you with graveyard stuff
Pack 2 Pick 4: The Everflowing Well
The Everflowing Well
3.0 This is divination with upside, and that certainly seems solid enough. Sometimes making another permanent you control into a copy of one you cast will certainly matter – but you have to keep in mind there will be plenty of times where it doesn’t. Plus, transforming this in the first place isn’t exactly a walk in the park, even if it does help you get there itself
3.0 This is divination with upside, and that certainly seems solid enough. Sometimes making another permanent you control into a copy of one you cast will certainly matter – but you have to keep in mind there will be plenty of times where it doesn’t. Plus, transforming this in the first place isn’t exactly a walk in the park, even if it does help you get there itself
Volatile Fault
0.0 There are many nonbasics in this format, but you still don’t want to run this. Destroying a land and letting your opponent search up any basic and getting it untapped just isn’t worth doing, even with a Treasure token attached.
0.0 There are many nonbasics in this format, but you still don’t want to run this. Destroying a land and letting your opponent search up any basic and getting it untapped just isn’t worth doing, even with a Treasure token attached.
Calamitous Cave-In
0.0 // 4.0 Cave decks look pretty legit in this format, and this feels like a card that can really enable that type of deck – it reminds me a lot of Gates Ablaze, a card with a similar sweeper effect that checked for Gates. It will be great if you have lots of Caves, and terrible if you don’t
0.0 // 4.0 Cave decks look pretty legit in this format, and this feels like a card that can really enable that type of deck – it reminds me a lot of Gates Ablaze, a card with a similar sweeper effect that checked for Gates. It will be great if you have lots of Caves, and terrible if you don’t
Mischievous Pup
2.5 This can save a creature from removal or rebuy an ETB, and it can ambush stuff too.
2.5 This can save a creature from removal or rebuy an ETB, and it can ambush stuff too.
Oteclan Landmark
3.0 One mana to scry 2 isn’t very good, even in a format where you can sacrifice or tap this for value. But…this is way more than that, because crafting it isn’t a hug challenge, and the creature you get is a legitimate threat, because giving flying to your other attackers makes for a powerful effect. Between the format’s artifact synergy, and this card’s upside, this looks like a really nice Common to me
3.0 One mana to scry 2 isn’t very good, even in a format where you can sacrifice or tap this for value. But…this is way more than that, because crafting it isn’t a hug challenge, and the creature you get is a legitimate threat, because giving flying to your other attackers makes for a powerful effect. Between the format’s artifact synergy, and this card’s upside, this looks like a really nice Common to me
Greedy Freebooter
1.0 // 3.0 This is some amazing sacrifice fodder, especially because the sacrifice effects in this format let you sacrifice creature or artifacts, and this one card gives you two of those. It does get a lot worse in situations where you can’t sacrifice it easily, as it will be a little more difficult to get a card of value out of it. I think that probably makes it a build around
1.0 // 3.0 This is some amazing sacrifice fodder, especially because the sacrifice effects in this format let you sacrifice creature or artifacts, and this one card gives you two of those. It does get a lot worse in situations where you can’t sacrifice it easily, as it will be a little more difficult to get a card of value out of it. I think that probably makes it a build around
Cartographer's Companion
2.0 This doesn’t feel like a great rate to me. You can sort of look at it as a 4-mana 2/1 that draws you a card or a 4-mana 3/2 with some card selection, and neither of those is very good…but there are some decks in the format that want cards that make two artifacts, as well as decks that want to explore and so forth, so it’s probably not terrible
2.0 This doesn’t feel like a great rate to me. You can sort of look at it as a 4-mana 2/1 that draws you a card or a 4-mana 3/2 with some card selection, and neither of those is very good…but there are some decks in the format that want cards that make two artifacts, as well as decks that want to explore and so forth, so it’s probably not terrible
Over the Edge
2.5 There are enough artifacts and enchantments in this set and – importantly – enough artifact creatures for this to work pretty well as a removal spell. The double Explore mode isn’t too bad either.
2.5 There are enough artifacts and enchantments in this set and – importantly – enough artifact creatures for this to work pretty well as a removal spell. The double Explore mode isn’t too bad either.
Daring Discovery
1.5 If you hit a two drop creature with this, it feels like a 5-mana 2/2 that makes three things unable to block. That’s not too shabby, and sometimes it will be better. Of course, sometimes you’ll also not get a creature at all. Additionally, this effect is highly situational, and not really worth using except in the situation where it allows you to win the game anyway, so I think we have to look at the Discover part almost as an alternate mode that you use when the creatures can’t block part is irrelevant, which will be often
1.5 If you hit a two drop creature with this, it feels like a 5-mana 2/2 that makes three things unable to block. That’s not too shabby, and sometimes it will be better. Of course, sometimes you’ll also not get a creature at all. Additionally, this effect is highly situational, and not really worth using except in the situation where it allows you to win the game anyway, so I think we have to look at the Discover part almost as an alternate mode that you use when the creatures can’t block part is irrelevant, which will be often
Runaway Boulder
1.5 Lots of decks want to run as many permanents as possible because of Descend, and the Boulder gives you a removal spell that is still a permanent. Now…it is very far from being efficient, but it does deal with most things, and you can also cycle it away – which also matters for Descend. With all that in mind, it will definitely make the cut a decent chunk of the time
1.5 Lots of decks want to run as many permanents as possible because of Descend, and the Boulder gives you a removal spell that is still a permanent. Now…it is very far from being efficient, but it does deal with most things, and you can also cycle it away – which also matters for Descend. With all that in mind, it will definitely make the cut a decent chunk of the time
Another Chance
2.5 Playing one copy of this effect is usually a good idea in Black decks in Limited, but that’s even more the case in this format, since milling yourself and loading the graveyard in general is easier than normal, and there are more payoffs than normal for doing it too. You still probably don’t want more than one of these, but that first copy is something I’m going to value pretty highly for a common
2.5 Playing one copy of this effect is usually a good idea in Black decks in Limited, but that’s even more the case in this format, since milling yourself and loading the graveyard in general is easier than normal, and there are more payoffs than normal for doing it too. You still probably don’t want more than one of these, but that first copy is something I’m going to value pretty highly for a common
Pack 2 Pick 5: Armored Kincaller
Captain Storm, Cosmium Raider
3.0 This is a great Artifact payoff in a format with lots of artifacts, and she counts herself, so you’ll always have somewhere to put a counter
3.0 This is a great Artifact payoff in a format with lots of artifacts, and she counts herself, so you’ll always have somewhere to put a counter
Bartolomé del Presidio
3.0 Gobbling up expendable creatures and map tokens to get bigger is pretty nice. The best thing about this card is that it doesn’t have the restrictions we often see on this kind of effect these days – you can use it as many times a turn as you want, and it doesn’t cost any mana. This means just attacking with Bartolome is going to give your opponent a headache, as things could go very wrong no matter what they decide to do. Sacrificing to this also triggers things that care about descend
3.0 Gobbling up expendable creatures and map tokens to get bigger is pretty nice. The best thing about this card is that it doesn’t have the restrictions we often see on this kind of effect these days – you can use it as many times a turn as you want, and it doesn’t cost any mana. This means just attacking with Bartolome is going to give your opponent a headache, as things could go very wrong no matter what they decide to do. Sacrificing to this also triggers things that care about descend
Grasping Shadows
2.0 4 mana is kind of a lot for something that just gives a couple of keywords to a creature, and it only gives it to them when the creature attacks alone. That said, deathtouch + lifelink tends to make it so you can attack with something on most turns, and sometimes it offers a really serious boost. Shadows’ Lair drawing you some cards after all that is pretty sweet too, but this does seem rough on board states where you’re not the beat down. I mean…sometimes you just can’t attack, and this will feel blank when that’s the case
2.0 4 mana is kind of a lot for something that just gives a couple of keywords to a creature, and it only gives it to them when the creature attacks alone. That said, deathtouch + lifelink tends to make it so you can attack with something on most turns, and sometimes it offers a really serious boost. Shadows’ Lair drawing you some cards after all that is pretty sweet too, but this does seem rough on board states where you’re not the beat down. I mean…sometimes you just can’t attack, and this will feel blank when that’s the case
In the Presence of Ages
2.5 I think you’ll want one of these in most Green decks. It helps you load the yard while drawing you a couple of cards in most cases
2.5 I think you’ll want one of these in most Green decks. It helps you load the yard while drawing you a couple of cards in most cases
Etali's Favor
1.0 You just don’t want to pay for that stats boost when you’re seriously risking getting 2-for-1’d. The Discover part does mean that this makes sure to give you back a card, but the card you get back won’t be impressive enough to offset this card’s weak effect, at least not enough for this to be the kind of Red card you’re interesting in playing consistently
1.0 You just don’t want to pay for that stats boost when you’re seriously risking getting 2-for-1’d. The Discover part does mean that this makes sure to give you back a card, but the card you get back won’t be impressive enough to offset this card’s weak effect, at least not enough for this to be the kind of Red card you’re interesting in playing consistently
Sage of Days
3.0 This is a nice way to load your graveyard in a hurry, and it isn’t that far from Scry 3 on ETB, which would make for a nice card. The stat-line isn’t good of course, but I think this does the kind of thing you want to be doing in Blue in this format
3.0 This is a nice way to load your graveyard in a hurry, and it isn’t that far from Scry 3 on ETB, which would make for a nice card. The stat-line isn’t good of course, but I think this does the kind of thing you want to be doing in Blue in this format
Sunfire Torch
2.0 So…this is a really roundabout Shock. It takes some extra steps, and more total mana, but eventually it does 2 to something! You can also keep it around for a meager power boost if you want. Being an artifact and a card that can put itself into the graveyard has extra value here too, but I do think this takes too much work to really be looked at as premium removal.
2.0 So…this is a really roundabout Shock. It takes some extra steps, and more total mana, but eventually it does 2 to something! You can also keep it around for a meager power boost if you want. Being an artifact and a card that can put itself into the graveyard has extra value here too, but I do think this takes too much work to really be looked at as premium removal.
Soaring Sandwing
1.5 So, the landyclers in Blue, Black, and Green all really interest me because of the descent mechanic. White doesn’t really have that going on, though you might be able to use it with craft at least. Still… I think that makes this a little less useful. You can throw this away early to hit a land drop, and in the late game if you gives you a beefy creature that can gain you life, which can sometimes help you stabilize
1.5 So, the landyclers in Blue, Black, and Green all really interest me because of the descent mechanic. White doesn’t really have that going on, though you might be able to use it with craft at least. Still… I think that makes this a little less useful. You can throw this away early to hit a land drop, and in the late game if you gives you a beefy creature that can gain you life, which can sometimes help you stabilize
Armored Kincaller
3.0 This will gain you three pretty often in Green, and that’s a pretty good ETB to have on a three mana 3/3
3.0 This will gain you three pretty often in Green, and that’s a pretty good ETB to have on a three mana 3/3
Quicksand Whirlpool
2.5 Casting this for six is kind of rough, but casting it for three is solid enough, especially in less aggressive decks.
2.5 Casting this for six is kind of rough, but casting it for three is solid enough, especially in less aggressive decks.
Hidden Courtyard
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
Pack 2 Pick 6: Cartographer's Companion
Uchbenbak, the Great Mistake
3.5 A 5-mana 6/4 with Vigilance and Menace is already a pretty imposing creature, and this one can come back in the later stages of the game. Having to deal with this problematic of a body twice in a game isn’t going to be easy. That said, Descend 8 is pretty intense, and even with Blue-Black being good at milling itself, it isn’t exactly something you should always count on. Still, this looks like a really nice signpost Uncommon
3.5 A 5-mana 6/4 with Vigilance and Menace is already a pretty imposing creature, and this one can come back in the later stages of the game. Having to deal with this problematic of a body twice in a game isn’t going to be easy. That said, Descend 8 is pretty intense, and even with Blue-Black being good at milling itself, it isn’t exactly something you should always count on. Still, this looks like a really nice signpost Uncommon
Waterlogged Hulk
3.5 A one mana artifact that can load your graveyard is better in this format than it is in most – as we’ve seen Blue cares about artifacts and the graveyard, and this checks the most boxes. Then, when you craft this it becomes a very real easy-to-crew vehicle, that in the really late game can just close it out for you. I think the front does what you want to do in Blue and getting to the point where you get the vehicle is easy enough that this looks quite strong
3.5 A one mana artifact that can load your graveyard is better in this format than it is in most – as we’ve seen Blue cares about artifacts and the graveyard, and this checks the most boxes. Then, when you craft this it becomes a very real easy-to-crew vehicle, that in the really late game can just close it out for you. I think the front does what you want to do in Blue and getting to the point where you get the vehicle is easy enough that this looks quite strong
Cartographer's Companion
2.0 This doesn’t feel like a great rate to me. You can sort of look at it as a 4-mana 2/1 that draws you a card or a 4-mana 3/2 with some card selection, and neither of those is very good…but there are some decks in the format that want cards that make two artifacts, as well as decks that want to explore and so forth, so it’s probably not terrible
2.0 This doesn’t feel like a great rate to me. You can sort of look at it as a 4-mana 2/1 that draws you a card or a 4-mana 3/2 with some card selection, and neither of those is very good…but there are some decks in the format that want cards that make two artifacts, as well as decks that want to explore and so forth, so it’s probably not terrible
Ancestral Reminiscence
1.5 This is a functional reprint of Sift, which in the olden days of Limited was a pretty good card. But…paying 4 and not impacting the board with a Sorcery can be pretty rough, even if this helps with the graveyard. You might end up running one of these in control decks, but I don’t think it always makes the cut
1.5 This is a functional reprint of Sift, which in the olden days of Limited was a pretty good card. But…paying 4 and not impacting the board with a Sorcery can be pretty rough, even if this helps with the graveyard. You might end up running one of these in control decks, but I don’t think it always makes the cut
In the Presence of Ages
2.5 I think you’ll want one of these in most Green decks. It helps you load the yard while drawing you a couple of cards in most cases
2.5 I think you’ll want one of these in most Green decks. It helps you load the yard while drawing you a couple of cards in most cases
Deep Goblin Skulltaker
2.0 The Gray Ogre statline is ugly, even with Menace, but this can grow without a ton of effort, and obviously the bigger it gets, the better Menace feels
2.0 The Gray Ogre statline is ugly, even with Menace, but this can grow without a ton of effort, and obviously the bigger it gets, the better Menace feels
Runaway Boulder
1.5 Lots of decks want to run as many permanents as possible because of Descend, and the Boulder gives you a removal spell that is still a permanent. Now…it is very far from being efficient, but it does deal with most things, and you can also cycle it away – which also matters for Descend. With all that in mind, it will definitely make the cut a decent chunk of the time
1.5 Lots of decks want to run as many permanents as possible because of Descend, and the Boulder gives you a removal spell that is still a permanent. Now…it is very far from being efficient, but it does deal with most things, and you can also cycle it away – which also matters for Descend. With all that in mind, it will definitely make the cut a decent chunk of the time
Greedy Freebooter
1.0 // 3.0 This is some amazing sacrifice fodder, especially because the sacrifice effects in this format let you sacrifice creature or artifacts, and this one card gives you two of those. It does get a lot worse in situations where you can’t sacrifice it easily, as it will be a little more difficult to get a card of value out of it. I think that probably makes it a build around
1.0 // 3.0 This is some amazing sacrifice fodder, especially because the sacrifice effects in this format let you sacrifice creature or artifacts, and this one card gives you two of those. It does get a lot worse in situations where you can’t sacrifice it easily, as it will be a little more difficult to get a card of value out of it. I think that probably makes it a build around
Thousand Moons Infantry
2.0 A three mana 2/4 with kind-of sort-of vigilance is decent, and the idea here is to get multiple taps out of the Infantry for your cards that want you tap creatures or artifacts for effects. I can see this performing that role decently enough
2.0 A three mana 2/4 with kind-of sort-of vigilance is decent, and the idea here is to get multiple taps out of the Infantry for your cards that want you tap creatures or artifacts for effects. I can see this performing that role decently enough
Pack 2 Pick 7: Explorer's Cache
Explorer's Cache
2.0 So the turn you play this, you can immediately put a counter on a creature, and then the next turn you can do it too. How good is that for two mana? Well…not that good, especially at Sorcery speed. But the fact that this keeps getting counters when things with counters die means that it will keep on having counters for you, and there’s enough of a counter theme in Green that this will probably over perform
2.0 So the turn you play this, you can immediately put a counter on a creature, and then the next turn you can do it too. How good is that for two mana? Well…not that good, especially at Sorcery speed. But the fact that this keeps getting counters when things with counters die means that it will keep on having counters for you, and there’s enough of a counter theme in Green that this will probably over perform
Frilled Cave-Wurm
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
Envoy of Okinec Ahau
2.5 Solid base stats, and a passable mana sink ability. Not much more to say about it.
2.5 Solid base stats, and a passable mana sink ability. Not much more to say about it.
Deathcap Marionette
2.0 We’ve already seen that descending is a key part of what Black wants to do in this format, and the Marionette helps you do it while being capable of trading with anything thanks to death touch
2.0 We’ve already seen that descending is a key part of what Black wants to do in this format, and the Marionette helps you do it while being capable of trading with anything thanks to death touch
River Herald Guide
3.0 This is another Explore ETB creature that gives you a really good rate, regardless of which Explore thing happens
3.0 This is another Explore ETB creature that gives you a really good rate, regardless of which Explore thing happens
Child of the Volcano
2.0 Hill Giant statlines have been bad lately. But, if this can consistently come down as a 4/4, it will feel pretty nice, and that seems doable. After all, all that needs to happen is you attack and your opponent decides to trade, things like that. Then, it has the potential to grow easily on subsequent turns too, especially when paired with the more graveyard-oriented colors like Black and Blue
2.0 Hill Giant statlines have been bad lately. But, if this can consistently come down as a 4/4, it will feel pretty nice, and that seems doable. After all, all that needs to happen is you attack and your opponent decides to trade, things like that. Then, it has the potential to grow easily on subsequent turns too, especially when paired with the more graveyard-oriented colors like Black and Blue
Hunter's Blowgun
1.0 While I like that this gives you two different keywords depending on whether you’re being defensive or aggressive, they are also keywords that really only matter on the right creature. I think you end up not playing this most of the time, it’s just hard to get a full card of value here
1.0 While I like that this gives you two different keywords depending on whether you’re being defensive or aggressive, they are also keywords that really only matter on the right creature. I think you end up not playing this most of the time, it’s just hard to get a full card of value here
Unlucky Drop
3.0 Because it puts the creature back in your opponents deck, it does actually let you trade 1-for-1, and that’s important. Keep in mind your opponent makes the choice about where to put the card. This does get a small knock simply for not being a permanent, in a color where permanents really matter
3.0 Because it puts the creature back in your opponents deck, it does actually let you trade 1-for-1, and that’s important. Keep in mind your opponent makes the choice about where to put the card. This does get a small knock simply for not being a permanent, in a color where permanents really matter
Hidden Nursery
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
Pack 2 Pick 8: Idol of the Deep King
Hurl into History
2.0 5 mana for something that can't even counter everything is sort of brutal. But this set has fewer instants and sorceries than normal, and also getting to Discover means you're getting a 2 for 1
2.0 5 mana for something that can't even counter everything is sort of brutal. But this set has fewer instants and sorceries than normal, and also getting to Discover means you're getting a 2 for 1
Idol of the Deep King
3.0 The front side of this is a playable, albeit inefficient removal spell. It’s nice it can hit the opponent too! The thing it transforms into…is….very mediocre, though. The free equip is nice, but +2/+0 isn’t much to write home about, and this won’t quite feel like a 2-for-1 most of the time, because the Equipment side just isn’t worth a card. Still, it’s removal with some real upside
3.0 The front side of this is a playable, albeit inefficient removal spell. It’s nice it can hit the opponent too! The thing it transforms into…is….very mediocre, though. The free equip is nice, but +2/+0 isn’t much to write home about, and this won’t quite feel like a 2-for-1 most of the time, because the Equipment side just isn’t worth a card. Still, it’s removal with some real upside
Greedy Freebooter
1.0 // 3.0 This is some amazing sacrifice fodder, especially because the sacrifice effects in this format let you sacrifice creature or artifacts, and this one card gives you two of those. It does get a lot worse in situations where you can’t sacrifice it easily, as it will be a little more difficult to get a card of value out of it. I think that probably makes it a build around
1.0 // 3.0 This is some amazing sacrifice fodder, especially because the sacrifice effects in this format let you sacrifice creature or artifacts, and this one card gives you two of those. It does get a lot worse in situations where you can’t sacrifice it easily, as it will be a little more difficult to get a card of value out of it. I think that probably makes it a build around
Daring Discovery
1.5 If you hit a two drop creature with this, it feels like a 5-mana 2/2 that makes three things unable to block. That’s not too shabby, and sometimes it will be better. Of course, sometimes you’ll also not get a creature at all. Additionally, this effect is highly situational, and not really worth using except in the situation where it allows you to win the game anyway, so I think we have to look at the Discover part almost as an alternate mode that you use when the creatures can’t block part is irrelevant, which will be often
1.5 If you hit a two drop creature with this, it feels like a 5-mana 2/2 that makes three things unable to block. That’s not too shabby, and sometimes it will be better. Of course, sometimes you’ll also not get a creature at all. Additionally, this effect is highly situational, and not really worth using except in the situation where it allows you to win the game anyway, so I think we have to look at the Discover part almost as an alternate mode that you use when the creatures can’t block part is irrelevant, which will be often
Sage of Days
3.0 This is a nice way to load your graveyard in a hurry, and it isn’t that far from Scry 3 on ETB, which would make for a nice card. The stat-line isn’t good of course, but I think this does the kind of thing you want to be doing in Blue in this format
3.0 This is a nice way to load your graveyard in a hurry, and it isn’t that far from Scry 3 on ETB, which would make for a nice card. The stat-line isn’t good of course, but I think this does the kind of thing you want to be doing in Blue in this format
Buried Treasure
1.5 Paying two mana for a treasure is terrible, but this can at least give you an actual card from out of the graveyard, and that certainly matters in this format, where this is likely to get milled or sacrificed for value. I’m still not sure I really want to be playing this on turn two, basically ever, so maybe you mostly want to mill it. For now, I’m not very interested in this
1.5 Paying two mana for a treasure is terrible, but this can at least give you an actual card from out of the graveyard, and that certainly matters in this format, where this is likely to get milled or sacrificed for value. I’m still not sure I really want to be playing this on turn two, basically ever, so maybe you mostly want to mill it. For now, I’m not very interested in this
Family Reunion
2.0 I like this take on a mass pump effect. White can go wide, as usual, in this format, so buffing everything is a big game sometimes, but having the hexproof option attached is nice too, as it makes this useful in a wider variety of situations – namely, at times when your opponent tries to remove one of your creatures. The total package is a solid card you’re going to want one of in a lot of your White creature-heavy decks.
2.0 I like this take on a mass pump effect. White can go wide, as usual, in this format, so buffing everything is a big game sometimes, but having the hexproof option attached is nice too, as it makes this useful in a wider variety of situations – namely, at times when your opponent tries to remove one of your creatures. The total package is a solid card you’re going to want one of in a lot of your White creature-heavy decks.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Disturbed Slumber
Another Chance
2.5 Playing one copy of this effect is usually a good idea in Black decks in Limited, but that’s even more the case in this format, since milling yourself and loading the graveyard in general is easier than normal, and there are more payoffs than normal for doing it too. You still probably don’t want more than one of these, but that first copy is something I’m going to value pretty highly for a common
2.5 Playing one copy of this effect is usually a good idea in Black decks in Limited, but that’s even more the case in this format, since milling yourself and loading the graveyard in general is easier than normal, and there are more payoffs than normal for doing it too. You still probably don’t want more than one of these, but that first copy is something I’m going to value pretty highly for a common
Soaring Sandwing
1.5 So, the landyclers in Blue, Black, and Green all really interest me because of the descent mechanic. White doesn’t really have that going on, though you might be able to use it with craft at least. Still… I think that makes this a little less useful. You can throw this away early to hit a land drop, and in the late game if you gives you a beefy creature that can gain you life, which can sometimes help you stabilize
1.5 So, the landyclers in Blue, Black, and Green all really interest me because of the descent mechanic. White doesn’t really have that going on, though you might be able to use it with craft at least. Still… I think that makes this a little less useful. You can throw this away early to hit a land drop, and in the late game if you gives you a beefy creature that can gain you life, which can sometimes help you stabilize
Disturbed Slumber
0.0 This effect is basically never worth it. I get it, you can ambush your opponent’s attacker with a land, or suddenly do 4 out of nowhere, but the times where that’s actually worth a card are infrequent. I’d rather have something that permanently adds to the board
0.0 This effect is basically never worth it. I get it, you can ambush your opponent’s attacker with a land, or suddenly do 4 out of nowhere, but the times where that’s actually worth a card are infrequent. I’d rather have something that permanently adds to the board
Frilled Cave-Wurm
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
Deathcap Marionette
2.0 We’ve already seen that descending is a key part of what Black wants to do in this format, and the Marionette helps you do it while being capable of trading with anything thanks to death touch
2.0 We’ve already seen that descending is a key part of what Black wants to do in this format, and the Marionette helps you do it while being capable of trading with anything thanks to death touch
Fanatical Offering
2.5 This probably isn’t quite Deadly Dispute, but I think that’s a pretty good comparison. This format has lots and lots of expendable stuff around, and this will often feel like you’re giving up very little to draw two and get a Map token, and that’s some serious value
2.5 This probably isn’t quite Deadly Dispute, but I think that’s a pretty good comparison. This format has lots and lots of expendable stuff around, and this will often feel like you’re giving up very little to draw two and get a Map token, and that’s some serious value
Hidden Cataract
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
Pack 2 Pick 10: Child of the Volcano
Seeker of Sunlight
0.0 A one mana 1/1 just isn’t’ a stat-line that stays relevant, and while this has the ability to stay more relevant thanks to it’s activated ability, it’s costly enough and clunky enough at sorcery speed that it is only something you’re going to start using in the extreme late game. This is bad at virtually every other stage
0.0 A one mana 1/1 just isn’t’ a stat-line that stays relevant, and while this has the ability to stay more relevant thanks to it’s activated ability, it’s costly enough and clunky enough at sorcery speed that it is only something you’re going to start using in the extreme late game. This is bad at virtually every other stage
Child of the Volcano
2.0 Hill Giant statlines have been bad lately. But, if this can consistently come down as a 4/4, it will feel pretty nice, and that seems doable. After all, all that needs to happen is you attack and your opponent decides to trade, things like that. Then, it has the potential to grow easily on subsequent turns too, especially when paired with the more graveyard-oriented colors like Black and Blue
2.0 Hill Giant statlines have been bad lately. But, if this can consistently come down as a 4/4, it will feel pretty nice, and that seems doable. After all, all that needs to happen is you attack and your opponent decides to trade, things like that. Then, it has the potential to grow easily on subsequent turns too, especially when paired with the more graveyard-oriented colors like Black and Blue
Relic's Roar
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
Didact Echo
3.0 A 5-mana 3/2 that draws you a card is already kind of passable – after all, it can generate a 2-for-1. But..if this always had Flying? It would be an amazing Common. While it having flying won't be that automatic, Descend 4 does seem fairly achievable by turn 5 for Blue decks in this format
3.0 A 5-mana 3/2 that draws you a card is already kind of passable – after all, it can generate a 2-for-1. But..if this always had Flying? It would be an amazing Common. While it having flying won't be that automatic, Descend 4 does seem fairly achievable by turn 5 for Blue decks in this format
Fungal Fortitude
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
River Herald Scout
3.0 You would happily play a two mana 2/3 with Surveil one, and you’d happily play a two mana ½ that draws you a card, and you’re getting one of those every time you cast it
3.0 You would happily play a two mana 2/3 with Surveil one, and you’d happily play a two mana ½ that draws you a card, and you’re getting one of those every time you cast it
Pack 2 Pick 11: Malamet Veteran
Malamet Veteran
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
Marauding Brinefang
2.5 The common landcyclers feel like they will be extra good in the graveyard decks in the format, and Blue is definitely interested in the graveyard. This is because you can get extra value out of landycling these early – as it puts a permanent into your graveyard. Then, like usual with landcyclers, in the later stage of the game you get a beefy creature
2.5 The common landcyclers feel like they will be extra good in the graveyard decks in the format, and Blue is definitely interested in the graveyard. This is because you can get extra value out of landycling these early – as it puts a permanent into your graveyard. Then, like usual with landcyclers, in the later stage of the game you get a beefy creature
River Herald Scout
3.0 You would happily play a two mana 2/3 with Surveil one, and you’d happily play a two mana ½ that draws you a card, and you’re getting one of those every time you cast it
3.0 You would happily play a two mana 2/3 with Surveil one, and you’d happily play a two mana ½ that draws you a card, and you’re getting one of those every time you cast it
Mineshaft Spider
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but it does help you with graveyard stuff
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but it does help you with graveyard stuff
Pack 2 Pick 12: Volatile Fault
Volatile Fault
0.0 There are many nonbasics in this format, but you still don’t want to run this. Destroying a land and letting your opponent search up any basic and getting it untapped just isn’t worth doing, even with a Treasure token attached.
0.0 There are many nonbasics in this format, but you still don’t want to run this. Destroying a land and letting your opponent search up any basic and getting it untapped just isn’t worth doing, even with a Treasure token attached.
Calamitous Cave-In
0.0 // 4.0 Cave decks look pretty legit in this format, and this feels like a card that can really enable that type of deck – it reminds me a lot of Gates Ablaze, a card with a similar sweeper effect that checked for Gates. It will be great if you have lots of Caves, and terrible if you don’t
0.0 // 4.0 Cave decks look pretty legit in this format, and this feels like a card that can really enable that type of deck – it reminds me a lot of Gates Ablaze, a card with a similar sweeper effect that checked for Gates. It will be great if you have lots of Caves, and terrible if you don’t
Daring Discovery
1.5 If you hit a two drop creature with this, it feels like a 5-mana 2/2 that makes three things unable to block. That’s not too shabby, and sometimes it will be better. Of course, sometimes you’ll also not get a creature at all. Additionally, this effect is highly situational, and not really worth using except in the situation where it allows you to win the game anyway, so I think we have to look at the Discover part almost as an alternate mode that you use when the creatures can’t block part is irrelevant, which will be often
1.5 If you hit a two drop creature with this, it feels like a 5-mana 2/2 that makes three things unable to block. That’s not too shabby, and sometimes it will be better. Of course, sometimes you’ll also not get a creature at all. Additionally, this effect is highly situational, and not really worth using except in the situation where it allows you to win the game anyway, so I think we have to look at the Discover part almost as an alternate mode that you use when the creatures can’t block part is irrelevant, which will be often
Pack 2 Pick 13: Bartolomé del Presidio
Bartolomé del Presidio
3.0 Gobbling up expendable creatures and map tokens to get bigger is pretty nice. The best thing about this card is that it doesn’t have the restrictions we often see on this kind of effect these days – you can use it as many times a turn as you want, and it doesn’t cost any mana. This means just attacking with Bartolome is going to give your opponent a headache, as things could go very wrong no matter what they decide to do. Sacrificing to this also triggers things that care about descend
3.0 Gobbling up expendable creatures and map tokens to get bigger is pretty nice. The best thing about this card is that it doesn’t have the restrictions we often see on this kind of effect these days – you can use it as many times a turn as you want, and it doesn’t cost any mana. This means just attacking with Bartolome is going to give your opponent a headache, as things could go very wrong no matter what they decide to do. Sacrificing to this also triggers things that care about descend
Sage of Days
3.0 This is a nice way to load your graveyard in a hurry, and it isn’t that far from Scry 3 on ETB, which would make for a nice card. The stat-line isn’t good of course, but I think this does the kind of thing you want to be doing in Blue in this format
3.0 This is a nice way to load your graveyard in a hurry, and it isn’t that far from Scry 3 on ETB, which would make for a nice card. The stat-line isn’t good of course, but I think this does the kind of thing you want to be doing in Blue in this format
Soaring Sandwing
1.5 So, the landyclers in Blue, Black, and Green all really interest me because of the descent mechanic. White doesn’t really have that going on, though you might be able to use it with craft at least. Still… I think that makes this a little less useful. You can throw this away early to hit a land drop, and in the late game if you gives you a beefy creature that can gain you life, which can sometimes help you stabilize
1.5 So, the landyclers in Blue, Black, and Green all really interest me because of the descent mechanic. White doesn’t really have that going on, though you might be able to use it with craft at least. Still… I think that makes this a little less useful. You can throw this away early to hit a land drop, and in the late game if you gives you a beefy creature that can gain you life, which can sometimes help you stabilize
Pack 2 Pick 14: Ancestral Reminiscence
Ancestral Reminiscence
1.5 This is a functional reprint of Sift, which in the olden days of Limited was a pretty good card. But…paying 4 and not impacting the board with a Sorcery can be pretty rough, even if this helps with the graveyard. You might end up running one of these in control decks, but I don’t think it always makes the cut
1.5 This is a functional reprint of Sift, which in the olden days of Limited was a pretty good card. But…paying 4 and not impacting the board with a Sorcery can be pretty rough, even if this helps with the graveyard. You might end up running one of these in control decks, but I don’t think it always makes the cut
Pack 2 Pick 15: Frilled Cave-Wurm
Frilled Cave-Wurm
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
Pack 3 Pick 1: Poetic Ingenuity
Poetic Ingenuity
1.0 // 4.0 A 3/1 token is great, and I'd like this even without the treasure part. I think this does probably need a build around grade, as Red isn't so into artifacts in this set that this will always work for you
1.0 // 4.0 A 3/1 token is great, and I'd like this even without the treasure part. I think this does probably need a build around grade, as Red isn't so into artifacts in this set that this will always work for you
Scytheclaw Raptor
2.0 This has good aggressive stats, and the symmetrical effect will sometimes punish your opponent
2.0 This has good aggressive stats, and the symmetrical effect will sometimes punish your opponent
Eaten by Piranhas
2.5 This coming with Flash is kind of a game changer. Without it, this would be the usual mediocre Blue removal spell that doesn’t ever entirely remove a creature. Spending a card on removal and having the creature still able to block and attack, even if it’s smaller, is really frustrating. And in this format that’s extra bad because of all the stuff that lets you sacrifice or tap creatures for value, among other things. But, when you add Flash, suddenly you can use this to make the creature you put it on die in combat, before your opponent ever has a chance to get more value out of it
2.5 This coming with Flash is kind of a game changer. Without it, this would be the usual mediocre Blue removal spell that doesn’t ever entirely remove a creature. Spending a card on removal and having the creature still able to block and attack, even if it’s smaller, is really frustrating. And in this format that’s extra bad because of all the stuff that lets you sacrifice or tap creatures for value, among other things. But, when you add Flash, suddenly you can use this to make the creature you put it on die in combat, before your opponent ever has a chance to get more value out of it
Goldfury Strider
2.0 The base stats here are very underwhelming, and the idea here is that you can use some combination of artifacts and creature tokens that are available in the set to make this a 5/5 trampler, in which case you’re talking about something significantly more impressive. It is a pretty big bummer that you have to do it at sorcery speed, as the threat of activation here would make it a lot better. You’re just…not always going to have the extra stuff around to buff this, and even when you do, I don’t think you’re going to feel like you’re doing something all that impressive.
2.0 The base stats here are very underwhelming, and the idea here is that you can use some combination of artifacts and creature tokens that are available in the set to make this a 5/5 trampler, in which case you’re talking about something significantly more impressive. It is a pretty big bummer that you have to do it at sorcery speed, as the threat of activation here would make it a lot better. You’re just…not always going to have the extra stuff around to buff this, and even when you do, I don’t think you’re going to feel like you’re doing something all that impressive.
Tithing Blade
3.0 Two mana for an Edict effect is usually a 2.0 or so in Limited. Good in the early game, not so good later in the game. But this is an artifact that will be great to sacrifice, and obviously the Craft upside is big here too. Once transformed, this creates a life difference of two between you and your opponent during your upkeep, and that makes your opponent’s life very difficult. Crafting this is relatively easy too
3.0 Two mana for an Edict effect is usually a 2.0 or so in Limited. Good in the early game, not so good later in the game. But this is an artifact that will be great to sacrifice, and obviously the Craft upside is big here too. Once transformed, this creates a life difference of two between you and your opponent during your upkeep, and that makes your opponent’s life very difficult. Crafting this is relatively easy too
Runaway Boulder
1.5 Lots of decks want to run as many permanents as possible because of Descend, and the Boulder gives you a removal spell that is still a permanent. Now…it is very far from being efficient, but it does deal with most things, and you can also cycle it away – which also matters for Descend. With all that in mind, it will definitely make the cut a decent chunk of the time
1.5 Lots of decks want to run as many permanents as possible because of Descend, and the Boulder gives you a removal spell that is still a permanent. Now…it is very far from being efficient, but it does deal with most things, and you can also cycle it away – which also matters for Descend. With all that in mind, it will definitely make the cut a decent chunk of the time
Armored Kincaller
3.0 This will gain you three pretty often in Green, and that’s a pretty good ETB to have on a three mana 3/3
3.0 This will gain you three pretty often in Green, and that’s a pretty good ETB to have on a three mana 3/3
Walk with the Ancestors
2.0 5 mana to return a permanent to your hand is rough, but getting to cast something else while you do helps soften that blow
2.0 5 mana to return a permanent to your hand is rough, but getting to cast something else while you do helps soften that blow
Unlucky Drop
3.0 Because it puts the creature back in your opponents deck, it does actually let you trade 1-for-1, and that’s important. Keep in mind your opponent makes the choice about where to put the card. This does get a small knock simply for not being a permanent, in a color where permanents really matter
3.0 Because it puts the creature back in your opponents deck, it does actually let you trade 1-for-1, and that’s important. Keep in mind your opponent makes the choice about where to put the card. This does get a small knock simply for not being a permanent, in a color where permanents really matter
Disruptor Wanderglyph
1.0 There’s enough graveyard hate in this format that you don’t need to run something this inefficient and slow
1.0 There’s enough graveyard hate in this format that you don’t need to run something this inefficient and slow
Adaptive Gemguard
2.5 4-mana 3/3s have not performed well of late. The fact aggro decks can just attack into them with their two and three drops while they hold up a combat trick has been a real problem. This one can get bigger if you have artifacts and creatures lying around, and that’s certainly doable. It even counts itself for the effect.
2.5 4-mana 3/3s have not performed well of late. The fact aggro decks can just attack into them with their two and three drops while they hold up a combat trick has been a real problem. This one can get bigger if you have artifacts and creatures lying around, and that’s certainly doable. It even counts itself for the effect.
Dinotomaton
3.0 A 4-mana 4/3 Menace is pretty close to a 2.5, so the upside of giving something else menace right away is pretty nice! It won’t always enable a good attack, but it will pretty frequently, especially if you’re curving out
3.0 A 4-mana 4/3 Menace is pretty close to a 2.5, so the upside of giving something else menace right away is pretty nice! It won’t always enable a good attack, but it will pretty frequently, especially if you’re curving out
Join the Dead
4.0 This is great without Descend, and with it it’s incredible. Always remember that double Black ends up being a problem sometimes, but this is so efficient that it doesn’t matter much.
4.0 This is great without Descend, and with it it’s incredible. Always remember that double Black ends up being a problem sometimes, but this is so efficient that it doesn’t matter much.
Burning Sun Cavalry
2.5 I like that this triggers when you’re a blocker too, as it makes the card far better when you’re behind
2.5 I like that this triggers when you’re a blocker too, as it makes the card far better when you’re behind
Hidden Volcano
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
Pack 3 Pick 2: Geological Appraiser
Souls of the Lost
2.0 This is sort of a Black Tarmogoyf. That sounds cool, but believe it or not, Tarmogoyf isn’t anything special in Limited. This has a higher ceiling, because it just counts permanents and not permanent types, and this format certainly has a variety of ways for you to set up your graveyard, but the ceiling here is still a huge vanilla creature, one that you normally can’t really play reasonably on turn two. Sure, the discard/sacrifice part can allow you to set it up more, and discarding or sacrificing a land to make this a little bigger sounds fine, I’m still not impressed with the ceiling here. It takes some real set up, and you’re never really going to feel overjoyed to put this on the battlefield
2.0 This is sort of a Black Tarmogoyf. That sounds cool, but believe it or not, Tarmogoyf isn’t anything special in Limited. This has a higher ceiling, because it just counts permanents and not permanent types, and this format certainly has a variety of ways for you to set up your graveyard, but the ceiling here is still a huge vanilla creature, one that you normally can’t really play reasonably on turn two. Sure, the discard/sacrifice part can allow you to set it up more, and discarding or sacrificing a land to make this a little bigger sounds fine, I’m still not impressed with the ceiling here. It takes some real set up, and you’re never really going to feel overjoyed to put this on the battlefield
Geological Appraiser
4.5 This isn’t that far from being Bloodbraid Elf, and that card is absolutely absurd. Sure, the creature you cast isn’t the most efficient, but you’re always getting a 2-for-1 when you cast this, and you’ll always feel like you’re getting 4 mana or more worth of value too. That’s just insane
4.5 This isn’t that far from being Bloodbraid Elf, and that card is absolutely absurd. Sure, the creature you cast isn’t the most efficient, but you’re always getting a 2-for-1 when you cast this, and you’ll always feel like you’re getting 4 mana or more worth of value too. That’s just insane
Spelunking
1.0 // 2.5 You really need to be playing a Cave for this to feel worth it most of the time, because you're gonna need to gain life to offset the downside of playing something that doesn't impact the board at all. It is kind of passable if you can't, but if you don’t have at least 3 caves, you probably shouldn't play it
1.0 // 2.5 You really need to be playing a Cave for this to feel worth it most of the time, because you're gonna need to gain life to offset the downside of playing something that doesn't impact the board at all. It is kind of passable if you can't, but if you don’t have at least 3 caves, you probably shouldn't play it
Idol of the Deep King
3.0 The front side of this is a playable, albeit inefficient removal spell. It’s nice it can hit the opponent too! The thing it transforms into…is….very mediocre, though. The free equip is nice, but +2/+0 isn’t much to write home about, and this won’t quite feel like a 2-for-1 most of the time, because the Equipment side just isn’t worth a card. Still, it’s removal with some real upside
3.0 The front side of this is a playable, albeit inefficient removal spell. It’s nice it can hit the opponent too! The thing it transforms into…is….very mediocre, though. The free equip is nice, but +2/+0 isn’t much to write home about, and this won’t quite feel like a 2-for-1 most of the time, because the Equipment side just isn’t worth a card. Still, it’s removal with some real upside
Soaring Sandwing
1.5 So, the landyclers in Blue, Black, and Green all really interest me because of the descent mechanic. White doesn’t really have that going on, though you might be able to use it with craft at least. Still… I think that makes this a little less useful. You can throw this away early to hit a land drop, and in the late game if you gives you a beefy creature that can gain you life, which can sometimes help you stabilize
1.5 So, the landyclers in Blue, Black, and Green all really interest me because of the descent mechanic. White doesn’t really have that going on, though you might be able to use it with craft at least. Still… I think that makes this a little less useful. You can throw this away early to hit a land drop, and in the late game if you gives you a beefy creature that can gain you life, which can sometimes help you stabilize
Burning Sun Cavalry
2.5 I like that this triggers when you’re a blocker too, as it makes the card far better when you’re behind
2.5 I like that this triggers when you’re a blocker too, as it makes the card far better when you’re behind
Cosmium Blast
2.5 We see a card like this in most sets, and as usual – it’s efficient, but situational enough that it definitely isn’t premium. It’s far better when you’re not an aggro deck, since in that type of deck you want removal that lets you get rid of a creature before they ever get to block.
2.5 We see a card like this in most sets, and as usual – it’s efficient, but situational enough that it definitely isn’t premium. It’s far better when you’re not an aggro deck, since in that type of deck you want removal that lets you get rid of a creature before they ever get to block.
Sunshot Militia
2.0 This seems like a decent way to finish your opponent off in Red artifact decks. Even if they stabilize, this two drop can make it impossible for them provided you have artifacts and creatures around, and that’s not a huge ask. This only being Sorcery speed, like most of these effects, certainly matters, as being able to wait until the end of your opponents turn would mean you can keep all our blocks up – but still, I think this will do enough to warrant a slot in your deck
2.0 This seems like a decent way to finish your opponent off in Red artifact decks. Even if they stabilize, this two drop can make it impossible for them provided you have artifacts and creatures around, and that’s not a huge ask. This only being Sorcery speed, like most of these effects, certainly matters, as being able to wait until the end of your opponents turn would mean you can keep all our blocks up – but still, I think this will do enough to warrant a slot in your deck
Fungal Fortitude
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
Armored Kincaller
3.0 This will gain you three pretty often in Green, and that’s a pretty good ETB to have on a three mana 3/3
3.0 This will gain you three pretty often in Green, and that’s a pretty good ETB to have on a three mana 3/3
Ancestral Reminiscence
1.5 This is a functional reprint of Sift, which in the olden days of Limited was a pretty good card. But…paying 4 and not impacting the board with a Sorcery can be pretty rough, even if this helps with the graveyard. You might end up running one of these in control decks, but I don’t think it always makes the cut
1.5 This is a functional reprint of Sift, which in the olden days of Limited was a pretty good card. But…paying 4 and not impacting the board with a Sorcery can be pretty rough, even if this helps with the graveyard. You might end up running one of these in control decks, but I don’t think it always makes the cut
Broodrage Mycoid
3.0 This will make a 1/1 on a decent number of turns and it has passable stats
3.0 This will make a 1/1 on a decent number of turns and it has passable stats
Rumbling Rockslide
2.5 This can kill lots of things at 4, and it does scale the longer the game goes. It’s a bit clunky as a 4-mana Sorcery, so it isn’t premium removal, but the first copy of it seems pretty appealing in most Red decks
2.5 This can kill lots of things at 4, and it does scale the longer the game goes. It’s a bit clunky as a 4-mana Sorcery, so it isn’t premium removal, but the first copy of it seems pretty appealing in most Red decks
Pack 3 Pick 3: Volatile Wanderglyph
Chupacabra Echo
4.5 Giving something -2/-2 when this enters seems eminently doable, and that’s already a good card. After all, it's a 2-for-1 most of the time. By the mid to late game, it will feel a lot like the original chupacabra
4.5 Giving something -2/-2 when this enters seems eminently doable, and that’s already a good card. After all, it's a 2-for-1 most of the time. By the mid to late game, it will feel a lot like the original chupacabra
Merfolk Cave-Diver
2.5 This has passable starting stats, and it's a great explore payoff. Gets especially spicy with repeatable explore
2.5 This has passable starting stats, and it's a great explore payoff. Gets especially spicy with repeatable explore
Zoyowa Lava-Tongue
3.0 A two mana 2/2 death touch is a solid enough starting point, so the fact that Zoyowa gives you such a huge bonus for descending is amazing. ESPECIALLY if you manage to start triggering him in the early game, which looks more than doable in the format. If your opponent can’t deal with him and you start making your opponent make these choices, none of them are going to feel very good. In the late game, they get a lot less impressive
3.0 A two mana 2/2 death touch is a solid enough starting point, so the fact that Zoyowa gives you such a huge bonus for descending is amazing. ESPECIALLY if you manage to start triggering him in the early game, which looks more than doable in the format. If your opponent can’t deal with him and you start making your opponent make these choices, none of them are going to feel very good. In the late game, they get a lot less impressive
Sunbird Standard
2.0 We’ve seen time and time again, a three mana artifact that taps for mana of any color isn’t playable in Limited. It’s just too slow, and a mana boost like this just isn’t worth a card most of the time. However…this obviously has some real upside, since it can turn into a creature. And it can do it fairly flexibly, since it can exile any permanent type. That said, it is usually going to be a 2/2 Flyer that can tap for two mana – which is nice, but the set up cost of getting there is pretty significant. It takes quite the mana investment, even if the Standard itself can be used
2.0 We’ve seen time and time again, a three mana artifact that taps for mana of any color isn’t playable in Limited. It’s just too slow, and a mana boost like this just isn’t worth a card most of the time. However…this obviously has some real upside, since it can turn into a creature. And it can do it fairly flexibly, since it can exile any permanent type. That said, it is usually going to be a 2/2 Flyer that can tap for two mana – which is nice, but the set up cost of getting there is pretty significant. It takes quite the mana investment, even if the Standard itself can be used
Sunshot Militia
2.0 This seems like a decent way to finish your opponent off in Red artifact decks. Even if they stabilize, this two drop can make it impossible for them provided you have artifacts and creatures around, and that’s not a huge ask. This only being Sorcery speed, like most of these effects, certainly matters, as being able to wait until the end of your opponents turn would mean you can keep all our blocks up – but still, I think this will do enough to warrant a slot in your deck
2.0 This seems like a decent way to finish your opponent off in Red artifact decks. Even if they stabilize, this two drop can make it impossible for them provided you have artifacts and creatures around, and that’s not a huge ask. This only being Sorcery speed, like most of these effects, certainly matters, as being able to wait until the end of your opponents turn would mean you can keep all our blocks up – but still, I think this will do enough to warrant a slot in your deck
Volatile Wanderglyph
2.0 This will let you rummage when you attack or crew a vehicle, but perhaps most importantly, it lets you do it when you tap it using one of the many cards in this format that lets you tap artifacts and creatures for value. It doesn’t seem essential for that type of deck, but it certainly seems useful.
2.0 This will let you rummage when you attack or crew a vehicle, but perhaps most importantly, it lets you do it when you tap it using one of the many cards in this format that lets you tap artifacts and creatures for value. It doesn’t seem essential for that type of deck, but it certainly seems useful.
Relic's Roar
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
Mineshaft Spider
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but it does help you with graveyard stuff
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but it does help you with graveyard stuff
Cogwork Wrestler
2.5 This can Flash in and kill just about any X/1, which tends to feel pretty good.. If you can combine it with some other creatures, it can even take down bigger things. You do need to have that mode work out more often than not to make it worth it, because just using this to blank a couple of damage isn’t nearly as good, but that’s not the worst fail case either.
2.5 This can Flash in and kill just about any X/1, which tends to feel pretty good.. If you can combine it with some other creatures, it can even take down bigger things. You do need to have that mode work out more often than not to make it worth it, because just using this to blank a couple of damage isn’t nearly as good, but that’s not the worst fail case either.
Echo of Dusk
2.0 It’s fine on turn two, and Black decks will get it to 3/3 and lifelink pretty often, and once it’s there there’s a good chance it has at least some relevance on just about any board
2.0 It’s fine on turn two, and Black decks will get it to 3/3 and lifelink pretty often, and once it’s there there’s a good chance it has at least some relevance on just about any board
Ancestors' Aid
2.0 +2/+0 and First Strike is going to win combat a huge percentage of the time, and in addition to the value treasure normally gives you in the form of mana, there’s lots of other stuff you can do with it in the format
2.0 +2/+0 and First Strike is going to win combat a huge percentage of the time, and in addition to the value treasure normally gives you in the form of mana, there’s lots of other stuff you can do with it in the format
Deconstruction Hammer
3.0 One to play and one to equip for +1/+1 is a borderline playable, and this set has more than enough targets for the disenchant effect for this to turn into a removal spell. I think this will be a surprisingly good Common, because it can destroy so many permanents in the format.
3.0 One to play and one to equip for +1/+1 is a borderline playable, and this set has more than enough targets for the disenchant effect for this to turn into a removal spell. I think this will be a surprisingly good Common, because it can destroy so many permanents in the format.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Ixalli's Lorekeeper
Ixalli's Lorekeeper
1.0 // 3.0 This is some serious ramp in a deck with lots of dinos, and close to unplayable when you don't
1.0 // 3.0 This is some serious ramp in a deck with lots of dinos, and close to unplayable when you don't
Akawalli, the Seething Tower
3.0 This has solid base stats and it is a really great payoff for Descend. After all, it ends up being a 7/7 with trample that can’t be blocked by more than one creature when you have Descend 8! I do wish it helped you get descend, so it was both a payoff and an enabler – those often make the best signpost uncommons, but it’s such a good payoff for loading the graveyard with permanents that it still looks like a nice signpost Uncommon
3.0 This has solid base stats and it is a really great payoff for Descend. After all, it ends up being a 7/7 with trample that can’t be blocked by more than one creature when you have Descend 8! I do wish it helped you get descend, so it was both a payoff and an enabler – those often make the best signpost uncommons, but it’s such a good payoff for loading the graveyard with permanents that it still looks like a nice signpost Uncommon
Kaslem's Stonetree
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
Fungal Fortitude
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
2.0 +2/+0 will help a creature win lots of combats, and it doesn’t matter that there isn’t also a toughness boost, because the creature’s coming back! It feels especially busted with ETB abilities. This also helps you trigger descend stuff
Pirate Hat
2.5 If you can Equip this for one consistently, it looks pretty solid to me. The stats boost isn’t the best thing ever, but if you’re sticking it on things for 1 mana it will feel plenty good, especially because artifacts and loot triggers are better than normal in this format
2.5 If you can Equip this for one consistently, it looks pretty solid to me. The stats boost isn’t the best thing ever, but if you’re sticking it on things for 1 mana it will feel plenty good, especially because artifacts and loot triggers are better than normal in this format
Seeker of Sunlight
0.0 A one mana 1/1 just isn’t’ a stat-line that stays relevant, and while this has the ability to stay more relevant thanks to it’s activated ability, it’s costly enough and clunky enough at sorcery speed that it is only something you’re going to start using in the extreme late game. This is bad at virtually every other stage
0.0 A one mana 1/1 just isn’t’ a stat-line that stays relevant, and while this has the ability to stay more relevant thanks to it’s activated ability, it’s costly enough and clunky enough at sorcery speed that it is only something you’re going to start using in the extreme late game. This is bad at virtually every other stage
Shipwreck Sentry
2.0 We see two mana 3/3s with Defender that can only attack when X happens in a turn, and they always end up being decent. Even when they can’t attack, they have nice bodies that your opponent usually can’t just attack into, and on the turns they can rumble, they are pretty good at that too
2.0 We see two mana 3/3s with Defender that can only attack when X happens in a turn, and they always end up being decent. Even when they can’t attack, they have nice bodies that your opponent usually can’t just attack into, and on the turns they can rumble, they are pretty good at that too
Frilled Cave-Wurm
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
Pathfinding Axejaw
3.5 This will either be a 4-mana 5/4 with Surveil 1, or a 4-mana 4/3 that draws you a card. Both of those are pretty nice for the cost.
3.5 This will either be a 4-mana 5/4 with Surveil 1, or a 4-mana 4/3 that draws you a card. Both of those are pretty nice for the cost.
Tinker's Tote
3.0 Three mana for two 1/1s is almost a passable rate, and this one card gives you THREE artifacts, something that is valuable in White in this format, as we’ve seen throughout this video. The added life gain bonus is nice to have too. I think this looks like a quality common because of all the stuff it enables – whether it be tapping, carfting, or sacrificing artifacts
3.0 Three mana for two 1/1s is almost a passable rate, and this one card gives you THREE artifacts, something that is valuable in White in this format, as we’ve seen throughout this video. The added life gain bonus is nice to have too. I think this looks like a quality common because of all the stuff it enables – whether it be tapping, carfting, or sacrificing artifacts
Hotfoot Gnome
2.0 A three mana 3/1 with Haste with a useful card type in Artifact is probably a 1.5, but it’s nice this can tap to give things haste. Once it isn’t a very good attacker on its own – which will be often – it can at least make your other creatures into better attackers. Still, this isn’t nearly as good as one mana 1/1s with this ability that we’ve seen in the recent past
2.0 A three mana 3/1 with Haste with a useful card type in Artifact is probably a 1.5, but it’s nice this can tap to give things haste. Once it isn’t a very good attacker on its own – which will be often – it can at least make your other creatures into better attackers. Still, this isn’t nearly as good as one mana 1/1s with this ability that we’ve seen in the recent past
Pack 3 Pick 5: Pathfinding Axejaw
Abyssal Gorestalker
1.0 This looks a little too awkward. There are too many situations where it hurts you more than your opponent. Sure, there are also the times where it's amazing, but there aren't enough of those to offset the downside.
1.0 This looks a little too awkward. There are too many situations where it hurts you more than your opponent. Sure, there are also the times where it's amazing, but there aren't enough of those to offset the downside.
Inverted Iceberg
3.5 The front side of the card has a useful card type, loads your graveyard, and replaces itself. It would probably be a C all on its own. And in the late game you can transform it into a creature that your opponent is going to have to do something about. Even if it doesn’t impact the board on turn two, I think it does enough for the cost and the upside is big
3.5 The front side of the card has a useful card type, loads your graveyard, and replaces itself. It would probably be a C all on its own. And in the late game you can transform it into a creature that your opponent is going to have to do something about. Even if it doesn’t impact the board on turn two, I think it does enough for the cost and the upside is big
Skullcap Snail
2.5 It’s important than this exile instead of letting the opponent discard, as you don’t want to be helping your opponent get Descend stuff going. As usual, a two mana 1/1 with this effect is solid
2.5 It’s important than this exile instead of letting the opponent discard, as you don’t want to be helping your opponent get Descend stuff going. As usual, a two mana 1/1 with this effect is solid
Sunfire Torch
2.0 So…this is a really roundabout Shock. It takes some extra steps, and more total mana, but eventually it does 2 to something! You can also keep it around for a meager power boost if you want. Being an artifact and a card that can put itself into the graveyard has extra value here too, but I do think this takes too much work to really be looked at as premium removal.
2.0 So…this is a really roundabout Shock. It takes some extra steps, and more total mana, but eventually it does 2 to something! You can also keep it around for a meager power boost if you want. Being an artifact and a card that can put itself into the graveyard has extra value here too, but I do think this takes too much work to really be looked at as premium removal.
Pathfinding Axejaw
3.5 This will either be a 4-mana 5/4 with Surveil 1, or a 4-mana 4/3 that draws you a card. Both of those are pretty nice for the cost.
3.5 This will either be a 4-mana 5/4 with Surveil 1, or a 4-mana 4/3 that draws you a card. Both of those are pretty nice for the cost.
Oltec Cloud Guard
3.5 This is a great rate for what you get, especially when you consider artifact synergy.
3.5 This is a great rate for what you get, especially when you consider artifact synergy.
Deathcap Marionette
2.0 We’ve already seen that descending is a key part of what Black wants to do in this format, and the Marionette helps you do it while being capable of trading with anything thanks to death touch
2.0 We’ve already seen that descending is a key part of what Black wants to do in this format, and the Marionette helps you do it while being capable of trading with anything thanks to death touch
River Herald Guide
3.0 This is another Explore ETB creature that gives you a really good rate, regardless of which Explore thing happens
3.0 This is another Explore ETB creature that gives you a really good rate, regardless of which Explore thing happens
Marauding Brinefang
2.5 The common landcyclers feel like they will be extra good in the graveyard decks in the format, and Blue is definitely interested in the graveyard. This is because you can get extra value out of landycling these early – as it puts a permanent into your graveyard. Then, like usual with landcyclers, in the later stage of the game you get a beefy creature
2.5 The common landcyclers feel like they will be extra good in the graveyard decks in the format, and Blue is definitely interested in the graveyard. This is because you can get extra value out of landycling these early – as it puts a permanent into your graveyard. Then, like usual with landcyclers, in the later stage of the game you get a beefy creature
Walk with the Ancestors
2.0 5 mana to return a permanent to your hand is rough, but getting to cast something else while you do helps soften that blow
2.0 5 mana to return a permanent to your hand is rough, but getting to cast something else while you do helps soften that blow
Pack 3 Pick 6: Panicked Altisaur
Zoyowa's Justice
0.0 I'm not interested in this kind of justice. I get it, you can use it an attempt to get yourself a better card, or downgrade an opposing one, but too much is left up to chance. You have no idea how it will go, and it will backfire far too often
0.0 I'm not interested in this kind of justice. I get it, you can use it an attempt to get yourself a better card, or downgrade an opposing one, but too much is left up to chance. You have no idea how it will go, and it will backfire far too often
Mischievous Pup
2.5 This can save a creature from removal or rebuy an ETB, and it can ambush stuff too.
2.5 This can save a creature from removal or rebuy an ETB, and it can ambush stuff too.
Scampering Surveyor
3.5 Skittering Surveyor has a friend, I guess. And it looks pretty good! Ramping your mana, fixing your mana, and even helping you set up cave stuff seems like a pretty good deal when it comes attached to a 4-mana 3/2
3.5 Skittering Surveyor has a friend, I guess. And it looks pretty good! Ramping your mana, fixing your mana, and even helping you set up cave stuff seems like a pretty good deal when it comes attached to a 4-mana 3/2
Kaslem's Stonetree
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
Pirate Hat
2.5 If you can Equip this for one consistently, it looks pretty solid to me. The stats boost isn’t the best thing ever, but if you’re sticking it on things for 1 mana it will feel plenty good, especially because artifacts and loot triggers are better than normal in this format
2.5 If you can Equip this for one consistently, it looks pretty solid to me. The stats boost isn’t the best thing ever, but if you’re sticking it on things for 1 mana it will feel plenty good, especially because artifacts and loot triggers are better than normal in this format
Panicked Altisaur
2.0 This seems solid for five mana. It’s hard to attack through, and it can chip away at your opponent in the late game
2.0 This seems solid for five mana. It’s hard to attack through, and it can chip away at your opponent in the late game
Soaring Sandwing
1.5 So, the landyclers in Blue, Black, and Green all really interest me because of the descent mechanic. White doesn’t really have that going on, though you might be able to use it with craft at least. Still… I think that makes this a little less useful. You can throw this away early to hit a land drop, and in the late game if you gives you a beefy creature that can gain you life, which can sometimes help you stabilize
1.5 So, the landyclers in Blue, Black, and Green all really interest me because of the descent mechanic. White doesn’t really have that going on, though you might be able to use it with craft at least. Still… I think that makes this a little less useful. You can throw this away early to hit a land drop, and in the late game if you gives you a beefy creature that can gain you life, which can sometimes help you stabilize
Malamet Veteran
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
2.5 A 5-mana 5/4 trampler is sort of passable, and the fact that this can hand out +1/+1 counters, including to itself, when you have enough permanents in your graveyard, is pretty nice. Descend 4 is pretty approachable by the time the Veteran comes down too
Ancestral Reminiscence
1.5 This is a functional reprint of Sift, which in the olden days of Limited was a pretty good card. But…paying 4 and not impacting the board with a Sorcery can be pretty rough, even if this helps with the graveyard. You might end up running one of these in control decks, but I don’t think it always makes the cut
1.5 This is a functional reprint of Sift, which in the olden days of Limited was a pretty good card. But…paying 4 and not impacting the board with a Sorcery can be pretty rough, even if this helps with the graveyard. You might end up running one of these in control decks, but I don’t think it always makes the cut
Hidden Nursery
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
2.5 Entering tapped is certainly a problem sometimes, but they more than make up for it by getting you a card back in the later game thanks to Discover. The Cave type matters some too! I think you’re pretty much always playing the first copy of one of these. Obviously, if you have a bunch of one drops you’ll be less interested in them
Pack 3 Pick 7: Child of the Volcano
Staggering Size
2.0 This offers a big enough boost to make a creature win combat pretty often, and trample can result in some pretty serious damage to your opponent too. I think you’ll play one of these in lots of aggressive Green decks
2.0 This offers a big enough boost to make a creature win combat pretty often, and trample can result in some pretty serious damage to your opponent too. I think you’ll play one of these in lots of aggressive Green decks
Mineshaft Spider
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but it does help you with graveyard stuff
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but it does help you with graveyard stuff
Buried Treasure
1.5 Paying two mana for a treasure is terrible, but this can at least give you an actual card from out of the graveyard, and that certainly matters in this format, where this is likely to get milled or sacrificed for value. I’m still not sure I really want to be playing this on turn two, basically ever, so maybe you mostly want to mill it. For now, I’m not very interested in this
1.5 Paying two mana for a treasure is terrible, but this can at least give you an actual card from out of the graveyard, and that certainly matters in this format, where this is likely to get milled or sacrificed for value. I’m still not sure I really want to be playing this on turn two, basically ever, so maybe you mostly want to mill it. For now, I’m not very interested in this
Cogwork Wrestler
2.5 This can Flash in and kill just about any X/1, which tends to feel pretty good.. If you can combine it with some other creatures, it can even take down bigger things. You do need to have that mode work out more often than not to make it worth it, because just using this to blank a couple of damage isn’t nearly as good, but that’s not the worst fail case either.
2.5 This can Flash in and kill just about any X/1, which tends to feel pretty good.. If you can combine it with some other creatures, it can even take down bigger things. You do need to have that mode work out more often than not to make it worth it, because just using this to blank a couple of damage isn’t nearly as good, but that’s not the worst fail case either.
Disturbed Slumber
0.0 This effect is basically never worth it. I get it, you can ambush your opponent’s attacker with a land, or suddenly do 4 out of nowhere, but the times where that’s actually worth a card are infrequent. I’d rather have something that permanently adds to the board
0.0 This effect is basically never worth it. I get it, you can ambush your opponent’s attacker with a land, or suddenly do 4 out of nowhere, but the times where that’s actually worth a card are infrequent. I’d rather have something that permanently adds to the board
Child of the Volcano
2.0 Hill Giant statlines have been bad lately. But, if this can consistently come down as a 4/4, it will feel pretty nice, and that seems doable. After all, all that needs to happen is you attack and your opponent decides to trade, things like that. Then, it has the potential to grow easily on subsequent turns too, especially when paired with the more graveyard-oriented colors like Black and Blue
2.0 Hill Giant statlines have been bad lately. But, if this can consistently come down as a 4/4, it will feel pretty nice, and that seems doable. After all, all that needs to happen is you attack and your opponent decides to trade, things like that. Then, it has the potential to grow easily on subsequent turns too, especially when paired with the more graveyard-oriented colors like Black and Blue
Oltec Archaeologists
2.5 I love that they gave this a mode where it does something even if you don’t have an artifact to get back, as this type of card can be pretty bad when you can’t do something with the ETB, and Scry 3 is pretty big, it really improves your next couple of draws. Meanwhile, if you can get an artifact back we’re talking about a two-for-one. This inefficient stat-line definitely holds it back some, but I think most White decks will play the first copy of this.
2.5 I love that they gave this a mode where it does something even if you don’t have an artifact to get back, as this type of card can be pretty bad when you can’t do something with the ETB, and Scry 3 is pretty big, it really improves your next couple of draws. Meanwhile, if you can get an artifact back we’re talking about a two-for-one. This inefficient stat-line definitely holds it back some, but I think most White decks will play the first copy of this.
Out of Air
2.0 So, this is either a Harder-to-cast Essence Scatter, or a harder-to-cast Counterspell. I’m not super enthusiastic about either of those modes. Countermagic that costs double blue can be rough in Limited, because you are far from guaranteed to have it up when you need to. That’s sort of true of all counterspells, but one with more mana intensive requirements in a format where your mana just isn’t very good is extra hard to use
2.0 So, this is either a Harder-to-cast Essence Scatter, or a harder-to-cast Counterspell. I’m not super enthusiastic about either of those modes. Countermagic that costs double blue can be rough in Limited, because you are far from guaranteed to have it up when you need to. That’s sort of true of all counterspells, but one with more mana intensive requirements in a format where your mana just isn’t very good is extra hard to use
Pack 3 Pick 8: Saheeli's Lattice
Eaten by Piranhas
2.5 This coming with Flash is kind of a game changer. Without it, this would be the usual mediocre Blue removal spell that doesn’t ever entirely remove a creature. Spending a card on removal and having the creature still able to block and attack, even if it’s smaller, is really frustrating. And in this format that’s extra bad because of all the stuff that lets you sacrifice or tap creatures for value, among other things. But, when you add Flash, suddenly you can use this to make the creature you put it on die in combat, before your opponent ever has a chance to get more value out of it
2.5 This coming with Flash is kind of a game changer. Without it, this would be the usual mediocre Blue removal spell that doesn’t ever entirely remove a creature. Spending a card on removal and having the creature still able to block and attack, even if it’s smaller, is really frustrating. And in this format that’s extra bad because of all the stuff that lets you sacrifice or tap creatures for value, among other things. But, when you add Flash, suddenly you can use this to make the creature you put it on die in combat, before your opponent ever has a chance to get more value out of it
Saheeli's Lattice
3.5 This might be the best Tormenting Voice effect we’ve ever seen. That type of card is always fine, as it lets you dig deeper in your deck, but this one has a ton of upside. First, it’s an artifact in a format where that matters. It’s also a permanent in a format where that matters more than being an instant or sorcery, And this is a format where you can get extra value out of discard, and on top of that, this can turn into a very real creature in the later stages of the game. Playing this on two and then getting a creature later sounds awesome
3.5 This might be the best Tormenting Voice effect we’ve ever seen. That type of card is always fine, as it lets you dig deeper in your deck, but this one has a ton of upside. First, it’s an artifact in a format where that matters. It’s also a permanent in a format where that matters more than being an instant or sorcery, And this is a format where you can get extra value out of discard, and on top of that, this can turn into a very real creature in the later stages of the game. Playing this on two and then getting a creature later sounds awesome
Acolyte of Aclazotz
2.5 There are plenty of expendable artifacts and creatures to be had in Black, and this also works well with Descend stuff. Draining 1 life at a time might sound small, but it really can keep you alive while pressuring your opponent
2.5 There are plenty of expendable artifacts and creatures to be had in Black, and this also works well with Descend stuff. Draining 1 life at a time might sound small, but it really can keep you alive while pressuring your opponent
Tectonic Hazard
0.5 This is sideboard material, your opponent has to have a ton of X/1s for this to be worth it.
0.5 This is sideboard material, your opponent has to have a ton of X/1s for this to be worth it.
Screaming Phantom
2.5 It has passable stats and helps enable all of your graveyard shenanigans that you’re almost guaranteed to have in Black
2.5 It has passable stats and helps enable all of your graveyard shenanigans that you’re almost guaranteed to have in Black
Quicksand Whirlpool
2.5 Casting this for six is kind of rough, but casting it for three is solid enough, especially in less aggressive decks.
2.5 Casting this for six is kind of rough, but casting it for three is solid enough, especially in less aggressive decks.
Staggering Size
2.0 This offers a big enough boost to make a creature win combat pretty often, and trample can result in some pretty serious damage to your opponent too. I think you’ll play one of these in lots of aggressive Green decks
2.0 This offers a big enough boost to make a creature win combat pretty often, and trample can result in some pretty serious damage to your opponent too. I think you’ll play one of these in lots of aggressive Green decks
Shipwreck Sentry
2.0 We see two mana 3/3s with Defender that can only attack when X happens in a turn, and they always end up being decent. Even when they can’t attack, they have nice bodies that your opponent usually can’t just attack into, and on the turns they can rumble, they are pretty good at that too
2.0 We see two mana 3/3s with Defender that can only attack when X happens in a turn, and they always end up being decent. Even when they can’t attack, they have nice bodies that your opponent usually can’t just attack into, and on the turns they can rumble, they are pretty good at that too
Pack 3 Pick 9: Dinotomaton
Tithing Blade
3.0 Two mana for an Edict effect is usually a 2.0 or so in Limited. Good in the early game, not so good later in the game. But this is an artifact that will be great to sacrifice, and obviously the Craft upside is big here too. Once transformed, this creates a life difference of two between you and your opponent during your upkeep, and that makes your opponent’s life very difficult. Crafting this is relatively easy too
3.0 Two mana for an Edict effect is usually a 2.0 or so in Limited. Good in the early game, not so good later in the game. But this is an artifact that will be great to sacrifice, and obviously the Craft upside is big here too. Once transformed, this creates a life difference of two between you and your opponent during your upkeep, and that makes your opponent’s life very difficult. Crafting this is relatively easy too
Runaway Boulder
1.5 Lots of decks want to run as many permanents as possible because of Descend, and the Boulder gives you a removal spell that is still a permanent. Now…it is very far from being efficient, but it does deal with most things, and you can also cycle it away – which also matters for Descend. With all that in mind, it will definitely make the cut a decent chunk of the time
1.5 Lots of decks want to run as many permanents as possible because of Descend, and the Boulder gives you a removal spell that is still a permanent. Now…it is very far from being efficient, but it does deal with most things, and you can also cycle it away – which also matters for Descend. With all that in mind, it will definitely make the cut a decent chunk of the time
Armored Kincaller
3.0 This will gain you three pretty often in Green, and that’s a pretty good ETB to have on a three mana 3/3
3.0 This will gain you three pretty often in Green, and that’s a pretty good ETB to have on a three mana 3/3
Walk with the Ancestors
2.0 5 mana to return a permanent to your hand is rough, but getting to cast something else while you do helps soften that blow
2.0 5 mana to return a permanent to your hand is rough, but getting to cast something else while you do helps soften that blow
Unlucky Drop
3.0 Because it puts the creature back in your opponents deck, it does actually let you trade 1-for-1, and that’s important. Keep in mind your opponent makes the choice about where to put the card. This does get a small knock simply for not being a permanent, in a color where permanents really matter
3.0 Because it puts the creature back in your opponents deck, it does actually let you trade 1-for-1, and that’s important. Keep in mind your opponent makes the choice about where to put the card. This does get a small knock simply for not being a permanent, in a color where permanents really matter
Disruptor Wanderglyph
1.0 There’s enough graveyard hate in this format that you don’t need to run something this inefficient and slow
1.0 There’s enough graveyard hate in this format that you don’t need to run something this inefficient and slow
Dinotomaton
3.0 A 4-mana 4/3 Menace is pretty close to a 2.5, so the upside of giving something else menace right away is pretty nice! It won’t always enable a good attack, but it will pretty frequently, especially if you’re curving out
3.0 A 4-mana 4/3 Menace is pretty close to a 2.5, so the upside of giving something else menace right away is pretty nice! It won’t always enable a good attack, but it will pretty frequently, especially if you’re curving out
Pack 3 Pick 10: Armored Kincaller
Spelunking
1.0 // 2.5 You really need to be playing a Cave for this to feel worth it most of the time, because you're gonna need to gain life to offset the downside of playing something that doesn't impact the board at all. It is kind of passable if you can't, but if you don’t have at least 3 caves, you probably shouldn't play it
1.0 // 2.5 You really need to be playing a Cave for this to feel worth it most of the time, because you're gonna need to gain life to offset the downside of playing something that doesn't impact the board at all. It is kind of passable if you can't, but if you don’t have at least 3 caves, you probably shouldn't play it
Sunshot Militia
2.0 This seems like a decent way to finish your opponent off in Red artifact decks. Even if they stabilize, this two drop can make it impossible for them provided you have artifacts and creatures around, and that’s not a huge ask. This only being Sorcery speed, like most of these effects, certainly matters, as being able to wait until the end of your opponents turn would mean you can keep all our blocks up – but still, I think this will do enough to warrant a slot in your deck
2.0 This seems like a decent way to finish your opponent off in Red artifact decks. Even if they stabilize, this two drop can make it impossible for them provided you have artifacts and creatures around, and that’s not a huge ask. This only being Sorcery speed, like most of these effects, certainly matters, as being able to wait until the end of your opponents turn would mean you can keep all our blocks up – but still, I think this will do enough to warrant a slot in your deck
Armored Kincaller
3.0 This will gain you three pretty often in Green, and that’s a pretty good ETB to have on a three mana 3/3
3.0 This will gain you three pretty often in Green, and that’s a pretty good ETB to have on a three mana 3/3
Ancestral Reminiscence
1.5 This is a functional reprint of Sift, which in the olden days of Limited was a pretty good card. But…paying 4 and not impacting the board with a Sorcery can be pretty rough, even if this helps with the graveyard. You might end up running one of these in control decks, but I don’t think it always makes the cut
1.5 This is a functional reprint of Sift, which in the olden days of Limited was a pretty good card. But…paying 4 and not impacting the board with a Sorcery can be pretty rough, even if this helps with the graveyard. You might end up running one of these in control decks, but I don’t think it always makes the cut
Broodrage Mycoid
3.0 This will make a 1/1 on a decent number of turns and it has passable stats
3.0 This will make a 1/1 on a decent number of turns and it has passable stats
Pack 3 Pick 11: Mineshaft Spider
Merfolk Cave-Diver
2.5 This has passable starting stats, and it's a great explore payoff. Gets especially spicy with repeatable explore
2.5 This has passable starting stats, and it's a great explore payoff. Gets especially spicy with repeatable explore
Sunshot Militia
2.0 This seems like a decent way to finish your opponent off in Red artifact decks. Even if they stabilize, this two drop can make it impossible for them provided you have artifacts and creatures around, and that’s not a huge ask. This only being Sorcery speed, like most of these effects, certainly matters, as being able to wait until the end of your opponents turn would mean you can keep all our blocks up – but still, I think this will do enough to warrant a slot in your deck
2.0 This seems like a decent way to finish your opponent off in Red artifact decks. Even if they stabilize, this two drop can make it impossible for them provided you have artifacts and creatures around, and that’s not a huge ask. This only being Sorcery speed, like most of these effects, certainly matters, as being able to wait until the end of your opponents turn would mean you can keep all our blocks up – but still, I think this will do enough to warrant a slot in your deck
Relic's Roar
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
0.0 Normally, if we see this effect without card draw attached, it isn’t playable. This is because the stats boost you get for the cost often isn’t worth it, especially because if your creatures are large enough this doesn’t really offer a boost at all. But at one mana? Well…I still don’t think it’s very good. It’s just too variable as to how much of a boost it actually offers. It’s tempting to imagine buffing a 1/1 with it, because it will feel like a Blue giant growth, but the higher the base stats of your creature is, the worse this gets
Mineshaft Spider
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but it does help you with graveyard stuff
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but it does help you with graveyard stuff
Pack 3 Pick 12: Seeker of Sunlight
Kaslem's Stonetree
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
Seeker of Sunlight
0.0 A one mana 1/1 just isn’t’ a stat-line that stays relevant, and while this has the ability to stay more relevant thanks to it’s activated ability, it’s costly enough and clunky enough at sorcery speed that it is only something you’re going to start using in the extreme late game. This is bad at virtually every other stage
0.0 A one mana 1/1 just isn’t’ a stat-line that stays relevant, and while this has the ability to stay more relevant thanks to it’s activated ability, it’s costly enough and clunky enough at sorcery speed that it is only something you’re going to start using in the extreme late game. This is bad at virtually every other stage
Frilled Cave-Wurm
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
2.0 A 4-mana 2/5 is mediocre, but there are definitely worst stat-lines. The Descend upgrade here is a big one too, as it suddenly makes the Cave-Wurm into a formidable attacker. That said, this is never going to feel like anything special. The floor is a very inefficient creature and the ceiling is one with slightly above-rate stats
Pack 3 Pick 13: Walk with the Ancestors
Abyssal Gorestalker
1.0 This looks a little too awkward. There are too many situations where it hurts you more than your opponent. Sure, there are also the times where it's amazing, but there aren't enough of those to offset the downside.
1.0 This looks a little too awkward. There are too many situations where it hurts you more than your opponent. Sure, there are also the times where it's amazing, but there aren't enough of those to offset the downside.
Walk with the Ancestors
2.0 5 mana to return a permanent to your hand is rough, but getting to cast something else while you do helps soften that blow
2.0 5 mana to return a permanent to your hand is rough, but getting to cast something else while you do helps soften that blow
Pack 3 Pick 14: Kaslem's Stonetree
Kaslem's Stonetree
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
1.5 The front side of this isn’t great, although the fact it can hit any land means it can help you dig for Caves if you’re interested in doing that – and you probably are, because the Stonetree crafts with Caves! Later, it can become a beefy enough creature. Overall…I’m not actually that impressed here. It doesn’t add to the board on the front side, and crafting with Caves is challenging enough that you can’t really count on getting the 5/5. There are just so many better cave payoffs in the set, that this isn’t really the one you’re desperate for
Ancestral Reminiscence
1.5 This is a functional reprint of Sift, which in the olden days of Limited was a pretty good card. But…paying 4 and not impacting the board with a Sorcery can be pretty rough, even if this helps with the graveyard. You might end up running one of these in control decks, but I don’t think it always makes the cut
1.5 This is a functional reprint of Sift, which in the olden days of Limited was a pretty good card. But…paying 4 and not impacting the board with a Sorcery can be pretty rough, even if this helps with the graveyard. You might end up running one of these in control decks, but I don’t think it always makes the cut
Pack 3 Pick 15: Forest
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Itzquinth, Firstborn of Gishath
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Ixalli's Lorekeeper
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Pathfinding Axejaw
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Malamet Brawler
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Abrade
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Staggering Size
- Pack 1 Pick 8: River Herald Guide
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Malamet Scythe
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Forgotten Monument
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Out of Air
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Malamet Veteran
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Oteclan Landmark
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Thousand Moons Crackshot
- Pack 1 Pick 15: Kaslem's Stonetree
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Restless Anchorage
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Echoing Deeps
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Rampaging Ceratops
- Pack 2 Pick 4: The Everflowing Well
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Armored Kincaller
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Cartographer's Companion
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Explorer's Cache
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Idol of the Deep King
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Disturbed Slumber
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Child of the Volcano
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Malamet Veteran
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Volatile Fault
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Bartolomé del Presidio
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Ancestral Reminiscence
- Pack 2 Pick 15: Frilled Cave-Wurm
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Poetic Ingenuity
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Geological Appraiser
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Volatile Wanderglyph
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Ixalli's Lorekeeper
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Pathfinding Axejaw
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Panicked Altisaur
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Child of the Volcano
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Saheeli's Lattice
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Dinotomaton
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Armored Kincaller
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Mineshaft Spider
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Seeker of Sunlight
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Walk with the Ancestors
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Kaslem's Stonetree
- Pack 3 Pick 15: Forest
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