Premier Draft LCI 26 January 2024
26 January 01:12 - proxyclams 7 Wins - 0 Losses
Sideboard
Pack 1 Pick 1: Triumphant Chomp
Treasure Map
3.5 This is a reprint, and it was pretty darn powerful last time. While it doesn’t impact the board immediately, the amount of mana you spend on it to cast and it and activate the ability is often available, and once it transforms it gives you a huge mana boost and/or a bunch of cards
3.5 This is a reprint, and it was pretty darn powerful last time. While it doesn’t impact the board immediately, the amount of mana you spend on it to cast and it and activate the ability is often available, and once it transforms it gives you a huge mana boost and/or a bunch of cards
Triumphant Chomp
4.0 One mana for two damage is always premium, even at Sorcery speed, and this will often be able to do significantly more than that. Paying one to do 4 with this seems very doable, and that’s just crazy!
4.0 One mana for two damage is always premium, even at Sorcery speed, and this will often be able to do significantly more than that. Paying one to do 4 with this seems very doable, and that’s just crazy!
Nicanzil, Current Conductor
3.5 This has nice base stats and it makes all of your Explores way better. Getting to put a land into play right when you hit it with Explore is super relevant in the early game, and while it drops off some late, it certainly doesn’t hurt. Getting an extra +1/+1 counter on Nicanzil also means it has the potential to stay relevant forever
3.5 This has nice base stats and it makes all of your Explores way better. Getting to put a land into play right when you hit it with Explore is super relevant in the early game, and while it drops off some late, it certainly doesn’t hurt. Getting an extra +1/+1 counter on Nicanzil also means it has the potential to stay relevant forever
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
Spring-Loaded Sawblades
4.0 Let’s set “Craft” aside for a moment. Two mana for 5 damage to a tapped creature at instant speed is a pretty decent rate. Sure, it’s fairly restrictive – and not really the kind of removal spell an aggro deck is excited about, but it can definitely trade up in many situations, and even produce blow outs when combat tricks are involved. I think that card alone would be about a C+ – with the caveat that you don’t really play it in aggro. But this comes with the upside of Crafting later, and when it does, you get a pretty beefy vehicle. A 5/5 vehicle with Crew 1 is formidable, and if you happen to have some other artifacts lying around - like Map tokens, you can animate it without having to Crew at all. It definitely takes some work to transform it, and you can’t count on always pulling it off, but because the front is already a nice card.
4.0 Let’s set “Craft” aside for a moment. Two mana for 5 damage to a tapped creature at instant speed is a pretty decent rate. Sure, it’s fairly restrictive – and not really the kind of removal spell an aggro deck is excited about, but it can definitely trade up in many situations, and even produce blow outs when combat tricks are involved. I think that card alone would be about a C+ – with the caveat that you don’t really play it in aggro. But this comes with the upside of Crafting later, and when it does, you get a pretty beefy vehicle. A 5/5 vehicle with Crew 1 is formidable, and if you happen to have some other artifacts lying around - like Map tokens, you can animate it without having to Crew at all. It definitely takes some work to transform it, and you can’t count on always pulling it off, but because the front is already a nice card.
Brazen Blademaster
2.0 The starting stats are rough, but it seems like this will attack as a reasonably often
2.0 The starting stats are rough, but it seems like this will attack as a reasonably often
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
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
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.
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
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
Primordial Gnawer
2.0 This is an ugly stat-line, but it does make sure you get a 2-for-1. Still…the stat-line is bad enough that I don’t think this ends up always making the cut.
2.0 This is an ugly stat-line, but it does make sure you get a 2-for-1. Still…the stat-line is bad enough that I don’t think this ends up always making the cut.
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
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
Pack 1 Pick 2: Scytheclaw Raptor
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ray of Ruin
2.0 We always get a super clunky Black Sorcery removal spell at Common, and they are always kind of meh. It can deal with a lot of things, but it will basically never do it efficiently, and Scry 1 being tacked on isn’t exciting enough for this to rise above a 2.0
2.0 We always get a super clunky Black Sorcery removal spell at Common, and they are always kind of meh. It can deal with a lot of things, but it will basically never do it efficiently, and Scry 1 being tacked on isn’t exciting enough for this to rise above a 2.0
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.
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
Pack 1 Pick 3: Plundering Pirate
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
Glorifier of Suffering
2.5 Putting a counter on TWO separate creatures is a pretty nice payoff for throwing away a gnome token or a map token, and can really make an attack far more formidable. It can also put a counter on itself, which is nice. This seems like a quality payoff for the aggressive sacrifice decks in the format.
2.5 Putting a counter on TWO separate creatures is a pretty nice payoff for throwing away a gnome token or a map token, and can really make an attack far more formidable. It can also put a counter on itself, which is nice. This seems like a quality payoff for the aggressive sacrifice decks in the format.
Plundering Pirate
3.0 Creatures that make treasures on ETB virtually always over perform, and the stat-line here is a bit better than what we usually see. Treasure brings extra value in an artifact format too. I think this is one of Red’s better commons
3.0 Creatures that make treasures on ETB virtually always over perform, and the stat-line here is a bit better than what we usually see. Treasure brings extra value in an artifact format too. I think this is one of Red’s better commons
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.
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.
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
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 1 Pick 4: Rumbling Rockslide
Soulcoil Viper
2.5 This has almost passable stats, and an ability with huge upside. Loading your graveyard is quite doable in the format, and I especially like the idea of playing this alongside land cyclers. Basically, the floor is reasonable, and the ceiling is high
2.5 This has almost passable stats, and an ability with huge upside. Loading your graveyard is quite doable in the format, and I especially like the idea of playing this alongside land cyclers. Basically, the floor is reasonable, and the ceiling is high
Careening Mine Cart
2.0 A 3 mana 3/3 vehicle with Crew 1 isn’t very good. I like getting Treasure, and that saves this from being actively bad, especially because it is a colorless source of fixing
2.0 A 3 mana 3/3 vehicle with Crew 1 isn’t very good. I like getting Treasure, and that saves this from being actively bad, especially because it is a colorless source of fixing
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Brackish Blunder
2.0 Just the bounce part of the card is usually a passable card, so getting a map token if the creature is tapped makes this pretty appealing. Now…not being a permanent in Blue does hurt a card a little bit because of Descent stuff, but the fact this gives you a Map helps check some boxes for artifact decks.
2.0 Just the bounce part of the card is usually a passable card, so getting a map token if the creature is tapped makes this pretty appealing. Now…not being a permanent in Blue does hurt a card a little bit because of Descent stuff, but the fact this gives you a Map helps check some boxes for artifact decks.
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.
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 5: Saheeli's Lattice
Sorcerous Spyglass
0.0 This is an 0.0 every time we see it. Even IF you see a card that you get to name, turning off a card’s activated abilities isn’t worth a card, and we’re talking about the BEST CASE scenario
0.0 This is an 0.0 every time we see it. Even IF you see a card that you get to name, turning off a card’s activated abilities isn’t worth a card, and we’re talking about the BEST CASE scenario
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
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
Ironpaw Aspirant
2.5 We see two mana 1/1s with this ETB all the time, and they tend to be solid or better. So, getting a ½ instead is amazing. This makes it a 2/3 with nothing else around, which makes for a great two turn play, and then in the later game you can put the counter somewhere more meaningful. Obviously, this works well with the Green-White theme of having higher base power, too. I think this a great Common.
2.5 We see two mana 1/1s with this ETB all the time, and they tend to be solid or better. So, getting a ½ instead is amazing. This makes it a 2/3 with nothing else around, which makes for a great two turn play, and then in the later game you can put the counter somewhere more meaningful. Obviously, this works well with the Green-White theme of having higher base power, too. I think this a great Common.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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 1 Pick 6: Seismic Monstrosaur
Bloodthorn Flail
1.5 Without the discard option, this would be a 1.0 With it, in a set that has heavy graveyard stuff going on, especially in Black, it's probably a 1.5. It does seem like it will be hard to consistently get a card worth of value out of it
1.5 Without the discard option, this would be a 1.0 With it, in a set that has heavy graveyard stuff going on, especially in Black, it's probably a 1.5. It does seem like it will be hard to consistently get a card worth of value out of it
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
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
Seismic Monstrosaur
2.0 This probably isn’t as good as the land cyclers in Blue, Black, and Green, as those are the colors that are best with the graveyard, but Red isn’t completely uninterested in the ‘yard, and the creature you get here isn’t the most inefficient thing either. The ability to throw away lands late when you’re flooding out comes in handy too
2.0 This probably isn’t as good as the land cyclers in Blue, Black, and Green, as those are the colors that are best with the graveyard, but Red isn’t completely uninterested in the ‘yard, and the creature you get here isn’t the most inefficient thing either. The ability to throw away lands late when you’re flooding out comes in handy too
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.
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
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Burning Sun Cavalry
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
Dauntless Dismantler
2.5 Two mana ¼s aren't the worst thing, and this has some genuine upside. This set has a ton of artifacts, including Map tokens, and making those things all enter tapped seems relevant, as does the ability to potentially destroy more than one artifact at a time.
2.5 Two mana ¼s aren't the worst thing, and this has some genuine upside. This set has a ton of artifacts, including Map tokens, and making those things all enter tapped seems relevant, as does the ability to potentially destroy more than one artifact at a time.
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.
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.
Goblin Tomb Raider
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
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
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.
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 8: Cartographer's Companion
Glowcap Lantern
1.5 I like exploring repeatedly, but this doesn’t do much to improve the creature up front
1.5 I like exploring repeatedly, but this doesn’t do much to improve the creature up front
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
Glorifier of Suffering
2.5 Putting a counter on TWO separate creatures is a pretty nice payoff for throwing away a gnome token or a map token, and can really make an attack far more formidable. It can also put a counter on itself, which is nice. This seems like a quality payoff for the aggressive sacrifice decks in the format.
2.5 Putting a counter on TWO separate creatures is a pretty nice payoff for throwing away a gnome token or a map token, and can really make an attack far more formidable. It can also put a counter on itself, which is nice. This seems like a quality payoff for the aggressive sacrifice decks in the format.
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
Mephitic Draught
1.5 // 3.0 This is another card that is great sacrifice fodder, but not really worth it if you’re not consistently available to get rid of it. When you can it feels awesome, because it gives you a very efficient 2-for-1. But there will be enough Black decks that aren’t that good at sacrificing that I think this needs a build around grade.
1.5 // 3.0 This is another card that is great sacrifice fodder, but not really worth it if you’re not consistently available to get rid of it. When you can it feels awesome, because it gives you a very efficient 2-for-1. But there will be enough Black decks that aren’t that good at sacrificing that I think this needs a build around grade.
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
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
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 1 Pick 9: Brazen Blademaster
Brazen Blademaster
2.0 The starting stats are rough, but it seems like this will attack as a reasonably often
2.0 The starting stats are rough, but it seems like this will attack as a reasonably often
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.
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
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
Primordial Gnawer
2.0 This is an ugly stat-line, but it does make sure you get a 2-for-1. Still…the stat-line is bad enough that I don’t think this ends up always making the cut.
2.0 This is an ugly stat-line, but it does make sure you get a 2-for-1. Still…the stat-line is bad enough that I don’t think this ends up always making the cut.
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
Pack 1 Pick 10: Hit the Mother Lode
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
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
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
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.
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
Pack 1 Pick 11: 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
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.
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
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 1 Pick 12: Promising Vein
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
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
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.
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 13: Sorcerous Spyglass
Sorcerous Spyglass
0.0 This is an 0.0 every time we see it. Even IF you see a card that you get to name, turning off a card’s activated abilities isn’t worth a card, and we’re talking about the BEST CASE scenario
0.0 This is an 0.0 every time we see it. Even IF you see a card that you get to name, turning off a card’s activated abilities isn’t worth a card, and we’re talking about the BEST CASE scenario
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
Pack 1 Pick 14: In the Presence of Ages
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
Pack 1 Pick 15: Family Reunion
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 1: Triumphant Chomp
Sovereign Okinec Ahau
4.0 A 4-mana ¾ with Ward 2 isn’t a complete disaster, and this has an effect that synergizes well with Explore – and Green/White in general has several cards that pay you off for having cards that have power higher than their base power, so it doesn’t seem like a build around grade is necessary here. Most Green/White deck will just be able to make this work, and he’s pretty impressive when he does, because your creatures will get more and more of a boost as a result of the +1/+1 counters he gives them
4.0 A 4-mana ¾ with Ward 2 isn’t a complete disaster, and this has an effect that synergizes well with Explore – and Green/White in general has several cards that pay you off for having cards that have power higher than their base power, so it doesn’t seem like a build around grade is necessary here. Most Green/White deck will just be able to make this work, and he’s pretty impressive when he does, because your creatures will get more and more of a boost as a result of the +1/+1 counters he gives them
Canonized in Blood
3.0 You probably need at least two counters before this feels like it’s worth it, and I think that’s definitely doable. It’s great that in the late game, you also have the ability to put a very real flyer into play too, while also triggering your other descent stuff. This seems like a very nice payoff for the various descending strategies – which, keep in mind can include self mill, sacrifice, and more
3.0 You probably need at least two counters before this feels like it’s worth it, and I think that’s definitely doable. It’s great that in the late game, you also have the ability to put a very real flyer into play too, while also triggering your other descent stuff. This seems like a very nice payoff for the various descending strategies – which, keep in mind can include self mill, sacrifice, and more
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.
Bat Colony
0.0 // 3.5 This is definitely a build around, since it does way too little in any deck that has too few caves. You kind of need at least one bat when you cast it, and then to get two counters to feel like you're getting there. That…doesn't sound easy. I think this is an unplayable in most White decks, but Cave decks do look legit enough for me to think this will have a home in that type of deck.
0.0 // 3.5 This is definitely a build around, since it does way too little in any deck that has too few caves. You kind of need at least one bat when you cast it, and then to get two counters to feel like you're getting there. That…doesn't sound easy. I think this is an unplayable in most White decks, but Cave decks do look legit enough for me to think this will have a home in that type of deck.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 2 Pick 2: Dinotomaton
Sovereign Okinec Ahau
4.0 A 4-mana ¾ with Ward 2 isn’t a complete disaster, and this has an effect that synergizes well with Explore – and Green/White in general has several cards that pay you off for having cards that have power higher than their base power, so it doesn’t seem like a build around grade is necessary here. Most Green/White deck will just be able to make this work, and he’s pretty impressive when he does, because your creatures will get more and more of a boost as a result of the +1/+1 counters he gives them
4.0 A 4-mana ¾ with Ward 2 isn’t a complete disaster, and this has an effect that synergizes well with Explore – and Green/White in general has several cards that pay you off for having cards that have power higher than their base power, so it doesn’t seem like a build around grade is necessary here. Most Green/White deck will just be able to make this work, and he’s pretty impressive when he does, because your creatures will get more and more of a boost as a result of the +1/+1 counters he gives them
Canonized in Blood
3.0 You probably need at least two counters before this feels like it’s worth it, and I think that’s definitely doable. It’s great that in the late game, you also have the ability to put a very real flyer into play too, while also triggering your other descent stuff. This seems like a very nice payoff for the various descending strategies – which, keep in mind can include self mill, sacrifice, and more
3.0 You probably need at least two counters before this feels like it’s worth it, and I think that’s definitely doable. It’s great that in the late game, you also have the ability to put a very real flyer into play too, while also triggering your other descent stuff. This seems like a very nice payoff for the various descending strategies – which, keep in mind can include self mill, sacrifice, and more
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.
Bat Colony
0.0 // 3.5 This is definitely a build around, since it does way too little in any deck that has too few caves. You kind of need at least one bat when you cast it, and then to get two counters to feel like you're getting there. That…doesn't sound easy. I think this is an unplayable in most White decks, but Cave decks do look legit enough for me to think this will have a home in that type of deck.
0.0 // 3.5 This is definitely a build around, since it does way too little in any deck that has too few caves. You kind of need at least one bat when you cast it, and then to get two counters to feel like you're getting there. That…doesn't sound easy. I think this is an unplayable in most White decks, but Cave decks do look legit enough for me to think this will have a home in that type of deck.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 2 Pick 3: Pathfinding Axejaw
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
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
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
Jade Seedstones
4.0 The initial effect isn’t the worst for four mana, as it really does impact the board most of the time, and then later in the game you’re getting a huge artifact creature that’s likely to gain you some life. It’s going to be pretty hard for you to lose the game when you craft this, and the floor is a nice enough card
4.0 The initial effect isn’t the worst for four mana, as it really does impact the board most of the time, and then later in the game you’re getting a huge artifact creature that’s likely to gain you some life. It’s going to be pretty hard for you to lose the game when you craft this, and the floor is a nice enough card
Waterwind Scout
3.5 Wind Drake + Map token for three mana seems like a quality Common to me. Explore and artifacts both matter in Blue, and this helps you do both of those. This looks like a pretty good deal
3.5 Wind Drake + Map token for three mana seems like a quality Common to me. Explore and artifacts both matter in Blue, and this helps you do both of those. This looks like a pretty good deal
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Plundering Pirate
3.0 Creatures that make treasures on ETB virtually always over perform, and the stat-line here is a bit better than what we usually see. Treasure brings extra value in an artifact format too. I think this is one of Red’s better commons
3.0 Creatures that make treasures on ETB virtually always over perform, and the stat-line here is a bit better than what we usually see. Treasure brings extra value in an artifact format too. I think this is one of Red’s better commons
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 2 Pick 4: Pathfinding Axejaw
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.
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
Master's Guide-Mural
3.0 A 5-mana 4/4 Golem isn’t exactly great, but keep in mind Blue-White does like having artifacts lying around, and this gives you two of them. If you can craft this in the later stages of the game, you end up with a pretty powerful Artifact that can immediately crank out another 4/4, and can make more later in the game too. I don’t love how expensive this is to craft or how much it costs initially, and I worry it will feel a little too slow, but this definitely has the ability to take over games
3.0 A 5-mana 4/4 Golem isn’t exactly great, but keep in mind Blue-White does like having artifacts lying around, and this gives you two of them. If you can craft this in the later stages of the game, you end up with a pretty powerful Artifact that can immediately crank out another 4/4, and can make more later in the game too. I don’t love how expensive this is to craft or how much it costs initially, and I worry it will feel a little too slow, but this definitely has the ability to take over games
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.
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
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
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.
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
Brazen Blademaster
2.0 The starting stats are rough, but it seems like this will attack as a reasonably often
2.0 The starting stats are rough, but it seems like this will attack as a reasonably often
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.
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.
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 2 Pick 5: Pathfinding Axejaw
Tishana's Tidebinder
3.0 There are enough abilities around for this to actually counter something reasonably often, and turning the permanent vanilla is pretty big. You will encounter situations where you have to run this out without getting that value, though
3.0 There are enough abilities around for this to actually counter something reasonably often, and turning the permanent vanilla is pretty big. You will encounter situations where you have to run this out without getting that value, though
Staunch Crewmate
3.5 I think this will be a two mana 2/1 that draws you a card pretty darn often in Blue, and that’s a great card
3.5 I think this will be a two mana 2/1 that draws you a card pretty darn often in Blue, and that’s a great card
Triumphant Chomp
4.0 One mana for two damage is always premium, even at Sorcery speed, and this will often be able to do significantly more than that. Paying one to do 4 with this seems very doable, and that’s just crazy!
4.0 One mana for two damage is always premium, even at Sorcery speed, and this will often be able to do significantly more than that. Paying one to do 4 with this seems very doable, and that’s just crazy!
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
Song of Stupefaction
1.5 Lowering a creature’s power just isn’t enough to be worth a card most of the time, although I do think milling gives you enough value itself in this format that this isn’t unplayable, but I think you’ll be able to find better enablers and payoffs for milling yourself than this thing
1.5 Lowering a creature’s power just isn’t enough to be worth a card most of the time, although I do think milling gives you enough value itself in this format that this isn’t unplayable, but I think you’ll be able to find better enablers and payoffs for milling yourself than this thing
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 2 Pick 6: Dreadmaw's Ire
Saheeli, the Sun's Brilliance
4.0 Obviously, you need something worth making a copy of, but you’ll often have that. Copying big scary creatures is nice, but so is copying creatures with ETB or death triggers, and there’s plenty of that to go around. Copying a Map token or something is certainly less exciting, but sometimes that will be useful
4.0 Obviously, you need something worth making a copy of, but you’ll often have that. Copying big scary creatures is nice, but so is copying creatures with ETB or death triggers, and there’s plenty of that to go around. Copying a Map token or something is certainly less exciting, but sometimes that will be useful
Cenote Scout
3.0 This is either a one mana 1/1 that draws you a card, or a one mana 2/2 with Surveil 1. Both are cards you would happily play
3.0 This is either a one mana 1/1 that draws you a card, or a one mana 2/2 with Surveil 1. Both are cards you would happily play
Nicanzil, Current Conductor
3.5 This has nice base stats and it makes all of your Explores way better. Getting to put a land into play right when you hit it with Explore is super relevant in the early game, and while it drops off some late, it certainly doesn’t hurt. Getting an extra +1/+1 counter on Nicanzil also means it has the potential to stay relevant forever
3.5 This has nice base stats and it makes all of your Explores way better. Getting to put a land into play right when you hit it with Explore is super relevant in the early game, and while it drops off some late, it certainly doesn’t hurt. Getting an extra +1/+1 counter on Nicanzil also means it has the potential to stay relevant forever
Dreadmaw's Ire
3.0 This is a high-quality combat trick. One mana for +2/+2 and trample tends to play quite well on its own when we see it. It helps many a creature efficiently win combat while inflicting some damage on the opponent, and in this case you’ve even got a great shot at destroying a random artifact. It will feel truly busted when you can pull that off, and it also means it has sort of an alternate mode where you turn it into Shatter sometimes when your creature goes unblocked. I can’t imagine you ever cut this trick from any aggressive Red deck, and I think I even want to take it fairly early. This just does so much for one mana
3.0 This is a high-quality combat trick. One mana for +2/+2 and trample tends to play quite well on its own when we see it. It helps many a creature efficiently win combat while inflicting some damage on the opponent, and in this case you’ve even got a great shot at destroying a random artifact. It will feel truly busted when you can pull that off, and it also means it has sort of an alternate mode where you turn it into Shatter sometimes when your creature goes unblocked. I can’t imagine you ever cut this trick from any aggressive Red deck, and I think I even want to take it fairly early. This just does so much for one mana
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.
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.
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
Song of Stupefaction
1.5 Lowering a creature’s power just isn’t enough to be worth a card most of the time, although I do think milling gives you enough value itself in this format that this isn’t unplayable, but I think you’ll be able to find better enablers and payoffs for milling yourself than this thing
1.5 Lowering a creature’s power just isn’t enough to be worth a card most of the time, although I do think milling gives you enough value itself in this format that this isn’t unplayable, but I think you’ll be able to find better enablers and payoffs for milling yourself than this thing
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
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 7: Burning Sun Cavalry
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Pack 2 Pick 8: Cavern Stomper
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
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
Song of Stupefaction
1.5 Lowering a creature’s power just isn’t enough to be worth a card most of the time, although I do think milling gives you enough value itself in this format that this isn’t unplayable, but I think you’ll be able to find better enablers and payoffs for milling yourself than this thing
1.5 Lowering a creature’s power just isn’t enough to be worth a card most of the time, although I do think milling gives you enough value itself in this format that this isn’t unplayable, but I think you’ll be able to find better enablers and payoffs for milling yourself than this thing
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
Goblin Tomb Raider
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
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
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.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Dowsing Device
Helping Hand
1.5 This feels reasonably efficient when you get back a three mana creature, and there is certainly graveyard stuff in the set, but this is still a card that feels a bit too situational to be anything special. It feels pretty bad in your opening hand, for example. Entering tapped definitely hurts too.
1.5 This feels reasonably efficient when you get back a three mana creature, and there is certainly graveyard stuff in the set, but this is still a card that feels a bit too situational to be anything special. It feels pretty bad in your opening hand, for example. Entering tapped definitely hurts too.
Dowsing Device
2.0 Playing an artifact creature to trigger this is best, because then you can guarantee that the Haste part matters, so you get the most value. Transforming this seems very doable, and the land is obviously relevant if you managed to transform it in the first place
2.0 Playing an artifact creature to trigger this is best, because then you can guarantee that the Haste part matters, so you get the most value. Transforming this seems very doable, and the land is obviously relevant if you managed to transform it in the first place
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
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.
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
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 2 Pick 10: Relic's Roar
Bat Colony
0.0 // 3.5 This is definitely a build around, since it does way too little in any deck that has too few caves. You kind of need at least one bat when you cast it, and then to get two counters to feel like you're getting there. That…doesn't sound easy. I think this is an unplayable in most White decks, but Cave decks do look legit enough for me to think this will have a home in that type of deck.
0.0 // 3.5 This is definitely a build around, since it does way too little in any deck that has too few caves. You kind of need at least one bat when you cast it, and then to get two counters to feel like you're getting there. That…doesn't sound easy. I think this is an unplayable in most White decks, but Cave decks do look legit enough for me to think this will have a home in that type of deck.
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
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
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
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 2 Pick 11: Captivating Cave
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
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
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
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.
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 2 Pick 12: Panicked Altisaur
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
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
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.
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 2 Pick 13: Captivating Cave
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.
Song of Stupefaction
1.5 Lowering a creature’s power just isn’t enough to be worth a card most of the time, although I do think milling gives you enough value itself in this format that this isn’t unplayable, but I think you’ll be able to find better enablers and payoffs for milling yourself than this thing
1.5 Lowering a creature’s power just isn’t enough to be worth a card most of the time, although I do think milling gives you enough value itself in this format that this isn’t unplayable, but I think you’ll be able to find better enablers and payoffs for milling yourself than this thing
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 2 Pick 14: Song of Stupefaction
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
Song of Stupefaction
1.5 Lowering a creature’s power just isn’t enough to be worth a card most of the time, although I do think milling gives you enough value itself in this format that this isn’t unplayable, but I think you’ll be able to find better enablers and payoffs for milling yourself than this thing
1.5 Lowering a creature’s power just isn’t enough to be worth a card most of the time, although I do think milling gives you enough value itself in this format that this isn’t unplayable, but I think you’ll be able to find better enablers and payoffs for milling yourself than this thing
Pack 2 Pick 15: Runaway Boulder
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
Pack 3 Pick 1: Bonehoard Dracosaur
Bonehoard Dracosaur
5.0 This has incredible stats that will make it so virtually nothing in the set can block or attack through it effectively, and on top of that it has an absolutely insane upkeep trigger. If the Dracosaur only exiled them and let you play them, that would be good. If it only let you exile them and gave you Dinosaurs and Treasure that would be good. But it does both. Even just triggering it a single time is going to be enough to pull you way ahead in most games. The only downside here is that the Dracosaur doesn’t make sure you get some kind of value the turn it comes down. In other words, if your opponent removes it right away, the fail-case is pretty mediocre
5.0 This has incredible stats that will make it so virtually nothing in the set can block or attack through it effectively, and on top of that it has an absolutely insane upkeep trigger. If the Dracosaur only exiled them and let you play them, that would be good. If it only let you exile them and gave you Dinosaurs and Treasure that would be good. But it does both. Even just triggering it a single time is going to be enough to pull you way ahead in most games. The only downside here is that the Dracosaur doesn’t make sure you get some kind of value the turn it comes down. In other words, if your opponent removes it right away, the fail-case is pretty mediocre
Coati Scavenger
3.5 This does a pretty good impression of Eternal Witness. You have to set it up of course, but when you do get a permanent back it will feel amazing, and if you have to play it on curve, you don’t feel too bad about things
3.5 This does a pretty good impression of Eternal Witness. You have to set it up of course, but when you do get a permanent back it will feel amazing, and if you have to play it on curve, you don’t feel too bad about things
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
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
Seismic Monstrosaur
2.0 This probably isn’t as good as the land cyclers in Blue, Black, and Green, as those are the colors that are best with the graveyard, but Red isn’t completely uninterested in the ‘yard, and the creature you get here isn’t the most inefficient thing either. The ability to throw away lands late when you’re flooding out comes in handy too
2.0 This probably isn’t as good as the land cyclers in Blue, Black, and Green, as those are the colors that are best with the graveyard, but Red isn’t completely uninterested in the ‘yard, and the creature you get here isn’t the most inefficient thing either. The ability to throw away lands late when you’re flooding out comes in handy too
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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 3 Pick 2: Belligerent Yearling
Inti, Seneschal of the Sun
4.5 This is an insane two drop. It counts when anything attacks, so you don't even have to put it in harm's way to get this amazing attack trigger, which let's you rummage with the extra value of a counter and trample. This will be an absolute beating if your opponent can't deal with it
4.5 This is an insane two drop. It counts when anything attacks, so you don't even have to put it in harm's way to get this amazing attack trigger, which let's you rummage with the extra value of a counter and trample. This will be an absolute beating if your opponent can't deal with it
Stinging Cave Crawler
2.5 A three mana ⅓ with death touch isn’t good. It isn’t a disaster either, since it can trade for stuff, but it isn’t something thar would make the cut every time either. So, for this to be worth it, you're hoping to get Descend going. And once you do, your opponent is going to have a hard time not getting 2 for 1'd. The card does work well with itself, as sometimes a ⅓ death toucher will buy you the time you need to get to the point where you have Descend 4
2.5 A three mana ⅓ with death touch isn’t good. It isn’t a disaster either, since it can trade for stuff, but it isn’t something thar would make the cut every time either. So, for this to be worth it, you're hoping to get Descend going. And once you do, your opponent is going to have a hard time not getting 2 for 1'd. The card does work well with itself, as sometimes a ⅓ death toucher will buy you the time you need to get to the point where you have Descend 4
Belligerent Yearling
3.0 This has nice starting stats, and the fact its power can go up can allow it to stay relevant all game long
3.0 This has nice starting stats, and the fact its power can go up can allow it to stay relevant all game long
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
Goblin Tomb Raider
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
Brazen Blademaster
2.0 The starting stats are rough, but it seems like this will attack as a reasonably often
2.0 The starting stats are rough, but it seems like this will attack as a reasonably often
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
Basking Capybara
2.5 This seems like a solid two drop. Obviously a 1/3 isn’t where you want to be, but a two mana 4/3 is some serious business, and Green is good enough at getting there on Descend that you can expect this to have a very relevant body by the mid game
2.5 This seems like a solid two drop. Obviously a 1/3 isn’t where you want to be, but a two mana 4/3 is some serious business, and Green is good enough at getting there on Descend that you can expect this to have a very relevant body by the mid game
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
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.
Song of Stupefaction
1.5 Lowering a creature’s power just isn’t enough to be worth a card most of the time, although I do think milling gives you enough value itself in this format that this isn’t unplayable, but I think you’ll be able to find better enablers and payoffs for milling yourself than this thing
1.5 Lowering a creature’s power just isn’t enough to be worth a card most of the time, although I do think milling gives you enough value itself in this format that this isn’t unplayable, but I think you’ll be able to find better enablers and payoffs for milling yourself than this thing
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.
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 3 Pick 3: Scytheclaw Raptor
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
Synapse Necromage
3.5 The stat-line is bad, but this replaces itself with two bodies which are really valuable in this format, even if they can’t block. There’s just so much you can do with them in the format, with sacrificing the most notable. I think this ends up giving you a ton for the mana you invest
3.5 The stat-line is bad, but this replaces itself with two bodies which are really valuable in this format, even if they can’t block. There’s just so much you can do with them in the format, with sacrificing the most notable. I think this ends up giving you a ton for the mana you invest
Defossilize
2.0 5 mana reanimation spells normally don't fair well in Limited, they are usually in the D range, even with some extra value tacked on, but I think this one will overperform. First, Black decks are great at loading the graveyard, and second, there are a cycle of big cycling creatures in the set who go great with this
2.0 5 mana reanimation spells normally don't fair well in Limited, they are usually in the D range, even with some extra value tacked on, but I think this one will overperform. First, Black decks are great at loading the graveyard, and second, there are a cycle of big cycling creatures in the set who go great with this
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
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
Basking Capybara
2.5 This seems like a solid two drop. Obviously a 1/3 isn’t where you want to be, but a two mana 4/3 is some serious business, and Green is good enough at getting there on Descend that you can expect this to have a very relevant body by the mid game
2.5 This seems like a solid two drop. Obviously a 1/3 isn’t where you want to be, but a two mana 4/3 is some serious business, and Green is good enough at getting there on Descend that you can expect this to have a very relevant body by the mid game
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Huatli's Final Strike
3.5 We see this kind of effect all the time at Common in Green, and it’s always one of Green’s must commons. It’s great removal that has occasional 2-for-1 upside thanks to the stats boost. You always have to be a little careful, in case your opponent can respond to you casting it, but the fact it’s an instant means you can find a nice window more often than not
3.5 We see this kind of effect all the time at Common in Green, and it’s always one of Green’s must commons. It’s great removal that has occasional 2-for-1 upside thanks to the stats boost. You always have to be a little careful, in case your opponent can respond to you casting it, but the fact it’s an instant means you can find a nice window more often than not
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
Pack 3 Pick 4: Hotfoot Gnome
Bloodthorn Flail
1.5 Without the discard option, this would be a 1.0 With it, in a set that has heavy graveyard stuff going on, especially in Black, it's probably a 1.5. It does seem like it will be hard to consistently get a card worth of value out of it
1.5 Without the discard option, this would be a 1.0 With it, in a set that has heavy graveyard stuff going on, especially in Black, it's probably a 1.5. It does seem like it will be hard to consistently get a card worth of value out of it
Soulcoil Viper
2.5 This has almost passable stats, and an ability with huge upside. Loading your graveyard is quite doable in the format, and I especially like the idea of playing this alongside land cyclers. Basically, the floor is reasonable, and the ceiling is high
2.5 This has almost passable stats, and an ability with huge upside. Loading your graveyard is quite doable in the format, and I especially like the idea of playing this alongside land cyclers. Basically, the floor is reasonable, and the ceiling is high
Kinjalli's Dawnrunner
3.0 As with all the good Explore creatures, this one feels great no matter what happens. A 3-mana 1/1 with double strike that draws you a card is good, and a three mana 2/2 with double strike that gives you some card selection is probably even better!
3.0 As with all the good Explore creatures, this one feels great no matter what happens. A 3-mana 1/1 with double strike that draws you a card is good, and a three mana 2/2 with double strike that gives you some card selection is probably even better!
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
Goblin Tomb Raider
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
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
Ironpaw Aspirant
2.5 We see two mana 1/1s with this ETB all the time, and they tend to be solid or better. So, getting a ½ instead is amazing. This makes it a 2/3 with nothing else around, which makes for a great two turn play, and then in the later game you can put the counter somewhere more meaningful. Obviously, this works well with the Green-White theme of having higher base power, too. I think this a great Common.
2.5 We see two mana 1/1s with this ETB all the time, and they tend to be solid or better. So, getting a ½ instead is amazing. This makes it a 2/3 with nothing else around, which makes for a great two turn play, and then in the later game you can put the counter somewhere more meaningful. Obviously, this works well with the Green-White theme of having higher base power, too. I think this a great Common.
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.
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
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
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 3 Pick 5: Abuelo's Awakening
Abuelo's Awakening
2.5 This set has lots of Artifacts for you to bring back with this, but the question is how many there are that are really worth spending this much mana on. The fact the Awakening makes it into a creature – one that can get increasingly large the more mana you have – softens the blow, but it still feels like there will be frequent situations when this just doesn’t feel very efficient. This set does have more graveyard stuff and artifacts than normal, so I imagine this will work well enough to be nice in many decks, but it’s probably not amazing.
2.5 This set has lots of Artifacts for you to bring back with this, but the question is how many there are that are really worth spending this much mana on. The fact the Awakening makes it into a creature – one that can get increasingly large the more mana you have – softens the blow, but it still feels like there will be frequent situations when this just doesn’t feel very efficient. This set does have more graveyard stuff and artifacts than normal, so I imagine this will work well enough to be nice in many decks, but it’s probably not amazing.
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.
Contested Game Ball
0.0 You always pay that first two mana and you play this card, so you always end up kind of behind when it comes to cards and how much mana you spend to draw cards
0.0 You always pay that first two mana and you play this card, so you always end up kind of behind when it comes to cards and how much mana you spend to draw cards
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
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.
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
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
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
Mephitic Draught
1.5 // 3.0 This is another card that is great sacrifice fodder, but not really worth it if you’re not consistently available to get rid of it. When you can it feels awesome, because it gives you a very efficient 2-for-1. But there will be enough Black decks that aren’t that good at sacrificing that I think this needs a build around grade.
1.5 // 3.0 This is another card that is great sacrifice fodder, but not really worth it if you’re not consistently available to get rid of it. When you can it feels awesome, because it gives you a very efficient 2-for-1. But there will be enough Black decks that aren’t that good at sacrificing that I think this needs a build around grade.
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.
Ironpaw Aspirant
2.5 We see two mana 1/1s with this ETB all the time, and they tend to be solid or better. So, getting a ½ instead is amazing. This makes it a 2/3 with nothing else around, which makes for a great two turn play, and then in the later game you can put the counter somewhere more meaningful. Obviously, this works well with the Green-White theme of having higher base power, too. I think this a great Common.
2.5 We see two mana 1/1s with this ETB all the time, and they tend to be solid or better. So, getting a ½ instead is amazing. This makes it a 2/3 with nothing else around, which makes for a great two turn play, and then in the later game you can put the counter somewhere more meaningful. Obviously, this works well with the Green-White theme of having higher base power, too. I think this a great Common.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Idol of the Deep King
Glowcap Lantern
1.5 I like exploring repeatedly, but this doesn’t do much to improve the creature up front
1.5 I like exploring repeatedly, but this doesn’t do much to improve the creature up front
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
Waylaying Pirates
3.0 I love creatures that ETB and stun something, and while this makes you jump through a hoop – I think that hoop is pretty easy to jump through in Blue. Adding a decent body to the board and getting a blocker out of the way at the same time is going to be pretty strong. If you’re in the Pirate-Artifact deck, and you just curve out and play this on turn four, your opponent is going to be in serious trouble.
3.0 I love creatures that ETB and stun something, and while this makes you jump through a hoop – I think that hoop is pretty easy to jump through in Blue. Adding a decent body to the board and getting a blocker out of the way at the same time is going to be pretty strong. If you’re in the Pirate-Artifact deck, and you just curve out and play this on turn four, your opponent is going to be in serious trouble.
Vito's Inquisitor
3.0 The starting stat-line is bad, but growing this and making it evasive seems doable enough for this to perform reasonably well. Especially because you can do it at instant speed and whenever you want
3.0 The starting stat-line is bad, but growing this and making it evasive seems doable enough for this to perform reasonably well. Especially because you can do it at instant speed and whenever you want
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
Basking Capybara
2.5 This seems like a solid two drop. Obviously a 1/3 isn’t where you want to be, but a two mana 4/3 is some serious business, and Green is good enough at getting there on Descend that you can expect this to have a very relevant body by the mid game
2.5 This seems like a solid two drop. Obviously a 1/3 isn’t where you want to be, but a two mana 4/3 is some serious business, and Green is good enough at getting there on Descend that you can expect this to have a very relevant body by the mid game
Goblin Tomb Raider
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
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.
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
Ironpaw Aspirant
2.5 We see two mana 1/1s with this ETB all the time, and they tend to be solid or better. So, getting a ½ instead is amazing. This makes it a 2/3 with nothing else around, which makes for a great two turn play, and then in the later game you can put the counter somewhere more meaningful. Obviously, this works well with the Green-White theme of having higher base power, too. I think this a great Common.
2.5 We see two mana 1/1s with this ETB all the time, and they tend to be solid or better. So, getting a ½ instead is amazing. This makes it a 2/3 with nothing else around, which makes for a great two turn play, and then in the later game you can put the counter somewhere more meaningful. Obviously, this works well with the Green-White theme of having higher base power, too. I think this a great Common.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Sunshot Militia
Swashbuckler's Whip
1.5 So, one to play and one to equip to give a creature this tap effect for two mana seems…kind of alright. I’d like to pay one to tap things, but still. It is…kind of weird it also gives Reach. I guess that’s mostly a flavor thing, because the creature you put this on will often tap something before your opponent goes to combat, in which case Reach doesn’t matter. But anyway, this can tap things down for awhile, and then in the late game can just start Discovering, which is nice. Keep in mind, most of the time when you discover 10 for 8 mana, you’re going to get something worth far less, so it won’t ever feel efficient, but it’s a decent late game mana sink. Still…the whole package here seems passable, no matter what stage of the game it is
1.5 So, one to play and one to equip to give a creature this tap effect for two mana seems…kind of alright. I’d like to pay one to tap things, but still. It is…kind of weird it also gives Reach. I guess that’s mostly a flavor thing, because the creature you put this on will often tap something before your opponent goes to combat, in which case Reach doesn’t matter. But anyway, this can tap things down for awhile, and then in the late game can just start Discovering, which is nice. Keep in mind, most of the time when you discover 10 for 8 mana, you’re going to get something worth far less, so it won’t ever feel efficient, but it’s a decent late game mana sink. Still…the whole package here seems passable, no matter what stage of the game it is
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
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
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
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
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
Glorifier of Suffering
2.5 Putting a counter on TWO separate creatures is a pretty nice payoff for throwing away a gnome token or a map token, and can really make an attack far more formidable. It can also put a counter on itself, which is nice. This seems like a quality payoff for the aggressive sacrifice decks in the format.
2.5 Putting a counter on TWO separate creatures is a pretty nice payoff for throwing away a gnome token or a map token, and can really make an attack far more formidable. It can also put a counter on itself, which is nice. This seems like a quality payoff for the aggressive sacrifice decks in the format.
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
Pack 3 Pick 8: Sunfire Torch
Growing Rites of Itlimoc
2.0 This is a reprint, and it wasn’t that good last time we saw it in Limited. The initial effect is kind of underwhelming for the cost, and while transforming it is doable, in Limited you often just don’t have anything to do with all the mana it can give you, especially by the time you can actually transform it. You’re mostly getting the front-side of this card when it comes to Limited, and it’s nothing special
2.0 This is a reprint, and it wasn’t that good last time we saw it in Limited. The initial effect is kind of underwhelming for the cost, and while transforming it is doable, in Limited you often just don’t have anything to do with all the mana it can give you, especially by the time you can actually transform it. You’re mostly getting the front-side of this card when it comes to Limited, and it’s nothing special
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Coati Scavenger
Coati Scavenger
3.5 This does a pretty good impression of Eternal Witness. You have to set it up of course, but when you do get a permanent back it will feel amazing, and if you have to play it on curve, you don’t feel too bad about things
3.5 This does a pretty good impression of Eternal Witness. You have to set it up of course, but when you do get a permanent back it will feel amazing, and if you have to play it on curve, you don’t feel too bad about things
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
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
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.
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
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
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 3 Pick 10: Brazen Blademaster
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
Basking Capybara
2.5 This seems like a solid two drop. Obviously a 1/3 isn’t where you want to be, but a two mana 4/3 is some serious business, and Green is good enough at getting there on Descend that you can expect this to have a very relevant body by the mid game
2.5 This seems like a solid two drop. Obviously a 1/3 isn’t where you want to be, but a two mana 4/3 is some serious business, and Green is good enough at getting there on Descend that you can expect this to have a very relevant body by the mid game
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.
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
Pack 3 Pick 11: Basking Capybara
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
Basking Capybara
2.5 This seems like a solid two drop. Obviously a 1/3 isn’t where you want to be, but a two mana 4/3 is some serious business, and Green is good enough at getting there on Descend that you can expect this to have a very relevant body by the mid game
2.5 This seems like a solid two drop. Obviously a 1/3 isn’t where you want to be, but a two mana 4/3 is some serious business, and Green is good enough at getting there on Descend that you can expect this to have a very relevant body by the mid game
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.
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
Pack 3 Pick 12: Goblin Tomb Raider
Goblin Tomb Raider
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
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.
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
Pack 3 Pick 13: Disturbed Slumber
Contested Game Ball
0.0 You always pay that first two mana and you play this card, so you always end up kind of behind when it comes to cards and how much mana you spend to draw cards
0.0 You always pay that first two mana and you play this card, so you always end up kind of behind when it comes to cards and how much mana you spend to draw cards
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
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
Pack 3 Pick 14: Basking Capybara
Basking Capybara
2.5 This seems like a solid two drop. Obviously a 1/3 isn’t where you want to be, but a two mana 4/3 is some serious business, and Green is good enough at getting there on Descend that you can expect this to have a very relevant body by the mid game
2.5 This seems like a solid two drop. Obviously a 1/3 isn’t where you want to be, but a two mana 4/3 is some serious business, and Green is good enough at getting there on Descend that you can expect this to have a very relevant body by the mid game
Goblin Tomb Raider
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
2.0 This will be a one mana 2/2 with Haste fairly frequently, especially in the mid-to-late game, and that kind of body matters surpsingly often, even at that stage of the game. It’s also a solid enough play on turn one.
Pack 3 Pick 15: Plains
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Triumphant Chomp
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Scytheclaw Raptor
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Plundering Pirate
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Rumbling Rockslide
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Saheeli's Lattice
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Seismic Monstrosaur
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Burning Sun Cavalry
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Cartographer's Companion
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Brazen Blademaster
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Hit the Mother Lode
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Oteclan Landmark
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Promising Vein
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Sorcerous Spyglass
- Pack 1 Pick 14: In the Presence of Ages
- Pack 1 Pick 15: Family Reunion
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Triumphant Chomp
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Dinotomaton
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Pathfinding Axejaw
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Pathfinding Axejaw
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Pathfinding Axejaw
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Dreadmaw's Ire
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Burning Sun Cavalry
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Cavern Stomper
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Dowsing Device
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Relic's Roar
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Captivating Cave
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Panicked Altisaur
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Captivating Cave
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Song of Stupefaction
- Pack 2 Pick 15: Runaway Boulder
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Bonehoard Dracosaur
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Belligerent Yearling
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Scytheclaw Raptor
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Hotfoot Gnome
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Abuelo's Awakening
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Idol of the Deep King
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Sunshot Militia
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Sunfire Torch
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Coati Scavenger
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Brazen Blademaster
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Basking Capybara
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Goblin Tomb Raider
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Disturbed Slumber
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Basking Capybara
- Pack 3 Pick 15: Plains
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