Premier Draft KLR 16 August 2021
16 August 04:49 - juice_busey 7 Wins - 1 Losses
Sideboard
Pack 1 Pick 1: Cloudblazer
Toolcraft Exemplar
2.5 This will often be a 3/2 on your turn without a whole lot of effort, and that is a statline that can attack effectively for quite awhile. Giving it First Strike won’t be quite as easy, but if you can do that this can rumble virtually all game long.
2.5 This will often be a 3/2 on your turn without a whole lot of effort, and that is a statline that can attack effectively for quite awhile. Giving it First Strike won’t be quite as easy, but if you can do that this can rumble virtually all game long.
Shielded Aether Thief
2.5 This blocks a lot of stuff in this format pretty well, and makes you energy while doing it! Drawing a card with energy is a pretty nice payoff too.
2.5 This blocks a lot of stuff in this format pretty well, and makes you energy while doing it! Drawing a card with energy is a pretty nice payoff too.
Cloudblazer
4.0 This is quite the signpost uncommon! It basically gives you a 3-for-1 and gains you some life to give you a better chance of surviving long enough to use those cards, which is great.
4.0 This is quite the signpost uncommon! It basically gives you a 3-for-1 and gains you some life to give you a better chance of surviving long enough to use those cards, which is great.
Barricade Breaker
2.5 Powering this out with Improvise on turn 5 is pretty doable, and it is a real problem when that’s the case, though it does usually eventually meet its end since it won’t stop attacking.
2.5 Powering this out with Improvise on turn 5 is pretty doable, and it is a real problem when that’s the case, though it does usually eventually meet its end since it won’t stop attacking.
Gearseeker Serpent
3.0 This is a very nice Common for Blue decks in this format, which really like Artifacts. It often costs 4 or 5 mana, and is a great finisher in this format thanks to its bulk and potential evasiveness.
3.0 This is a very nice Common for Blue decks in this format, which really like Artifacts. It often costs 4 or 5 mana, and is a great finisher in this format thanks to its bulk and potential evasiveness.
Maulfist Squad
2.5 Like most of the Fabricate creatures, this is pretty solid, as both options are pretty reasonable. A 4-mana 4/2 with Menace is nice on boards where you are the beat down and your opponent won’t be blocking it any time soon, and 4 mana for a 3/1 and a 1/1 is pretty good when you’re behind.
2.5 Like most of the Fabricate creatures, this is pretty solid, as both options are pretty reasonable. A 4-mana 4/2 with Menace is nice on boards where you are the beat down and your opponent won’t be blocking it any time soon, and 4 mana for a 3/1 and a 1/1 is pretty good when you’re behind.
Aether Inspector
2.0 This whole cycle is pretty nice, but the Inspector is probably the worst of the bunch. It starts out with worse stats and feels a little bit overcosted. But still, it’s a reasonable playable.
2.0 This whole cycle is pretty nice, but the Inspector is probably the worst of the bunch. It starts out with worse stats and feels a little bit overcosted. But still, it’s a reasonable playable.
Highspire Infusion
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
Chandra's Revolution
3.0 4 mana for 4 damage at Sorcery speed isn’t the most amazing thing, and the land tap down part of the card doesn’t give it much of an upgrade. Still, it is reasonably efficient removal.
3.0 4 mana for 4 damage at Sorcery speed isn’t the most amazing thing, and the land tap down part of the card doesn’t give it much of an upgrade. Still, it is reasonably efficient removal.
Alley Evasion
1.0 This set does have lots of ETB abilities, but this card is still mostly just a dud. Both modes are underpowered and situational.
1.0 This set does have lots of ETB abilities, but this card is still mostly just a dud. Both modes are underpowered and situational.
Inspired Charge
0.5 // 2.5 You would definitely prefer to get Dawnfeather Eagle, but with all of the Servos in White, you end up going wide enough to make this work in a decent chunk of decks, and it can definitely sub in for the eagle in those decks. If you aren’t good at going wide, it is pretty unplayable.
0.5 // 2.5 You would definitely prefer to get Dawnfeather Eagle, but with all of the Servos in White, you end up going wide enough to make this work in a decent chunk of decks, and it can definitely sub in for the eagle in those decks. If you aren’t good at going wide, it is pretty unplayable.
Consulate Turret
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
Ice Over
2.5 It is a bummer that this doesn’t tap down the thing you attach it too, but it is still some serviceable removal.
2.5 It is a bummer that this doesn’t tap down the thing you attach it too, but it is still some serviceable removal.
Sweatworks Brawler
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 with Menace is kind of alright, and you’ll find yourself playing this for three mana pretty often.
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 with Menace is kind of alright, and you’ll find yourself playing this for three mana pretty often.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Fairgrounds Warden
Ceremonious Rejection
0.5 Even in a format with this many Artifacts, this is mostly just too narrow to put in your main deck.
0.5 Even in a format with this many Artifacts, this is mostly just too narrow to put in your main deck.
Weldfast Engineer
3.5 This asks not only for Artifacts, but artifact creatures in particular. However, you’ll have them in this format, since there are lots of Servos among the other artifacts. And, making a servo into a 3/1 every turn can be a real problem for your opponent on many board states.
3.5 This asks not only for Artifacts, but artifact creatures in particular. However, you’ll have them in this format, since there are lots of Servos among the other artifacts. And, making a servo into a 3/1 every turn can be a real problem for your opponent on many board states.
Fairgrounds Warden
4.0 Removal creatures are always nice, even if they give your opponent back their thing when they die. It is hard to beat adding to your board while subtracting from your opponents.
4.0 Removal creatures are always nice, even if they give your opponent back their thing when they die. It is hard to beat adding to your board while subtracting from your opponents.
Leave in the Dust
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
Dukhara Peafowl
2.5 This is an artifact in a set that cares about that, and has decent stats and the ability to gain flying. You’ll play this pretty often in Blue.
2.5 This is an artifact in a set that cares about that, and has decent stats and the ability to gain flying. You’ll play this pretty often in Blue.
Commencement of Festivities
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
Countless Gears Renegade
2.5 You’ll get the 1/1 out of this like half the time, and it will feel great when you do. When that doesn’t work out, it will feel pretty mediocre.
2.5 You’ll get the 1/1 out of this like half the time, and it will feel great when you do. When that doesn’t work out, it will feel pretty mediocre.
Rush of Vitality
1.5 This is a decent trick that you’ll run in some of your aggro decks.
1.5 This is a decent trick that you’ll run in some of your aggro decks.
Frontline Rebel
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
Sweatworks Brawler
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 with Menace is kind of alright, and you’ll find yourself playing this for three mana pretty often.
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 with Menace is kind of alright, and you’ll find yourself playing this for three mana pretty often.
Alley Strangler
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
Eddytrail Hawk
2.5 Giving other stuff flying can have a pretty big impact, and the Hawk can do it twice without any outside help, making it a decent card.
2.5 Giving other stuff flying can have a pretty big impact, and the Hawk can do it twice without any outside help, making it a decent card.
Inventor's Goggles
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
Pack 1 Pick 3: Whir of Invention
Whir of Invention
0.0 You just won’t have enough Artifacts or mana to make this worth it in Limited.
0.0 You just won’t have enough Artifacts or mana to make this worth it in Limited.
Veteran Motorist
3.5 Most of the time, this will kill your opponent’s best creature and bolt your opponent in the face. If that’s not premium removal, I don’t know what is.
3.5 Most of the time, this will kill your opponent’s best creature and bolt your opponent in the face. If that’s not premium removal, I don’t know what is.
Weaponcraft Enthusiast
3.5 If this just also had its ETB effect, it would be completely insane, since you would just add a 3-mana 3/2 to the board and kill something. Obviously, the Revolt requirement makes it significantly less insane, and this will just be the 3/2 a little more often than you’d like. Still, when you do get Revolt going, it will still feel like you’re doing something amazing.
3.5 If this just also had its ETB effect, it would be completely insane, since you would just add a 3-mana 3/2 to the board and kill something. Obviously, the Revolt requirement makes it significantly less insane, and this will just be the 3/2 a little more often than you’d like. Still, when you do get Revolt going, it will still feel like you’re doing something amazing.
Commencement of Festivities
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
Glint-Sleeve Artisan
3.0 This is one of White’s best commons. A 3-mana 3/3 or a 3-mana 2/2 and a 1/1 is quite nice, especially because White has lots of ways to pay you off for going wide.
3.0 This is one of White’s best commons. A 3-mana 3/3 or a 3-mana 2/2 and a 1/1 is quite nice, especially because White has lots of ways to pay you off for going wide.
Thriving Turtle
2.5 If you play this on turn one, it can become a very real creature on the board. It generally won’t be able to attack forever because its power starts so low, but by the time it has to stop attacking, it has the kind of size that isn’t easy to attack through.
2.5 If you play this on turn one, it can become a very real creature on the board. It generally won’t be able to attack forever because its power starts so low, but by the time it has to stop attacking, it has the kind of size that isn’t easy to attack through.
Maulfist Squad
2.5 Like most of the Fabricate creatures, this is pretty solid, as both options are pretty reasonable. A 4-mana 4/2 with Menace is nice on boards where you are the beat down and your opponent won’t be blocking it any time soon, and 4 mana for a 3/1 and a 1/1 is pretty good when you’re behind.
2.5 Like most of the Fabricate creatures, this is pretty solid, as both options are pretty reasonable. A 4-mana 4/2 with Menace is nice on boards where you are the beat down and your opponent won’t be blocking it any time soon, and 4 mana for a 3/1 and a 1/1 is pretty good when you’re behind.
Destructive Tampering
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
Implement of Examination
2.0 So, you basically pay a total of 4 mana for two cards, which isn’t completely terrible – and you can spread it out over a couple of turns. It is also an artifact, and one that can get Revolt going.
2.0 So, you basically pay a total of 4 mana for two cards, which isn’t completely terrible – and you can spread it out over a couple of turns. It is also an artifact, and one that can get Revolt going.
Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
Appetite for the Unnatural
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
Highspire Infusion
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Ridgescale Tusker
Ridgescale Tusker
4.5 Yeah, this is an Uncommon, but it just feels like a bomb in this format. It isn’t hard to go wide, it is a 5-mana 5/5, and it has an immediate and large impact on just about every board it can come down on.
4.5 Yeah, this is an Uncommon, but it just feels like a bomb in this format. It isn’t hard to go wide, it is a 5-mana 5/5, and it has an immediate and large impact on just about every board it can come down on.
Harnessed Lightning
4.0 Two mana for 3 damage is also premium removal, and this has the upside of getting better with more Energy.
4.0 Two mana for 3 damage is also premium removal, and this has the upside of getting better with more Energy.
Self-Assembler
0.5 // 3.0 If you have one Self Assembler, don’t play it. If you manage to get a second one, you’re actually kind of in business. A 5-mana 4/4 isn’t good, but it does draw you another one, and making sure you have those plays on back to back turns is pretty nice. Because of the mana cost running more than 3 probably isn’t a great idea, but chaining those three together is pretty nice, even with mediocre stats.
0.5 // 3.0 If you have one Self Assembler, don’t play it. If you manage to get a second one, you’re actually kind of in business. A 5-mana 4/4 isn’t good, but it does draw you another one, and making sure you have those plays on back to back turns is pretty nice. Because of the mana cost running more than 3 probably isn’t a great idea, but chaining those three together is pretty nice, even with mediocre stats.
Fireforger's Puzzleknot
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
Built to Last
2.0 This is a decent trick that gets even better if you’re rumbling with artifact creatures. It is a decent inclusion in aggro decks.
2.0 This is a decent trick that gets even better if you’re rumbling with artifact creatures. It is a decent inclusion in aggro decks.
Spireside Infiltrator
2.5 This can crew most of the vehicles worth playing in the format while also doing 1 damage to your opponent, and even if it isn’t crewing, it is a 3-mana 3/2 that does 1 to the opponent every time it attacks. It does surprisingly well in aggressive decks.
2.5 This can crew most of the vehicles worth playing in the format while also doing 1 damage to your opponent, and even if it isn’t crewing, it is a 3-mana 3/2 that does 1 to the opponent every time it attacks. It does surprisingly well in aggressive decks.
Night Market Aeronaut
1.5 There is a big difference between a 4-mana 2/2 flyer and a 4-mana 3/3 flyer, and Revolt can be difficult enough to get going that this isn’t that great.
1.5 There is a big difference between a 4-mana 2/2 flyer and a 4-mana 3/3 flyer, and Revolt can be difficult enough to get going that this isn’t that great.
Die Young
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
Attune with Aether
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
Hunt the Weak
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
Prakhata Pillar-Bug
2.5 Yet another efficient artifact creature that can gain a useful keyword, and yet another 2.5.
2.5 Yet another efficient artifact creature that can gain a useful keyword, and yet another 2.5.
Pack 1 Pick 5: Aether Swooper
Hungry Flames
4.0 3 mana to kill an X/3 and do 2 damage to your opponent is a great rate.
4.0 3 mana to kill an X/3 and do 2 damage to your opponent is a great rate.
Aether Chaser
3.5 This has great stats to begin with, so adding the ability to make Servo tokens is great. A 2/1 first striker is often relevant pretty much all game, whether you’re the one attacking or blocking, so having that Energy/servo upside is great, especially because going wide is very viable in this set.
3.5 This has great stats to begin with, so adding the ability to make Servo tokens is great. A 2/1 first striker is often relevant pretty much all game, whether you’re the one attacking or blocking, so having that Energy/servo upside is great, especially because going wide is very viable in this set.
Peema Outrider
3.5 The choice between a 4-mana 4/4 Trample and a 4-mana 3/3 Trample with a 1/1 Servo token is a good decision to have to make, because either option is giving you a great deal.
3.5 The choice between a 4-mana 4/4 Trample and a 4-mana 3/3 Trample with a 1/1 Servo token is a good decision to have to make, because either option is giving you a great deal.
Prakhata Pillar-Bug
2.5 Yet another efficient artifact creature that can gain a useful keyword, and yet another 2.5.
2.5 Yet another efficient artifact creature that can gain a useful keyword, and yet another 2.5.
Die Young
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
Aether Swooper
3.5 This often feels like a two mana ½ that makes a 1/1 token on ETB, and that is a very powerful card. If you play this on turn two, you are virtually guaranteed to get that token, and if you can generate a little bit more Energy, it can really get going. It is also a great place to put Artificer’s Goggles!
3.5 This often feels like a two mana ½ that makes a 1/1 token on ETB, and that is a very powerful card. If you play this on turn two, you are virtually guaranteed to get that token, and if you can generate a little bit more Energy, it can really get going. It is also a great place to put Artificer’s Goggles!
Defiant Salvager
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
Herald of the Fair
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but an ETB ability that often lets you attack more effectively. Still, it is pretty replaceable and not remotely impressive.
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but an ETB ability that often lets you attack more effectively. Still, it is pretty replaceable and not remotely impressive.
Audacious Infiltrator
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
Hijack
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
Pack 1 Pick 6: Paradoxical Outcome
Paradoxical Outcome
0.0 This card is pretty much impossible to make work in Limited.
0.0 This card is pretty much impossible to make work in Limited.
Prakhata Pillar-Bug
2.5 Yet another efficient artifact creature that can gain a useful keyword, and yet another 2.5.
2.5 Yet another efficient artifact creature that can gain a useful keyword, and yet another 2.5.
Foundry Screecher
2.5 This has passable stats to begin with, and becomes a 3/1 flyer for 3 if you have an Artifact, and that’s a pretty legitimate threat in the air.
2.5 This has passable stats to begin with, and becomes a 3/1 flyer for 3 if you have an Artifact, and that’s a pretty legitimate threat in the air.
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Bastion Mastodon
2.5 Being an artifact matters in this set, and this offers a decent body that can gain Vigilance. Like the rest of this cycle, Bastion Mastodon is pretty solid.
2.5 Being an artifact matters in this set, and this offers a decent body that can gain Vigilance. Like the rest of this cycle, Bastion Mastodon is pretty solid.
Salivating Gremlins
2.5 This will be a 4/3 with Trample on lots of turns, and that’s a relevant body all game long. If you’re really good at making servos, sometimes it will be even bigger!
2.5 This will be a 4/3 with Trample on lots of turns, and that’s a relevant body all game long. If you’re really good at making servos, sometimes it will be even bigger!
Highspire Infusion
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
Tezzeret's Ambition
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
Maulfist Squad
2.5 Like most of the Fabricate creatures, this is pretty solid, as both options are pretty reasonable. A 4-mana 4/2 with Menace is nice on boards where you are the beat down and your opponent won’t be blocking it any time soon, and 4 mana for a 3/1 and a 1/1 is pretty good when you’re behind.
2.5 Like most of the Fabricate creatures, this is pretty solid, as both options are pretty reasonable. A 4-mana 4/2 with Menace is nice on boards where you are the beat down and your opponent won’t be blocking it any time soon, and 4 mana for a 3/1 and a 1/1 is pretty good when you’re behind.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Fragmentize
Ceremonious Rejection
0.5 Even in a format with this many Artifacts, this is mostly just too narrow to put in your main deck.
0.5 Even in a format with this many Artifacts, this is mostly just too narrow to put in your main deck.
Irontread Crusher
2.0 This vehicle isn’t as exciting as some of the others, but it can do the job.
2.0 This vehicle isn’t as exciting as some of the others, but it can do the job.
Narnam Cobra
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
Lathnu Sailback
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
Tezzeret's Ambition
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
Commencement of Festivities
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
Fragmentize
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
Pack 1 Pick 8: Leave in the Dust
Servo Schematic
2.0 This gives you two artifacts on turn two, which is pretty good at setting up Improvise and other Artifact payoffs. Ideally, your deck also has some ways to sacrifice the Schematic so you can get that second servo.
2.0 This gives you two artifacts on turn two, which is pretty good at setting up Improvise and other Artifact payoffs. Ideally, your deck also has some ways to sacrifice the Schematic so you can get that second servo.
Audacious Infiltrator
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
Leave in the Dust
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
Wild Wanderer
2.5 This actually provides some reasonable fixing and ramp, and is large enough to trade.
2.5 This actually provides some reasonable fixing and ramp, and is large enough to trade.
Implement of Malice
2.0 If you consistently can use this to make an opponent discard and you draw, it feels alright. It just won’t always do that. Still, at least it isn’t blank in the late game, since you can basically cash it in for a card. It also gets revolt going.
2.0 If you consistently can use this to make an opponent discard and you draw, it feels alright. It just won’t always do that. Still, at least it isn’t blank in the late game, since you can basically cash it in for a card. It also gets revolt going.
Night Market Lookout
1.5 If you’re really aggressive or plan on crewing vehicles a lot – or both – this can be an alright inclusion, but most of the time you’ll stay away from it.
1.5 If you’re really aggressive or plan on crewing vehicles a lot – or both – this can be an alright inclusion, but most of the time you’ll stay away from it.
Chandra's Pyrohelix
3.0 At worst, this kills an X/2 for two mana, which is fine – and sometimes you can take out 2 X/1s, which will feel amazing. It can also go after your opponent when necessary.
3.0 At worst, this kills an X/2 for two mana, which is fine – and sometimes you can take out 2 X/1s, which will feel amazing. It can also go after your opponent when necessary.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Aether Inspector
Aether Inspector
2.0 This whole cycle is pretty nice, but the Inspector is probably the worst of the bunch. It starts out with worse stats and feels a little bit overcosted. But still, it’s a reasonable playable.
2.0 This whole cycle is pretty nice, but the Inspector is probably the worst of the bunch. It starts out with worse stats and feels a little bit overcosted. But still, it’s a reasonable playable.
Highspire Infusion
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
Alley Evasion
1.0 This set does have lots of ETB abilities, but this card is still mostly just a dud. Both modes are underpowered and situational.
1.0 This set does have lots of ETB abilities, but this card is still mostly just a dud. Both modes are underpowered and situational.
Inspired Charge
0.5 // 2.5 You would definitely prefer to get Dawnfeather Eagle, but with all of the Servos in White, you end up going wide enough to make this work in a decent chunk of decks, and it can definitely sub in for the eagle in those decks. If you aren’t good at going wide, it is pretty unplayable.
0.5 // 2.5 You would definitely prefer to get Dawnfeather Eagle, but with all of the Servos in White, you end up going wide enough to make this work in a decent chunk of decks, and it can definitely sub in for the eagle in those decks. If you aren’t good at going wide, it is pretty unplayable.
Ice Over
2.5 It is a bummer that this doesn’t tap down the thing you attach it too, but it is still some serviceable removal.
2.5 It is a bummer that this doesn’t tap down the thing you attach it too, but it is still some serviceable removal.
Sweatworks Brawler
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 with Menace is kind of alright, and you’ll find yourself playing this for three mana pretty often.
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 with Menace is kind of alright, and you’ll find yourself playing this for three mana pretty often.
Pack 1 Pick 10: Inventor's Goggles
Dukhara Peafowl
2.5 This is an artifact in a set that cares about that, and has decent stats and the ability to gain flying. You’ll play this pretty often in Blue.
2.5 This is an artifact in a set that cares about that, and has decent stats and the ability to gain flying. You’ll play this pretty often in Blue.
Commencement of Festivities
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
Rush of Vitality
1.5 This is a decent trick that you’ll run in some of your aggro decks.
1.5 This is a decent trick that you’ll run in some of your aggro decks.
Frontline Rebel
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
Inventor's Goggles
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Appetite for the Unnatural
Commencement of Festivities
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
Maulfist Squad
2.5 Like most of the Fabricate creatures, this is pretty solid, as both options are pretty reasonable. A 4-mana 4/2 with Menace is nice on boards where you are the beat down and your opponent won’t be blocking it any time soon, and 4 mana for a 3/1 and a 1/1 is pretty good when you’re behind.
2.5 Like most of the Fabricate creatures, this is pretty solid, as both options are pretty reasonable. A 4-mana 4/2 with Menace is nice on boards where you are the beat down and your opponent won’t be blocking it any time soon, and 4 mana for a 3/1 and a 1/1 is pretty good when you’re behind.
Destructive Tampering
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
Appetite for the Unnatural
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Self-Assembler
Self-Assembler
0.5 // 3.0 If you have one Self Assembler, don’t play it. If you manage to get a second one, you’re actually kind of in business. A 5-mana 4/4 isn’t good, but it does draw you another one, and making sure you have those plays on back to back turns is pretty nice. Because of the mana cost running more than 3 probably isn’t a great idea, but chaining those three together is pretty nice, even with mediocre stats.
0.5 // 3.0 If you have one Self Assembler, don’t play it. If you manage to get a second one, you’re actually kind of in business. A 5-mana 4/4 isn’t good, but it does draw you another one, and making sure you have those plays on back to back turns is pretty nice. Because of the mana cost running more than 3 probably isn’t a great idea, but chaining those three together is pretty nice, even with mediocre stats.
Fireforger's Puzzleknot
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
Spireside Infiltrator
2.5 This can crew most of the vehicles worth playing in the format while also doing 1 damage to your opponent, and even if it isn’t crewing, it is a 3-mana 3/2 that does 1 to the opponent every time it attacks. It does surprisingly well in aggressive decks.
2.5 This can crew most of the vehicles worth playing in the format while also doing 1 damage to your opponent, and even if it isn’t crewing, it is a 3-mana 3/2 that does 1 to the opponent every time it attacks. It does surprisingly well in aggressive decks.
Pack 1 Pick 13: Audacious Infiltrator
Defiant Salvager
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
Audacious Infiltrator
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
Pack 1 Pick 14: Highspire Infusion
Highspire Infusion
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Rishkar, Peema Renegade
Rishkar, Peema Renegade
4.5 So, even if you only have one other creature, Rishkar will put a +1/+1 counter on that and one on himself, so he’ll be a 3/3 that adds a counter to the board on a creature that can attack right away! On top of that, all your +1/+1 counter creatures, including the ones he just made, can also tap for mana, helping you power out more powerful spells. Yeah, Rishkar is crazy good, and a frightening thing to see on turn three in this format.
4.5 So, even if you only have one other creature, Rishkar will put a +1/+1 counter on that and one on himself, so he’ll be a 3/3 that adds a counter to the board on a creature that can attack right away! On top of that, all your +1/+1 counter creatures, including the ones he just made, can also tap for mana, helping you power out more powerful spells. Yeah, Rishkar is crazy good, and a frightening thing to see on turn three in this format.
Glimmer of Genius
3.0 Scry 2 + Draw 2 lets you see a large percentage of cards in your small Limited deck, and that’s great – and throwing in Energy definitely matters in this format.
3.0 Scry 2 + Draw 2 lets you see a large percentage of cards in your small Limited deck, and that’s great – and throwing in Energy definitely matters in this format.
Inventor's Apprentice
1.5 If your deck can have this be a 2/3 reasonably consistently, it is a sort of alright card, as a 2/3 body is at least somewhat relevant even late, but it isn’t exactly blowing your opponent away either.
1.5 If your deck can have this be a 2/3 reasonably consistently, it is a sort of alright card, as a 2/3 body is at least somewhat relevant even late, but it isn’t exactly blowing your opponent away either.
Contraband Kingpin
3.0 The Kingpin has a very annoying body for aggressive decks to deal with since it can block a ton of stuff and survive while also gaining you life. Then, in the mean time, you get to Scry any time an Artifact ETBs, and that’s some nice additional upside.
3.0 The Kingpin has a very annoying body for aggressive decks to deal with since it can block a ton of stuff and survive while also gaining you life. Then, in the mean time, you get to Scry any time an Artifact ETBs, and that’s some nice additional upside.
Consulate Skygate
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
Salivating Gremlins
2.5 This will be a 4/3 with Trample on lots of turns, and that’s a relevant body all game long. If you’re really good at making servos, sometimes it will be even bigger!
2.5 This will be a 4/3 with Trample on lots of turns, and that’s a relevant body all game long. If you’re really good at making servos, sometimes it will be even bigger!
Inventor's Goggles
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
Revolutionary Rebuff
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
Fen Hauler
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
Eddytrail Hawk
2.5 Giving other stuff flying can have a pretty big impact, and the Hawk can do it twice without any outside help, making it a decent card.
2.5 Giving other stuff flying can have a pretty big impact, and the Hawk can do it twice without any outside help, making it a decent card.
Shipwreck Moray
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
Sweatworks Brawler
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 with Menace is kind of alright, and you’ll find yourself playing this for three mana pretty often.
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 with Menace is kind of alright, and you’ll find yourself playing this for three mana pretty often.
Peema Outrider
3.5 The choice between a 4-mana 4/4 Trample and a 4-mana 3/3 Trample with a 1/1 Servo token is a good decision to have to make, because either option is giving you a great deal.
3.5 The choice between a 4-mana 4/4 Trample and a 4-mana 3/3 Trample with a 1/1 Servo token is a good decision to have to make, because either option is giving you a great deal.
Prakhata Pillar-Bug
2.5 Yet another efficient artifact creature that can gain a useful keyword, and yet another 2.5.
2.5 Yet another efficient artifact creature that can gain a useful keyword, and yet another 2.5.
Pack 2 Pick 2: Dawnfeather Eagle
Bomat Courier
2.0 If you can play this on turn one and have it stick around, it ends up being a nice source of card advantage in the later game. Problem is, for the rest of the game it isn’t especially good, since it won’t be a very good attacker. Sure, even if it attacks and dies, you can pitch your hand to draw the card that goes under it, but that’s not exactly a big deal.
2.0 If you can play this on turn one and have it stick around, it ends up being a nice source of card advantage in the later game. Problem is, for the rest of the game it isn’t especially good, since it won’t be a very good attacker. Sure, even if it attacks and dies, you can pitch your hand to draw the card that goes under it, but that’s not exactly a big deal.
Winding Constrictor
3.5 This has great stats, and giving you extra energy and extra +1/+1 counters comes up a whole lot in this format.
3.5 This has great stats, and giving you extra energy and extra +1/+1 counters comes up a whole lot in this format.
Daredevil Dragster
2.0 This is fairly easy to crew and decently sized, but the fact it has to give itself up after its second attack is a little bit of a bummer, as there are definitely times where you’d prefer to keep it in play.
2.0 This is fairly easy to crew and decently sized, but the fact it has to give itself up after its second attack is a little bit of a bummer, as there are definitely times where you’d prefer to keep it in play.
Hungry Flames
4.0 3 mana to kill an X/3 and do 2 damage to your opponent is a great rate.
4.0 3 mana to kill an X/3 and do 2 damage to your opponent is a great rate.
Fragmentize
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
Attune with Aether
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
Fireforger's Puzzleknot
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
Sky Skiff
2.5 The mana and crew cost here are both quite low, and thanks to Flying this can attack pretty much all game long.
2.5 The mana and crew cost here are both quite low, and thanks to Flying this can attack pretty much all game long.
Rush of Vitality
1.5 This is a decent trick that you’ll run in some of your aggro decks.
1.5 This is a decent trick that you’ll run in some of your aggro decks.
Dawnfeather Eagle
3.5 This is one of the sets best Commons. It just has such a massive impact on virtually any board state, and that’s a lot to say about a Common! +1/+1 and Vigilance to your whole team while you also add a flying threat to the table is amazing. The stats boost + Vigilance makes it so you can suddenly attack your opponent, both because your creatures get larger and because they have vigilance, making it much harder for your opponent to kill you on the back swing. This is excellent top curve for aggressive White decks in this format, and the best decks often have at least two of these.
3.5 This is one of the sets best Commons. It just has such a massive impact on virtually any board state, and that’s a lot to say about a Common! +1/+1 and Vigilance to your whole team while you also add a flying threat to the table is amazing. The stats boost + Vigilance makes it so you can suddenly attack your opponent, both because your creatures get larger and because they have vigilance, making it much harder for your opponent to kill you on the back swing. This is excellent top curve for aggressive White decks in this format, and the best decks often have at least two of these.
Lifecraft Cavalry
2.0 This is kind of alright even when you don’t revolt, and pretty scary when you can. It isn’t terrible top curve.
2.0 This is kind of alright even when you don’t revolt, and pretty scary when you can. It isn’t terrible top curve.
Frontline Rebel
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
Pack 2 Pick 3: Dawnfeather Eagle
Furious Reprisal
2.0 This looks like it would be pretty amazing at first glance – hard not to imagine killing two things with it, right? Well, yeah – it will do that sometimes, but it is also a clunky 4-mana sorcery that can’t do anything about larger creatures, and that’s not exactly what you want to be spending your mana on a lot of the time. And don’t get me wrong, it isn’t bad, it is just also nowhere near a premium removal spell, or even close to being a card you always play.
2.0 This looks like it would be pretty amazing at first glance – hard not to imagine killing two things with it, right? Well, yeah – it will do that sometimes, but it is also a clunky 4-mana sorcery that can’t do anything about larger creatures, and that’s not exactly what you want to be spending your mana on a lot of the time. And don’t get me wrong, it isn’t bad, it is just also nowhere near a premium removal spell, or even close to being a card you always play.
Illusionist's Stratagem
1.5 This is really situational, though it does feel pretty awesome when you blink two creatures with ETB abilities and draw a card. You’d be surprised how often this does very little, though.
1.5 This is really situational, though it does feel pretty awesome when you blink two creatures with ETB abilities and draw a card. You’d be surprised how often this does very little, though.
Airdrop Aeronauts
3.5 A 5-mana 4/3 flyer is a passable card, and this will gain you 5 life often enough to be a pretty nice creature for your deck.
3.5 A 5-mana 4/3 flyer is a passable card, and this will gain you 5 life often enough to be a pretty nice creature for your deck.
Attune with Aether
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
Druid of the Cowl
2.5 This has decent stats and ramps your mana, which makes it a solid card.
2.5 This has decent stats and ramps your mana, which makes it a solid card.
Cogworker's Puzzleknot
2.5 This can really help you go wide in a hurry, which is useful for White decks, and it also gives you two artifacts on turn two, which can really help out cards with Improvise.
2.5 This can really help you go wide in a hurry, which is useful for White decks, and it also gives you two artifacts on turn two, which can really help out cards with Improvise.
Malfunction
3.0 4 mana is a little clunky, but this shuts down most creatures and artifacts in the format.
3.0 4 mana is a little clunky, but this shuts down most creatures and artifacts in the format.
Ruinous Gremlin
1.5 This is passable in your main deck because there are enough Artifacts it can target, but you sort of hope you have some better artifact hate.
1.5 This is passable in your main deck because there are enough Artifacts it can target, but you sort of hope you have some better artifact hate.
Defiant Salvager
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
Die Young
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
Eager Construct
1.5 If you need a two drop or an Artifact, you could do worse.
1.5 If you need a two drop or an Artifact, you could do worse.
Dawnfeather Eagle
3.5 This is one of the sets best Commons. It just has such a massive impact on virtually any board state, and that’s a lot to say about a Common! +1/+1 and Vigilance to your whole team while you also add a flying threat to the table is amazing. The stats boost + Vigilance makes it so you can suddenly attack your opponent, both because your creatures get larger and because they have vigilance, making it much harder for your opponent to kill you on the back swing. This is excellent top curve for aggressive White decks in this format, and the best decks often have at least two of these.
3.5 This is one of the sets best Commons. It just has such a massive impact on virtually any board state, and that’s a lot to say about a Common! +1/+1 and Vigilance to your whole team while you also add a flying threat to the table is amazing. The stats boost + Vigilance makes it so you can suddenly attack your opponent, both because your creatures get larger and because they have vigilance, making it much harder for your opponent to kill you on the back swing. This is excellent top curve for aggressive White decks in this format, and the best decks often have at least two of these.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Essence Extraction
Furious Reprisal
2.0 This looks like it would be pretty amazing at first glance – hard not to imagine killing two things with it, right? Well, yeah – it will do that sometimes, but it is also a clunky 4-mana sorcery that can’t do anything about larger creatures, and that’s not exactly what you want to be spending your mana on a lot of the time. And don’t get me wrong, it isn’t bad, it is just also nowhere near a premium removal spell, or even close to being a card you always play.
2.0 This looks like it would be pretty amazing at first glance – hard not to imagine killing two things with it, right? Well, yeah – it will do that sometimes, but it is also a clunky 4-mana sorcery that can’t do anything about larger creatures, and that’s not exactly what you want to be spending your mana on a lot of the time. And don’t get me wrong, it isn’t bad, it is just also nowhere near a premium removal spell, or even close to being a card you always play.
Essence Extraction
4.0 Doing 3 to something and gaining 3 is great, and even though this can’t hit your opponent, you are going to feel pretty pretty much every time you cast it. Even if you’re behind, killing an X/3 and gaining 3 is enough to pull you back to parity most of the time.
4.0 Doing 3 to something and gaining 3 is great, and even though this can’t hit your opponent, you are going to feel pretty pretty much every time you cast it. Even if you’re behind, killing an X/3 and gaining 3 is enough to pull you back to parity most of the time.
Commencement of Festivities
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
Defiant Salvager
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
Built to Last
2.0 This is a decent trick that gets even better if you’re rumbling with artifact creatures. It is a decent inclusion in aggro decks.
2.0 This is a decent trick that gets even better if you’re rumbling with artifact creatures. It is a decent inclusion in aggro decks.
Weldfast Wingsmith
2.0 This has mediocre starting stats, but it does gain Flying often enough to be a decent inclusion in artifact-heavy decks.
2.0 This has mediocre starting stats, but it does gain Flying often enough to be a decent inclusion in artifact-heavy decks.
Chandra's Pyrohelix
3.0 At worst, this kills an X/2 for two mana, which is fine – and sometimes you can take out 2 X/1s, which will feel amazing. It can also go after your opponent when necessary.
3.0 At worst, this kills an X/2 for two mana, which is fine – and sometimes you can take out 2 X/1s, which will feel amazing. It can also go after your opponent when necessary.
Irontread Crusher
2.0 This vehicle isn’t as exciting as some of the others, but it can do the job.
2.0 This vehicle isn’t as exciting as some of the others, but it can do the job.
Thriving Turtle
2.5 If you play this on turn one, it can become a very real creature on the board. It generally won’t be able to attack forever because its power starts so low, but by the time it has to stop attacking, it has the kind of size that isn’t easy to attack through.
2.5 If you play this on turn one, it can become a very real creature on the board. It generally won’t be able to attack forever because its power starts so low, but by the time it has to stop attacking, it has the kind of size that isn’t easy to attack through.
Implement of Examination
2.0 So, you basically pay a total of 4 mana for two cards, which isn’t completely terrible – and you can spread it out over a couple of turns. It is also an artifact, and one that can get Revolt going.
2.0 So, you basically pay a total of 4 mana for two cards, which isn’t completely terrible – and you can spread it out over a couple of turns. It is also an artifact, and one that can get Revolt going.
Fen Hauler
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Leave in the Dust
Decoction Module
1.5 This gives you a bunch of energy over the course of the game, and can help you rebuy ETB effects, but in most decks it doesn’t really feel worth it.
1.5 This gives you a bunch of energy over the course of the game, and can help you rebuy ETB effects, but in most decks it doesn’t really feel worth it.
Illusionist's Stratagem
1.5 This is really situational, though it does feel pretty awesome when you blink two creatures with ETB abilities and draw a card. You’d be surprised how often this does very little, though.
1.5 This is really situational, though it does feel pretty awesome when you blink two creatures with ETB abilities and draw a card. You’d be surprised how often this does very little, though.
Dukhara Peafowl
2.5 This is an artifact in a set that cares about that, and has decent stats and the ability to gain flying. You’ll play this pretty often in Blue.
2.5 This is an artifact in a set that cares about that, and has decent stats and the ability to gain flying. You’ll play this pretty often in Blue.
Leave in the Dust
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
Implement of Examination
2.0 So, you basically pay a total of 4 mana for two cards, which isn’t completely terrible – and you can spread it out over a couple of turns. It is also an artifact, and one that can get Revolt going.
2.0 So, you basically pay a total of 4 mana for two cards, which isn’t completely terrible – and you can spread it out over a couple of turns. It is also an artifact, and one that can get Revolt going.
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Fen Hauler
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
Fireforger's Puzzleknot
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
Bastion Mastodon
2.5 Being an artifact matters in this set, and this offers a decent body that can gain Vigilance. Like the rest of this cycle, Bastion Mastodon is pretty solid.
2.5 Being an artifact matters in this set, and this offers a decent body that can gain Vigilance. Like the rest of this cycle, Bastion Mastodon is pretty solid.
Riparian Tiger
2.0 This isn’t the greatest finisher ever for Green energy decks, but you could do worse too. Even without any other help, it is a 5-mana 4/4 Trampler that attacks as a 6/6 the first time it attacks, and that’s a creature that is very difficult to effectively block.
2.0 This isn’t the greatest finisher ever for Green energy decks, but you could do worse too. Even without any other help, it is a 5-mana 4/4 Trampler that attacks as a 6/6 the first time it attacks, and that’s a creature that is very difficult to effectively block.
Pack 2 Pick 6: Cloudblazer
Cloudblazer
4.0 This is quite the signpost uncommon! It basically gives you a 3-for-1 and gains you some life to give you a better chance of surviving long enough to use those cards, which is great.
4.0 This is quite the signpost uncommon! It basically gives you a 3-for-1 and gains you some life to give you a better chance of surviving long enough to use those cards, which is great.
Sky Skiff
2.5 The mana and crew cost here are both quite low, and thanks to Flying this can attack pretty much all game long.
2.5 The mana and crew cost here are both quite low, and thanks to Flying this can attack pretty much all game long.
Fragmentize
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
Commencement of Festivities
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
Hinterland Drake
2.5 This has pretty aggressive flying stats, and that’s enough to offset the fact that it can’t block Artifact creatures – it will mostly be attacking anyway.
2.5 This has pretty aggressive flying stats, and that’s enough to offset the fact that it can’t block Artifact creatures – it will mostly be attacking anyway.
Die Young
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
Appetite for the Unnatural
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
Cathartic Reunion
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
Prophetic Prism
3.0 The fac this replaces itself is a pretty big deal. Most of the time filter artifacts aren’t worth a card, but this is literally worth a card and then some because of that. And, this format really cares about artifacts.
3.0 The fac this replaces itself is a pretty big deal. Most of the time filter artifacts aren’t worth a card, but this is literally worth a card and then some because of that. And, this format really cares about artifacts.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Propeller Pioneer
Universal Solvent
1.5 If you really need Artifacts and/or removal, you can play this, but most of the time you won’t.
1.5 If you really need Artifacts and/or removal, you can play this, but most of the time you won’t.
Hunt the Weak
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
Lathnu Sailback
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
Consulate Skygate
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
Propeller Pioneer
3.0 This is another nice card that really gets you going wide, and having the option to make it a 4-mana 3/2 Flyer when that’s what you need is pretty nice.
3.0 This is another nice card that really gets you going wide, and having the option to make it a 4-mana 3/2 Flyer when that’s what you need is pretty nice.
Spireside Infiltrator
2.5 This can crew most of the vehicles worth playing in the format while also doing 1 damage to your opponent, and even if it isn’t crewing, it is a 3-mana 3/2 that does 1 to the opponent every time it attacks. It does surprisingly well in aggressive decks.
2.5 This can crew most of the vehicles worth playing in the format while also doing 1 damage to your opponent, and even if it isn’t crewing, it is a 3-mana 3/2 that does 1 to the opponent every time it attacks. It does surprisingly well in aggressive decks.
Mind Rot
1.0 This is basically never good in Limited, and that’s not different here!
1.0 This is basically never good in Limited, and that’s not different here!
Nimble Innovator
1.5 4-mana for a 2/2 is pretty ugly, but at least it draws you a card. It can give you a 2-for-1 often enough to make the cut sometimes.
1.5 4-mana for a 2/2 is pretty ugly, but at least it draws you a card. It can give you a 2-for-1 often enough to make the cut sometimes.
Pack 2 Pick 8: Spire Patrol
Spire Patrol
3.5 This adds a reasonably efficient flyer to the board while locking down your opponent’s best creature for a turn cycle, so it does a great job of helping you stabilize or press an advantage.
3.5 This adds a reasonably efficient flyer to the board while locking down your opponent’s best creature for a turn cycle, so it does a great job of helping you stabilize or press an advantage.
Ruinous Gremlin
1.5 This is passable in your main deck because there are enough Artifacts it can target, but you sort of hope you have some better artifact hate.
1.5 This is passable in your main deck because there are enough Artifacts it can target, but you sort of hope you have some better artifact hate.
Built to Last
2.0 This is a decent trick that gets even better if you’re rumbling with artifact creatures. It is a decent inclusion in aggro decks.
2.0 This is a decent trick that gets even better if you’re rumbling with artifact creatures. It is a decent inclusion in aggro decks.
Fragmentize
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
Appetite for the Unnatural
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
Implement of Examination
2.0 So, you basically pay a total of 4 mana for two cards, which isn’t completely terrible – and you can spread it out over a couple of turns. It is also an artifact, and one that can get Revolt going.
2.0 So, you basically pay a total of 4 mana for two cards, which isn’t completely terrible – and you can spread it out over a couple of turns. It is also an artifact, and one that can get Revolt going.
Consulate Turret
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Inventor's Goggles
Consulate Skygate
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
Salivating Gremlins
2.5 This will be a 4/3 with Trample on lots of turns, and that’s a relevant body all game long. If you’re really good at making servos, sometimes it will be even bigger!
2.5 This will be a 4/3 with Trample on lots of turns, and that’s a relevant body all game long. If you’re really good at making servos, sometimes it will be even bigger!
Inventor's Goggles
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
Revolutionary Rebuff
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
Fen Hauler
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
Sweatworks Brawler
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 with Menace is kind of alright, and you’ll find yourself playing this for three mana pretty often.
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 with Menace is kind of alright, and you’ll find yourself playing this for three mana pretty often.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Lifecraft Cavalry
Fireforger's Puzzleknot
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
Rush of Vitality
1.5 This is a decent trick that you’ll run in some of your aggro decks.
1.5 This is a decent trick that you’ll run in some of your aggro decks.
Lifecraft Cavalry
2.0 This is kind of alright even when you don’t revolt, and pretty scary when you can. It isn’t terrible top curve.
2.0 This is kind of alright even when you don’t revolt, and pretty scary when you can. It isn’t terrible top curve.
Frontline Rebel
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Malfunction
Illusionist's Stratagem
1.5 This is really situational, though it does feel pretty awesome when you blink two creatures with ETB abilities and draw a card. You’d be surprised how often this does very little, though.
1.5 This is really situational, though it does feel pretty awesome when you blink two creatures with ETB abilities and draw a card. You’d be surprised how often this does very little, though.
Malfunction
3.0 4 mana is a little clunky, but this shuts down most creatures and artifacts in the format.
3.0 4 mana is a little clunky, but this shuts down most creatures and artifacts in the format.
Defiant Salvager
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
Die Young
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
Pack 2 Pick 12: Thriving Turtle
Commencement of Festivities
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
Irontread Crusher
2.0 This vehicle isn’t as exciting as some of the others, but it can do the job.
2.0 This vehicle isn’t as exciting as some of the others, but it can do the job.
Thriving Turtle
2.5 If you play this on turn one, it can become a very real creature on the board. It generally won’t be able to attack forever because its power starts so low, but by the time it has to stop attacking, it has the kind of size that isn’t easy to attack through.
2.5 If you play this on turn one, it can become a very real creature on the board. It generally won’t be able to attack forever because its power starts so low, but by the time it has to stop attacking, it has the kind of size that isn’t easy to attack through.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Ornamental Courage
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Fireforger's Puzzleknot
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
Pack 2 Pick 14: Appetite for the Unnatural
Appetite for the Unnatural
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Depala, Pilot Exemplar
Depala, Pilot Exemplar
4.0 This set has lots of Dwarves and Vehicles for Depala to pump, and its pretty sweet that she has a mana sink ability that triggers when she taps – which can be from crewing vehicles or attacking. So, if you’re flooding out, you can put the mana into that ability and you have a decent chance at finding something useful.
4.0 This set has lots of Dwarves and Vehicles for Depala to pump, and its pretty sweet that she has a mana sink ability that triggers when she taps – which can be from crewing vehicles or attacking. So, if you’re flooding out, you can put the mana into that ability and you have a decent chance at finding something useful.
Siege Modification
1.0 So, this is a crazy swingy card. If you get a vehicle down early and slap this on it, your opponent just dies if they don’t have an answer. Problem is, if they do have that answer, you probably lose as a result of the devastating 2-for-1 you just endured that probably left you with almost no board state. That’s generally too risky for me.
1.0 So, this is a crazy swingy card. If you get a vehicle down early and slap this on it, your opponent just dies if they don’t have an answer. Problem is, if they do have that answer, you probably lose as a result of the devastating 2-for-1 you just endured that probably left you with almost no board state. That’s generally too risky for me.
Armorcraft Judge
3.5 This draws you one card often enough to be a reasonably high pick. And, while sometimes it will just be a Hill Giant, it will also draw you 2+ cards sometimes too!
3.5 This draws you one card often enough to be a reasonably high pick. And, while sometimes it will just be a Hill Giant, it will also draw you 2+ cards sometimes too!
Renegade Wheelsmith
4.0 This card is great. RW is aggressive enough that blanking a blocker when this attacks can often mean game over for your opponent, and its important to note that it also makes things unable to block when it crews Vehicles, which is nice.
4.0 This card is great. RW is aggressive enough that blanking a blocker when this attacks can often mean game over for your opponent, and its important to note that it also makes things unable to block when it crews Vehicles, which is nice.
Chandra's Revolution
3.0 4 mana for 4 damage at Sorcery speed isn’t the most amazing thing, and the land tap down part of the card doesn’t give it much of an upgrade. Still, it is reasonably efficient removal.
3.0 4 mana for 4 damage at Sorcery speed isn’t the most amazing thing, and the land tap down part of the card doesn’t give it much of an upgrade. Still, it is reasonably efficient removal.
Hinterland Drake
2.5 This has pretty aggressive flying stats, and that’s enough to offset the fact that it can’t block Artifact creatures – it will mostly be attacking anyway.
2.5 This has pretty aggressive flying stats, and that’s enough to offset the fact that it can’t block Artifact creatures – it will mostly be attacking anyway.
Alley Evasion
1.0 This set does have lots of ETB abilities, but this card is still mostly just a dud. Both modes are underpowered and situational.
1.0 This set does have lots of ETB abilities, but this card is still mostly just a dud. Both modes are underpowered and situational.
Implement of Malice
2.0 If you consistently can use this to make an opponent discard and you draw, it feels alright. It just won’t always do that. Still, at least it isn’t blank in the late game, since you can basically cash it in for a card. It also gets revolt going.
2.0 If you consistently can use this to make an opponent discard and you draw, it feels alright. It just won’t always do that. Still, at least it isn’t blank in the late game, since you can basically cash it in for a card. It also gets revolt going.
Alley Strangler
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
Subtle Strike
2.5 This can often give you a 2-for-1 for only two mana, and that’s great! It won’t always line up that way, but even when it doesn’t it tends to do a pretty good job of making combat go your way.
2.5 This can often give you a 2-for-1 for only two mana, and that’s great! It won’t always line up that way, but even when it doesn’t it tends to do a pretty good job of making combat go your way.
Renegade Map
3.0 This card might not look very exciting, but it does a whole lot! It does stuff with your Artifact synergies, can set up Revolt for free, lets you play fewer lands, and helps you splash.
3.0 This card might not look very exciting, but it does a whole lot! It does stuff with your Artifact synergies, can set up Revolt for free, lets you play fewer lands, and helps you splash.
Irontread Crusher
2.0 This vehicle isn’t as exciting as some of the others, but it can do the job.
2.0 This vehicle isn’t as exciting as some of the others, but it can do the job.
Attune with Aether
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
Hunt the Weak
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Botanical Sanctum
Botanical Sanctum
3.0 These give you good fixing and will come into play untapped in the early game, which is nice.
3.0 These give you good fixing and will come into play untapped in the early game, which is nice.
Skyship Plunderer
3.0 This has nice evasive stats, and it can give you some extra Energy, which is no small thing.
3.0 This has nice evasive stats, and it can give you some extra Energy, which is no small thing.
Inventor's Apprentice
1.5 If your deck can have this be a 2/3 reasonably consistently, it is a sort of alright card, as a 2/3 body is at least somewhat relevant even late, but it isn’t exactly blowing your opponent away either.
1.5 If your deck can have this be a 2/3 reasonably consistently, it is a sort of alright card, as a 2/3 body is at least somewhat relevant even late, but it isn’t exactly blowing your opponent away either.
Daring Demolition
4.0 4 mana to kill any creature or artifact is great in this format, even at Sorcery speed. This is premium removal.
4.0 4 mana to kill any creature or artifact is great in this format, even at Sorcery speed. This is premium removal.
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Live Fast
2.0 Drawing some cards and getting some energy is something you’ll want in some Black decks, but not all of them.
2.0 Drawing some cards and getting some energy is something you’ll want in some Black decks, but not all of them.
Night Market Lookout
1.5 If you’re really aggressive or plan on crewing vehicles a lot – or both – this can be an alright inclusion, but most of the time you’ll stay away from it.
1.5 If you’re really aggressive or plan on crewing vehicles a lot – or both – this can be an alright inclusion, but most of the time you’ll stay away from it.
Weldfast Wingsmith
2.0 This has mediocre starting stats, but it does gain Flying often enough to be a decent inclusion in artifact-heavy decks.
2.0 This has mediocre starting stats, but it does gain Flying often enough to be a decent inclusion in artifact-heavy decks.
Propeller Pioneer
3.0 This is another nice card that really gets you going wide, and having the option to make it a 4-mana 3/2 Flyer when that’s what you need is pretty nice.
3.0 This is another nice card that really gets you going wide, and having the option to make it a 4-mana 3/2 Flyer when that’s what you need is pretty nice.
Commencement of Festivities
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
Aviary Mechanic
2.5 This has a solid baseline as a bear, and its ETB ability actually does something like half the time, and that’s pretty nice.
2.5 This has a solid baseline as a bear, and its ETB ability actually does something like half the time, and that’s pretty nice.
Self-Assembler
0.5 // 3.0 If you have one Self Assembler, don’t play it. If you manage to get a second one, you’re actually kind of in business. A 5-mana 4/4 isn’t good, but it does draw you another one, and making sure you have those plays on back to back turns is pretty nice. Because of the mana cost running more than 3 probably isn’t a great idea, but chaining those three together is pretty nice, even with mediocre stats.
0.5 // 3.0 If you have one Self Assembler, don’t play it. If you manage to get a second one, you’re actually kind of in business. A 5-mana 4/4 isn’t good, but it does draw you another one, and making sure you have those plays on back to back turns is pretty nice. Because of the mana cost running more than 3 probably isn’t a great idea, but chaining those three together is pretty nice, even with mediocre stats.
Cathartic Reunion
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
Pack 3 Pick 3: Merchant's Dockhand
Merchant's Dockhand
2.0 This has a solid mana sink ability that can draw you cards, but is pretty irrelevant in the early and mid game.
2.0 This has a solid mana sink ability that can draw you cards, but is pretty irrelevant in the early and mid game.
Chief of the Foundry
3.0 This format has plenty of artifact creatures for the Chief to pump, and that means it often comes down and changes the board immediately.
3.0 This format has plenty of artifact creatures for the Chief to pump, and that means it often comes down and changes the board immediately.
Embraal Bruiser
3.0 This is often a two mana 3/1 with Menace, and that’s a pretty real threat – not just something your opponent can just disregard. It is hard to effectively stop this thing early.
3.0 This is often a two mana 3/1 with Menace, and that’s a pretty real threat – not just something your opponent can just disregard. It is hard to effectively stop this thing early.
Highspire Artisan
2.5 The two choices you have here are pretty nice. A 3-mana ¼ with Reach can block a lot of stuff all game long while also turning on +1/+1 counter synergies, and a 3-mana 0/3 with Reach that also gives you a 1/1 token isn’t too shabby either.
2.5 The two choices you have here are pretty nice. A 3-mana ¼ with Reach can block a lot of stuff all game long while also turning on +1/+1 counter synergies, and a 3-mana 0/3 with Reach that also gives you a 1/1 token isn’t too shabby either.
Audacious Infiltrator
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
Frontline Rebel
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
Tezzeret's Ambition
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
Consulate Turret
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
Revolutionary Rebuff
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
Fen Hauler
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
Bastion Mastodon
2.5 Being an artifact matters in this set, and this offers a decent body that can gain Vigilance. Like the rest of this cycle, Bastion Mastodon is pretty solid.
2.5 Being an artifact matters in this set, and this offers a decent body that can gain Vigilance. Like the rest of this cycle, Bastion Mastodon is pretty solid.
Sky Skiff
2.5 The mana and crew cost here are both quite low, and thanks to Flying this can attack pretty much all game long.
2.5 The mana and crew cost here are both quite low, and thanks to Flying this can attack pretty much all game long.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Skywhaler's Shot
Skyship Plunderer
3.0 This has nice evasive stats, and it can give you some extra Energy, which is no small thing.
3.0 This has nice evasive stats, and it can give you some extra Energy, which is no small thing.
Skywhaler's Shot
3.5 This kills a lot of stuff very efficiently and at Instant speed, and the Scry improves your next draw at the same time, which definitely makes this premium.
3.5 This kills a lot of stuff very efficiently and at Instant speed, and the Scry improves your next draw at the same time, which definitely makes this premium.
Leave in the Dust
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
Consulate Turret
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
Alley Strangler
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Fragmentize
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
Hinterland Drake
2.5 This has pretty aggressive flying stats, and that’s enough to offset the fact that it can’t block Artifact creatures – it will mostly be attacking anyway.
2.5 This has pretty aggressive flying stats, and that’s enough to offset the fact that it can’t block Artifact creatures – it will mostly be attacking anyway.
Hijack
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
Frontline Rebel
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
Shipwreck Moray
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
Pack 3 Pick 5: Revoke Privileges
Gearshift Ace
3.5 This has really good base stats, and being able to give Vehicles first strike is very real upside.
3.5 This has really good base stats, and being able to give Vehicles first strike is very real upside.
Creeping Mold
1.0 This does kill a lot of Artifacts, but as a 4 mana Sorcery, it is too clunky to be worth it most of the time.
1.0 This does kill a lot of Artifacts, but as a 4 mana Sorcery, it is too clunky to be worth it most of the time.
Fragmentize
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
Ruinous Gremlin
1.5 This is passable in your main deck because there are enough Artifacts it can target, but you sort of hope you have some better artifact hate.
1.5 This is passable in your main deck because there are enough Artifacts it can target, but you sort of hope you have some better artifact hate.
Alley Strangler
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
Revoke Privileges
4.0 This is a really effective removal spell, capable of completely shutting down a whole lot of cards in the format for only three mana. The fact it stops Crewing from happening is really important.
4.0 This is a really effective removal spell, capable of completely shutting down a whole lot of cards in the format for only three mana. The fact it stops Crewing from happening is really important.
Thriving Turtle
2.5 If you play this on turn one, it can become a very real creature on the board. It generally won’t be able to attack forever because its power starts so low, but by the time it has to stop attacking, it has the kind of size that isn’t easy to attack through.
2.5 If you play this on turn one, it can become a very real creature on the board. It generally won’t be able to attack forever because its power starts so low, but by the time it has to stop attacking, it has the kind of size that isn’t easy to attack through.
Precise Strike
1.5 This is one mana, and can help enough creatures win combat that it is a semi-reasonable inclusion in aggro decks.
1.5 This is one mana, and can help enough creatures win combat that it is a semi-reasonable inclusion in aggro decks.
Wild Wanderer
2.5 This actually provides some reasonable fixing and ramp, and is large enough to trade.
2.5 This actually provides some reasonable fixing and ramp, and is large enough to trade.
Aether Inspector
2.0 This whole cycle is pretty nice, but the Inspector is probably the worst of the bunch. It starts out with worse stats and feels a little bit overcosted. But still, it’s a reasonable playable.
2.0 This whole cycle is pretty nice, but the Inspector is probably the worst of the bunch. It starts out with worse stats and feels a little bit overcosted. But still, it’s a reasonable playable.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Leave in the Dust
Enraged Giant
3.0 If you can cast this for either 4 or 5 mana, you generally feel pretty good about it. 4/4 is pretty nice size in this format.
3.0 If you can cast this for either 4 or 5 mana, you generally feel pretty good about it. 4/4 is pretty nice size in this format.
Dukhara Peafowl
2.5 This is an artifact in a set that cares about that, and has decent stats and the ability to gain flying. You’ll play this pretty often in Blue.
2.5 This is an artifact in a set that cares about that, and has decent stats and the ability to gain flying. You’ll play this pretty often in Blue.
Lathnu Sailback
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
Inventor's Goggles
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
Leave in the Dust
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
Hijack
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
Subtle Strike
2.5 This can often give you a 2-for-1 for only two mana, and that’s great! It won’t always line up that way, but even when it doesn’t it tends to do a pretty good job of making combat go your way.
2.5 This can often give you a 2-for-1 for only two mana, and that’s great! It won’t always line up that way, but even when it doesn’t it tends to do a pretty good job of making combat go your way.
Cogworker's Puzzleknot
2.5 This can really help you go wide in a hurry, which is useful for White decks, and it also gives you two artifacts on turn two, which can really help out cards with Improvise.
2.5 This can really help you go wide in a hurry, which is useful for White decks, and it also gives you two artifacts on turn two, which can really help out cards with Improvise.
Alley Evasion
1.0 This set does have lots of ETB abilities, but this card is still mostly just a dud. Both modes are underpowered and situational.
1.0 This set does have lots of ETB abilities, but this card is still mostly just a dud. Both modes are underpowered and situational.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Concealed Courtyard
Concealed Courtyard
3.0 These give you good fixing and will come into play untapped in the early game, which is nice.
3.0 These give you good fixing and will come into play untapped in the early game, which is nice.
Renegade Rallier
3.0 This asks for a significant amount of work, but it isn’t impossible to set up. For example, if you attack with your two-drop and trade with the opponent, you can just play the Rallier and get it back! That’s a sequence that feels pretty good, and it isn’t outrageous or anything like that. However, sometimes you can’t get Revolt going, or don’t have the right creatures in your graveyard, and in those cases, the Rallier can be a bummer.
3.0 This asks for a significant amount of work, but it isn’t impossible to set up. For example, if you attack with your two-drop and trade with the opponent, you can just play the Rallier and get it back! That’s a sequence that feels pretty good, and it isn’t outrageous or anything like that. However, sometimes you can’t get Revolt going, or don’t have the right creatures in your graveyard, and in those cases, the Rallier can be a bummer.
Chandra's Revolution
3.0 4 mana for 4 damage at Sorcery speed isn’t the most amazing thing, and the land tap down part of the card doesn’t give it much of an upgrade. Still, it is reasonably efficient removal.
3.0 4 mana for 4 damage at Sorcery speed isn’t the most amazing thing, and the land tap down part of the card doesn’t give it much of an upgrade. Still, it is reasonably efficient removal.
Consulate Turret
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Rush of Vitality
1.5 This is a decent trick that you’ll run in some of your aggro decks.
1.5 This is a decent trick that you’ll run in some of your aggro decks.
Appetite for the Unnatural
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
Metallic Rebuke
1.0 Even in an artifact deck, this isn’t great. Not being a hard counter gives it diminishing returns as the game goes on.
1.0 Even in an artifact deck, this isn’t great. Not being a hard counter gives it diminishing returns as the game goes on.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Conviction
Illusionist's Stratagem
1.5 This is really situational, though it does feel pretty awesome when you blink two creatures with ETB abilities and draw a card. You’d be surprised how often this does very little, though.
1.5 This is really situational, though it does feel pretty awesome when you blink two creatures with ETB abilities and draw a card. You’d be surprised how often this does very little, though.
Destructive Tampering
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
Fortuitous Find
2.0 If your deck has a good mix of artifacts and creatures – and ideally, artifact creatures, this feels pretty good, since you can pay 3 to get two creatures back, and that’s a nice little play in the late game. Pretty much a dead card early, and if your graveyard doesn’t have the right composition, its pretty bad.
2.0 If your deck has a good mix of artifacts and creatures – and ideally, artifact creatures, this feels pretty good, since you can pay 3 to get two creatures back, and that’s a nice little play in the late game. Pretty much a dead card early, and if your graveyard doesn’t have the right composition, its pretty bad.
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Conviction
1.0 This Aura just isn’t worth it. The stats boost isn’t great, and being able to return it to your hand doesn’t really help make it much better.
1.0 This Aura just isn’t worth it. The stats boost isn’t great, and being able to return it to your hand doesn’t really help make it much better.
Reservoir Walker
1.5 3 life and 3 energy isn’t really enough to offset the bad stats this has. It isn’t unplayable, but you won’t play it very often.
1.5 3 life and 3 energy isn’t really enough to offset the bad stats this has. It isn’t unplayable, but you won’t play it very often.
Subtle Strike
2.5 This can often give you a 2-for-1 for only two mana, and that’s great! It won’t always line up that way, but even when it doesn’t it tends to do a pretty good job of making combat go your way.
2.5 This can often give you a 2-for-1 for only two mana, and that’s great! It won’t always line up that way, but even when it doesn’t it tends to do a pretty good job of making combat go your way.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Hunt the Weak
Siege Modification
1.0 So, this is a crazy swingy card. If you get a vehicle down early and slap this on it, your opponent just dies if they don’t have an answer. Problem is, if they do have that answer, you probably lose as a result of the devastating 2-for-1 you just endured that probably left you with almost no board state. That’s generally too risky for me.
1.0 So, this is a crazy swingy card. If you get a vehicle down early and slap this on it, your opponent just dies if they don’t have an answer. Problem is, if they do have that answer, you probably lose as a result of the devastating 2-for-1 you just endured that probably left you with almost no board state. That’s generally too risky for me.
Alley Evasion
1.0 This set does have lots of ETB abilities, but this card is still mostly just a dud. Both modes are underpowered and situational.
1.0 This set does have lots of ETB abilities, but this card is still mostly just a dud. Both modes are underpowered and situational.
Implement of Malice
2.0 If you consistently can use this to make an opponent discard and you draw, it feels alright. It just won’t always do that. Still, at least it isn’t blank in the late game, since you can basically cash it in for a card. It also gets revolt going.
2.0 If you consistently can use this to make an opponent discard and you draw, it feels alright. It just won’t always do that. Still, at least it isn’t blank in the late game, since you can basically cash it in for a card. It also gets revolt going.
Alley Strangler
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
Attune with Aether
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
Hunt the Weak
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
Pack 3 Pick 10: Propeller Pioneer
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Night Market Lookout
1.5 If you’re really aggressive or plan on crewing vehicles a lot – or both – this can be an alright inclusion, but most of the time you’ll stay away from it.
1.5 If you’re really aggressive or plan on crewing vehicles a lot – or both – this can be an alright inclusion, but most of the time you’ll stay away from it.
Propeller Pioneer
3.0 This is another nice card that really gets you going wide, and having the option to make it a 4-mana 3/2 Flyer when that’s what you need is pretty nice.
3.0 This is another nice card that really gets you going wide, and having the option to make it a 4-mana 3/2 Flyer when that’s what you need is pretty nice.
Commencement of Festivities
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
0.5 Fog is slightly better in this format than in most, where I would give it a 0.0. This is because there are decks in the format that try to win the game in a single swing either after pumping their whole board or casting Destructive Revelry, and siding this in against those decks is actually kind of reasonable.
Cathartic Reunion
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Audacious Infiltrator
Audacious Infiltrator
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
Consulate Turret
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
Revolutionary Rebuff
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
Bastion Mastodon
2.5 Being an artifact matters in this set, and this offers a decent body that can gain Vigilance. Like the rest of this cycle, Bastion Mastodon is pretty solid.
2.5 Being an artifact matters in this set, and this offers a decent body that can gain Vigilance. Like the rest of this cycle, Bastion Mastodon is pretty solid.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Leave in the Dust
Leave in the Dust
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
Consulate Turret
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Ruinous Gremlin
Lathnu Sailback
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Lathnu Sailback
Lathnu Sailback
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Cloudblazer
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Fairgrounds Warden
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Whir of Invention
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Ridgescale Tusker
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Aether Swooper
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Paradoxical Outcome
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Fragmentize
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Leave in the Dust
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Aether Inspector
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Inventor's Goggles
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Appetite for the Unnatural
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Self-Assembler
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Audacious Infiltrator
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Highspire Infusion
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Rishkar, Peema Renegade
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Dawnfeather Eagle
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Dawnfeather Eagle
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Essence Extraction
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Leave in the Dust
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Cloudblazer
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Propeller Pioneer
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Spire Patrol
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Inventor's Goggles
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Lifecraft Cavalry
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Malfunction
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Thriving Turtle
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Ornamental Courage
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Appetite for the Unnatural
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Depala, Pilot Exemplar
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Botanical Sanctum
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Merchant's Dockhand
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Skywhaler's Shot
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Revoke Privileges
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Leave in the Dust
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Concealed Courtyard
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Conviction
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Hunt the Weak
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Propeller Pioneer
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Audacious Infiltrator
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Leave in the Dust
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Ruinous Gremlin
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Lathnu Sailback
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