Premier Draft KLR 18 August 2021
18 August 07:28 - Yuke 7 Wins - 1 Losses
Sideboard
Pack 1 Pick 1: Noxious Gearhulk
Noxious Gearhulk
5.0 This comes down with a pretty large evasive body and destroys your opponent’s best creature while also gaining you life. That can turn the game around in a really big way, and that makes this an incredible bomb.
5.0 This comes down with a pretty large evasive body and destroys your opponent’s best creature while also gaining you life. That can turn the game around in a really big way, and that makes this an incredible bomb.
Ballista Charger
2.5 This isn’t as exciting as some of the other vehicles in the set, but it is big and can pick off small creatures or damage the opponent when it attacks.
2.5 This isn’t as exciting as some of the other vehicles in the set, but it is big and can pick off small creatures or damage the opponent when it attacks.
Whirler Virtuoso
4.0 This is, at worst, a 3-mana 2/3 that makes a 1/1 Thopter – that’s a card you’d always play, and obviously it has the potential to churn out more than one Thopter token.
4.0 This is, at worst, a 3-mana 2/3 that makes a 1/1 Thopter – that’s a card you’d always play, and obviously it has the potential to churn out more than one Thopter token.
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.
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.
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.
Built to Smash
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Pack 1 Pick 2: Vengeful Rebel
Tezzeret's Touch
3.0 Making any ol’ artifact into a 5/5 for three mana wouldn’t be that good, because it would set you up for a 2-for-1 without that much of a payoff. However, Tezzeret’s touch gets around that by giving you the artifact back when it dies, and that makes it pretty nice. However, it is kind of awkward that it doesn’t work with Servos, which are one of the more attractive targets for an effect like this.
3.0 Making any ol’ artifact into a 5/5 for three mana wouldn’t be that good, because it would set you up for a 2-for-1 without that much of a payoff. However, Tezzeret’s touch gets around that by giving you the artifact back when it dies, and that makes it pretty nice. However, it is kind of awkward that it doesn’t work with Servos, which are one of the more attractive targets for an effect like this.
Vengeful Rebel
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.
Servo Exhibition
2.5 White really is loaded up with ways to go wide at the lower rarities, and this is another nice example of that.
2.5 White really is loaded up with ways to go wide at the lower rarities, and this is another nice example of that.
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.
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.
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.
Fourth Bridge Prowler
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
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.
Built to Smash
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 3: Thopter Arrest
Thopter Arrest
4.0 This can exile most stuff in the format very efficiently. And sure, if your opponent gets rid of it they get their card back, but you’ll still have disrupted them a ton and traded 1-for-1 in the process. And, oftentimes, they just can’t deal with it.
4.0 This can exile most stuff in the format very efficiently. And sure, if your opponent gets rid of it they get their card back, but you’ll still have disrupted them a ton and traded 1-for-1 in the process. And, oftentimes, they just can’t deal with it.
Quicksmith Genius
2.5 A three mana 3/2 that rummages sometimes is fine, but not much more than that.
2.5 A three mana 3/2 that rummages sometimes is fine, but not much more than that.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Impeccable Timing
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
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 1 Pick 4: Revoke Privileges
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.
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.
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.
Aether Tradewinds
1.0 This effect is supposed to be here to help you abuse ETB abilities, but it often just isn’t worth going down a card to do this.
1.0 This effect is supposed to be here to help you abuse ETB abilities, but it often just isn’t worth going down a card to do this.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fourth Bridge Prowler
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 5: Propeller Pioneer
Baral, Chief of Compliance
3.0 In Limited, this is mostly just a two mana 1/3 that decreases the cost of instants and sorceries – but the good news is that ability is actually pretty nice in most Blue decks in the format.
3.0 In Limited, this is mostly just a two mana 1/3 that decreases the cost of instants and sorceries – but the good news is that ability is actually pretty nice in most Blue decks in the format.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reckless Fireweaver
2.5 This has alright stats and does often chip in a few damage with its ability, especially if you’re making servos.
2.5 This has alright stats and does often chip in a few damage with its ability, especially if you’re making servos.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 6: Maulfist Squad
Ravenous Intruder
2.0 This is a pretty threatening attacker even with just a single artifact on the table, and if you have more, it can be a real problem for the opponent. Problem is, you don’t always have artifacts you want to give up to pump the Intruder.
2.0 This is a pretty threatening attacker even with just a single artifact on the table, and if you have more, it can be a real problem for the opponent. Problem is, you don’t always have artifacts you want to give up to pump the Intruder.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Pendulum of Patterns
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
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.
Fourth Bridge Prowler
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Propeller Pioneer
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 8: Aviary Mechanic
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.
Workshop Assistant
2.0 It isn’t super difficult to have an Artifact in your graveyard for this to return, but because of its mediocre stats, it will mostly just be chump blocking and returning an artifact, which isn’t amazing.
2.0 It isn’t super difficult to have an Artifact in your graveyard for this to return, but because of its mediocre stats, it will mostly just be chump blocking and returning an artifact, which isn’t amazing.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Pack 1 Pick 9: 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.
Built to Smash
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Pack 1 Pick 10: Fourth Bridge Prowler
Fourth Bridge Prowler
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
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.
Built to Smash
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
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.
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 1 Pick 11: Narnam Cobra
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.
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.
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.
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 1 Pick 12: Fortuitous Find
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.
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.
Fourth Bridge Prowler
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
Pack 1 Pick 13: Reservoir Walker
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.
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 1 Pick 14: Reservoir Walker
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.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Wispweaver Angel
Pia Nalaar
4.0 I am sold on Pia even when she’s just a 3-mana 2/2 that makes a 1/1 Thopter. That’s a card you would always play! And of course, she can do a lot more than that! Like give Firebreathing to artifact creatures (including her Thopter), or give up artifacts to make creatures unable to block. This is a 3-drop that can really take over games, and that’s not something one says very often in Limited.
4.0 I am sold on Pia even when she’s just a 3-mana 2/2 that makes a 1/1 Thopter. That’s a card you would always play! And of course, she can do a lot more than that! Like give Firebreathing to artifact creatures (including her Thopter), or give up artifacts to make creatures unable to block. This is a 3-drop that can really take over games, and that’s not something one says very often in Limited.
Wispweaver Angel
3.5 There are lots of ETBs in this set – and remember that includes Fabricate creatures – so playing this on turn 6 as a 4/4 Flyer that gives you another ETB trigger happens pretty often, and that’s a pretty great deal.
3.5 There are lots of ETBs in this set – and remember that includes Fabricate creatures – so playing this on turn 6 as a 4/4 Flyer that gives you another ETB trigger happens pretty often, and that’s a pretty great deal.
Speedway Fanatic
2.0 Giving Vehicles haste is nice, and a two mana 2/1 with Haste isn’t the worst thing ever, either.
2.0 Giving Vehicles haste is nice, and a two mana 2/1 with Haste isn’t the worst thing ever, either.
Visionary Augmenter
3.5 With some of these Fabricate creatures, you will pretty frequently choose the +1/+1 counter option – but that’s not true here. A 4-mana 2/1 and two 1/1s is just way better than a 4-mana 4/3, especially in a color that has two nice payoffs for going wide at COMMON (Dawnfeather Eagle and Inspired Charge). But yeah, point is, this card’s very good.
3.5 With some of these Fabricate creatures, you will pretty frequently choose the +1/+1 counter option – but that’s not true here. A 4-mana 2/1 and two 1/1s is just way better than a 4-mana 4/3, especially in a color that has two nice payoffs for going wide at COMMON (Dawnfeather Eagle and Inspired Charge). But yeah, point is, this card’s very good.
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.
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.
Select for Inspection
2.0 One mana to bounce a creature is a really good deal, even if it can only go after tapped creatures. It can give you some very nice tempo, and tacking on the Scry is nice additional upside.
2.0 One mana to bounce a creature is a really good deal, even if it can only go after tapped creatures. It can give you some very nice tempo, and tacking on the Scry is nice additional upside.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2: Aether Poisoner
Maverick Thopterist
4.0 So even without Improvise, this would be a fairly solid card. 5 mana for a 2/2 and two 1/1 Thopters just isn’t that bad! And it comes with improvise, so you often end up paying 3 or 4 to add these three bodies to the board, and two of them have evasion! This is a very strong signpost uncommon.
4.0 So even without Improvise, this would be a fairly solid card. 5 mana for a 2/2 and two 1/1 Thopters just isn’t that bad! And it comes with improvise, so you often end up paying 3 or 4 to add these three bodies to the board, and two of them have evasion! This is a very strong signpost uncommon.
Filigree Familiar
3.5 This little fox gives you a ton of value. It gains you life, can trade for an X/2, and draws you a card when it does! And its an artifact in a set that loves them.
3.5 This little fox gives you a ton of value. It gains you life, can trade for an X/2, and draws you a card when it does! And its an artifact in a set that loves them.
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.
Impeccable Timing
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Welding Sparks
4.0 This is a great Common, one that would be really good even if it always does 3, but will be doing 4+ pretty often.
4.0 This is a great Common, one that would be really good even if it always does 3, but will be doing 4+ pretty often.
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.
Aether Poisoner
3.5 This is another very good Common in this cycle. With death touch, it is a real pain to block or attack through, and that means it often has no problem making that 1/1 token. Attacking with it into a block and making that 1/1 feels pretty good, and it can obviously get even more out of hand!
3.5 This is another very good Common in this cycle. With death touch, it is a real pain to block or attack through, and that means it often has no problem making that 1/1 token. Attacking with it into a block and making that 1/1 feels pretty good, and it can obviously get even more out of hand!
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 2 Pick 3: Propeller Pioneer
Speedway Fanatic
2.0 Giving Vehicles haste is nice, and a two mana 2/1 with Haste isn’t the worst thing ever, either.
2.0 Giving Vehicles haste is nice, and a two mana 2/1 with Haste isn’t the worst thing ever, either.
Aether Meltdown
3.0 This can pretty much shut down a lot of creatures – and vehicles – in the format for only two mana, while also giving you a bit of Energy to use with other cards. It is of course frustrating that things can still block once you use this, and that keeps it from being amazing, but it does a pretty good job.
3.0 This can pretty much shut down a lot of creatures – and vehicles – in the format for only two mana, while also giving you a bit of Energy to use with other cards. It is of course frustrating that things can still block once you use this, and that keeps it from being amazing, but it does a pretty good job.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Built to Smash
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Inventor's Goggles
Speedway Fanatic
2.0 Giving Vehicles haste is nice, and a two mana 2/1 with Haste isn’t the worst thing ever, either.
2.0 Giving Vehicles haste is nice, and a two mana 2/1 with Haste isn’t the worst thing ever, either.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Select for Inspection
2.0 One mana to bounce a creature is a really good deal, even if it can only go after tapped creatures. It can give you some very nice tempo, and tacking on the Scry is nice additional upside.
2.0 One mana to bounce a creature is a really good deal, even if it can only go after tapped creatures. It can give you some very nice tempo, and tacking on the Scry is nice additional upside.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Visionary Augmenter
Narnam Renegade
2.5 This can trade with anything without Revolt, and with Revolt it also becomes a decent attacker.
2.5 This can trade with anything without Revolt, and with Revolt it also becomes a decent attacker.
Visionary Augmenter
3.5 With some of these Fabricate creatures, you will pretty frequently choose the +1/+1 counter option – but that’s not true here. A 4-mana 2/1 and two 1/1s is just way better than a 4-mana 4/3, especially in a color that has two nice payoffs for going wide at COMMON (Dawnfeather Eagle and Inspired Charge). But yeah, point is, this card’s very good.
3.5 With some of these Fabricate creatures, you will pretty frequently choose the +1/+1 counter option – but that’s not true here. A 4-mana 2/1 and two 1/1s is just way better than a 4-mana 4/3, especially in a color that has two nice payoffs for going wide at COMMON (Dawnfeather Eagle and Inspired Charge). But yeah, point is, this card’s very good.
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.
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.
Fourth Bridge Prowler
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
Impeccable Timing
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
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.
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.
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.
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 6: Fen Hauler
Trophy Mage
0.0 // 2.5 You do need some Instants and Sorceries in your graveyard to make the most of the Gearhulk, but that’s not a big ask by turn 6. The Gearhulk often represents a completely absurd three-for-one, since it can Flash in and ambush an opposing attacker, then cast a spell for free from your graveyard, and then leave behind a 5/6 body that generally has to be answered somehow. Even if the spell it gives you for free is mediocre, it is likely that it is worth a whole card, and if you copy removal, well, you just broke the game even more.
0.0 // 2.5 You do need some Instants and Sorceries in your graveyard to make the most of the Gearhulk, but that’s not a big ask by turn 6. The Gearhulk often represents a completely absurd three-for-one, since it can Flash in and ambush an opposing attacker, then cast a spell for free from your graveyard, and then leave behind a 5/6 body that generally has to be answered somehow. Even if the spell it gives you for free is mediocre, it is likely that it is worth a whole card, and if you copy removal, well, you just broke the game even more.
Unbridled Growth
1.0 This is something you’ll play if you’re really hard up for fixing, but will avoid most of the time.
1.0 This is something you’ll play if you’re really hard up for fixing, but will avoid most of the time.
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.
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.
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.
Weldfast Monitor
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is a pretty solid creature to have in your Red decks.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is a pretty solid creature to have in your Red decks.
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.
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.
Pendulum of Patterns
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Fragmentize
Hazardous Conditions
2.5 So BG likes +1/+1 counters, so the idea here is that you’re only weakening opposing creatures, but that idea quickly disintegrates for two reasons: First, not all of your creatures will have counters, even in a BG deck, and second, your opponent is reasonably likely to have some counters too! And it isn’t like -2/-2 really does enough on all board states anyway. You don’t even always play this in BG, which is a sad thing to say about a signpost uncommon.
2.5 So BG likes +1/+1 counters, so the idea here is that you’re only weakening opposing creatures, but that idea quickly disintegrates for two reasons: First, not all of your creatures will have counters, even in a BG deck, and second, your opponent is reasonably likely to have some counters too! And it isn’t like -2/-2 really does enough on all board states anyway. You don’t even always play this in BG, which is a sad thing to say about a signpost uncommon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 8: Countless Gears Renegade
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.
Fourth Bridge Prowler
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Eddytrail Hawk
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2 Pick 10: Foundry Screecher
Impeccable Timing
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
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.
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.
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.
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 2 Pick 11: Audacious Infiltrator
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.
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.
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.
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 2 Pick 12: Alley Evasion
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.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Impeccable Timing
Fourth Bridge Prowler
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
Impeccable Timing
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
Pack 2 Pick 14: 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.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Glint-Sleeve Artisan
Tezzeret the Schemer
3.5 This is a planeswalker that gives you fixing, which is kind of nice. He also has a -2 that can act as removal. He can make artifacts on his own, and the format has enough other artifacts, that the -2 giving -2/-2 or -3/-3 isn’t outlandish, and that’s often a pretty good way to take down a creature. His ultimate is nice, and can turn his Etherium Cells into 5/5s, which is pretty cool. Tezzeret’s not a bomb planeswalker who takes over games, but he’s a pretty nice artifact-payoff for UB decks that can certainly help you win games.
3.5 This is a planeswalker that gives you fixing, which is kind of nice. He also has a -2 that can act as removal. He can make artifacts on his own, and the format has enough other artifacts, that the -2 giving -2/-2 or -3/-3 isn’t outlandish, and that’s often a pretty good way to take down a creature. His ultimate is nice, and can turn his Etherium Cells into 5/5s, which is pretty cool. Tezzeret’s not a bomb planeswalker who takes over games, but he’s a pretty nice artifact-payoff for UB decks that can certainly help you win games.
Bomat Bazaar Barge
3.0 This doesn’t have as insane of stats as some of the other Vehicles around, but it draws you a card, and that more than makes up for that.
3.0 This doesn’t have as insane of stats as some of the other Vehicles around, but it draws you a card, and that more than makes up for that.
Filigree Familiar
3.5 This little fox gives you a ton of value. It gains you life, can trade for an X/2, and draws you a card when it does! And its an artifact in a set that loves them.
3.5 This little fox gives you a ton of value. It gains you life, can trade for an X/2, and draws you a card when it does! And its an artifact in a set that loves them.
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.
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.
Built to Smash
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
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.
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.
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.
Pendulum of Patterns
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Subtle Strike
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.
Fretwork Colony
2.5 If you can play this early, it can take over the game pretty effectively – at least, if your opponent isn’t crazy aggressive. Because, if they are, the Colony and their creatures will quickly lower your life total, and the Colony can’t block! Still, most of the time, you’re going to be favored when you play this early. And, even if you play it late, it usually only takes a couple of turns to become relevant. It is definitely a super swingy card – you will see games won and lost as a result of the Colony on both sides. It has a pretty nice ceiling, but also a pretty bad floor.
2.5 If you can play this early, it can take over the game pretty effectively – at least, if your opponent isn’t crazy aggressive. Because, if they are, the Colony and their creatures will quickly lower your life total, and the Colony can’t block! Still, most of the time, you’re going to be favored when you play this early. And, even if you play it late, it usually only takes a couple of turns to become relevant. It is definitely a super swingy card – you will see games won and lost as a result of the Colony on both sides. It has a pretty nice ceiling, but also a pretty bad floor.
Pacification Array
4.0 This is pretty much Icy Manipulator, though costing two to tap the thing does weaken it some. But hey, it only costs one to cast in the first place, and turns on all sorts of Artifact synergy. This is one of the best Uncommons in the set.
4.0 This is pretty much Icy Manipulator, though costing two to tap the thing does weaken it some. But hey, it only costs one to cast in the first place, and turns on all sorts of Artifact synergy. This is one of the best Uncommons in the set.
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.
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.
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.
Fourth Bridge Prowler
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
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.
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.
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.
Reckless Fireweaver
2.5 This has alright stats and does often chip in a few damage with its ability, especially if you’re making servos.
2.5 This has alright stats and does often chip in a few damage with its ability, especially if you’re making servos.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 3: Dawnfeather Eagle
Scrapper Champion
3.0 This guy sure is fragile for a 4-mana creature, but if you get to untap and attack with him, he’s not going to be easy to stop, as a 3/3 with double strike demands your opponnet’s respect all game long, and obviously, it can really get out of control if you make some more energy.
3.0 This guy sure is fragile for a 4-mana creature, but if you get to untap and attack with him, he’s not going to be easy to stop, as a 3/3 with double strike demands your opponnet’s respect all game long, and obviously, it can really get out of control if you make some more energy.
Wind-Kin Raiders
3.5 If you can cast this for 5, it feels pretty good, and that’s very easy to do. Anything less than that and you really feel like you’re getting a steal.
3.5 If you can cast this for 5, it feels pretty good, and that’s very easy to do. Anything less than that and you really feel like you’re getting a steal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Countless Gears Renegade
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.
Refurbish
1.0 Even in a set with this many Artifacts, you don’t often have one in your graveyard that is worth paying 4 mana to reanimate.
1.0 Even in a set with this many Artifacts, you don’t often have one in your graveyard that is worth paying 4 mana to reanimate.
Invigorated Rampage
2.0 In really aggressive decks, this trick can really be a beating, as it can add a ton of damage to the board out of nowhere. Now, its rough that it doesn’t increase your creature’s toughness at all, but that just doesn’t really matter if the card lets you run over a couple of your opponent’s creatures while doing a bunch of damage.
2.0 In really aggressive decks, this trick can really be a beating, as it can add a ton of damage to the board out of nowhere. Now, its rough that it doesn’t increase your creature’s toughness at all, but that just doesn’t really matter if the card lets you run over a couple of your opponent’s creatures while doing a bunch of damage.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pendulum of Patterns
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
Pack 3 Pick 5: Vengeful Rebel
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.
Vengeful Rebel
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Impeccable Timing
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Die Young
Aeronaut Admiral
3.0 This has almost passable stats, and the ability to give Vehicles flying is pretty relevant in the format.
3.0 This has almost passable stats, and the ability to give Vehicles flying is pretty relevant in the format.
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.
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.
Aether Tradewinds
1.0 This effect is supposed to be here to help you abuse ETB abilities, but it often just isn’t worth going down a card to do this.
1.0 This effect is supposed to be here to help you abuse ETB abilities, but it often just isn’t worth going down a card to do this.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 3 Pick 7: Subtle Strike
Voltaic Brawler
3.5 If you drop this on turn two, it does a pretty good job of taking over the game, since on the next two turns it attacks as a 4/3 with Trample. Now, those boost are temporary, and eventually the Brawler will get a little outclassed, but a 4/3 trampler is relevant on most boards.
3.5 If you drop this on turn two, it does a pretty good job of taking over the game, since on the next two turns it attacks as a 4/3 with Trample. Now, those boost are temporary, and eventually the Brawler will get a little outclassed, but a 4/3 trampler is relevant on most boards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Prakhata Pillar-Bug
Speedway Fanatic
2.0 Giving Vehicles haste is nice, and a two mana 2/1 with Haste isn’t the worst thing ever, either.
2.0 Giving Vehicles haste is nice, and a two mana 2/1 with Haste isn’t the worst thing ever, either.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Inventor's Goggles
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.
Built to Smash
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
Pendulum of Patterns
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 10: Cogworker's Puzzleknot
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.
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.
Fourth Bridge Prowler
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
1.5 You can play this and kill something with the ETB a decent chunk of the time, but it does tend to get worse as the game goes on.
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.
Reckless Fireweaver
2.5 This has alright stats and does often chip in a few damage with its ability, especially if you’re making servos.
2.5 This has alright stats and does often chip in a few damage with its ability, especially if you’re making servos.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Live Fast
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Pendulum of Patterns
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.
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.
Pendulum of Patterns
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Subtle Strike
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.
Impeccable Timing
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
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: Noxious Gearhulk
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Vengeful Rebel
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Thopter Arrest
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Revoke Privileges
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Propeller Pioneer
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Maulfist Squad
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Propeller Pioneer
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Aviary Mechanic
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Audacious Infiltrator
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Fourth Bridge Prowler
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Narnam Cobra
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Fortuitous Find
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Reservoir Walker
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Reservoir Walker
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Wispweaver Angel
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Aether Poisoner
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Propeller Pioneer
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Inventor's Goggles
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Visionary Augmenter
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Fen Hauler
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Fragmentize
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Countless Gears Renegade
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Eddytrail Hawk
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Foundry Screecher
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Audacious Infiltrator
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Alley Evasion
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Impeccable Timing
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Ornamental Courage
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Glint-Sleeve Artisan
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Subtle Strike
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Dawnfeather Eagle
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Countless Gears Renegade
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Vengeful Rebel
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Die Young
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Subtle Strike
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Prakhata Pillar-Bug
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Inventor's Goggles
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Cogworker's Puzzleknot
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Live Fast
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Pendulum of Patterns
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Subtle Strike
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Lathnu Sailback
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