Premier Draft NEO 22 March 2022
22 March 10:31 - Blackjack_Barret 7 Wins - 0 Losses
Sideboard
Pack 1 Pick 1: March of Wretched Sorrow
March of Wretched Sorrow
4.0 This is premium removal. It won’t always be super efficient – in fact it usually won’t be, because you have to spend one more mana than the toughness the creature has – but the fact that you gain that life back is a big deal. Casting this for 6 to kill a 5/5 is going to feel incredibly swingy! Especially at Instant speed. Like with all the Marches, you probably don’t want to be exiling cards to cast it too often, but it does give the card some extra punch – and there will be situations where it makes sense to do – like if you need to exile a card to do enough damage to kill a blocking creature, or to enable you to play another powerful spell on the same turn.
4.0 This is premium removal. It won’t always be super efficient – in fact it usually won’t be, because you have to spend one more mana than the toughness the creature has – but the fact that you gain that life back is a big deal. Casting this for 6 to kill a 5/5 is going to feel incredibly swingy! Especially at Instant speed. Like with all the Marches, you probably don’t want to be exiling cards to cast it too often, but it does give the card some extra punch – and there will be situations where it makes sense to do – like if you need to exile a card to do enough damage to kill a blocking creature, or to enable you to play another powerful spell on the same turn.
Azusa's Many Journeys
2.5 This isn’t that exciting past the early game. You probably won’t be able to play the extra land if you don’t play it on turn two or three. Gaining 3 life doesn’t hurt, and might help you get to the point where this becomes a creature, but I’m not super impressed with the creature in the later game either. That said, in the early game, this has a decent shot at ramping you and then giving you a nice creature for the board a couple of turns later. So yeah, this is a card where the effectiveness will vary wildly depending on what part of the game it is. Early it will be very nice, in the mid-to-late game it won’t be very impressive.
2.5 This isn’t that exciting past the early game. You probably won’t be able to play the extra land if you don’t play it on turn two or three. Gaining 3 life doesn’t hurt, and might help you get to the point where this becomes a creature, but I’m not super impressed with the creature in the later game either. That said, in the early game, this has a decent shot at ramping you and then giving you a nice creature for the board a couple of turns later. So yeah, this is a card where the effectiveness will vary wildly depending on what part of the game it is. Early it will be very nice, in the mid-to-late game it won’t be very impressive.
Mobilizer Mech
3.0 This is cheap to cast and has a fairly reasonable Crew cost, especially because it will essentially crew a second Vehicle, should you have one around. And..you won’t always, in fact about half the time you probably won’t have more than one vehicle, but the times you do this is going to do some pretty silly stuff.
3.0 This is cheap to cast and has a fairly reasonable Crew cost, especially because it will essentially crew a second Vehicle, should you have one around. And..you won’t always, in fact about half the time you probably won’t have more than one vehicle, but the times you do this is going to do some pretty silly stuff.
Essence Capture
2.0 This is a card we’ve seen printed a few times now, and its always decent. Once you get down to two mana, Counterspells get pretty interesting, and while it is unfortunate this one costs double blue, it is still fairly easy to get value out of it, as most decks will have 15+ targets, and the +1/+1 counter is a great thing to tack on.
2.0 This is a card we’ve seen printed a few times now, and its always decent. Once you get down to two mana, Counterspells get pretty interesting, and while it is unfortunate this one costs double blue, it is still fairly easy to get value out of it, as most decks will have 15+ targets, and the +1/+1 counter is a great thing to tack on.
Imperial Recovery Unit
2.5 In terms of cost and what it takes to crew it it isn’t the most efficient vehicle ever, but it has the ability to return cards to your hand, and there seem to be enough relevant one and two drops around that you’ll pull that often a reasonable chunk of the time. Even just doing it once is plenty.
2.5 In terms of cost and what it takes to crew it it isn’t the most efficient vehicle ever, but it has the ability to return cards to your hand, and there seem to be enough relevant one and two drops around that you’ll pull that often a reasonable chunk of the time. Even just doing it once is plenty.
Mirrorshell Crab
1.5 This is either an overcosted 5/7 or an overcosted Mana Leak. As is usually the case with these Channel cards, though, having the option between those things is much better than those things are individually! In this case, I do think both of the options are pretty underwhelming, though.
1.5 This is either an overcosted 5/7 or an overcosted Mana Leak. As is usually the case with these Channel cards, though, having the option between those things is much better than those things are individually! In this case, I do think both of the options are pretty underwhelming, though.
Kindled Fury
1.5 We’ve seen this many times before, and its always a passable trick. +1/+0 and First Strike for one mana isn’t a bad deal since it allows many creatures to win combat – first strike just does a great job of turning a trade into something much better for you.
1.5 We’ve seen this many times before, and its always a passable trick. +1/+0 and First Strike for one mana isn’t a bad deal since it allows many creatures to win combat – first strike just does a great job of turning a trade into something much better for you.
Seven-Tail Mentor
2.5 This will immediately add a counter to the board, which can really alter the way your turn goes in your favor, and you get another counter out of it when it dies. Sure, it would be nice if it was like the Armorer from a few sets back and you got both counters right away – but I still think this is a quality card. Having a useful creature type and also “Modifying” creatures gets some extra points too.
2.5 This will immediately add a counter to the board, which can really alter the way your turn goes in your favor, and you get another counter out of it when it dies. Sure, it would be nice if it was like the Armorer from a few sets back and you got both counters right away – but I still think this is a quality card. Having a useful creature type and also “Modifying” creatures gets some extra points too.
Bamboo Grove Archer
2.5 This is a very nice defensive creature. A two mana 3/3 with Reach will slow the board to a grinding halt in the early game, and the fact that you can use it as a Plummet sometimes is nice upside. It isn’t exactly the kind of card all decks will want, but grinder Green decks will probably be happy to play a few of these – while aggro decks probably aren’t playing it at all.
2.5 This is a very nice defensive creature. A two mana 3/3 with Reach will slow the board to a grinding halt in the early game, and the fact that you can use it as a Plummet sometimes is nice upside. It isn’t exactly the kind of card all decks will want, but grinder Green decks will probably be happy to play a few of these – while aggro decks probably aren’t playing it at all.
Ironhoof Boar
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
Wanderer's Intervention
2.5 This is restrictive about what it can kill – both because of the 4 damage and the “attacking or blocking” restriction, but it will often feel reasonably efficient. I don’t quite consider something like this premium because of how restrictive it is, but I think you end up playing the first copy pretty often in your White decks
2.5 This is restrictive about what it can kill – both because of the 4 damage and the “attacking or blocking” restriction, but it will often feel reasonably efficient. I don’t quite consider something like this premium because of how restrictive it is, but I think you end up playing the first copy pretty often in your White decks
Return to Action
2.0 Black often gets this kind of trick that returns a creature to the battlefield when it dies these days, and then tend to be alright, although I prefer it when they cost a single Black mana. Still, this one does actually increase your creature’s power, which means you can use it to help you take down the other creature in combat a little more effectively, and it will even gain you some life! Its useful against removal too, of course. But, its still situational enough that I’m not super high on it.
2.0 Black often gets this kind of trick that returns a creature to the battlefield when it dies these days, and then tend to be alright, although I prefer it when they cost a single Black mana. Still, this one does actually increase your creature’s power, which means you can use it to help you take down the other creature in combat a little more effectively, and it will even gain you some life! Its useful against removal too, of course. But, its still situational enough that I’m not super high on it.
Simian Sling
3.0 This compares really favorably with Tormentor’s Helm for Kaldheim. It gives the same stats boost and the same ability that punishes blocking. The difference is this is a bit more expensive to Equip – or in this case Reconfigure, but the fact you can just play t his as a creature is a huge upgrade. They’ve given us a lot of nice one drops of late, and this looks like one to me. It can attack effectively early, and then when it can no longer do that, you can suit up another creature who can take advantage of the ability more effectively.
3.0 This compares really favorably with Tormentor’s Helm for Kaldheim. It gives the same stats boost and the same ability that punishes blocking. The difference is this is a bit more expensive to Equip – or in this case Reconfigure, but the fact you can just play t his as a creature is a huge upgrade. They’ve given us a lot of nice one drops of late, and this looks like one to me. It can attack effectively early, and then when it can no longer do that, you can suit up another creature who can take advantage of the ability more effectively.
Twisted Embrace
3.5 Wow, this is really good for a Common! 4 mana to kill a creature and give +1/+1 to one of your creature’s is a great deal. Now, the downside here is that your opponent could blow up whatever you target in response, which will be backbreaking, so it is sort of like a Black Fight spell, in the sense that you need to pick your spot carefully – when you do though, it will feel amazing. If you’re worried your opponent will kill your creature, you can also stick it on an artifact. Its also an Enchantment, which this format cares a lot about – this will be premium removal for any deck, but the BW deck can get even more mileage out of it.
3.5 Wow, this is really good for a Common! 4 mana to kill a creature and give +1/+1 to one of your creature’s is a great deal. Now, the downside here is that your opponent could blow up whatever you target in response, which will be backbreaking, so it is sort of like a Black Fight spell, in the sense that you need to pick your spot carefully – when you do though, it will feel amazing. If you’re worried your opponent will kill your creature, you can also stick it on an artifact. Its also an Enchantment, which this format cares a lot about – this will be premium removal for any deck, but the BW deck can get even more mileage out of it.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Flame Discharge
Reinforced Ronin
3.0 Even if we don’t look at some of the synergies this card has, it would probably be pretty solid. You can play it and get in for 2 when you can, and when you can’t, you can effectively cycle it away with channel. However, there are several things in this set that make this better than all of that. First, it isn’t too bad with ninjutsu, since you can have it come down out of nowhere, and its returning to your hand anyway. Second, it is good with “attacks alone” Samurai stuff, because it can come down and get those benefits immediately, making it a much more problematic attacker than it would otherwise be. And third, its an Artifact, and there are various cards in this set that do a thing when an Artifact enters the battlefield, and it can trigger them repeatedly.
3.0 Even if we don’t look at some of the synergies this card has, it would probably be pretty solid. You can play it and get in for 2 when you can, and when you can’t, you can effectively cycle it away with channel. However, there are several things in this set that make this better than all of that. First, it isn’t too bad with ninjutsu, since you can have it come down out of nowhere, and its returning to your hand anyway. Second, it is good with “attacks alone” Samurai stuff, because it can come down and get those benefits immediately, making it a much more problematic attacker than it would otherwise be. And third, its an Artifact, and there are various cards in this set that do a thing when an Artifact enters the battlefield, and it can trigger them repeatedly.
Roadside Reliquary
3.0 Like Mech Hanger, this is another nice utility land where it is worth running despite the fact that it may make your mana base a little worse. This produces mana for you when that’s what you need, and then when you’re in need of some extra gas, you can sacrifice this. You’re typically going to be able to draw a single card pretty easily, and drawing 2 with it is also going to happen a fair bit. That’s some very nice upside.
3.0 Like Mech Hanger, this is another nice utility land where it is worth running despite the fact that it may make your mana base a little worse. This produces mana for you when that’s what you need, and then when you’re in need of some extra gas, you can sacrifice this. You’re typically going to be able to draw a single card pretty easily, and drawing 2 with it is also going to happen a fair bit. That’s some very nice upside.
Flame Discharge
4.0 If you have no modifications, this is a Blaze that can’t hit players – that’s not the most efficient cost ever, but it is removal that can remain relevant all game long. If you throw a modification in, you end up with a much more efficient card, as it can Shock creatures for a single Red, do 3 for two mana, and so forth – so it, still scales, but it becomes more efficient. You’ll have modifications often enough that this definitely ends up as premium removal, especially because the floor is so reasonable.
4.0 If you have no modifications, this is a Blaze that can’t hit players – that’s not the most efficient cost ever, but it is removal that can remain relevant all game long. If you throw a modification in, you end up with a much more efficient card, as it can Shock creatures for a single Red, do 3 for two mana, and so forth – so it, still scales, but it becomes more efficient. You’ll have modifications often enough that this definitely ends up as premium removal, especially because the floor is so reasonable.
Moonfolk Puzzlemaker
2.0 This has decent stats and repeatedly Scrying does make your draws better. Its also an artifact for the decks that care about that, and a relatively cheap flyer for Ninjutsu.
2.0 This has decent stats and repeatedly Scrying does make your draws better. Its also an artifact for the decks that care about that, and a relatively cheap flyer for Ninjutsu.
Uncharted Haven
2.5 Coming into play tapped is definitely a downside, but the ability to name a color is great. I do think the dual lands are slightly better, as they always tap for two colors you probably need, and this will only ever tap for one, but if you need fixing, this is fine.
2.5 Coming into play tapped is definitely a downside, but the ability to name a color is great. I do think the dual lands are slightly better, as they always tap for two colors you probably need, and this will only ever tap for one, but if you need fixing, this is fine.
Imperial Oath
1.5 Three bodies + Scry 3 for six isn’t the worst thing ever, but it also isn’t quite as impactful as I’d like a six mana spell to be. Those three bodies can help, but there are also plenty of board states where they don’t do a whole lot for you.
1.5 Three bodies + Scry 3 for six isn’t the worst thing ever, but it also isn’t quite as impactful as I’d like a six mana spell to be. Those three bodies can help, but there are also plenty of board states where they don’t do a whole lot for you.
Ecologist's Terrarium
2.5 Having colorless fixing at Common is pretty nice, and could definitely help decks splash a third color, and the fact this can only give you a counter once its done its job in fetching you a land is pretty solid.
2.5 Having colorless fixing at Common is pretty nice, and could definitely help decks splash a third color, and the fact this can only give you a counter once its done its job in fetching you a land is pretty solid.
Unstoppable Ogre
2.0 The enter the battlefield trigger on the card won’t always do something for you, but there will be a decent number of situations where it allows you to attack more effectively with your board. It can also crew everything which is nice.
2.0 The enter the battlefield trigger on the card won’t always do something for you, but there will be a decent number of situations where it allows you to attack more effectively with your board. It can also crew everything which is nice.
Mnemonic Sphere
2.5 This is basically an Artifact-based version of Hieroglyphic Illumination, which was an Instant you could pay 4 for to draw two cards, and it had cycling for one Blue mana. Hard for a card like this to ever be bad, since at worst it replaces itself really efficiently. Then there’s this format artifact synergy and so forth!
2.5 This is basically an Artifact-based version of Hieroglyphic Illumination, which was an Instant you could pay 4 for to draw two cards, and it had cycling for one Blue mana. Hard for a card like this to ever be bad, since at worst it replaces itself really efficiently. Then there’s this format artifact synergy and so forth!
Network Terminal
2.0 3 mana manarocks, even those that tap for any color, are sometimes a bit clunky in Limited – but the ability that is tacked on here isn’t an irrelevant one – it gives you some very real card selection in the late game, and it does it fairly cheaply. You do of course need another artifact around, but that’s not asking that much. Having this around will sort of feel like you are playing the RB Blood deck from Crimson Vow, and it also fixes your mana, so I think this will make the cut reasonably often – though probably only if you’re splashing a third color.
2.0 3 mana manarocks, even those that tap for any color, are sometimes a bit clunky in Limited – but the ability that is tacked on here isn’t an irrelevant one – it gives you some very real card selection in the late game, and it does it fairly cheaply. You do of course need another artifact around, but that’s not asking that much. Having this around will sort of feel like you are playing the RB Blood deck from Crimson Vow, and it also fixes your mana, so I think this will make the cut reasonably often – though probably only if you’re splashing a third color.
You Are Already Dead
2.5 This has a really interesting design. I’m normally not big on this type of effect, as actually doing some damage to something often takes up some resources, so spells that can only remove damaged creatures are often not all that playable. However, in this case they lowered the mana cost to ONE, and they added a cantrip. At that point, we’re talking about a card that is certainly playable. Keep in mind that it does need a damaged creature to target, so it isn’t really the kind of cantrip you can cycle whenever you want. You won’t usually generate a 2-for-1 with this, because of the resources you gave up to damage the creature in the first place, but the cantrip pretty much makes up for that, and on occasions where you can get a 2-for-1, this will feel downright amazing. It is still a super situational removal spell, but it is priced to move, and I think you’ll end up playing the first copy in most Black decks. Playing more than that is probably asking for trouble due to its situational nature.
2.5 This has a really interesting design. I’m normally not big on this type of effect, as actually doing some damage to something often takes up some resources, so spells that can only remove damaged creatures are often not all that playable. However, in this case they lowered the mana cost to ONE, and they added a cantrip. At that point, we’re talking about a card that is certainly playable. Keep in mind that it does need a damaged creature to target, so it isn’t really the kind of cantrip you can cycle whenever you want. You won’t usually generate a 2-for-1 with this, because of the resources you gave up to damage the creature in the first place, but the cantrip pretty much makes up for that, and on occasions where you can get a 2-for-1, this will feel downright amazing. It is still a super situational removal spell, but it is priced to move, and I think you’ll end up playing the first copy in most Black decks. Playing more than that is probably asking for trouble due to its situational nature.
Tales of Master Seshiro
3.5 Chapter I and II actually give a fairly significant buff. +1/+1 counter + Vigilance for a turn is pretty sweet, because it not only enables a better attack, it allows you to alter how a race is going. Now, sometimes paying 5 for chapter one is going to feel pretty rough – like if getting the counter and vigilance doesn’t do much for you, but at the stage in the game that you play this, it is pretty likely to be useful. Then, you end up with a pretty nice creature – with haste and Vigilance – which will mean it can swing right away, unlike most of these saga-creatures. I think this might be Green’s best Common. It gives you a ton of very real value up front, and then a very nice creature.
3.5 Chapter I and II actually give a fairly significant buff. +1/+1 counter + Vigilance for a turn is pretty sweet, because it not only enables a better attack, it allows you to alter how a race is going. Now, sometimes paying 5 for chapter one is going to feel pretty rough – like if getting the counter and vigilance doesn’t do much for you, but at the stage in the game that you play this, it is pretty likely to be useful. Then, you end up with a pretty nice creature – with haste and Vigilance – which will mean it can swing right away, unlike most of these saga-creatures. I think this might be Green’s best Common. It gives you a ton of very real value up front, and then a very nice creature.
Futurist Sentinel
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
Pack 1 Pick 3: Nezumi Prowler
Nezumi Prowler
3.5 The thing I really like is that its good whether or not you’re Ninjutsuing. A two mana 3/1 that gives death touch to something when it ETBs is just a good rate. You won’t always be able to take advantage of it of course, but most of the time it will change how your turn goes. Then adding the Ninjutsu angle is a big deal, because you can use it to give death touch to one of your blocked creatures out of nowhere.
3.5 The thing I really like is that its good whether or not you’re Ninjutsuing. A two mana 3/1 that gives death touch to something when it ETBs is just a good rate. You won’t always be able to take advantage of it of course, but most of the time it will change how your turn goes. Then adding the Ninjutsu angle is a big deal, because you can use it to give death touch to one of your blocked creatures out of nowhere.
Asari Captain
3.0 On its own, on a board with no other creatures, this is a 5-mana 5/3 with Haste. It will often be bigger than that, though, and can do some serious damage out of nowhere – and it of course also offers that bonus to your other lone attackers. But I can’t help feeling like this is a little over costed at 5 mana.
3.0 On its own, on a board with no other creatures, this is a 5-mana 5/3 with Haste. It will often be bigger than that, though, and can do some serious damage out of nowhere – and it of course also offers that bonus to your other lone attackers. But I can’t help feeling like this is a little over costed at 5 mana.
Spirited Companion
2.5 Well, it looks like White got an Elvish Visionary! That’s always a pretty nice card in Limited – as adding something to the board and getting a card out of it feels pretty good.
2.5 Well, it looks like White got an Elvish Visionary! That’s always a pretty nice card in Limited – as adding something to the board and getting a card out of it feels pretty good.
Ancestral Katana
3.0 This reminds me a bit of Pirate’s Cutlass, a card that really overperformed in its Limited format. Now, this isn’t colorless, and it doesn’t equip for free – and it equipping at a discount is also more conditional for sure – but I think this will still be a really nice Common. If you’re just Equipping this the old fashioned way it won’t be great, but if you have Warriors and Samurai around, the fact that this can just keep moving on to your best attacker for only one mana is going to feel pretty good, and it doesn’t hurt that it can still be Equipped the normal way when that works out for you. Plus, Equipment have some additional upside in this format.
3.0 This reminds me a bit of Pirate’s Cutlass, a card that really overperformed in its Limited format. Now, this isn’t colorless, and it doesn’t equip for free – and it equipping at a discount is also more conditional for sure – but I think this will still be a really nice Common. If you’re just Equipping this the old fashioned way it won’t be great, but if you have Warriors and Samurai around, the fact that this can just keep moving on to your best attacker for only one mana is going to feel pretty good, and it doesn’t hurt that it can still be Equipped the normal way when that works out for you. Plus, Equipment have some additional upside in this format.
Peerless Samurai
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
Ironhoof Boar
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
Disruption Protocol
2.0 If you have enough Artifacts around and consistent access to Blue mana, this seems reasonable. If you are paying 1UU for it, then you’re not getting a very good deal – Cancel is just so much worse than Counterspell! There are enough Artifacts in this set, though, that I think this will be Counterspell often enough that I just want to give it a C. Counterspells have their problems in Limited – namely that you have to have the mana up at the right time – which in a way makes them very conditional removal – but when the mana you need to leave up is two or less, we see the Counterspells end up being fairly playable, and I think that’s what we have here.
2.0 If you have enough Artifacts around and consistent access to Blue mana, this seems reasonable. If you are paying 1UU for it, then you’re not getting a very good deal – Cancel is just so much worse than Counterspell! There are enough Artifacts in this set, though, that I think this will be Counterspell often enough that I just want to give it a C. Counterspells have their problems in Limited – namely that you have to have the mana up at the right time – which in a way makes them very conditional removal – but when the mana you need to leave up is two or less, we see the Counterspells end up being fairly playable, and I think that’s what we have here.
Kami of Restless Shadows
1.0 // 3.0 If you aren’t returning a Ninja or Rogue to your hand consistently with this, it is going to be much worse. Putting your best graveyard creature on top of your library is nice, but not nearly as good, because you aren’t actually gaining a card, you’re just doing some card selection, and that’s just a massive step down. Returning a creature to your hand is likely to give you a 2-for-1, while that’s not possible if you’re putting something on top. Obviously, if the creature you put back is a bomb or something you’ll still be pretty happy, but if that’s all this is doing, it probably isn’t worth it, as a 5-mana 3/3 is a pretty bad statline.
1.0 // 3.0 If you aren’t returning a Ninja or Rogue to your hand consistently with this, it is going to be much worse. Putting your best graveyard creature on top of your library is nice, but not nearly as good, because you aren’t actually gaining a card, you’re just doing some card selection, and that’s just a massive step down. Returning a creature to your hand is likely to give you a 2-for-1, while that’s not possible if you’re putting something on top. Obviously, if the creature you put back is a bomb or something you’ll still be pretty happy, but if that’s all this is doing, it probably isn’t worth it, as a 5-mana 3/3 is a pretty bad statline.
Gift of Wrath
2.0 This is the kind of Aura I feel alright about playing. +2/+2 and Menace is a very real stats boost, and the fact that this leaves behind a creature token when the enchanted creature dies is quite nice – and helps mitigate against the risk of getting 2-for-1’d. Now, it is still an Aura, and probably only one that you run in very aggressive decks, but it will be solid there.
2.0 This is the kind of Aura I feel alright about playing. +2/+2 and Menace is a very real stats boost, and the fact that this leaves behind a creature token when the enchanted creature dies is quite nice – and helps mitigate against the risk of getting 2-for-1’d. Now, it is still an Aura, and probably only one that you run in very aggressive decks, but it will be solid there.
Era of Enlightenment
2.0 Like most of these saga-creatures, it is slow at adding to the board – so getting in the late game will sometimes be a bummer, but at least this one has some use right away, even late, as Scry 2 can help you dry what you really need to draw. The life gain can also help you survive the fact that you couldn’t add to the board right away too. Then, it becomes a 2/2 with First Strike, and that’s a creature is relevant all game long in most cases. While its a bit slow, the value this generates will feel nice – its spread out, but ultimately you get a 2/2 with First Strike that scries 2 and gains you 2 life, and that’s a pretty nice investment.
2.0 Like most of these saga-creatures, it is slow at adding to the board – so getting in the late game will sometimes be a bummer, but at least this one has some use right away, even late, as Scry 2 can help you dry what you really need to draw. The life gain can also help you survive the fact that you couldn’t add to the board right away too. Then, it becomes a 2/2 with First Strike, and that’s a creature is relevant all game long in most cases. While its a bit slow, the value this generates will feel nice – its spread out, but ultimately you get a 2/2 with First Strike that scries 2 and gains you 2 life, and that’s a pretty nice investment.
Bearer of Memory
1.5 This doesn’t have great base stats, and its ability is incredibly costly, and even not that impressive in the extreme late game. This isn’t something you’ll play most of the time.
1.5 This doesn’t have great base stats, and its ability is incredibly costly, and even not that impressive in the extreme late game. This isn’t something you’ll play most of the time.
Kami of Industry
1.5 There will be too many situations where you either have no Artifact to reanimate, or you have one that you can bring back but it doesn’t really do anything on the board at the stage of the game yo’ure in. A five mana 3/6 as a baseline doesn’t help the card out either, even though that isn’t disastrous. I think the idea is that in the BR deck, you can easily sacrifice whatever it is you bring back, but I still have a hard time seeing this work out often enough.
1.5 There will be too many situations where you either have no Artifact to reanimate, or you have one that you can bring back but it doesn’t really do anything on the board at the stage of the game yo’ure in. A five mana 3/6 as a baseline doesn’t help the card out either, even though that isn’t disastrous. I think the idea is that in the BR deck, you can easily sacrifice whatever it is you bring back, but I still have a hard time seeing this work out often enough.
Blossoming Sands
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Twisted Embrace
Dragonspark Reactor
1.5 // 4.0 The total mana investment here won’t always feel great, and it does sit around on the table for awhile before it does its thing, but accumulating counters on this seems very doable in Red in this format, and it seems like a nice removal spell that can sometimes double as a win condition. I do think that it probably needs a build around grade, as some of the Red decks in the format aren’t going to be great abusing this – UR and BR are both very interested in artifacts, but the other color pairs not so much.
1.5 // 4.0 The total mana investment here won’t always feel great, and it does sit around on the table for awhile before it does its thing, but accumulating counters on this seems very doable in Red in this format, and it seems like a nice removal spell that can sometimes double as a win condition. I do think that it probably needs a build around grade, as some of the Red decks in the format aren’t going to be great abusing this – UR and BR are both very interested in artifacts, but the other color pairs not so much.
Twisted Embrace
3.5 Wow, this is really good for a Common! 4 mana to kill a creature and give +1/+1 to one of your creature’s is a great deal. Now, the downside here is that your opponent could blow up whatever you target in response, which will be backbreaking, so it is sort of like a Black Fight spell, in the sense that you need to pick your spot carefully – when you do though, it will feel amazing. If you’re worried your opponent will kill your creature, you can also stick it on an artifact. Its also an Enchantment, which this format cares a lot about – this will be premium removal for any deck, but the BW deck can get even more mileage out of it.
3.5 Wow, this is really good for a Common! 4 mana to kill a creature and give +1/+1 to one of your creature’s is a great deal. Now, the downside here is that your opponent could blow up whatever you target in response, which will be backbreaking, so it is sort of like a Black Fight spell, in the sense that you need to pick your spot carefully – when you do though, it will feel amazing. If you’re worried your opponent will kill your creature, you can also stick it on an artifact. Its also an Enchantment, which this format cares a lot about – this will be premium removal for any deck, but the BW deck can get even more mileage out of it.
Searchlight Companion
3.0 This gives you some reasonable value for the cost, and its also a great card to combine with Ninjas, since it is not only evasive, but it also has an ETB ability, so recasting it will give you another token, and that’s some nice value to get on top of whatever it is you did with Ninjutsu.
3.0 This gives you some reasonable value for the cost, and its also a great card to combine with Ninjas, since it is not only evasive, but it also has an ETB ability, so recasting it will give you another token, and that’s some nice value to get on top of whatever it is you did with Ninjutsu.
Tales of Master Seshiro
3.5 Chapter I and II actually give a fairly significant buff. +1/+1 counter + Vigilance for a turn is pretty sweet, because it not only enables a better attack, it allows you to alter how a race is going. Now, sometimes paying 5 for chapter one is going to feel pretty rough – like if getting the counter and vigilance doesn’t do much for you, but at the stage in the game that you play this, it is pretty likely to be useful. Then, you end up with a pretty nice creature – with haste and Vigilance – which will mean it can swing right away, unlike most of these saga-creatures. I think this might be Green’s best Common. It gives you a ton of very real value up front, and then a very nice creature.
3.5 Chapter I and II actually give a fairly significant buff. +1/+1 counter + Vigilance for a turn is pretty sweet, because it not only enables a better attack, it allows you to alter how a race is going. Now, sometimes paying 5 for chapter one is going to feel pretty rough – like if getting the counter and vigilance doesn’t do much for you, but at the stage in the game that you play this, it is pretty likely to be useful. Then, you end up with a pretty nice creature – with haste and Vigilance – which will mean it can swing right away, unlike most of these saga-creatures. I think this might be Green’s best Common. It gives you a ton of very real value up front, and then a very nice creature.
Akki Ember-Keeper
3.0 This is a nice little two drop. It has passable stats and a nice ability that makes sure your board stays populated when your modified creatures die. There are a plethora of ways to modify them, so getting a creature token or two out of this isn’t far-fetched at all, and that’s some pretty great value.
3.0 This is a nice little two drop. It has passable stats and a nice ability that makes sure your board stays populated when your modified creatures die. There are a plethora of ways to modify them, so getting a creature token or two out of this isn’t far-fetched at all, and that’s some pretty great value.
Moon-Circuit Hacker
3.0 Ninjutsu for one is quite the deal, especially because it will be drawing you a card if you ninjutsu it in. After that, you’ll only get to loot when it hits the opponent, but that’s okay – the initial use of the card will allow you to set up a 2-for-1, and that’s pretty nice. It is sort of a more convoluted Elvish Visionary that comes with an additional power.
3.0 Ninjutsu for one is quite the deal, especially because it will be drawing you a card if you ninjutsu it in. After that, you’ll only get to loot when it hits the opponent, but that’s okay – the initial use of the card will allow you to set up a 2-for-1, and that’s pretty nice. It is sort of a more convoluted Elvish Visionary that comes with an additional power.
Automated Artificer
2.0 There are enough artifacts in this set that this will actually be able to ramp your mana reasonably well, and it has some decent stats.
2.0 There are enough artifacts in this set that this will actually be able to ramp your mana reasonably well, and it has some decent stats.
Kami of Terrible Secrets
1.5 // 3.0 A 4-mana ¾ is not a great stat-line these days, so you are going to want to be drawing a card off of this around half the time for it to be worth it. And…that’s not going to be automatic in every Black deck in the format, since this asks you to have both an Artifact and Enchantment. That’s certainly easier to do in this format than it is in most, but if you’re in say, UB Ninjas or the BG graveyard deck – that’s not something you’re going to be focused on. In a lot of ways, this is a BW gold card, because that’s the deck that has a whole bunch of reasons to get both an Artifact and an Enchantment in play.
1.5 // 3.0 A 4-mana ¾ is not a great stat-line these days, so you are going to want to be drawing a card off of this around half the time for it to be worth it. And…that’s not going to be automatic in every Black deck in the format, since this asks you to have both an Artifact and Enchantment. That’s certainly easier to do in this format than it is in most, but if you’re in say, UB Ninjas or the BG graveyard deck – that’s not something you’re going to be focused on. In a lot of ways, this is a BW gold card, because that’s the deck that has a whole bunch of reasons to get both an Artifact and an Enchantment in play.
Towashi Songshaper
2.0 It won’t be hard for it to be a 3/2 attacker on many turns, and that’s not too shabby as an artifact payoff.
2.0 It won’t be hard for it to be a 3/2 attacker on many turns, and that’s not too shabby as an artifact payoff.
Geothermal Kami
2.0 It is a fine 4-mana 4/3 in a worst-case, but it comes with an effect that can be pretty sweet in some situations. Returning something like a Saga you want to go back to chapter one on, or an Aura you wanted to move anyway – will be particularly nice, and the fact this tacks on 3 life is nice too.
2.0 It is a fine 4-mana 4/3 in a worst-case, but it comes with an effect that can be pretty sweet in some situations. Returning something like a Saga you want to go back to chapter one on, or an Aura you wanted to move anyway – will be particularly nice, and the fact this tacks on 3 life is nice too.
Sunblade Samurai
3.0 If you have 5 mana, you can cast it as a fairly reasonable body with Vigilance – and if you’re having problem finding mana in the early part of the game, you can Channel it away to find another land. And it even gains you some life! It isn’t that far from being a 5-mana 4/4 with Vigilance that has cycling for 2 mana. Flexibility like this really trumps the fact that neither half of this card would be amazing on its own.
3.0 If you have 5 mana, you can cast it as a fairly reasonable body with Vigilance – and if you’re having problem finding mana in the early part of the game, you can Channel it away to find another land. And it even gains you some life! It isn’t that far from being a 5-mana 4/4 with Vigilance that has cycling for 2 mana. Flexibility like this really trumps the fact that neither half of this card would be amazing on its own.
Pack 1 Pick 5: Mukotai Ambusher
Acquisition Octopus
2.5 3-mana 2/2s that draw you a card when they hit the opponent are always kind of alright. If you can get a blocker out of the way, or give them evasion, they can do some work. The nice thing with this verison of it, is that if the Octopus can’t get it done on its own, it can give that ability to another creature that is more capable of getting in there.
2.5 3-mana 2/2s that draw you a card when they hit the opponent are always kind of alright. If you can get a blocker out of the way, or give them evasion, they can do some work. The nice thing with this verison of it, is that if the Octopus can’t get it done on its own, it can give that ability to another creature that is more capable of getting in there.
Voltage Surge
3.0 One mana to do two to a creature is usually pretty close to premium removal – you will be able to pay one mana to kill many creatures that cost more! This having the additional “sacrifice an artifact” option to upgrade it to doing 4 damage is definitely enough for it to be premium, as doing 4 for one mana is a really good deal, though you may not always have an expendable artifact to give up.
3.0 One mana to do two to a creature is usually pretty close to premium removal – you will be able to pay one mana to kill many creatures that cost more! This having the additional “sacrifice an artifact” option to upgrade it to doing 4 damage is definitely enough for it to be premium, as doing 4 for one mana is a really good deal, though you may not always have an expendable artifact to give up.
Skyswimmer Koi
3.0 This has pretty nice stats as a 4-mana 3/3 Flyer, and while its artifact pay off ability isn’t amazing, adding a loot effect to all of your artifacts is definitely relevant upside.
3.0 This has pretty nice stats as a 4-mana 3/3 Flyer, and while its artifact pay off ability isn’t amazing, adding a loot effect to all of your artifacts is definitely relevant upside.
Careful Cultivation
2.5 In a lot of formats, a two mana 1/1 that can tap for Green mana is very playable, and this is better than that in a lot of ways, since you can stick it out there at Instant speed. Meanwhile, the Aura side of things does a pretty good of ramping you too, and offers a solid stat boost. I do sort of feel like you’re going to be more interesting in Channeling this the most of the time, as I think that’s the best deal you can get here.
2.5 In a lot of formats, a two mana 1/1 that can tap for Green mana is very playable, and this is better than that in a lot of ways, since you can stick it out there at Instant speed. Meanwhile, the Aura side of things does a pretty good of ramping you too, and offers a solid stat boost. I do sort of feel like you’re going to be more interesting in Channeling this the most of the time, as I think that’s the best deal you can get here.
Gift of Wrath
2.0 This is the kind of Aura I feel alright about playing. +2/+2 and Menace is a very real stats boost, and the fact that this leaves behind a creature token when the enchanted creature dies is quite nice – and helps mitigate against the risk of getting 2-for-1’d. Now, it is still an Aura, and probably only one that you run in very aggressive decks, but it will be solid there.
2.0 This is the kind of Aura I feel alright about playing. +2/+2 and Menace is a very real stats boost, and the fact that this leaves behind a creature token when the enchanted creature dies is quite nice – and helps mitigate against the risk of getting 2-for-1’d. Now, it is still an Aura, and probably only one that you run in very aggressive decks, but it will be solid there.
Ecologist's Terrarium
2.5 Having colorless fixing at Common is pretty nice, and could definitely help decks splash a third color, and the fact this can only give you a counter once its done its job in fetching you a land is pretty solid.
2.5 Having colorless fixing at Common is pretty nice, and could definitely help decks splash a third color, and the fact this can only give you a counter once its done its job in fetching you a land is pretty solid.
Brute Suit
2.5 This is a nice little Vehicle at Common. 1 to crew is super easy, and its no joke as an attacker. As we’ve seen, there’s lots of Vehicle stuff going on this set too.
2.5 This is a nice little Vehicle at Common. 1 to crew is super easy, and its no joke as an attacker. As we’ve seen, there’s lots of Vehicle stuff going on this set too.
Mukotai Ambusher
2.0 This seems like a solid little Ninja if you’re in the market for those. The Ninjutsu is very nicely costed, though keeping in mind that you have to return a thing to your hand does make it seem a bit less efficient. And really, neither casting this the normal way nor Ninjutsuing it is going to make you feel like you’re doing a great job. Its solid, and Lifelink makes it a good creature to Modify.
2.0 This seems like a solid little Ninja if you’re in the market for those. The Ninjutsu is very nicely costed, though keeping in mind that you have to return a thing to your hand does make it seem a bit less efficient. And really, neither casting this the normal way nor Ninjutsuing it is going to make you feel like you’re doing a great job. Its solid, and Lifelink makes it a good creature to Modify.
Short Circuit
1.5 This is fairly mediocre. It doesn’t stop enough of what a card can do for it to be that effective as removal. Sure, it has less power and it can’t fly – but it still lets the creature block, it can still have a death trigger, it can still have an activated ability, it can still have a static ability, and heck – it can even still attack, just less effectively! It having Flash does mean sometimes you can set this up so that you can kill an attacking creature with a double block, and when you can do that it will feel alright, but you just won’t always be able to make that happen.
1.5 This is fairly mediocre. It doesn’t stop enough of what a card can do for it to be that effective as removal. Sure, it has less power and it can’t fly – but it still lets the creature block, it can still have a death trigger, it can still have an activated ability, it can still have a static ability, and heck – it can even still attack, just less effectively! It having Flash does mean sometimes you can set this up so that you can kill an attacking creature with a double block, and when you can do that it will feel alright, but you just won’t always be able to make that happen.
Lucky Offering
1.5 This is actually passable in your main deck in this format, since there are so many artifacts, and many of them can be blown up by this. It is still narrow enough that I don’t love putting in the main deck.
1.5 This is actually passable in your main deck in this format, since there are so many artifacts, and many of them can be blown up by this. It is still narrow enough that I don’t love putting in the main deck.
Pack 1 Pick 6: Walking Skyscraper
Walking Skyscraper
3.0 You probably want to be casting this for 6 consistently to play it in your deck – but I actually don’t think that’s a huge hurdle in this format. There’s lots of things that modify your creatures, and playing a 6-mana 8/8 with Trample and Hexproof when its untapped is pretty spicy! I think this will probably be a nice playable for just about any deck that isn’t super aggressive.
3.0 You probably want to be casting this for 6 consistently to play it in your deck – but I actually don’t think that’s a huge hurdle in this format. There’s lots of things that modify your creatures, and playing a 6-mana 8/8 with Trample and Hexproof when its untapped is pretty spicy! I think this will probably be a nice playable for just about any deck that isn’t super aggressive.
Jukai Trainee
2.0 They decided to give this samurai the old Bushido mechanic. It’s a two mana 2/2 that is harder than most two mana 2/2s to block or attack through, and that’s probably enough of an upside for you to play it a decent chunk of the time.
2.0 They decided to give this samurai the old Bushido mechanic. It’s a two mana 2/2 that is harder than most two mana 2/2s to block or attack through, and that’s probably enough of an upside for you to play it a decent chunk of the time.
Careful Cultivation
2.5 In a lot of formats, a two mana 1/1 that can tap for Green mana is very playable, and this is better than that in a lot of ways, since you can stick it out there at Instant speed. Meanwhile, the Aura side of things does a pretty good of ramping you too, and offers a solid stat boost. I do sort of feel like you’re going to be more interesting in Channeling this the most of the time, as I think that’s the best deal you can get here.
2.5 In a lot of formats, a two mana 1/1 that can tap for Green mana is very playable, and this is better than that in a lot of ways, since you can stick it out there at Instant speed. Meanwhile, the Aura side of things does a pretty good of ramping you too, and offers a solid stat boost. I do sort of feel like you’re going to be more interesting in Channeling this the most of the time, as I think that’s the best deal you can get here.
Ancestral Katana
3.0 This reminds me a bit of Pirate’s Cutlass, a card that really overperformed in its Limited format. Now, this isn’t colorless, and it doesn’t equip for free – and it equipping at a discount is also more conditional for sure – but I think this will still be a really nice Common. If you’re just Equipping this the old fashioned way it won’t be great, but if you have Warriors and Samurai around, the fact that this can just keep moving on to your best attacker for only one mana is going to feel pretty good, and it doesn’t hurt that it can still be Equipped the normal way when that works out for you. Plus, Equipment have some additional upside in this format.
3.0 This reminds me a bit of Pirate’s Cutlass, a card that really overperformed in its Limited format. Now, this isn’t colorless, and it doesn’t equip for free – and it equipping at a discount is also more conditional for sure – but I think this will still be a really nice Common. If you’re just Equipping this the old fashioned way it won’t be great, but if you have Warriors and Samurai around, the fact that this can just keep moving on to your best attacker for only one mana is going to feel pretty good, and it doesn’t hurt that it can still be Equipped the normal way when that works out for you. Plus, Equipment have some additional upside in this format.
Crackling Emergence
1.5 This is a neat take on a land animation spell – making it so the land doesn’t die when the creature does is definitely a nice little upgrade, but these types of spells basically always underperform. They are the most impressive in the early game in a lot of ways – but you also don’t want to be hindering the way you develop your board, and by turning a land into a creature, you might be doing just that. It is kind of exciting to think about your opponent trading a real creature for this, but it isn’t as good of a deal as it seems – you’re still just trading 1-for-1.
1.5 This is a neat take on a land animation spell – making it so the land doesn’t die when the creature does is definitely a nice little upgrade, but these types of spells basically always underperform. They are the most impressive in the early game in a lot of ways – but you also don’t want to be hindering the way you develop your board, and by turning a land into a creature, you might be doing just that. It is kind of exciting to think about your opponent trading a real creature for this, but it isn’t as good of a deal as it seems – you’re still just trading 1-for-1.
Reckoner Shakedown
1.5 This is a pretty neat take on a Coercion Effect, as it is effectively a modal card that takes away your opponents best card, or it gives you a look at your opponents hand and puts two +1/+1 counters on one of your creatures or vehicles. Individually, those two effects are probably about a D. The discard effect only allows for a one-for-one trade and doesn’t change your board at all, while putting two +1/+1 counters on a thing for this much mana at Sorcery speed is really clunky. The discard effect is also pretty close to a dead card in the really late game, so having the other option will really matter there.
1.5 This is a pretty neat take on a Coercion Effect, as it is effectively a modal card that takes away your opponents best card, or it gives you a look at your opponents hand and puts two +1/+1 counters on one of your creatures or vehicles. Individually, those two effects are probably about a D. The discard effect only allows for a one-for-one trade and doesn’t change your board at all, while putting two +1/+1 counters on a thing for this much mana at Sorcery speed is really clunky. The discard effect is also pretty close to a dead card in the really late game, so having the other option will really matter there.
Guardians of Oboro
2.0 A 3-mana ¾ with Defender is kind of okay in a more controlling deck, and if you modify this one – or other creatures with Defender – they can attack. That’s kind of cool, though not exactly an incredible payoff. This seems fine.
2.0 A 3-mana ¾ with Defender is kind of okay in a more controlling deck, and if you modify this one – or other creatures with Defender – they can attack. That’s kind of cool, though not exactly an incredible payoff. This seems fine.
The Shattered States Era
1.5 I like most of these creature-sagas a reasonable amount. Most of them are at least a 2.5…but not this one. 5 mana for a Threaten is costly. That type of effect is always so situational. Sometimes it will let you attack in ways you couldn’t before – and unlike a lot of Threatens you do eventually actually add to the board with this one – but I still don’t love it. Chapter II will only be meaningful on like half of your board states. You do ultimately get a 3/3 with Trample and Haste, but that’s not exactly a big deal by turn 7, and Chapters I and II are highly situational.
1.5 I like most of these creature-sagas a reasonable amount. Most of them are at least a 2.5…but not this one. 5 mana for a Threaten is costly. That type of effect is always so situational. Sometimes it will let you attack in ways you couldn’t before – and unlike a lot of Threatens you do eventually actually add to the board with this one – but I still don’t love it. Chapter II will only be meaningful on like half of your board states. You do ultimately get a 3/3 with Trample and Haste, but that’s not exactly a big deal by turn 7, and Chapters I and II are highly situational.
Bamboo Grove Archer
2.5 This is a very nice defensive creature. A two mana 3/3 with Reach will slow the board to a grinding halt in the early game, and the fact that you can use it as a Plummet sometimes is nice upside. It isn’t exactly the kind of card all decks will want, but grinder Green decks will probably be happy to play a few of these – while aggro decks probably aren’t playing it at all.
2.5 This is a very nice defensive creature. A two mana 3/3 with Reach will slow the board to a grinding halt in the early game, and the fact that you can use it as a Plummet sometimes is nice upside. It isn’t exactly the kind of card all decks will want, but grinder Green decks will probably be happy to play a few of these – while aggro decks probably aren’t playing it at all.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Wanderer's Intervention
Light the Way
1.0 We see cards with two modal effects like this a lot, and they are almost always underwhelming. It seems like you’ll always be able to do something meaningful with one of the modes, but it just doesn’t work out that way all that often. When you can use it as a trick to help your creature win combat, or help a creature dodge removal, or you rebuy an ETB ability it will feel good, but mostly this won’t give you a full card worth of value often enough.
1.0 We see cards with two modal effects like this a lot, and they are almost always underwhelming. It seems like you’ll always be able to do something meaningful with one of the modes, but it just doesn’t work out that way all that often. When you can use it as a trick to help your creature win combat, or help a creature dodge removal, or you rebuy an ETB ability it will feel good, but mostly this won’t give you a full card worth of value often enough.
Akki Ember-Keeper
3.0 This is a nice little two drop. It has passable stats and a nice ability that makes sure your board stays populated when your modified creatures die. There are a plethora of ways to modify them, so getting a creature token or two out of this isn’t far-fetched at all, and that’s some pretty great value.
3.0 This is a nice little two drop. It has passable stats and a nice ability that makes sure your board stays populated when your modified creatures die. There are a plethora of ways to modify them, so getting a creature token or two out of this isn’t far-fetched at all, and that’s some pretty great value.
Wanderer's Intervention
2.5 This is restrictive about what it can kill – both because of the 4 damage and the “attacking or blocking” restriction, but it will often feel reasonably efficient. I don’t quite consider something like this premium because of how restrictive it is, but I think you end up playing the first copy pretty often in your White decks
2.5 This is restrictive about what it can kill – both because of the 4 damage and the “attacking or blocking” restriction, but it will often feel reasonably efficient. I don’t quite consider something like this premium because of how restrictive it is, but I think you end up playing the first copy pretty often in your White decks
Thundersteel Colossus
2.0 This is a pretty neat design for an Equipment. It isn’t nearly as discounted as most of them are, but it is also massive and very easy to crew – coming with Trample and Haste generally means it is going to wreck face pretty significantly the turn it comes down, and it’s a big enough threat that your opponent will usually need to find a way to deal with it. I don’t think the most aggressive decks will be remotely interested in this, but as a top-curve win condition for grindier or controlling decks, I could see this pulling some weight.
2.0 This is a pretty neat design for an Equipment. It isn’t nearly as discounted as most of them are, but it is also massive and very easy to crew – coming with Trample and Haste generally means it is going to wreck face pretty significantly the turn it comes down, and it’s a big enough threat that your opponent will usually need to find a way to deal with it. I don’t think the most aggressive decks will be remotely interested in this, but as a top-curve win condition for grindier or controlling decks, I could see this pulling some weight.
Reckoner Shakedown
1.5 This is a pretty neat take on a Coercion Effect, as it is effectively a modal card that takes away your opponents best card, or it gives you a look at your opponents hand and puts two +1/+1 counters on one of your creatures or vehicles. Individually, those two effects are probably about a D. The discard effect only allows for a one-for-one trade and doesn’t change your board at all, while putting two +1/+1 counters on a thing for this much mana at Sorcery speed is really clunky. The discard effect is also pretty close to a dead card in the really late game, so having the other option will really matter there.
1.5 This is a pretty neat take on a Coercion Effect, as it is effectively a modal card that takes away your opponents best card, or it gives you a look at your opponents hand and puts two +1/+1 counters on one of your creatures or vehicles. Individually, those two effects are probably about a D. The discard effect only allows for a one-for-one trade and doesn’t change your board at all, while putting two +1/+1 counters on a thing for this much mana at Sorcery speed is really clunky. The discard effect is also pretty close to a dead card in the really late game, so having the other option will really matter there.
Short Circuit
1.5 This is fairly mediocre. It doesn’t stop enough of what a card can do for it to be that effective as removal. Sure, it has less power and it can’t fly – but it still lets the creature block, it can still have a death trigger, it can still have an activated ability, it can still have a static ability, and heck – it can even still attack, just less effectively! It having Flash does mean sometimes you can set this up so that you can kill an attacking creature with a double block, and when you can do that it will feel alright, but you just won’t always be able to make that happen.
1.5 This is fairly mediocre. It doesn’t stop enough of what a card can do for it to be that effective as removal. Sure, it has less power and it can’t fly – but it still lets the creature block, it can still have a death trigger, it can still have an activated ability, it can still have a static ability, and heck – it can even still attack, just less effectively! It having Flash does mean sometimes you can set this up so that you can kill an attacking creature with a double block, and when you can do that it will feel alright, but you just won’t always be able to make that happen.
Explosive Entry
3.0 This is better in this format than it is in most, because there are artifacts everywhere. I think you can count on most opponents having at least 5 targets for this, and many will have more. Adding the +1/+1 counter to the mix is pretty nice. Against the most artifact-centric of decks it is just going to feel like one of your best cards, and against an opponent only playing a few artifacts, it will feel a bit like Plummet – but I think that range is still enough to play the first copy in the main deck of most Red decks.
3.0 This is better in this format than it is in most, because there are artifacts everywhere. I think you can count on most opponents having at least 5 targets for this, and many will have more. Adding the +1/+1 counter to the mix is pretty nice. Against the most artifact-centric of decks it is just going to feel like one of your best cards, and against an opponent only playing a few artifacts, it will feel a bit like Plummet – but I think that range is still enough to play the first copy in the main deck of most Red decks.
Favor of Jukai
2.0 Channeling this will be the better deal most of the time, as the tricks we see that offer that same boost and reach always tend to be pretty playable, but it is nice that you can also use this as a more permanent boost in situations where that’s better.
2.0 Channeling this will be the better deal most of the time, as the tricks we see that offer that same boost and reach always tend to be pretty playable, but it is nice that you can also use this as a more permanent boost in situations where that’s better.
Mnemonic Sphere
2.5 This is basically an Artifact-based version of Hieroglyphic Illumination, which was an Instant you could pay 4 for to draw two cards, and it had cycling for one Blue mana. Hard for a card like this to ever be bad, since at worst it replaces itself really efficiently. Then there’s this format artifact synergy and so forth!
2.5 This is basically an Artifact-based version of Hieroglyphic Illumination, which was an Instant you could pay 4 for to draw two cards, and it had cycling for one Blue mana. Hard for a card like this to ever be bad, since at worst it replaces itself really efficiently. Then there’s this format artifact synergy and so forth!
Pack 1 Pick 8: Voltage Surge
Disruption Protocol
2.0 If you have enough Artifacts around and consistent access to Blue mana, this seems reasonable. If you are paying 1UU for it, then you’re not getting a very good deal – Cancel is just so much worse than Counterspell! There are enough Artifacts in this set, though, that I think this will be Counterspell often enough that I just want to give it a C. Counterspells have their problems in Limited – namely that you have to have the mana up at the right time – which in a way makes them very conditional removal – but when the mana you need to leave up is two or less, we see the Counterspells end up being fairly playable, and I think that’s what we have here.
2.0 If you have enough Artifacts around and consistent access to Blue mana, this seems reasonable. If you are paying 1UU for it, then you’re not getting a very good deal – Cancel is just so much worse than Counterspell! There are enough Artifacts in this set, though, that I think this will be Counterspell often enough that I just want to give it a C. Counterspells have their problems in Limited – namely that you have to have the mana up at the right time – which in a way makes them very conditional removal – but when the mana you need to leave up is two or less, we see the Counterspells end up being fairly playable, and I think that’s what we have here.
Lucky Offering
1.5 This is actually passable in your main deck in this format, since there are so many artifacts, and many of them can be blown up by this. It is still narrow enough that I don’t love putting in the main deck.
1.5 This is actually passable in your main deck in this format, since there are so many artifacts, and many of them can be blown up by this. It is still narrow enough that I don’t love putting in the main deck.
Harmonious Emergence
1.5 Animating a land is always less powerful than it might seem, and even adding the indestructible angle here isn’t that exciting. It does give you a reasonably efficient creature, but its also one that effectively makes you give up mana if you want to be attacking with it. I do think it’s a little better than the Red one, because this one is going to be more formidable in the later stages of the game, and it snice that they are such a pain in combat thanks to the indestructibility.
1.5 Animating a land is always less powerful than it might seem, and even adding the indestructible angle here isn’t that exciting. It does give you a reasonably efficient creature, but its also one that effectively makes you give up mana if you want to be attacking with it. I do think it’s a little better than the Red one, because this one is going to be more formidable in the later stages of the game, and it snice that they are such a pain in combat thanks to the indestructibility.
Greater Tanuki
3.0 This seems pretty nice. In the early game you can use it to fix and ramp your mana, and in the late game it can be a big beater that helps you close things out. It isn’t super incredible at doing either thing, but effectively being a split card with a worse Rampant Growth on one side and a worse Colossal Dreadmaw on the other gives you a decent option all game long.
3.0 This seems pretty nice. In the early game you can use it to fix and ramp your mana, and in the late game it can be a big beater that helps you close things out. It isn’t super incredible at doing either thing, but effectively being a split card with a worse Rampant Growth on one side and a worse Colossal Dreadmaw on the other gives you a decent option all game long.
Ancestral Katana
3.0 This reminds me a bit of Pirate’s Cutlass, a card that really overperformed in its Limited format. Now, this isn’t colorless, and it doesn’t equip for free – and it equipping at a discount is also more conditional for sure – but I think this will still be a really nice Common. If you’re just Equipping this the old fashioned way it won’t be great, but if you have Warriors and Samurai around, the fact that this can just keep moving on to your best attacker for only one mana is going to feel pretty good, and it doesn’t hurt that it can still be Equipped the normal way when that works out for you. Plus, Equipment have some additional upside in this format.
3.0 This reminds me a bit of Pirate’s Cutlass, a card that really overperformed in its Limited format. Now, this isn’t colorless, and it doesn’t equip for free – and it equipping at a discount is also more conditional for sure – but I think this will still be a really nice Common. If you’re just Equipping this the old fashioned way it won’t be great, but if you have Warriors and Samurai around, the fact that this can just keep moving on to your best attacker for only one mana is going to feel pretty good, and it doesn’t hurt that it can still be Equipped the normal way when that works out for you. Plus, Equipment have some additional upside in this format.
Voltage Surge
3.0 One mana to do two to a creature is usually pretty close to premium removal – you will be able to pay one mana to kill many creatures that cost more! This having the additional “sacrifice an artifact” option to upgrade it to doing 4 damage is definitely enough for it to be premium, as doing 4 for one mana is a really good deal, though you may not always have an expendable artifact to give up.
3.0 One mana to do two to a creature is usually pretty close to premium removal – you will be able to pay one mana to kill many creatures that cost more! This having the additional “sacrifice an artifact” option to upgrade it to doing 4 damage is definitely enough for it to be premium, as doing 4 for one mana is a really good deal, though you may not always have an expendable artifact to give up.
Armguard Familiar
2.5 This is a very solid playable. A two mana 2/1 with Ward 2 is already pretty close to passable, so adding the Reconfigure upside is really nice. It is a nice little creature early, and in the late game it can lend a much-needed stats boost, as well as a little bit of protection, for a more relevant creature.
2.5 This is a very solid playable. A two mana 2/1 with Ward 2 is already pretty close to passable, so adding the Reconfigure upside is really nice. It is a nice little creature early, and in the late game it can lend a much-needed stats boost, as well as a little bit of protection, for a more relevant creature.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Ironhoof Boar
Mobilizer Mech
3.0 This is cheap to cast and has a fairly reasonable Crew cost, especially because it will essentially crew a second Vehicle, should you have one around. And..you won’t always, in fact about half the time you probably won’t have more than one vehicle, but the times you do this is going to do some pretty silly stuff.
3.0 This is cheap to cast and has a fairly reasonable Crew cost, especially because it will essentially crew a second Vehicle, should you have one around. And..you won’t always, in fact about half the time you probably won’t have more than one vehicle, but the times you do this is going to do some pretty silly stuff.
Mirrorshell Crab
1.5 This is either an overcosted 5/7 or an overcosted Mana Leak. As is usually the case with these Channel cards, though, having the option between those things is much better than those things are individually! In this case, I do think both of the options are pretty underwhelming, though.
1.5 This is either an overcosted 5/7 or an overcosted Mana Leak. As is usually the case with these Channel cards, though, having the option between those things is much better than those things are individually! In this case, I do think both of the options are pretty underwhelming, though.
Kindled Fury
1.5 We’ve seen this many times before, and its always a passable trick. +1/+0 and First Strike for one mana isn’t a bad deal since it allows many creatures to win combat – first strike just does a great job of turning a trade into something much better for you.
1.5 We’ve seen this many times before, and its always a passable trick. +1/+0 and First Strike for one mana isn’t a bad deal since it allows many creatures to win combat – first strike just does a great job of turning a trade into something much better for you.
Bamboo Grove Archer
2.5 This is a very nice defensive creature. A two mana 3/3 with Reach will slow the board to a grinding halt in the early game, and the fact that you can use it as a Plummet sometimes is nice upside. It isn’t exactly the kind of card all decks will want, but grinder Green decks will probably be happy to play a few of these – while aggro decks probably aren’t playing it at all.
2.5 This is a very nice defensive creature. A two mana 3/3 with Reach will slow the board to a grinding halt in the early game, and the fact that you can use it as a Plummet sometimes is nice upside. It isn’t exactly the kind of card all decks will want, but grinder Green decks will probably be happy to play a few of these – while aggro decks probably aren’t playing it at all.
Ironhoof Boar
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
Simian Sling
3.0 This compares really favorably with Tormentor’s Helm for Kaldheim. It gives the same stats boost and the same ability that punishes blocking. The difference is this is a bit more expensive to Equip – or in this case Reconfigure, but the fact you can just play t his as a creature is a huge upgrade. They’ve given us a lot of nice one drops of late, and this looks like one to me. It can attack effectively early, and then when it can no longer do that, you can suit up another creature who can take advantage of the ability more effectively.
3.0 This compares really favorably with Tormentor’s Helm for Kaldheim. It gives the same stats boost and the same ability that punishes blocking. The difference is this is a bit more expensive to Equip – or in this case Reconfigure, but the fact you can just play t his as a creature is a huge upgrade. They’ve given us a lot of nice one drops of late, and this looks like one to me. It can attack effectively early, and then when it can no longer do that, you can suit up another creature who can take advantage of the ability more effectively.
Pack 1 Pick 10: Tales of Master Seshiro
Moonfolk Puzzlemaker
2.0 This has decent stats and repeatedly Scrying does make your draws better. Its also an artifact for the decks that care about that, and a relatively cheap flyer for Ninjutsu.
2.0 This has decent stats and repeatedly Scrying does make your draws better. Its also an artifact for the decks that care about that, and a relatively cheap flyer for Ninjutsu.
Imperial Oath
1.5 Three bodies + Scry 3 for six isn’t the worst thing ever, but it also isn’t quite as impactful as I’d like a six mana spell to be. Those three bodies can help, but there are also plenty of board states where they don’t do a whole lot for you.
1.5 Three bodies + Scry 3 for six isn’t the worst thing ever, but it also isn’t quite as impactful as I’d like a six mana spell to be. Those three bodies can help, but there are also plenty of board states where they don’t do a whole lot for you.
Unstoppable Ogre
2.0 The enter the battlefield trigger on the card won’t always do something for you, but there will be a decent number of situations where it allows you to attack more effectively with your board. It can also crew everything which is nice.
2.0 The enter the battlefield trigger on the card won’t always do something for you, but there will be a decent number of situations where it allows you to attack more effectively with your board. It can also crew everything which is nice.
Mnemonic Sphere
2.5 This is basically an Artifact-based version of Hieroglyphic Illumination, which was an Instant you could pay 4 for to draw two cards, and it had cycling for one Blue mana. Hard for a card like this to ever be bad, since at worst it replaces itself really efficiently. Then there’s this format artifact synergy and so forth!
2.5 This is basically an Artifact-based version of Hieroglyphic Illumination, which was an Instant you could pay 4 for to draw two cards, and it had cycling for one Blue mana. Hard for a card like this to ever be bad, since at worst it replaces itself really efficiently. Then there’s this format artifact synergy and so forth!
Tales of Master Seshiro
3.5 Chapter I and II actually give a fairly significant buff. +1/+1 counter + Vigilance for a turn is pretty sweet, because it not only enables a better attack, it allows you to alter how a race is going. Now, sometimes paying 5 for chapter one is going to feel pretty rough – like if getting the counter and vigilance doesn’t do much for you, but at the stage in the game that you play this, it is pretty likely to be useful. Then, you end up with a pretty nice creature – with haste and Vigilance – which will mean it can swing right away, unlike most of these saga-creatures. I think this might be Green’s best Common. It gives you a ton of very real value up front, and then a very nice creature.
3.5 Chapter I and II actually give a fairly significant buff. +1/+1 counter + Vigilance for a turn is pretty sweet, because it not only enables a better attack, it allows you to alter how a race is going. Now, sometimes paying 5 for chapter one is going to feel pretty rough – like if getting the counter and vigilance doesn’t do much for you, but at the stage in the game that you play this, it is pretty likely to be useful. Then, you end up with a pretty nice creature – with haste and Vigilance – which will mean it can swing right away, unlike most of these saga-creatures. I think this might be Green’s best Common. It gives you a ton of very real value up front, and then a very nice creature.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Gift of Wrath
Peerless Samurai
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
Ironhoof Boar
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
Gift of Wrath
2.0 This is the kind of Aura I feel alright about playing. +2/+2 and Menace is a very real stats boost, and the fact that this leaves behind a creature token when the enchanted creature dies is quite nice – and helps mitigate against the risk of getting 2-for-1’d. Now, it is still an Aura, and probably only one that you run in very aggressive decks, but it will be solid there.
2.0 This is the kind of Aura I feel alright about playing. +2/+2 and Menace is a very real stats boost, and the fact that this leaves behind a creature token when the enchanted creature dies is quite nice – and helps mitigate against the risk of getting 2-for-1’d. Now, it is still an Aura, and probably only one that you run in very aggressive decks, but it will be solid there.
Kami of Industry
1.5 There will be too many situations where you either have no Artifact to reanimate, or you have one that you can bring back but it doesn’t really do anything on the board at the stage of the game yo’ure in. A five mana 3/6 as a baseline doesn’t help the card out either, even though that isn’t disastrous. I think the idea is that in the BR deck, you can easily sacrifice whatever it is you bring back, but I still have a hard time seeing this work out often enough.
1.5 There will be too many situations where you either have no Artifact to reanimate, or you have one that you can bring back but it doesn’t really do anything on the board at the stage of the game yo’ure in. A five mana 3/6 as a baseline doesn’t help the card out either, even though that isn’t disastrous. I think the idea is that in the BR deck, you can easily sacrifice whatever it is you bring back, but I still have a hard time seeing this work out often enough.
Blossoming Sands
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Geothermal Kami
Searchlight Companion
3.0 This gives you some reasonable value for the cost, and its also a great card to combine with Ninjas, since it is not only evasive, but it also has an ETB ability, so recasting it will give you another token, and that’s some nice value to get on top of whatever it is you did with Ninjutsu.
3.0 This gives you some reasonable value for the cost, and its also a great card to combine with Ninjas, since it is not only evasive, but it also has an ETB ability, so recasting it will give you another token, and that’s some nice value to get on top of whatever it is you did with Ninjutsu.
Automated Artificer
2.0 There are enough artifacts in this set that this will actually be able to ramp your mana reasonably well, and it has some decent stats.
2.0 There are enough artifacts in this set that this will actually be able to ramp your mana reasonably well, and it has some decent stats.
Geothermal Kami
2.0 It is a fine 4-mana 4/3 in a worst-case, but it comes with an effect that can be pretty sweet in some situations. Returning something like a Saga you want to go back to chapter one on, or an Aura you wanted to move anyway – will be particularly nice, and the fact this tacks on 3 life is nice too.
2.0 It is a fine 4-mana 4/3 in a worst-case, but it comes with an effect that can be pretty sweet in some situations. Returning something like a Saga you want to go back to chapter one on, or an Aura you wanted to move anyway – will be particularly nice, and the fact this tacks on 3 life is nice too.
Pack 1 Pick 13: Short Circuit
Skyswimmer Koi
3.0 This has pretty nice stats as a 4-mana 3/3 Flyer, and while its artifact pay off ability isn’t amazing, adding a loot effect to all of your artifacts is definitely relevant upside.
3.0 This has pretty nice stats as a 4-mana 3/3 Flyer, and while its artifact pay off ability isn’t amazing, adding a loot effect to all of your artifacts is definitely relevant upside.
Short Circuit
1.5 This is fairly mediocre. It doesn’t stop enough of what a card can do for it to be that effective as removal. Sure, it has less power and it can’t fly – but it still lets the creature block, it can still have a death trigger, it can still have an activated ability, it can still have a static ability, and heck – it can even still attack, just less effectively! It having Flash does mean sometimes you can set this up so that you can kill an attacking creature with a double block, and when you can do that it will feel alright, but you just won’t always be able to make that happen.
1.5 This is fairly mediocre. It doesn’t stop enough of what a card can do for it to be that effective as removal. Sure, it has less power and it can’t fly – but it still lets the creature block, it can still have a death trigger, it can still have an activated ability, it can still have a static ability, and heck – it can even still attack, just less effectively! It having Flash does mean sometimes you can set this up so that you can kill an attacking creature with a double block, and when you can do that it will feel alright, but you just won’t always be able to make that happen.
Pack 1 Pick 14: Crackling Emergence
Crackling Emergence
1.5 This is a neat take on a land animation spell – making it so the land doesn’t die when the creature does is definitely a nice little upgrade, but these types of spells basically always underperform. They are the most impressive in the early game in a lot of ways – but you also don’t want to be hindering the way you develop your board, and by turning a land into a creature, you might be doing just that. It is kind of exciting to think about your opponent trading a real creature for this, but it isn’t as good of a deal as it seems – you’re still just trading 1-for-1.
1.5 This is a neat take on a land animation spell – making it so the land doesn’t die when the creature does is definitely a nice little upgrade, but these types of spells basically always underperform. They are the most impressive in the early game in a lot of ways – but you also don’t want to be hindering the way you develop your board, and by turning a land into a creature, you might be doing just that. It is kind of exciting to think about your opponent trading a real creature for this, but it isn’t as good of a deal as it seems – you’re still just trading 1-for-1.
Pack 1 Pick 15: Short Circuit
Short Circuit
1.5 This is fairly mediocre. It doesn’t stop enough of what a card can do for it to be that effective as removal. Sure, it has less power and it can’t fly – but it still lets the creature block, it can still have a death trigger, it can still have an activated ability, it can still have a static ability, and heck – it can even still attack, just less effectively! It having Flash does mean sometimes you can set this up so that you can kill an attacking creature with a double block, and when you can do that it will feel alright, but you just won’t always be able to make that happen.
1.5 This is fairly mediocre. It doesn’t stop enough of what a card can do for it to be that effective as removal. Sure, it has less power and it can’t fly – but it still lets the creature block, it can still have a death trigger, it can still have an activated ability, it can still have a static ability, and heck – it can even still attack, just less effectively! It having Flash does mean sometimes you can set this up so that you can kill an attacking creature with a double block, and when you can do that it will feel alright, but you just won’t always be able to make that happen.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Tameshi, Reality Architect
Tameshi, Reality Architect
3.5 So, obviously you’re going to need to be returning things to your hand for her to be worthwhile – and I think that mostly means you’ll want her in a UW deck, since her activated ability will actually trigger that! Now, there are other moonfolk around who return lands to your hand, so sometimes you’ll get there without her ability, but she has a ton of internal synergy, as returning a land and reanimating an artifact or Enchantment will feel absolutely absurd sometimes. She’s effectively a UW gold card for that reason. Now, you won’t always have stuff to reanimate with that ability, but still – in the mid-to-late game it has a decent shot at bringing stuff back and drawing you a card, and that’s pretty great. I think she takes some work and some time to really do her thing, but she’ll be a pretty great engine late.
3.5 So, obviously you’re going to need to be returning things to your hand for her to be worthwhile – and I think that mostly means you’ll want her in a UW deck, since her activated ability will actually trigger that! Now, there are other moonfolk around who return lands to your hand, so sometimes you’ll get there without her ability, but she has a ton of internal synergy, as returning a land and reanimating an artifact or Enchantment will feel absolutely absurd sometimes. She’s effectively a UW gold card for that reason. Now, you won’t always have stuff to reanimate with that ability, but still – in the mid-to-late game it has a decent shot at bringing stuff back and drawing you a card, and that’s pretty great. I think she takes some work and some time to really do her thing, but she’ll be a pretty great engine late.
Orochi Merge-Keeper
3.0 This can accelerate your mana, and when it gets modified it can do it even more quickly! Being able to play your 4 mana cards a turn earlier than your opponent is pretty nice! Mana dorks do of course always have the downside of being pretty mediocre in the later part of the game, but the upside they give you early tends to make them pretty nice.
3.0 This can accelerate your mana, and when it gets modified it can do it even more quickly! Being able to play your 4 mana cards a turn earlier than your opponent is pretty nice! Mana dorks do of course always have the downside of being pretty mediocre in the later part of the game, but the upside they give you early tends to make them pretty nice.
Reality Heist
1.0 // 3.0 This is a super artifact-centric version of Dig Through Time. Because you have to have a decent number of Artifacts in play to make casting it worthwhile and you need ot hit two of them in the top seven cards of your library, I think this probably has to have a build around grade. This format, as I’ve been saying, has a ton of Artifacts, but this card needs you really be in on them. You probably need 10+ artifacts in your deck to get there with it, and even in this format I don’t think that’s always going to happen.
1.0 // 3.0 This is a super artifact-centric version of Dig Through Time. Because you have to have a decent number of Artifacts in play to make casting it worthwhile and you need ot hit two of them in the top seven cards of your library, I think this probably has to have a build around grade. This format, as I’ve been saying, has a ton of Artifacts, but this card needs you really be in on them. You probably need 10+ artifacts in your deck to get there with it, and even in this format I don’t think that’s always going to happen.
Imperial Recovery Unit
2.5 In terms of cost and what it takes to crew it it isn’t the most efficient vehicle ever, but it has the ability to return cards to your hand, and there seem to be enough relevant one and two drops around that you’ll pull that often a reasonable chunk of the time. Even just doing it once is plenty.
2.5 In terms of cost and what it takes to crew it it isn’t the most efficient vehicle ever, but it has the ability to return cards to your hand, and there seem to be enough relevant one and two drops around that you’ll pull that often a reasonable chunk of the time. Even just doing it once is plenty.
Okiba Reckoner Raid
2.5 Giving us a one mana saga like this is pretty interesting! You obviously get insane value for the investment of one mana, as you drain 2 life and get a 2/2 with Menace that gives vehicles Menace! This is going to feel like a pretty good turn one play, and even in the late game this can do some work. The life drain helps you survive until it becomes a creature, and its great that as soon as it transforms you can send in a vehicle in that is hard to block. Having to wait for the body a couple of turns is going to be a little frustrating, though.
2.5 Giving us a one mana saga like this is pretty interesting! You obviously get insane value for the investment of one mana, as you drain 2 life and get a 2/2 with Menace that gives vehicles Menace! This is going to feel like a pretty good turn one play, and even in the late game this can do some work. The life drain helps you survive until it becomes a creature, and its great that as soon as it transforms you can send in a vehicle in that is hard to block. Having to wait for the body a couple of turns is going to be a little frustrating, though.
Shrine Steward
1.0 // 2.5 This has some ugly stats, but if your deck has even 2 Shrines and/or Auras, it is probably worth running. While this set does have plenty of Enchantments, it doesn’t have so many Auras and Shrines that you’ll always end up with enough of them to run the Steward.
1.0 // 2.5 This has some ugly stats, but if your deck has even 2 Shrines and/or Auras, it is probably worth running. While this set does have plenty of Enchantments, it doesn’t have so many Auras and Shrines that you’ll always end up with enough of them to run the Steward.
You Are Already Dead
2.5 This has a really interesting design. I’m normally not big on this type of effect, as actually doing some damage to something often takes up some resources, so spells that can only remove damaged creatures are often not all that playable. However, in this case they lowered the mana cost to ONE, and they added a cantrip. At that point, we’re talking about a card that is certainly playable. Keep in mind that it does need a damaged creature to target, so it isn’t really the kind of cantrip you can cycle whenever you want. You won’t usually generate a 2-for-1 with this, because of the resources you gave up to damage the creature in the first place, but the cantrip pretty much makes up for that, and on occasions where you can get a 2-for-1, this will feel downright amazing. It is still a super situational removal spell, but it is priced to move, and I think you’ll end up playing the first copy in most Black decks. Playing more than that is probably asking for trouble due to its situational nature.
2.5 This has a really interesting design. I’m normally not big on this type of effect, as actually doing some damage to something often takes up some resources, so spells that can only remove damaged creatures are often not all that playable. However, in this case they lowered the mana cost to ONE, and they added a cantrip. At that point, we’re talking about a card that is certainly playable. Keep in mind that it does need a damaged creature to target, so it isn’t really the kind of cantrip you can cycle whenever you want. You won’t usually generate a 2-for-1 with this, because of the resources you gave up to damage the creature in the first place, but the cantrip pretty much makes up for that, and on occasions where you can get a 2-for-1, this will feel downright amazing. It is still a super situational removal spell, but it is priced to move, and I think you’ll end up playing the first copy in most Black decks. Playing more than that is probably asking for trouble due to its situational nature.
Eiganjo Exemplar
3.0 It counts itself of course, so even without any other samurais around it attacks as a 3/2. One really nice thing is that you can play this, and then on the same turn attack with another Samurai, and +1/+1 is likely to help it attack more effectively.
3.0 It counts itself of course, so even without any other samurais around it attacks as a 3/2. One really nice thing is that you can play this, and then on the same turn attack with another Samurai, and +1/+1 is likely to help it attack more effectively.
Coiling Stalker
3.0 If you Ninjutsu this in, you end up paying two for a 2/1 that puts a counter somewhere. Note, by the way, that “somewhere” can be on itself, too! Now you obviously also returned a thing to your hand, so it isn’t all upside, but still, it seems like a reasonable deal. And it is the kind of creature that is a pretty real problem if your opponent can’t get blocks in front of it.
3.0 If you Ninjutsu this in, you end up paying two for a 2/1 that puts a counter somewhere. Note, by the way, that “somewhere” can be on itself, too! Now you obviously also returned a thing to your hand, so it isn’t all upside, but still, it seems like a reasonable deal. And it is the kind of creature that is a pretty real problem if your opponent can’t get blocks in front of it.
Thundersteel Colossus
2.0 This is a pretty neat design for an Equipment. It isn’t nearly as discounted as most of them are, but it is also massive and very easy to crew – coming with Trample and Haste generally means it is going to wreck face pretty significantly the turn it comes down, and it’s a big enough threat that your opponent will usually need to find a way to deal with it. I don’t think the most aggressive decks will be remotely interested in this, but as a top-curve win condition for grindier or controlling decks, I could see this pulling some weight.
2.0 This is a pretty neat design for an Equipment. It isn’t nearly as discounted as most of them are, but it is also massive and very easy to crew – coming with Trample and Haste generally means it is going to wreck face pretty significantly the turn it comes down, and it’s a big enough threat that your opponent will usually need to find a way to deal with it. I don’t think the most aggressive decks will be remotely interested in this, but as a top-curve win condition for grindier or controlling decks, I could see this pulling some weight.
Papercraft Decoy
2.0 This is another card where the trigger only requires it to leave the battlefield, so it getting blinked, or going back to your hand for ninjutsu will also give you the option of paying 2 to draw a card. You won’t always have the mana vailable to do it of course, but I think you’ll have it often enough that this is a pretty solid two drop in most decks.
2.0 This is another card where the trigger only requires it to leave the battlefield, so it getting blinked, or going back to your hand for ninjutsu will also give you the option of paying 2 to draw a card. You won’t always have the mana vailable to do it of course, but I think you’ll have it often enough that this is a pretty solid two drop in most decks.
Skyswimmer Koi
3.0 This has pretty nice stats as a 4-mana 3/3 Flyer, and while its artifact pay off ability isn’t amazing, adding a loot effect to all of your artifacts is definitely relevant upside.
3.0 This has pretty nice stats as a 4-mana 3/3 Flyer, and while its artifact pay off ability isn’t amazing, adding a loot effect to all of your artifacts is definitely relevant upside.
Master's Rebuke
3.0 We see versions of this card all the time, and it always ends up being Green premium removal. It allows you to kill a lot of things pretty cheaply, and having a large enough Green creature in play to make it work isn’t that hard. You do have to be a little careful with when you use it, because if they blow up your creature in response it is some really terrible news.
3.0 We see versions of this card all the time, and it always ends up being Green premium removal. It allows you to kill a lot of things pretty cheaply, and having a large enough Green creature in play to make it work isn’t that hard. You do have to be a little careful with when you use it, because if they blow up your creature in response it is some really terrible news.
Akki Ronin
1.5 If you need a two drop Samurai it is certainly that, though adding rummage to an attack isn’t super exciting in this format, it does allow you to sift through your library a bit.
1.5 If you need a two drop Samurai it is certainly that, though adding rummage to an attack isn’t super exciting in this format, it does allow you to sift through your library a bit.
Wind-Scarred Crag
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
Pack 2 Pick 2: Otawara, Soaring City
Otawara, Soaring City
3.5 Another great land. If you need an Island early, it’ll do that for you, and then in the late game it can be a pretty nice bounce spell. The flexibility this offers is just really good.
3.5 Another great land. If you need an Island early, it’ll do that for you, and then in the late game it can be a pretty nice bounce spell. The flexibility this offers is just really good.
Michiko's Reign of Truth
3.5 There are enough Artifacts and Enchantments around that Chapter I and II are likely to provide significant buffs – since it counts itself, it will at least give something +1/+1, and that’s not too shabby – sometimes it will do a ton more than that. Once it becomes a creature it might struggle to be large – but probably not, as there are enough artifacts and Enchantments that her being a 2/2 is a pretty likely outcome, and considering your total investment, and how meaningful chapter I and II will usually be, you’re getting a pretty good deal – and sometimes she’ll be massive!
3.5 There are enough Artifacts and Enchantments around that Chapter I and II are likely to provide significant buffs – since it counts itself, it will at least give something +1/+1, and that’s not too shabby – sometimes it will do a ton more than that. Once it becomes a creature it might struggle to be large – but probably not, as there are enough artifacts and Enchantments that her being a 2/2 is a pretty likely outcome, and considering your total investment, and how meaningful chapter I and II will usually be, you’re getting a pretty good deal – and sometimes she’ll be massive!
Dockside Chef
3.0 The BR deck is really about sacrificing stuff, as it often is – and you’ll have plenty of expendable things to sacrifice for value with the Chief, and there are other sacrifice synergies around too! It seems like a one drop that can really net you some serious cards in the mid to late game.
3.0 The BR deck is really about sacrificing stuff, as it often is – and you’ll have plenty of expendable things to sacrifice for value with the Chief, and there are other sacrifice synergies around too! It seems like a one drop that can really net you some serious cards in the mid to late game.
Reality Heist
1.0 // 3.0 This is a super artifact-centric version of Dig Through Time. Because you have to have a decent number of Artifacts in play to make casting it worthwhile and you need ot hit two of them in the top seven cards of your library, I think this probably has to have a build around grade. This format, as I’ve been saying, has a ton of Artifacts, but this card needs you really be in on them. You probably need 10+ artifacts in your deck to get there with it, and even in this format I don’t think that’s always going to happen.
1.0 // 3.0 This is a super artifact-centric version of Dig Through Time. Because you have to have a decent number of Artifacts in play to make casting it worthwhile and you need ot hit two of them in the top seven cards of your library, I think this probably has to have a build around grade. This format, as I’ve been saying, has a ton of Artifacts, but this card needs you really be in on them. You probably need 10+ artifacts in your deck to get there with it, and even in this format I don’t think that’s always going to happen.
Moonsnare Specialist
3.5 This is a very good common. We have seen 4-mana 2/2s that Bounce a creature be very good in the past, and that’s what we have here as a base line. The Ninjutsu upside being tacked on means it can feel a little more like a Man-O’-War since you’re paying three mana, and being able to do it at instant speed may also enable you to break up an opposing block or something, which is pretty spicy.
3.5 This is a very good common. We have seen 4-mana 2/2s that Bounce a creature be very good in the past, and that’s what we have here as a base line. The Ninjutsu upside being tacked on means it can feel a little more like a Man-O’-War since you’re paying three mana, and being able to do it at instant speed may also enable you to break up an opposing block or something, which is pretty spicy.
Inkrise Infiltrator
2.0 If this format didn’t have Ninjutsu, this would be a lot worse. It doesn’t have the best starting stats, and the ability to buff it, while sometimes useful late, certainly isn’t especially efficient. However, in a world where you want to play an early evasive creature that you can use to get in with a Ninja, well – its a solid playable.
2.0 If this format didn’t have Ninjutsu, this would be a lot worse. It doesn’t have the best starting stats, and the ability to buff it, while sometimes useful late, certainly isn’t especially efficient. However, in a world where you want to play an early evasive creature that you can use to get in with a Ninja, well – its a solid playable.
Ambitious Assault
2.0 Adding a conditional cantrip to Trumpet Blast is definitely interesting. This effect is really situational, but because it replaces itself, you end up with a card that – at worst – cycles for three mana, and you can also find more useful situations to use it in, since the card does replace itself.
2.0 Adding a conditional cantrip to Trumpet Blast is definitely interesting. This effect is really situational, but because it replaces itself, you end up with a card that – at worst – cycles for three mana, and you can also find more useful situations to use it in, since the card does replace itself.
Eiganjo Exemplar
3.0 It counts itself of course, so even without any other samurais around it attacks as a 3/2. One really nice thing is that you can play this, and then on the same turn attack with another Samurai, and +1/+1 is likely to help it attack more effectively.
3.0 It counts itself of course, so even without any other samurais around it attacks as a 3/2. One really nice thing is that you can play this, and then on the same turn attack with another Samurai, and +1/+1 is likely to help it attack more effectively.
Uncharted Haven
2.5 Coming into play tapped is definitely a downside, but the ability to name a color is great. I do think the dual lands are slightly better, as they always tap for two colors you probably need, and this will only ever tap for one, but if you need fixing, this is fine.
2.5 Coming into play tapped is definitely a downside, but the ability to name a color is great. I do think the dual lands are slightly better, as they always tap for two colors you probably need, and this will only ever tap for one, but if you need fixing, this is fine.
Geothermal Kami
2.0 It is a fine 4-mana 4/3 in a worst-case, but it comes with an effect that can be pretty sweet in some situations. Returning something like a Saga you want to go back to chapter one on, or an Aura you wanted to move anyway – will be particularly nice, and the fact this tacks on 3 life is nice too.
2.0 It is a fine 4-mana 4/3 in a worst-case, but it comes with an effect that can be pretty sweet in some situations. Returning something like a Saga you want to go back to chapter one on, or an Aura you wanted to move anyway – will be particularly nice, and the fact this tacks on 3 life is nice too.
Dragonfly Suit
2.5 This isn’t the best rate for a vehicle, but it is easy to crew and evasive, so I can see plenty of board states where its getting in through the air.
2.5 This isn’t the best rate for a vehicle, but it is easy to crew and evasive, so I can see plenty of board states where its getting in through the air.
Peerless Samurai
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
Golden-Tail Disciple
2.0 It is an Enchantment, which is good for the format, and the fact it has lifelink means it is a good creature to modify. Its nothing special, but you’ll play it a fair bit.
2.0 It is an Enchantment, which is good for the format, and the fact it has lifelink means it is a good creature to modify. Its nothing special, but you’ll play it a fair bit.
Swiftwater Cliffs
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
Pack 2 Pick 3: You Are Already Dead
Awakened Awareness
1.0 This is pretty flexible – although it isn’t that good at either thing it does. If you’re looking for removal, you can just pay UU to make an opposing creature into a 1/1. It still keeps all of its abilities, though. If you want to pay more mana, you can use it to make one of your creatures big…but not really that much bigger if your creature is of a reasonable size at all. Yeah, overall, this is either a bad removal spell or an overcosted Aura to pump one of your creatures, and while I value flexibility – neither option here is very appealing.
1.0 This is pretty flexible – although it isn’t that good at either thing it does. If you’re looking for removal, you can just pay UU to make an opposing creature into a 1/1. It still keeps all of its abilities, though. If you want to pay more mana, you can use it to make one of your creatures big…but not really that much bigger if your creature is of a reasonable size at all. Yeah, overall, this is either a bad removal spell or an overcosted Aura to pump one of your creatures, and while I value flexibility – neither option here is very appealing.
Secluded Courtyard
1.0 // 2.5 So, this set does have a bit of a tribal element, but I think it will still be a bit difficult to make this actually produce mana of any color consistently enough that I don’t love this card in most Limited decks in this format. If it is producing colorless almost all the time, it isn’t worth it, because that makes your mana base way worse. You need a critical mass of creatures with the same type – and that’s doable – but it isn’t a forgone conclusion.
1.0 // 2.5 So, this set does have a bit of a tribal element, but I think it will still be a bit difficult to make this actually produce mana of any color consistently enough that I don’t love this card in most Limited decks in this format. If it is producing colorless almost all the time, it isn’t worth it, because that makes your mana base way worse. You need a critical mass of creatures with the same type – and that’s doable – but it isn’t a forgone conclusion.
Reinforced Ronin
3.0 Even if we don’t look at some of the synergies this card has, it would probably be pretty solid. You can play it and get in for 2 when you can, and when you can’t, you can effectively cycle it away with channel. However, there are several things in this set that make this better than all of that. First, it isn’t too bad with ninjutsu, since you can have it come down out of nowhere, and its returning to your hand anyway. Second, it is good with “attacks alone” Samurai stuff, because it can come down and get those benefits immediately, making it a much more problematic attacker than it would otherwise be. And third, its an Artifact, and there are various cards in this set that do a thing when an Artifact enters the battlefield, and it can trigger them repeatedly.
3.0 Even if we don’t look at some of the synergies this card has, it would probably be pretty solid. You can play it and get in for 2 when you can, and when you can’t, you can effectively cycle it away with channel. However, there are several things in this set that make this better than all of that. First, it isn’t too bad with ninjutsu, since you can have it come down out of nowhere, and its returning to your hand anyway. Second, it is good with “attacks alone” Samurai stuff, because it can come down and get those benefits immediately, making it a much more problematic attacker than it would otherwise be. And third, its an Artifact, and there are various cards in this set that do a thing when an Artifact enters the battlefield, and it can trigger them repeatedly.
Futurist Sentinel
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
Gift of Wrath
2.0 This is the kind of Aura I feel alright about playing. +2/+2 and Menace is a very real stats boost, and the fact that this leaves behind a creature token when the enchanted creature dies is quite nice – and helps mitigate against the risk of getting 2-for-1’d. Now, it is still an Aura, and probably only one that you run in very aggressive decks, but it will be solid there.
2.0 This is the kind of Aura I feel alright about playing. +2/+2 and Menace is a very real stats boost, and the fact that this leaves behind a creature token when the enchanted creature dies is quite nice – and helps mitigate against the risk of getting 2-for-1’d. Now, it is still an Aura, and probably only one that you run in very aggressive decks, but it will be solid there.
Brute Suit
2.5 This is a nice little Vehicle at Common. 1 to crew is super easy, and its no joke as an attacker. As we’ve seen, there’s lots of Vehicle stuff going on this set too.
2.5 This is a nice little Vehicle at Common. 1 to crew is super easy, and its no joke as an attacker. As we’ve seen, there’s lots of Vehicle stuff going on this set too.
Tamiyo's Safekeeping
1.0 I’m not a big fan of this type of card. It can save your creatures from a lot of stuff for sure, but the fact it doesn’t buff the creature at all means that, when it comes to combat, this isn’t necessarily going to do enough to be worth using, since your creature is less likely to be able to kill an opposing creature. So, this is the most useful at countering a removal spell, which is certainly a nice effect, but it’s a narrow enough use that I don’t love running this. If you have some bombs or other late game win conditions it does get a little better, but I don’t think its very good overall.
1.0 I’m not a big fan of this type of card. It can save your creatures from a lot of stuff for sure, but the fact it doesn’t buff the creature at all means that, when it comes to combat, this isn’t necessarily going to do enough to be worth using, since your creature is less likely to be able to kill an opposing creature. So, this is the most useful at countering a removal spell, which is certainly a nice effect, but it’s a narrow enough use that I don’t love running this. If you have some bombs or other late game win conditions it does get a little better, but I don’t think its very good overall.
You Are Already Dead
2.5 This has a really interesting design. I’m normally not big on this type of effect, as actually doing some damage to something often takes up some resources, so spells that can only remove damaged creatures are often not all that playable. However, in this case they lowered the mana cost to ONE, and they added a cantrip. At that point, we’re talking about a card that is certainly playable. Keep in mind that it does need a damaged creature to target, so it isn’t really the kind of cantrip you can cycle whenever you want. You won’t usually generate a 2-for-1 with this, because of the resources you gave up to damage the creature in the first place, but the cantrip pretty much makes up for that, and on occasions where you can get a 2-for-1, this will feel downright amazing. It is still a super situational removal spell, but it is priced to move, and I think you’ll end up playing the first copy in most Black decks. Playing more than that is probably asking for trouble due to its situational nature.
2.5 This has a really interesting design. I’m normally not big on this type of effect, as actually doing some damage to something often takes up some resources, so spells that can only remove damaged creatures are often not all that playable. However, in this case they lowered the mana cost to ONE, and they added a cantrip. At that point, we’re talking about a card that is certainly playable. Keep in mind that it does need a damaged creature to target, so it isn’t really the kind of cantrip you can cycle whenever you want. You won’t usually generate a 2-for-1 with this, because of the resources you gave up to damage the creature in the first place, but the cantrip pretty much makes up for that, and on occasions where you can get a 2-for-1, this will feel downright amazing. It is still a super situational removal spell, but it is priced to move, and I think you’ll end up playing the first copy in most Black decks. Playing more than that is probably asking for trouble due to its situational nature.
Ironhoof Boar
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
Network Terminal
2.0 3 mana manarocks, even those that tap for any color, are sometimes a bit clunky in Limited – but the ability that is tacked on here isn’t an irrelevant one – it gives you some very real card selection in the late game, and it does it fairly cheaply. You do of course need another artifact around, but that’s not asking that much. Having this around will sort of feel like you are playing the RB Blood deck from Crimson Vow, and it also fixes your mana, so I think this will make the cut reasonably often – though probably only if you’re splashing a third color.
2.0 3 mana manarocks, even those that tap for any color, are sometimes a bit clunky in Limited – but the ability that is tacked on here isn’t an irrelevant one – it gives you some very real card selection in the late game, and it does it fairly cheaply. You do of course need another artifact around, but that’s not asking that much. Having this around will sort of feel like you are playing the RB Blood deck from Crimson Vow, and it also fixes your mana, so I think this will make the cut reasonably often – though probably only if you’re splashing a third color.
Fang of Shigeki
2.5 One mana 1/1s with Deathtouch are always playable, mostly because they have the ability to trade up with just about anything. This one also comes with Enchantment and Ninja upside, though in Green probably only the former matters. Still, you probably won’t ever cut the first few copies of these from your Green decks.
2.5 One mana 1/1s with Deathtouch are always playable, mostly because they have the ability to trade up with just about anything. This one also comes with Enchantment and Ninja upside, though in Green probably only the former matters. Still, you probably won’t ever cut the first few copies of these from your Green decks.
Return to Action
2.0 Black often gets this kind of trick that returns a creature to the battlefield when it dies these days, and then tend to be alright, although I prefer it when they cost a single Black mana. Still, this one does actually increase your creature’s power, which means you can use it to help you take down the other creature in combat a little more effectively, and it will even gain you some life! Its useful against removal too, of course. But, its still situational enough that I’m not super high on it.
2.0 Black often gets this kind of trick that returns a creature to the battlefield when it dies these days, and then tend to be alright, although I prefer it when they cost a single Black mana. Still, this one does actually increase your creature’s power, which means you can use it to help you take down the other creature in combat a little more effectively, and it will even gain you some life! Its useful against removal too, of course. But, its still situational enough that I’m not super high on it.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Life of Toshiro Umezawa
Secluded Courtyard
1.0 // 2.5 So, this set does have a bit of a tribal element, but I think it will still be a bit difficult to make this actually produce mana of any color consistently enough that I don’t love this card in most Limited decks in this format. If it is producing colorless almost all the time, it isn’t worth it, because that makes your mana base way worse. You need a critical mass of creatures with the same type – and that’s doable – but it isn’t a forgone conclusion.
1.0 // 2.5 So, this set does have a bit of a tribal element, but I think it will still be a bit difficult to make this actually produce mana of any color consistently enough that I don’t love this card in most Limited decks in this format. If it is producing colorless almost all the time, it isn’t worth it, because that makes your mana base way worse. You need a critical mass of creatures with the same type – and that’s doable – but it isn’t a forgone conclusion.
Covert Technician
2.5 The combat trigger that the Technician has is unfortunately quite narrow. If you aren’t augmenting it in some way, you’ll only be able to put 2 mana or less Artifacts into play with it, and while you’ll probably have some of those in Blue, there aren’t so many that you will consistently be able to actually put something into play with it. Especially if you aren’t drawing extra cards. It is still a 3-mana 2/4 with upside, and being an Artifact And a Ninja is useful too.
2.5 The combat trigger that the Technician has is unfortunately quite narrow. If you aren’t augmenting it in some way, you’ll only be able to put 2 mana or less Artifacts into play with it, and while you’ll probably have some of those in Blue, there aren’t so many that you will consistently be able to actually put something into play with it. Especially if you aren’t drawing extra cards. It is still a 3-mana 2/4 with upside, and being an Artifact And a Ninja is useful too.
Life of Toshiro Umezawa
4.0 Now, this is a Saga that turns into a creature! Chapters I and II are nice references to Umezawa’s Jitte, and once it transforms into a creature, it is a nice reference to Toshiro Umezawa. But even apart from the fun references, this card seems quite good. Chapters I and II give you options between the different modal Jitte effects, and they are pretty spicy. On some boards this will allow you to outright kill two creatures with the first two chapters – on boards where you can’t do that, this will often allow you to attack with a creature who couldn’t before – and on eboards where you can’t do either, gaining a few life isn’t a bad consolation prize, especially because it turns into a reasonable creature in the end.
4.0 Now, this is a Saga that turns into a creature! Chapters I and II are nice references to Umezawa’s Jitte, and once it transforms into a creature, it is a nice reference to Toshiro Umezawa. But even apart from the fun references, this card seems quite good. Chapters I and II give you options between the different modal Jitte effects, and they are pretty spicy. On some boards this will allow you to outright kill two creatures with the first two chapters – on boards where you can’t do that, this will often allow you to attack with a creature who couldn’t before – and on eboards where you can’t do either, gaining a few life isn’t a bad consolation prize, especially because it turns into a reasonable creature in the end.
Futurist Sentinel
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
Scrapyard Steelbreaker
2.0 This will slot pretty well into the Black-Red deck, which is mosty about sacrificing artifacts. With enough mana and artifacts in play, this creature becomes a real pain to block.
2.0 This will slot pretty well into the Black-Red deck, which is mosty about sacrificing artifacts. With enough mana and artifacts in play, this creature becomes a real pain to block.
Grafted Growth
1.5 We have seen similar cards before, and the fact they fix and ramp for you while adding a little something to the board always makes them pretty reasonable, especially if you’re in the market for mana of any color. You probably don’t play it in a two-color deck, though.
1.5 We have seen similar cards before, and the fact they fix and ramp for you while adding a little something to the board always makes them pretty reasonable, especially if you’re in the market for mana of any color. You probably don’t play it in a two-color deck, though.
Imperial Subduer
2.5 Tapping an opposing creature tends to be a pretty nice effect for aggro decks in Limited, as it can often enable some attacks you didn’t have without the tap. This does have an additional restriction, in that your Warrior or Samurai has to attack alone to do it – but it still seems pretty nice. The Subduer itself is a Warrior, so it triggers its own ability. The Samurai/Warrior deck seems to have other payoffs for attacking with one creature at a time too, so this seems like a solid Common.
2.5 Tapping an opposing creature tends to be a pretty nice effect for aggro decks in Limited, as it can often enable some attacks you didn’t have without the tap. This does have an additional restriction, in that your Warrior or Samurai has to attack alone to do it – but it still seems pretty nice. The Subduer itself is a Warrior, so it triggers its own ability. The Samurai/Warrior deck seems to have other payoffs for attacking with one creature at a time too, so this seems like a solid Common.
Brute Suit
2.5 This is a nice little Vehicle at Common. 1 to crew is super easy, and its no joke as an attacker. As we’ve seen, there’s lots of Vehicle stuff going on this set too.
2.5 This is a nice little Vehicle at Common. 1 to crew is super easy, and its no joke as an attacker. As we’ve seen, there’s lots of Vehicle stuff going on this set too.
Mukotai Ambusher
2.0 This seems like a solid little Ninja if you’re in the market for those. The Ninjutsu is very nicely costed, though keeping in mind that you have to return a thing to your hand does make it seem a bit less efficient. And really, neither casting this the normal way nor Ninjutsuing it is going to make you feel like you’re doing a great job. Its solid, and Lifelink makes it a good creature to Modify.
2.0 This seems like a solid little Ninja if you’re in the market for those. The Ninjutsu is very nicely costed, though keeping in mind that you have to return a thing to your hand does make it seem a bit less efficient. And really, neither casting this the normal way nor Ninjutsuing it is going to make you feel like you’re doing a great job. Its solid, and Lifelink makes it a good creature to Modify.
Mothrider Patrol
2.0 So, this has a couple of nice synergy things going on. First, it is a Warrior with Flying, so it will frequently be able to attack alone and trigger those sorts of effects. Second, the fact it has Flying means it pairs nicely with Ninjutsu. And yeah, White has only one Ninja, but you’re not going to be playing Monowhite, so it could come up! Those things definitely help the card – it is a decent early game attacker that can then Master Decoy things in the late game. The cost of 4 mana is pretty steep for the effect, but it is still a nice on to have around in the late game.
2.0 So, this has a couple of nice synergy things going on. First, it is a Warrior with Flying, so it will frequently be able to attack alone and trigger those sorts of effects. Second, the fact it has Flying means it pairs nicely with Ninjutsu. And yeah, White has only one Ninja, but you’re not going to be playing Monowhite, so it could come up! Those things definitely help the card – it is a decent early game attacker that can then Master Decoy things in the late game. The cost of 4 mana is pretty steep for the effect, but it is still a nice on to have around in the late game.
Mnemonic Sphere
2.5 This is basically an Artifact-based version of Hieroglyphic Illumination, which was an Instant you could pay 4 for to draw two cards, and it had cycling for one Blue mana. Hard for a card like this to ever be bad, since at worst it replaces itself really efficiently. Then there’s this format artifact synergy and so forth!
2.5 This is basically an Artifact-based version of Hieroglyphic Illumination, which was an Instant you could pay 4 for to draw two cards, and it had cycling for one Blue mana. Hard for a card like this to ever be bad, since at worst it replaces itself really efficiently. Then there’s this format artifact synergy and so forth!
Bloodfell Caves
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Imperial Recovery Unit
Imperial Recovery Unit
2.5 In terms of cost and what it takes to crew it it isn’t the most efficient vehicle ever, but it has the ability to return cards to your hand, and there seem to be enough relevant one and two drops around that you’ll pull that often a reasonable chunk of the time. Even just doing it once is plenty.
2.5 In terms of cost and what it takes to crew it it isn’t the most efficient vehicle ever, but it has the ability to return cards to your hand, and there seem to be enough relevant one and two drops around that you’ll pull that often a reasonable chunk of the time. Even just doing it once is plenty.
Enormous Energy Blade
1.0 The buff to power is a ton, and does make it so a whole lot of creatures can become good attackers, but because it taps the creature when it equips to it, you have to wait an entire turn to actually make that happen. I think that’s too big of a cost when you’re already paying 3 to play it and 2 to equip. This card definitely has a bit of potential, as +4/+0 can really be a big deal, but I have a hard time seeing it work out.
1.0 The buff to power is a ton, and does make it so a whole lot of creatures can become good attackers, but because it taps the creature when it equips to it, you have to wait an entire turn to actually make that happen. I think that’s too big of a cost when you’re already paying 3 to play it and 2 to equip. This card definitely has a bit of potential, as +4/+0 can really be a big deal, but I have a hard time seeing it work out.
Towashi Songshaper
2.0 It won’t be hard for it to be a 3/2 attacker on many turns, and that’s not too shabby as an artifact payoff.
2.0 It won’t be hard for it to be a 3/2 attacker on many turns, and that’s not too shabby as an artifact payoff.
Commune with Spirits
1.0 This is cheap and gives you some decent card selection. But…it also doesn’t really do a whole lot, and cards like that seem to be getting worse and worse in Limited these days. It seems like it will be easy to cut this.
1.0 This is cheap and gives you some decent card selection. But…it also doesn’t really do a whole lot, and cards like that seem to be getting worse and worse in Limited these days. It seems like it will be easy to cut this.
Reckoner Shakedown
1.5 This is a pretty neat take on a Coercion Effect, as it is effectively a modal card that takes away your opponents best card, or it gives you a look at your opponents hand and puts two +1/+1 counters on one of your creatures or vehicles. Individually, those two effects are probably about a D. The discard effect only allows for a one-for-one trade and doesn’t change your board at all, while putting two +1/+1 counters on a thing for this much mana at Sorcery speed is really clunky. The discard effect is also pretty close to a dead card in the really late game, so having the other option will really matter there.
1.5 This is a pretty neat take on a Coercion Effect, as it is effectively a modal card that takes away your opponents best card, or it gives you a look at your opponents hand and puts two +1/+1 counters on one of your creatures or vehicles. Individually, those two effects are probably about a D. The discard effect only allows for a one-for-one trade and doesn’t change your board at all, while putting two +1/+1 counters on a thing for this much mana at Sorcery speed is really clunky. The discard effect is also pretty close to a dead card in the really late game, so having the other option will really matter there.
Tamiyo's Compleation
3.5 This is a more powerful take on this type of removal than we usually get. Usually, the bummer with this type of Blue removal spell is that you simply lock down a creature and it doesn’t untap – you don’t stap activated abilities and static abilities – but you actually do with this, and that’s a massive upgrade. Its nice that it can even turn off Equipment – as sometimes that will be worth doing.
3.5 This is a more powerful take on this type of removal than we usually get. Usually, the bummer with this type of Blue removal spell is that you simply lock down a creature and it doesn’t untap – you don’t stap activated abilities and static abilities – but you actually do with this, and that’s a massive upgrade. Its nice that it can even turn off Equipment – as sometimes that will be worth doing.
Saiba Trespassers
2.0 This is a mediocre creature if you cast it that way, but it has the upside of freezing down two opposing creatures, and that’s something that can be pretty nice in the right situation, such as those where your opponent is dead as a result of not being able to block for a couple of turns. That mode is certainly the more powerful one, but it is pretty situational, so the fact it can be a creature if that’s what you really need isn’t too bad.
2.0 This is a mediocre creature if you cast it that way, but it has the upside of freezing down two opposing creatures, and that’s something that can be pretty nice in the right situation, such as those where your opponent is dead as a result of not being able to block for a couple of turns. That mode is certainly the more powerful one, but it is pretty situational, so the fact it can be a creature if that’s what you really need isn’t too bad.
Ancestral Katana
3.0 This reminds me a bit of Pirate’s Cutlass, a card that really overperformed in its Limited format. Now, this isn’t colorless, and it doesn’t equip for free – and it equipping at a discount is also more conditional for sure – but I think this will still be a really nice Common. If you’re just Equipping this the old fashioned way it won’t be great, but if you have Warriors and Samurai around, the fact that this can just keep moving on to your best attacker for only one mana is going to feel pretty good, and it doesn’t hurt that it can still be Equipped the normal way when that works out for you. Plus, Equipment have some additional upside in this format.
3.0 This reminds me a bit of Pirate’s Cutlass, a card that really overperformed in its Limited format. Now, this isn’t colorless, and it doesn’t equip for free – and it equipping at a discount is also more conditional for sure – but I think this will still be a really nice Common. If you’re just Equipping this the old fashioned way it won’t be great, but if you have Warriors and Samurai around, the fact that this can just keep moving on to your best attacker for only one mana is going to feel pretty good, and it doesn’t hurt that it can still be Equipped the normal way when that works out for you. Plus, Equipment have some additional upside in this format.
Ambitious Assault
2.0 Adding a conditional cantrip to Trumpet Blast is definitely interesting. This effect is really situational, but because it replaces itself, you end up with a card that – at worst – cycles for three mana, and you can also find more useful situations to use it in, since the card does replace itself.
2.0 Adding a conditional cantrip to Trumpet Blast is definitely interesting. This effect is really situational, but because it replaces itself, you end up with a card that – at worst – cycles for three mana, and you can also find more useful situations to use it in, since the card does replace itself.
Mnemonic Sphere
2.5 This is basically an Artifact-based version of Hieroglyphic Illumination, which was an Instant you could pay 4 for to draw two cards, and it had cycling for one Blue mana. Hard for a card like this to ever be bad, since at worst it replaces itself really efficiently. Then there’s this format artifact synergy and so forth!
2.5 This is basically an Artifact-based version of Hieroglyphic Illumination, which was an Instant you could pay 4 for to draw two cards, and it had cycling for one Blue mana. Hard for a card like this to ever be bad, since at worst it replaces itself really efficiently. Then there’s this format artifact synergy and so forth!
Pack 2 Pick 6: Kami's Flare
Short Circuit
1.5 This is fairly mediocre. It doesn’t stop enough of what a card can do for it to be that effective as removal. Sure, it has less power and it can’t fly – but it still lets the creature block, it can still have a death trigger, it can still have an activated ability, it can still have a static ability, and heck – it can even still attack, just less effectively! It having Flash does mean sometimes you can set this up so that you can kill an attacking creature with a double block, and when you can do that it will feel alright, but you just won’t always be able to make that happen.
1.5 This is fairly mediocre. It doesn’t stop enough of what a card can do for it to be that effective as removal. Sure, it has less power and it can’t fly – but it still lets the creature block, it can still have a death trigger, it can still have an activated ability, it can still have a static ability, and heck – it can even still attack, just less effectively! It having Flash does mean sometimes you can set this up so that you can kill an attacking creature with a double block, and when you can do that it will feel alright, but you just won’t always be able to make that happen.
Simian Sling
3.0 This compares really favorably with Tormentor’s Helm for Kaldheim. It gives the same stats boost and the same ability that punishes blocking. The difference is this is a bit more expensive to Equip – or in this case Reconfigure, but the fact you can just play t his as a creature is a huge upgrade. They’ve given us a lot of nice one drops of late, and this looks like one to me. It can attack effectively early, and then when it can no longer do that, you can suit up another creature who can take advantage of the ability more effectively.
3.0 This compares really favorably with Tormentor’s Helm for Kaldheim. It gives the same stats boost and the same ability that punishes blocking. The difference is this is a bit more expensive to Equip – or in this case Reconfigure, but the fact you can just play t his as a creature is a huge upgrade. They’ve given us a lot of nice one drops of late, and this looks like one to me. It can attack effectively early, and then when it can no longer do that, you can suit up another creature who can take advantage of the ability more effectively.
Regent's Authority
1.5 A 3-mana 3/2 with Vigilance is usually reasonable playable, and this one comes with a very nice ability. You won’t always have an Enchantment in your graveyard of course, but there are enough Enchantments in this set that you’ll have them reasonably often, and obviously casting one off of this ability is like drawing a card, and that’s pretty darn powerful. Like with all of these, its great that they designed them so that they can trigger the ability on their own – but you can also use other Samurais/Warriors to trigger the ability if you’ve got them around. 32 – Regent’s Authority – 1.5 This is a solid trick. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be a good rate in general, and the additional enchantment/legendary creature upside is something you’ll be able to take advantage often enough.
1.5 A 3-mana 3/2 with Vigilance is usually reasonable playable, and this one comes with a very nice ability. You won’t always have an Enchantment in your graveyard of course, but there are enough Enchantments in this set that you’ll have them reasonably often, and obviously casting one off of this ability is like drawing a card, and that’s pretty darn powerful. Like with all of these, its great that they designed them so that they can trigger the ability on their own – but you can also use other Samurais/Warriors to trigger the ability if you’ve got them around. 32 – Regent’s Authority – 1.5 This is a solid trick. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be a good rate in general, and the additional enchantment/legendary creature upside is something you’ll be able to take advantage often enough.
Armguard Familiar
2.5 This is a very solid playable. A two mana 2/1 with Ward 2 is already pretty close to passable, so adding the Reconfigure upside is really nice. It is a nice little creature early, and in the late game it can lend a much-needed stats boost, as well as a little bit of protection, for a more relevant creature.
2.5 This is a very solid playable. A two mana 2/1 with Ward 2 is already pretty close to passable, so adding the Reconfigure upside is really nice. It is a nice little creature early, and in the late game it can lend a much-needed stats boost, as well as a little bit of protection, for a more relevant creature.
Mukotai Ambusher
2.0 This seems like a solid little Ninja if you’re in the market for those. The Ninjutsu is very nicely costed, though keeping in mind that you have to return a thing to your hand does make it seem a bit less efficient. And really, neither casting this the normal way nor Ninjutsuing it is going to make you feel like you’re doing a great job. Its solid, and Lifelink makes it a good creature to Modify.
2.0 This seems like a solid little Ninja if you’re in the market for those. The Ninjutsu is very nicely costed, though keeping in mind that you have to return a thing to your hand does make it seem a bit less efficient. And really, neither casting this the normal way nor Ninjutsuing it is going to make you feel like you’re doing a great job. Its solid, and Lifelink makes it a good creature to Modify.
Peerless Samurai
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
Ecologist's Terrarium
2.5 Having colorless fixing at Common is pretty nice, and could definitely help decks splash a third color, and the fact this can only give you a counter once its done its job in fetching you a land is pretty solid.
2.5 Having colorless fixing at Common is pretty nice, and could definitely help decks splash a third color, and the fact this can only give you a counter once its done its job in fetching you a land is pretty solid.
Kami's Flare
3.5 Two mana to do 3 is always premium, so also doing 2 to the opponent sometimes is pretty nice. This is one of Red’s best Commons.
3.5 Two mana to do 3 is always premium, so also doing 2 to the opponent sometimes is pretty nice. This is one of Red’s best Commons.
Season of Renewal
1.0 // 2.5 You need to be getting both a creature and an enchantment back when you use this, or you aren’t going to be getting enough for your investment. While Enchantments are pretty plentiful in this set, especially in Green, I do think this needs a build around.
1.0 // 2.5 You need to be getting both a creature and an enchantment back when you use this, or you aren’t going to be getting enough for your investment. While Enchantments are pretty plentiful in this set, especially in Green, I do think this needs a build around.
Thornwood Falls
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Dockside Chef
Dockside Chef
3.0 The BR deck is really about sacrificing stuff, as it often is – and you’ll have plenty of expendable things to sacrifice for value with the Chief, and there are other sacrifice synergies around too! It seems like a one drop that can really net you some serious cards in the mid to late game.
3.0 The BR deck is really about sacrificing stuff, as it often is – and you’ll have plenty of expendable things to sacrifice for value with the Chief, and there are other sacrifice synergies around too! It seems like a one drop that can really net you some serious cards in the mid to late game.
Commune with Spirits
1.0 This is cheap and gives you some decent card selection. But…it also doesn’t really do a whole lot, and cards like that seem to be getting worse and worse in Limited these days. It seems like it will be easy to cut this.
1.0 This is cheap and gives you some decent card selection. But…it also doesn’t really do a whole lot, and cards like that seem to be getting worse and worse in Limited these days. It seems like it will be easy to cut this.
Imperial Oath
1.5 Three bodies + Scry 3 for six isn’t the worst thing ever, but it also isn’t quite as impactful as I’d like a six mana spell to be. Those three bodies can help, but there are also plenty of board states where they don’t do a whole lot for you.
1.5 Three bodies + Scry 3 for six isn’t the worst thing ever, but it also isn’t quite as impactful as I’d like a six mana spell to be. Those three bodies can help, but there are also plenty of board states where they don’t do a whole lot for you.
Towashi Songshaper
2.0 It won’t be hard for it to be a 3/2 attacker on many turns, and that’s not too shabby as an artifact payoff.
2.0 It won’t be hard for it to be a 3/2 attacker on many turns, and that’s not too shabby as an artifact payoff.
Thundersteel Colossus
2.0 This is a pretty neat design for an Equipment. It isn’t nearly as discounted as most of them are, but it is also massive and very easy to crew – coming with Trample and Haste generally means it is going to wreck face pretty significantly the turn it comes down, and it’s a big enough threat that your opponent will usually need to find a way to deal with it. I don’t think the most aggressive decks will be remotely interested in this, but as a top-curve win condition for grindier or controlling decks, I could see this pulling some weight.
2.0 This is a pretty neat design for an Equipment. It isn’t nearly as discounted as most of them are, but it is also massive and very easy to crew – coming with Trample and Haste generally means it is going to wreck face pretty significantly the turn it comes down, and it’s a big enough threat that your opponent will usually need to find a way to deal with it. I don’t think the most aggressive decks will be remotely interested in this, but as a top-curve win condition for grindier or controlling decks, I could see this pulling some weight.
Short Circuit
1.5 This is fairly mediocre. It doesn’t stop enough of what a card can do for it to be that effective as removal. Sure, it has less power and it can’t fly – but it still lets the creature block, it can still have a death trigger, it can still have an activated ability, it can still have a static ability, and heck – it can even still attack, just less effectively! It having Flash does mean sometimes you can set this up so that you can kill an attacking creature with a double block, and when you can do that it will feel alright, but you just won’t always be able to make that happen.
1.5 This is fairly mediocre. It doesn’t stop enough of what a card can do for it to be that effective as removal. Sure, it has less power and it can’t fly – but it still lets the creature block, it can still have a death trigger, it can still have an activated ability, it can still have a static ability, and heck – it can even still attack, just less effectively! It having Flash does mean sometimes you can set this up so that you can kill an attacking creature with a double block, and when you can do that it will feel alright, but you just won’t always be able to make that happen.
Careful Cultivation
2.5 In a lot of formats, a two mana 1/1 that can tap for Green mana is very playable, and this is better than that in a lot of ways, since you can stick it out there at Instant speed. Meanwhile, the Aura side of things does a pretty good of ramping you too, and offers a solid stat boost. I do sort of feel like you’re going to be more interesting in Channeling this the most of the time, as I think that’s the best deal you can get here.
2.5 In a lot of formats, a two mana 1/1 that can tap for Green mana is very playable, and this is better than that in a lot of ways, since you can stick it out there at Instant speed. Meanwhile, the Aura side of things does a pretty good of ramping you too, and offers a solid stat boost. I do sort of feel like you’re going to be more interesting in Channeling this the most of the time, as I think that’s the best deal you can get here.
Spell Pierce
0.0 We see this reprinted a lot, and while it tends to be a key sideboard card in constructed, it is pretty bad in Limited. Most decks have very few things it can actually counter, and you also have to hope that when they do cast something you can counter you have your one Blue mana up and they can’t pay the 2 additional mana. This just won’t do anything far too often. Even as a sideboard card, I’m not interested.
0.0 We see this reprinted a lot, and while it tends to be a key sideboard card in constructed, it is pretty bad in Limited. Most decks have very few things it can actually counter, and you also have to hope that when they do cast something you can counter you have your one Blue mana up and they can’t pay the 2 additional mana. This just won’t do anything far too often. Even as a sideboard card, I’m not interested.
Pack 2 Pick 8: You Are Already Dead
Careful Cultivation
2.5 In a lot of formats, a two mana 1/1 that can tap for Green mana is very playable, and this is better than that in a lot of ways, since you can stick it out there at Instant speed. Meanwhile, the Aura side of things does a pretty good of ramping you too, and offers a solid stat boost. I do sort of feel like you’re going to be more interesting in Channeling this the most of the time, as I think that’s the best deal you can get here.
2.5 In a lot of formats, a two mana 1/1 that can tap for Green mana is very playable, and this is better than that in a lot of ways, since you can stick it out there at Instant speed. Meanwhile, the Aura side of things does a pretty good of ramping you too, and offers a solid stat boost. I do sort of feel like you’re going to be more interesting in Channeling this the most of the time, as I think that’s the best deal you can get here.
You Are Already Dead
2.5 This has a really interesting design. I’m normally not big on this type of effect, as actually doing some damage to something often takes up some resources, so spells that can only remove damaged creatures are often not all that playable. However, in this case they lowered the mana cost to ONE, and they added a cantrip. At that point, we’re talking about a card that is certainly playable. Keep in mind that it does need a damaged creature to target, so it isn’t really the kind of cantrip you can cycle whenever you want. You won’t usually generate a 2-for-1 with this, because of the resources you gave up to damage the creature in the first place, but the cantrip pretty much makes up for that, and on occasions where you can get a 2-for-1, this will feel downright amazing. It is still a super situational removal spell, but it is priced to move, and I think you’ll end up playing the first copy in most Black decks. Playing more than that is probably asking for trouble due to its situational nature.
2.5 This has a really interesting design. I’m normally not big on this type of effect, as actually doing some damage to something often takes up some resources, so spells that can only remove damaged creatures are often not all that playable. However, in this case they lowered the mana cost to ONE, and they added a cantrip. At that point, we’re talking about a card that is certainly playable. Keep in mind that it does need a damaged creature to target, so it isn’t really the kind of cantrip you can cycle whenever you want. You won’t usually generate a 2-for-1 with this, because of the resources you gave up to damage the creature in the first place, but the cantrip pretty much makes up for that, and on occasions where you can get a 2-for-1, this will feel downright amazing. It is still a super situational removal spell, but it is priced to move, and I think you’ll end up playing the first copy in most Black decks. Playing more than that is probably asking for trouble due to its situational nature.
Futurist Sentinel
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
Bamboo Grove Archer
2.5 This is a very nice defensive creature. A two mana 3/3 with Reach will slow the board to a grinding halt in the early game, and the fact that you can use it as a Plummet sometimes is nice upside. It isn’t exactly the kind of card all decks will want, but grinder Green decks will probably be happy to play a few of these – while aggro decks probably aren’t playing it at all.
2.5 This is a very nice defensive creature. A two mana 3/3 with Reach will slow the board to a grinding halt in the early game, and the fact that you can use it as a Plummet sometimes is nice upside. It isn’t exactly the kind of card all decks will want, but grinder Green decks will probably be happy to play a few of these – while aggro decks probably aren’t playing it at all.
Akki War Paint
1.0 Getting an Enchanted creature destroyed is a pretty good way to lose a game because you get 2-for-1’d. Nice Auras tend to do something to offset that risk, and this doesn’t. This does give a pretty nice boost for the cost, and the set has payoffs for "modified" things, but I still have a hard time getting behind this.
1.0 Getting an Enchanted creature destroyed is a pretty good way to lose a game because you get 2-for-1’d. Nice Auras tend to do something to offset that risk, and this doesn’t. This does give a pretty nice boost for the cost, and the set has payoffs for "modified" things, but I still have a hard time getting behind this.
Saiba Trespassers
2.0 This is a mediocre creature if you cast it that way, but it has the upside of freezing down two opposing creatures, and that’s something that can be pretty nice in the right situation, such as those where your opponent is dead as a result of not being able to block for a couple of turns. That mode is certainly the more powerful one, but it is pretty situational, so the fact it can be a creature if that’s what you really need isn’t too bad.
2.0 This is a mediocre creature if you cast it that way, but it has the upside of freezing down two opposing creatures, and that’s something that can be pretty nice in the right situation, such as those where your opponent is dead as a result of not being able to block for a couple of turns. That mode is certainly the more powerful one, but it is pretty situational, so the fact it can be a creature if that’s what you really need isn’t too bad.
Iron Apprentice
2.0 This format has plenty of counters, so putting more on this thing isn’t a huge stretch. It also gives you a creature that enters the battlefield modified, which powers up a bunch of cards in this format.
2.0 This format has plenty of counters, so putting more on this thing isn’t a huge stretch. It also gives you a creature that enters the battlefield modified, which powers up a bunch of cards in this format.
Tranquil Cove
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Akki Ronin
Shrine Steward
1.0 // 2.5 This has some ugly stats, but if your deck has even 2 Shrines and/or Auras, it is probably worth running. While this set does have plenty of Enchantments, it doesn’t have so many Auras and Shrines that you’ll always end up with enough of them to run the Steward.
1.0 // 2.5 This has some ugly stats, but if your deck has even 2 Shrines and/or Auras, it is probably worth running. While this set does have plenty of Enchantments, it doesn’t have so many Auras and Shrines that you’ll always end up with enough of them to run the Steward.
You Are Already Dead
2.5 This has a really interesting design. I’m normally not big on this type of effect, as actually doing some damage to something often takes up some resources, so spells that can only remove damaged creatures are often not all that playable. However, in this case they lowered the mana cost to ONE, and they added a cantrip. At that point, we’re talking about a card that is certainly playable. Keep in mind that it does need a damaged creature to target, so it isn’t really the kind of cantrip you can cycle whenever you want. You won’t usually generate a 2-for-1 with this, because of the resources you gave up to damage the creature in the first place, but the cantrip pretty much makes up for that, and on occasions where you can get a 2-for-1, this will feel downright amazing. It is still a super situational removal spell, but it is priced to move, and I think you’ll end up playing the first copy in most Black decks. Playing more than that is probably asking for trouble due to its situational nature.
2.5 This has a really interesting design. I’m normally not big on this type of effect, as actually doing some damage to something often takes up some resources, so spells that can only remove damaged creatures are often not all that playable. However, in this case they lowered the mana cost to ONE, and they added a cantrip. At that point, we’re talking about a card that is certainly playable. Keep in mind that it does need a damaged creature to target, so it isn’t really the kind of cantrip you can cycle whenever you want. You won’t usually generate a 2-for-1 with this, because of the resources you gave up to damage the creature in the first place, but the cantrip pretty much makes up for that, and on occasions where you can get a 2-for-1, this will feel downright amazing. It is still a super situational removal spell, but it is priced to move, and I think you’ll end up playing the first copy in most Black decks. Playing more than that is probably asking for trouble due to its situational nature.
Coiling Stalker
3.0 If you Ninjutsu this in, you end up paying two for a 2/1 that puts a counter somewhere. Note, by the way, that “somewhere” can be on itself, too! Now you obviously also returned a thing to your hand, so it isn’t all upside, but still, it seems like a reasonable deal. And it is the kind of creature that is a pretty real problem if your opponent can’t get blocks in front of it.
3.0 If you Ninjutsu this in, you end up paying two for a 2/1 that puts a counter somewhere. Note, by the way, that “somewhere” can be on itself, too! Now you obviously also returned a thing to your hand, so it isn’t all upside, but still, it seems like a reasonable deal. And it is the kind of creature that is a pretty real problem if your opponent can’t get blocks in front of it.
Thundersteel Colossus
2.0 This is a pretty neat design for an Equipment. It isn’t nearly as discounted as most of them are, but it is also massive and very easy to crew – coming with Trample and Haste generally means it is going to wreck face pretty significantly the turn it comes down, and it’s a big enough threat that your opponent will usually need to find a way to deal with it. I don’t think the most aggressive decks will be remotely interested in this, but as a top-curve win condition for grindier or controlling decks, I could see this pulling some weight.
2.0 This is a pretty neat design for an Equipment. It isn’t nearly as discounted as most of them are, but it is also massive and very easy to crew – coming with Trample and Haste generally means it is going to wreck face pretty significantly the turn it comes down, and it’s a big enough threat that your opponent will usually need to find a way to deal with it. I don’t think the most aggressive decks will be remotely interested in this, but as a top-curve win condition for grindier or controlling decks, I could see this pulling some weight.
Papercraft Decoy
2.0 This is another card where the trigger only requires it to leave the battlefield, so it getting blinked, or going back to your hand for ninjutsu will also give you the option of paying 2 to draw a card. You won’t always have the mana vailable to do it of course, but I think you’ll have it often enough that this is a pretty solid two drop in most decks.
2.0 This is another card where the trigger only requires it to leave the battlefield, so it getting blinked, or going back to your hand for ninjutsu will also give you the option of paying 2 to draw a card. You won’t always have the mana vailable to do it of course, but I think you’ll have it often enough that this is a pretty solid two drop in most decks.
Akki Ronin
1.5 If you need a two drop Samurai it is certainly that, though adding rummage to an attack isn’t super exciting in this format, it does allow you to sift through your library a bit.
1.5 If you need a two drop Samurai it is certainly that, though adding rummage to an attack isn’t super exciting in this format, it does allow you to sift through your library a bit.
Wind-Scarred Crag
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Peerless Samurai
Ambitious Assault
2.0 Adding a conditional cantrip to Trumpet Blast is definitely interesting. This effect is really situational, but because it replaces itself, you end up with a card that – at worst – cycles for three mana, and you can also find more useful situations to use it in, since the card does replace itself.
2.0 Adding a conditional cantrip to Trumpet Blast is definitely interesting. This effect is really situational, but because it replaces itself, you end up with a card that – at worst – cycles for three mana, and you can also find more useful situations to use it in, since the card does replace itself.
Uncharted Haven
2.5 Coming into play tapped is definitely a downside, but the ability to name a color is great. I do think the dual lands are slightly better, as they always tap for two colors you probably need, and this will only ever tap for one, but if you need fixing, this is fine.
2.5 Coming into play tapped is definitely a downside, but the ability to name a color is great. I do think the dual lands are slightly better, as they always tap for two colors you probably need, and this will only ever tap for one, but if you need fixing, this is fine.
Dragonfly Suit
2.5 This isn’t the best rate for a vehicle, but it is easy to crew and evasive, so I can see plenty of board states where its getting in through the air.
2.5 This isn’t the best rate for a vehicle, but it is easy to crew and evasive, so I can see plenty of board states where its getting in through the air.
Peerless Samurai
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
Golden-Tail Disciple
2.0 It is an Enchantment, which is good for the format, and the fact it has lifelink means it is a good creature to modify. Its nothing special, but you’ll play it a fair bit.
2.0 It is an Enchantment, which is good for the format, and the fact it has lifelink means it is a good creature to modify. Its nothing special, but you’ll play it a fair bit.
Swiftwater Cliffs
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Gift of Wrath
Futurist Sentinel
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
Gift of Wrath
2.0 This is the kind of Aura I feel alright about playing. +2/+2 and Menace is a very real stats boost, and the fact that this leaves behind a creature token when the enchanted creature dies is quite nice – and helps mitigate against the risk of getting 2-for-1’d. Now, it is still an Aura, and probably only one that you run in very aggressive decks, but it will be solid there.
2.0 This is the kind of Aura I feel alright about playing. +2/+2 and Menace is a very real stats boost, and the fact that this leaves behind a creature token when the enchanted creature dies is quite nice – and helps mitigate against the risk of getting 2-for-1’d. Now, it is still an Aura, and probably only one that you run in very aggressive decks, but it will be solid there.
Brute Suit
2.5 This is a nice little Vehicle at Common. 1 to crew is super easy, and its no joke as an attacker. As we’ve seen, there’s lots of Vehicle stuff going on this set too.
2.5 This is a nice little Vehicle at Common. 1 to crew is super easy, and its no joke as an attacker. As we’ve seen, there’s lots of Vehicle stuff going on this set too.
Network Terminal
2.0 3 mana manarocks, even those that tap for any color, are sometimes a bit clunky in Limited – but the ability that is tacked on here isn’t an irrelevant one – it gives you some very real card selection in the late game, and it does it fairly cheaply. You do of course need another artifact around, but that’s not asking that much. Having this around will sort of feel like you are playing the RB Blood deck from Crimson Vow, and it also fixes your mana, so I think this will make the cut reasonably often – though probably only if you’re splashing a third color.
2.0 3 mana manarocks, even those that tap for any color, are sometimes a bit clunky in Limited – but the ability that is tacked on here isn’t an irrelevant one – it gives you some very real card selection in the late game, and it does it fairly cheaply. You do of course need another artifact around, but that’s not asking that much. Having this around will sort of feel like you are playing the RB Blood deck from Crimson Vow, and it also fixes your mana, so I think this will make the cut reasonably often – though probably only if you’re splashing a third color.
Pack 2 Pick 12: Scrapyard Steelbreaker
Futurist Sentinel
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
Scrapyard Steelbreaker
2.0 This will slot pretty well into the Black-Red deck, which is mosty about sacrificing artifacts. With enough mana and artifacts in play, this creature becomes a real pain to block.
2.0 This will slot pretty well into the Black-Red deck, which is mosty about sacrificing artifacts. With enough mana and artifacts in play, this creature becomes a real pain to block.
Imperial Subduer
2.5 Tapping an opposing creature tends to be a pretty nice effect for aggro decks in Limited, as it can often enable some attacks you didn’t have without the tap. This does have an additional restriction, in that your Warrior or Samurai has to attack alone to do it – but it still seems pretty nice. The Subduer itself is a Warrior, so it triggers its own ability. The Samurai/Warrior deck seems to have other payoffs for attacking with one creature at a time too, so this seems like a solid Common.
2.5 Tapping an opposing creature tends to be a pretty nice effect for aggro decks in Limited, as it can often enable some attacks you didn’t have without the tap. This does have an additional restriction, in that your Warrior or Samurai has to attack alone to do it – but it still seems pretty nice. The Subduer itself is a Warrior, so it triggers its own ability. The Samurai/Warrior deck seems to have other payoffs for attacking with one creature at a time too, so this seems like a solid Common.
Brute Suit
2.5 This is a nice little Vehicle at Common. 1 to crew is super easy, and its no joke as an attacker. As we’ve seen, there’s lots of Vehicle stuff going on this set too.
2.5 This is a nice little Vehicle at Common. 1 to crew is super easy, and its no joke as an attacker. As we’ve seen, there’s lots of Vehicle stuff going on this set too.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Ambitious Assault
Ambitious Assault
2.0 Adding a conditional cantrip to Trumpet Blast is definitely interesting. This effect is really situational, but because it replaces itself, you end up with a card that – at worst – cycles for three mana, and you can also find more useful situations to use it in, since the card does replace itself.
2.0 Adding a conditional cantrip to Trumpet Blast is definitely interesting. This effect is really situational, but because it replaces itself, you end up with a card that – at worst – cycles for three mana, and you can also find more useful situations to use it in, since the card does replace itself.
Mnemonic Sphere
2.5 This is basically an Artifact-based version of Hieroglyphic Illumination, which was an Instant you could pay 4 for to draw two cards, and it had cycling for one Blue mana. Hard for a card like this to ever be bad, since at worst it replaces itself really efficiently. Then there’s this format artifact synergy and so forth!
2.5 This is basically an Artifact-based version of Hieroglyphic Illumination, which was an Instant you could pay 4 for to draw two cards, and it had cycling for one Blue mana. Hard for a card like this to ever be bad, since at worst it replaces itself really efficiently. Then there’s this format artifact synergy and so forth!
Pack 2 Pick 14: Peerless Samurai
Peerless Samurai
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
Season of Renewal
1.0 // 2.5 You need to be getting both a creature and an enchantment back when you use this, or you aren’t going to be getting enough for your investment. While Enchantments are pretty plentiful in this set, especially in Green, I do think this needs a build around.
1.0 // 2.5 You need to be getting both a creature and an enchantment back when you use this, or you aren’t going to be getting enough for your investment. While Enchantments are pretty plentiful in this set, especially in Green, I do think this needs a build around.
Pack 2 Pick 15: Island
Pack 3 Pick 1: Ogre-Head Helm
Ogre-Head Helm
4.0 This is a bear with some really good upside that lets you reload your hand if it hits the opponent. I would already be sold if all the Helmet did when it was equipped was grant the stats boost – paying 3 for that is a great deal! But adding in the ability to sacrifice the creature to find some more gas makes it even better! It will make almost any creature into a formidable attacker in the late game.
4.0 This is a bear with some really good upside that lets you reload your hand if it hits the opponent. I would already be sold if all the Helmet did when it was equipped was grant the stats boost – paying 3 for that is a great deal! But adding in the ability to sacrifice the creature to find some more gas makes it even better! It will make almost any creature into a formidable attacker in the late game.
Futurist Operative
2.5 This has a pretty neat design! It is a 4-mana ¾ when untapped, and an unblockable 1/1 when tapped. Coming with the ability to untap is pretty nice too! Even if we’re just talking about the Agent, you can choose to untap it after your opponent doesn’t block, which means they take 3 now, and you have a ¾ blocker during their turn. One of the big applications of this card, though, will be setting up your Ninjutsu. It does cost 4, which is certainly pricy to recast, but the fact that you know this will get past blockers means you can really find a nice way to utilize ninjutsu with it. Now, there are some downsides too – if you don’t plan on untapping it, it is incredibly vulnerable, dying to virtually everything in the set. It also only attacks for one, which is pretty dismal for a 4 drop.
2.5 This has a pretty neat design! It is a 4-mana ¾ when untapped, and an unblockable 1/1 when tapped. Coming with the ability to untap is pretty nice too! Even if we’re just talking about the Agent, you can choose to untap it after your opponent doesn’t block, which means they take 3 now, and you have a ¾ blocker during their turn. One of the big applications of this card, though, will be setting up your Ninjutsu. It does cost 4, which is certainly pricy to recast, but the fact that you know this will get past blockers means you can really find a nice way to utilize ninjutsu with it. Now, there are some downsides too – if you don’t plan on untapping it, it is incredibly vulnerable, dying to virtually everything in the set. It also only attacks for one, which is pretty dismal for a 4 drop.
Dragonspark Reactor
1.5 // 4.0 The total mana investment here won’t always feel great, and it does sit around on the table for awhile before it does its thing, but accumulating counters on this seems very doable in Red in this format, and it seems like a nice removal spell that can sometimes double as a win condition. I do think that it probably needs a build around grade, as some of the Red decks in the format aren’t going to be great abusing this – UR and BR are both very interested in artifacts, but the other color pairs not so much.
1.5 // 4.0 The total mana investment here won’t always feel great, and it does sit around on the table for awhile before it does its thing, but accumulating counters on this seems very doable in Red in this format, and it seems like a nice removal spell that can sometimes double as a win condition. I do think that it probably needs a build around grade, as some of the Red decks in the format aren’t going to be great abusing this – UR and BR are both very interested in artifacts, but the other color pairs not so much.
Generous Visitor
4.0 This looks like a really good one drop. This set has a ton of Enchantments across the board – but especially in Green – so you end up with a one drop that can add a whole lot of +1/+1 counters to the board over the course of a game. And sure, it is quite fragile on its own, but even if you only get a single counter out of it, you’re getting good value – and sometimes this will be capable of just taking over games.
4.0 This looks like a really good one drop. This set has a ton of Enchantments across the board – but especially in Green – so you end up with a one drop that can add a whole lot of +1/+1 counters to the board over the course of a game. And sure, it is quite fragile on its own, but even if you only get a single counter out of it, you’re getting good value – and sometimes this will be capable of just taking over games.
Suit Up
1.5 These types of effects are almost always not worth it – they keep pushing them on us, though! What makes them bad is the fact that you only resize a creature. Making one into a 4/5 for 3 mana is not normally going to be a very good rate, and that’s even if you’re including the ability to turn Vehicles on like this can. You’re going to get a small stats boost in most cases, and that just isn’t worth the risk of getting blown out by removal. They did do one thing here that’s pretty interesting though: They added a cantrip. That certainly makes this better, as at worst you can sort of cycle this for three mana, and if you do manage to resize a creature and win combat you’ll actually feel like you’re doing something – but it still isn’t very good for the same reasons these effects never are: They don’t do enough for their cost and they are also very risky!
1.5 These types of effects are almost always not worth it – they keep pushing them on us, though! What makes them bad is the fact that you only resize a creature. Making one into a 4/5 for 3 mana is not normally going to be a very good rate, and that’s even if you’re including the ability to turn Vehicles on like this can. You’re going to get a small stats boost in most cases, and that just isn’t worth the risk of getting blown out by removal. They did do one thing here that’s pretty interesting though: They added a cantrip. That certainly makes this better, as at worst you can sort of cycle this for three mana, and if you do manage to resize a creature and win combat you’ll actually feel like you’re doing something – but it still isn’t very good for the same reasons these effects never are: They don’t do enough for their cost and they are also very risky!
Heir of the Ancient Fang
2.5 This is a 3-mana ⅔ that will sometimes be a 3-mana ¾, and in a curve out in a RG deck there’s a good chance it goes that way.
2.5 This is a 3-mana ⅔ that will sometimes be a 3-mana ¾, and in a curve out in a RG deck there’s a good chance it goes that way.
Favor of Jukai
2.0 Channeling this will be the better deal most of the time, as the tricks we see that offer that same boost and reach always tend to be pretty playable, but it is nice that you can also use this as a more permanent boost in situations where that’s better.
2.0 Channeling this will be the better deal most of the time, as the tricks we see that offer that same boost and reach always tend to be pretty playable, but it is nice that you can also use this as a more permanent boost in situations where that’s better.
Akki War Paint
1.0 Getting an Enchanted creature destroyed is a pretty good way to lose a game because you get 2-for-1’d. Nice Auras tend to do something to offset that risk, and this doesn’t. This does give a pretty nice boost for the cost, and the set has payoffs for "modified" things, but I still have a hard time getting behind this.
1.0 Getting an Enchanted creature destroyed is a pretty good way to lose a game because you get 2-for-1’d. Nice Auras tend to do something to offset that risk, and this doesn’t. This does give a pretty nice boost for the cost, and the set has payoffs for "modified" things, but I still have a hard time getting behind this.
Chainflail Centipede
2.0 This is a Gray Ogre who attacks as a 4/2, with some reconfigure upside. I’m not ultra impressed with this as a creature or Equipment you put on something else. I mean, its fine, but I think you end up cutting it more than you’ll play it. It just isn’t very efficient no matter how you use it, and the stats boost is only useful if you’re the attacker.
2.0 This is a Gray Ogre who attacks as a 4/2, with some reconfigure upside. I’m not ultra impressed with this as a creature or Equipment you put on something else. I mean, its fine, but I think you end up cutting it more than you’ll play it. It just isn’t very efficient no matter how you use it, and the stats boost is only useful if you’re the attacker.
Ecologist's Terrarium
2.5 Having colorless fixing at Common is pretty nice, and could definitely help decks splash a third color, and the fact this can only give you a counter once its done its job in fetching you a land is pretty solid.
2.5 Having colorless fixing at Common is pretty nice, and could definitely help decks splash a third color, and the fact this can only give you a counter once its done its job in fetching you a land is pretty solid.
Mothrider Patrol
2.0 So, this has a couple of nice synergy things going on. First, it is a Warrior with Flying, so it will frequently be able to attack alone and trigger those sorts of effects. Second, the fact it has Flying means it pairs nicely with Ninjutsu. And yeah, White has only one Ninja, but you’re not going to be playing Monowhite, so it could come up! Those things definitely help the card – it is a decent early game attacker that can then Master Decoy things in the late game. The cost of 4 mana is pretty steep for the effect, but it is still a nice on to have around in the late game.
2.0 So, this has a couple of nice synergy things going on. First, it is a Warrior with Flying, so it will frequently be able to attack alone and trigger those sorts of effects. Second, the fact it has Flying means it pairs nicely with Ninjutsu. And yeah, White has only one Ninja, but you’re not going to be playing Monowhite, so it could come up! Those things definitely help the card – it is a decent early game attacker that can then Master Decoy things in the late game. The cost of 4 mana is pretty steep for the effect, but it is still a nice on to have around in the late game.
Lucky Offering
1.5 This is actually passable in your main deck in this format, since there are so many artifacts, and many of them can be blown up by this. It is still narrow enough that I don’t love putting in the main deck.
1.5 This is actually passable in your main deck in this format, since there are so many artifacts, and many of them can be blown up by this. It is still narrow enough that I don’t love putting in the main deck.
Tales of Master Seshiro
3.5 Chapter I and II actually give a fairly significant buff. +1/+1 counter + Vigilance for a turn is pretty sweet, because it not only enables a better attack, it allows you to alter how a race is going. Now, sometimes paying 5 for chapter one is going to feel pretty rough – like if getting the counter and vigilance doesn’t do much for you, but at the stage in the game that you play this, it is pretty likely to be useful. Then, you end up with a pretty nice creature – with haste and Vigilance – which will mean it can swing right away, unlike most of these saga-creatures. I think this might be Green’s best Common. It gives you a ton of very real value up front, and then a very nice creature.
3.5 Chapter I and II actually give a fairly significant buff. +1/+1 counter + Vigilance for a turn is pretty sweet, because it not only enables a better attack, it allows you to alter how a race is going. Now, sometimes paying 5 for chapter one is going to feel pretty rough – like if getting the counter and vigilance doesn’t do much for you, but at the stage in the game that you play this, it is pretty likely to be useful. Then, you end up with a pretty nice creature – with haste and Vigilance – which will mean it can swing right away, unlike most of these saga-creatures. I think this might be Green’s best Common. It gives you a ton of very real value up front, and then a very nice creature.
Futurist Sentinel
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
Pack 3 Pick 2: Sokenzan Smelter
Replication Specialist
4.0 A 5-mana ¾ with Flying is kind of an alright rate, and the upside this gives you is pretty nice. You won’t always be able to pay 1U to make a copy, but when you can this is going to do some absurd things for your board.
4.0 A 5-mana ¾ with Flying is kind of an alright rate, and the upside this gives you is pretty nice. You won’t always be able to pay 1U to make a copy, but when you can this is going to do some absurd things for your board.
Sokenzan Smelter
3.0 This is a two mana 2/2 with some pretty nice upside. There are artifacts aplenty in this set, so having an expendable one around to turn into a 3/1 with Haste isn’t going to be super hard. That said, you also won’t always have an Artifact that is worth sacrificing either.
3.0 This is a two mana 2/2 with some pretty nice upside. There are artifacts aplenty in this set, so having an expendable one around to turn into a 3/1 with Haste isn’t going to be super hard. That said, you also won’t always have an Artifact that is worth sacrificing either.
Storyweave
2.0 This is a really interesting design. The +1/+1 counter part of it can be a passable combat trick for sure, although the more powerful mode is assuredly the one where you accelerate your Saga and make a larger Enchantment creature. For pretty much every saga in the set, this will immeidatley make it into a creature with those two extra counters, and doing at Instant speed can let you ambush your opponent. Now, that use won’t always be possible – and as always we have to look at what this card will do on average – but I think it will do something nice with one of these modes often enough that it is at least a decent playable.
2.0 This is a really interesting design. The +1/+1 counter part of it can be a passable combat trick for sure, although the more powerful mode is assuredly the one where you accelerate your Saga and make a larger Enchantment creature. For pretty much every saga in the set, this will immeidatley make it into a creature with those two extra counters, and doing at Instant speed can let you ambush your opponent. Now, that use won’t always be possible – and as always we have to look at what this card will do on average – but I think it will do something nice with one of these modes often enough that it is at least a decent playable.
Guardians of Oboro
2.0 A 3-mana ¾ with Defender is kind of okay in a more controlling deck, and if you modify this one – or other creatures with Defender – they can attack. That’s kind of cool, though not exactly an incredible payoff. This seems fine.
2.0 A 3-mana ¾ with Defender is kind of okay in a more controlling deck, and if you modify this one – or other creatures with Defender – they can attack. That’s kind of cool, though not exactly an incredible payoff. This seems fine.
Uncharted Haven
2.5 Coming into play tapped is definitely a downside, but the ability to name a color is great. I do think the dual lands are slightly better, as they always tap for two colors you probably need, and this will only ever tap for one, but if you need fixing, this is fine.
2.5 Coming into play tapped is definitely a downside, but the ability to name a color is great. I do think the dual lands are slightly better, as they always tap for two colors you probably need, and this will only ever tap for one, but if you need fixing, this is fine.
The Shattered States Era
1.5 I like most of these creature-sagas a reasonable amount. Most of them are at least a 2.5…but not this one. 5 mana for a Threaten is costly. That type of effect is always so situational. Sometimes it will let you attack in ways you couldn’t before – and unlike a lot of Threatens you do eventually actually add to the board with this one – but I still don’t love it. Chapter II will only be meaningful on like half of your board states. You do ultimately get a 3/3 with Trample and Haste, but that’s not exactly a big deal by turn 7, and Chapters I and II are highly situational.
1.5 I like most of these creature-sagas a reasonable amount. Most of them are at least a 2.5…but not this one. 5 mana for a Threaten is costly. That type of effect is always so situational. Sometimes it will let you attack in ways you couldn’t before – and unlike a lot of Threatens you do eventually actually add to the board with this one – but I still don’t love it. Chapter II will only be meaningful on like half of your board states. You do ultimately get a 3/3 with Trample and Haste, but that’s not exactly a big deal by turn 7, and Chapters I and II are highly situational.
Wanderer's Intervention
2.5 This is restrictive about what it can kill – both because of the 4 damage and the “attacking or blocking” restriction, but it will often feel reasonably efficient. I don’t quite consider something like this premium because of how restrictive it is, but I think you end up playing the first copy pretty often in your White decks
2.5 This is restrictive about what it can kill – both because of the 4 damage and the “attacking or blocking” restriction, but it will often feel reasonably efficient. I don’t quite consider something like this premium because of how restrictive it is, but I think you end up playing the first copy pretty often in your White decks
Akki Ember-Keeper
3.0 This is a nice little two drop. It has passable stats and a nice ability that makes sure your board stays populated when your modified creatures die. There are a plethora of ways to modify them, so getting a creature token or two out of this isn’t far-fetched at all, and that’s some pretty great value.
3.0 This is a nice little two drop. It has passable stats and a nice ability that makes sure your board stays populated when your modified creatures die. There are a plethora of ways to modify them, so getting a creature token or two out of this isn’t far-fetched at all, and that’s some pretty great value.
Imperial Subduer
2.5 Tapping an opposing creature tends to be a pretty nice effect for aggro decks in Limited, as it can often enable some attacks you didn’t have without the tap. This does have an additional restriction, in that your Warrior or Samurai has to attack alone to do it – but it still seems pretty nice. The Subduer itself is a Warrior, so it triggers its own ability. The Samurai/Warrior deck seems to have other payoffs for attacking with one creature at a time too, so this seems like a solid Common.
2.5 Tapping an opposing creature tends to be a pretty nice effect for aggro decks in Limited, as it can often enable some attacks you didn’t have without the tap. This does have an additional restriction, in that your Warrior or Samurai has to attack alone to do it – but it still seems pretty nice. The Subduer itself is a Warrior, so it triggers its own ability. The Samurai/Warrior deck seems to have other payoffs for attacking with one creature at a time too, so this seems like a solid Common.
Clawing Torment
2.0 This can outright kill X/1s, and takes away the ability of all creatures to block – while also slowly bleeding the opponent out. If you’re in a really aggressive Black deck, I can see playing this, but in situations where you aren’t the beatdown, it isn’t going to be very good. Your opponent just won’t always care about their creature getting a little smaller and being unable to block. It is notable that it is an Enchantment you can keep around on the table for awhile, and you kind of want to because it hurts your opponent – and that goes well in the Black-White deck, which wants an Artifact and Enchantment to be around for its various effects This is probably mostly an aggro deck special.
2.0 This can outright kill X/1s, and takes away the ability of all creatures to block – while also slowly bleeding the opponent out. If you’re in a really aggressive Black deck, I can see playing this, but in situations where you aren’t the beatdown, it isn’t going to be very good. Your opponent just won’t always care about their creature getting a little smaller and being unable to block. It is notable that it is an Enchantment you can keep around on the table for awhile, and you kind of want to because it hurts your opponent – and that goes well in the Black-White deck, which wants an Artifact and Enchantment to be around for its various effects This is probably mostly an aggro deck special.
Commune with Spirits
1.0 This is cheap and gives you some decent card selection. But…it also doesn’t really do a whole lot, and cards like that seem to be getting worse and worse in Limited these days. It seems like it will be easy to cut this.
1.0 This is cheap and gives you some decent card selection. But…it also doesn’t really do a whole lot, and cards like that seem to be getting worse and worse in Limited these days. It seems like it will be easy to cut this.
Towashi Songshaper
2.0 It won’t be hard for it to be a 3/2 attacker on many turns, and that’s not too shabby as an artifact payoff.
2.0 It won’t be hard for it to be a 3/2 attacker on many turns, and that’s not too shabby as an artifact payoff.
Moonfolk Puzzlemaker
2.0 This has decent stats and repeatedly Scrying does make your draws better. Its also an artifact for the decks that care about that, and a relatively cheap flyer for Ninjutsu.
2.0 This has decent stats and repeatedly Scrying does make your draws better. Its also an artifact for the decks that care about that, and a relatively cheap flyer for Ninjutsu.
Pack 3 Pick 3: The Long Reach of Night
Historian's Wisdom
2.0 This is an Aura I can get behind playing in Limited. That’s because it will replace itself pretty often, as +2 power on your biggest creature has a pretty decent shot at drawing you that card. That means you are no longer in danger of getting 2-for-1’d like you would be with a typical Aura. Now, it is still a little tricky to use, you have to be careful not to get blown out the turn you cast it, and it isn’t game-breaking or anything – but it seems perfectly solid.
2.0 This is an Aura I can get behind playing in Limited. That’s because it will replace itself pretty often, as +2 power on your biggest creature has a pretty decent shot at drawing you that card. That means you are no longer in danger of getting 2-for-1’d like you would be with a typical Aura. Now, it is still a little tricky to use, you have to be careful not to get blown out the turn you cast it, and it isn’t game-breaking or anything – but it seems perfectly solid.
The Long Reach of Night
2.5 I never love effects that give the opponent a choice between two things – especially when the options are discard or sacrifice a creature, because there are many board states where doing one or the other is no problem for your opponent, and because they have a choice, that means chapter I and II won’t always feel that great. That said, there will certainly be times where it is “pick your poison” for your opponent and have they have no good option, and because you do it two turns in a row, you’re more likely to produce that situation than you might otherwise be. The creature you eventually get can be pretty tough, and Chapters I and II do make it pretty likely there’s at least a few creatures in the graveyard.
2.5 I never love effects that give the opponent a choice between two things – especially when the options are discard or sacrifice a creature, because there are many board states where doing one or the other is no problem for your opponent, and because they have a choice, that means chapter I and II won’t always feel that great. That said, there will certainly be times where it is “pick your poison” for your opponent and have they have no good option, and because you do it two turns in a row, you’re more likely to produce that situation than you might otherwise be. The creature you eventually get can be pretty tough, and Chapters I and II do make it pretty likely there’s at least a few creatures in the graveyard.
Born to Drive
3.0 If this was just an Aura, I wouldn’t be that impressed. Its costly, dependent on your board state, and doesn’t do anything to keep you from getting blown out by removal. I would be likely to give it a 1.5. However, because the card has Channel, which effectively makes it into a reasonable 3-mana spell that makes two 1/1 tokens that are good at crewing vehicles, it is a lot better. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that you’ll probably channel this more than you cast it as a spell! Still, once you have the Channel mode, it is nice that you have the Aura mode as a late-game possibility, because if you time it right on an evasive creature, an Aura like Born to Drive can end the game.
3.0 If this was just an Aura, I wouldn’t be that impressed. Its costly, dependent on your board state, and doesn’t do anything to keep you from getting blown out by removal. I would be likely to give it a 1.5. However, because the card has Channel, which effectively makes it into a reasonable 3-mana spell that makes two 1/1 tokens that are good at crewing vehicles, it is a lot better. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that you’ll probably channel this more than you cast it as a spell! Still, once you have the Channel mode, it is nice that you have the Aura mode as a late-game possibility, because if you time it right on an evasive creature, an Aura like Born to Drive can end the game.
Moonsnare Prototype
2.0 Without channel, this would be pretty close to unplayable. A one mana mana-rock is kind of exciting, but having to tap both the Prototype and something else to make a colorless mana just isn’t going to be that great in Limited most of the time. It might do something really early, but it is just a dud late. But, this card helps mitigate against that because in the late game you can turn it into a Time Ebb-type effect. Paying 5 for that effect isn’t amazing – and like with a lot of Channel cards neither card individually would be very good, but together? I think this ends up being a reasonable enough playable, albeit one you end up cutting a decent chunk of the time. Modality really improves the card, though.
2.0 Without channel, this would be pretty close to unplayable. A one mana mana-rock is kind of exciting, but having to tap both the Prototype and something else to make a colorless mana just isn’t going to be that great in Limited most of the time. It might do something really early, but it is just a dud late. But, this card helps mitigate against that because in the late game you can turn it into a Time Ebb-type effect. Paying 5 for that effect isn’t amazing – and like with a lot of Channel cards neither card individually would be very good, but together? I think this ends up being a reasonable enough playable, albeit one you end up cutting a decent chunk of the time. Modality really improves the card, though.
Heir of the Ancient Fang
2.5 This is a 3-mana ⅔ that will sometimes be a 3-mana ¾, and in a curve out in a RG deck there’s a good chance it goes that way.
2.5 This is a 3-mana ⅔ that will sometimes be a 3-mana ¾, and in a curve out in a RG deck there’s a good chance it goes that way.
Lethal Exploit
3.0 Two mana for -2/-2 at Instant speed isn’t exactly premium, though it can kill a lot of stuff. And you can even use it combined with a block to take something down – though that’s always a little risky. That said, I think you’ll be able to do -3/-3 with this often enough that it sneaks into the lower B range. If it was always -3/-3 it would be a 3.5. And sometimes this will be even more than -3/-3 – though I think we have to accept the wide range of outcomes with this, and the fact that -2/-2 is probably going to happen a lot.
3.0 Two mana for -2/-2 at Instant speed isn’t exactly premium, though it can kill a lot of stuff. And you can even use it combined with a block to take something down – though that’s always a little risky. That said, I think you’ll be able to do -3/-3 with this often enough that it sneaks into the lower B range. If it was always -3/-3 it would be a 3.5. And sometimes this will be even more than -3/-3 – though I think we have to accept the wide range of outcomes with this, and the fact that -2/-2 is probably going to happen a lot.
Scrapyard Steelbreaker
2.0 This will slot pretty well into the Black-Red deck, which is mosty about sacrificing artifacts. With enough mana and artifacts in play, this creature becomes a real pain to block.
2.0 This will slot pretty well into the Black-Red deck, which is mosty about sacrificing artifacts. With enough mana and artifacts in play, this creature becomes a real pain to block.
Network Terminal
2.0 3 mana manarocks, even those that tap for any color, are sometimes a bit clunky in Limited – but the ability that is tacked on here isn’t an irrelevant one – it gives you some very real card selection in the late game, and it does it fairly cheaply. You do of course need another artifact around, but that’s not asking that much. Having this around will sort of feel like you are playing the RB Blood deck from Crimson Vow, and it also fixes your mana, so I think this will make the cut reasonably often – though probably only if you’re splashing a third color.
2.0 3 mana manarocks, even those that tap for any color, are sometimes a bit clunky in Limited – but the ability that is tacked on here isn’t an irrelevant one – it gives you some very real card selection in the late game, and it does it fairly cheaply. You do of course need another artifact around, but that’s not asking that much. Having this around will sort of feel like you are playing the RB Blood deck from Crimson Vow, and it also fixes your mana, so I think this will make the cut reasonably often – though probably only if you’re splashing a third color.
Kaito's Pursuit
2.0 This trend of them giving us Mind rots that have some other small effect continues! Paying three to make your opponent discard two is usually about a 1.5 It gives you a 2-for-1, but you also don’t add to the board, and it can be a pretty bad top deck in the late game. But, if you’re in a Ninja deck – which will usually mean Blue-Black – the fact this will give Menace to some of your creatures is pretty nice. If you’re in Black in general, you’ll be hard pressed not to end up without at least a few ninjas, so I think you end up playing this a reasonable chunk of the time.
2.0 This trend of them giving us Mind rots that have some other small effect continues! Paying three to make your opponent discard two is usually about a 1.5 It gives you a 2-for-1, but you also don’t add to the board, and it can be a pretty bad top deck in the late game. But, if you’re in a Ninja deck – which will usually mean Blue-Black – the fact this will give Menace to some of your creatures is pretty nice. If you’re in Black in general, you’ll be hard pressed not to end up without at least a few ninjas, so I think you end up playing this a reasonable chunk of the time.
Greater Tanuki
3.0 This seems pretty nice. In the early game you can use it to fix and ramp your mana, and in the late game it can be a big beater that helps you close things out. It isn’t super incredible at doing either thing, but effectively being a split card with a worse Rampant Growth on one side and a worse Colossal Dreadmaw on the other gives you a decent option all game long.
3.0 This seems pretty nice. In the early game you can use it to fix and ramp your mana, and in the late game it can be a big beater that helps you close things out. It isn’t super incredible at doing either thing, but effectively being a split card with a worse Rampant Growth on one side and a worse Colossal Dreadmaw on the other gives you a decent option all game long.
Kitsune Ace
3.0 I like that this gives you some vehicle payoffs even if it isn’t the card that is doing the crewing. Lending first strike makes a lot of vehicles hard to block, and you can untap it with its ability so that even if it crewed a vehicle it can be a blocker on your opponents turn. That’s all some pretty good upside on a two drop.
3.0 I like that this gives you some vehicle payoffs even if it isn’t the card that is doing the crewing. Lending first strike makes a lot of vehicles hard to block, and you can untap it with its ability so that even if it crewed a vehicle it can be a blocker on your opponents turn. That’s all some pretty good upside on a two drop.
Jukai Preserver
3.0 At worst, this is a 4-mana 4/4, and its much better than that because it allows you to put counters wherever you want. The Channel part of the card is nice too, because sometimes utilizing this more like a trick, or spreading around the modifications is just better anyway. It slots nicely into the RG Modification deck, as well as Green-White Enchantments.
3.0 At worst, this is a 4-mana 4/4, and its much better than that because it allows you to put counters wherever you want. The Channel part of the card is nice too, because sometimes utilizing this more like a trick, or spreading around the modifications is just better anyway. It slots nicely into the RG Modification deck, as well as Green-White Enchantments.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Gravelighter
Gravelighter
4.0 This is a Wind Drake with some excellent upside. Most of the time, I think you would want to draw a card with it, as a Wind Drake that cantrips is pretty awesome. But, you won’t always be able to set up situations where it does that, and having a symmetrical edict effect as af all back isn’t too bad – and in fact in the earlier part of the game – like when your opponent has one creature – the edict on Gravelighter is probably better than drawing a card anyway. And that’s kind of how this will shake out. It is harder to make something die early to trigger its card draw effect, but that’s okay because the Edict will probably be pretty good in that situation! Whereas, in the mid-to-late game, things are a little more likely to die, and an edict effect is also probably a lot worse, so yeah.
4.0 This is a Wind Drake with some excellent upside. Most of the time, I think you would want to draw a card with it, as a Wind Drake that cantrips is pretty awesome. But, you won’t always be able to set up situations where it does that, and having a symmetrical edict effect as af all back isn’t too bad – and in fact in the earlier part of the game – like when your opponent has one creature – the edict on Gravelighter is probably better than drawing a card anyway. And that’s kind of how this will shake out. It is harder to make something die early to trigger its card draw effect, but that’s okay because the Edict will probably be pretty good in that situation! Whereas, in the mid-to-late game, things are a little more likely to die, and an edict effect is also probably a lot worse, so yeah.
Tales of Master Seshiro
3.5 Chapter I and II actually give a fairly significant buff. +1/+1 counter + Vigilance for a turn is pretty sweet, because it not only enables a better attack, it allows you to alter how a race is going. Now, sometimes paying 5 for chapter one is going to feel pretty rough – like if getting the counter and vigilance doesn’t do much for you, but at the stage in the game that you play this, it is pretty likely to be useful. Then, you end up with a pretty nice creature – with haste and Vigilance – which will mean it can swing right away, unlike most of these saga-creatures. I think this might be Green’s best Common. It gives you a ton of very real value up front, and then a very nice creature.
3.5 Chapter I and II actually give a fairly significant buff. +1/+1 counter + Vigilance for a turn is pretty sweet, because it not only enables a better attack, it allows you to alter how a race is going. Now, sometimes paying 5 for chapter one is going to feel pretty rough – like if getting the counter and vigilance doesn’t do much for you, but at the stage in the game that you play this, it is pretty likely to be useful. Then, you end up with a pretty nice creature – with haste and Vigilance – which will mean it can swing right away, unlike most of these saga-creatures. I think this might be Green’s best Common. It gives you a ton of very real value up front, and then a very nice creature.
Reckoner's Bargain
2.0 This type of effect tends to do alright, especially in decks with a sacrifice theme – which in this format will mostly mean Black-Red. It is sort of an Instant speed Tormenting Voice, in the sense that you give up two cards to draw two cards – its just that one of them is an artifact or creature in play. Using this in response to a removal spell, or to get rid of something expendable will always feel nice, but there are also situations where you can’t find a spot to use this because you just don’t have the resources to make it worth it. The life gain is a nice addition, but doesn’t power it up a ton.
2.0 This type of effect tends to do alright, especially in decks with a sacrifice theme – which in this format will mostly mean Black-Red. It is sort of an Instant speed Tormenting Voice, in the sense that you give up two cards to draw two cards – its just that one of them is an artifact or creature in play. Using this in response to a removal spell, or to get rid of something expendable will always feel nice, but there are also situations where you can’t find a spot to use this because you just don’t have the resources to make it worth it. The life gain is a nice addition, but doesn’t power it up a ton.
Eiganjo Exemplar
3.0 It counts itself of course, so even without any other samurais around it attacks as a 3/2. One really nice thing is that you can play this, and then on the same turn attack with another Samurai, and +1/+1 is likely to help it attack more effectively.
3.0 It counts itself of course, so even without any other samurais around it attacks as a 3/2. One really nice thing is that you can play this, and then on the same turn attack with another Samurai, and +1/+1 is likely to help it attack more effectively.
Wanderer's Intervention
2.5 This is restrictive about what it can kill – both because of the 4 damage and the “attacking or blocking” restriction, but it will often feel reasonably efficient. I don’t quite consider something like this premium because of how restrictive it is, but I think you end up playing the first copy pretty often in your White decks
2.5 This is restrictive about what it can kill – both because of the 4 damage and the “attacking or blocking” restriction, but it will often feel reasonably efficient. I don’t quite consider something like this premium because of how restrictive it is, but I think you end up playing the first copy pretty often in your White decks
Debt to the Kami
2.5 Keep in mind, your opponent chooses what gets exiled when you use this. So, mostly, it will feel like a three mana edict effect, and those have waning value as the game goes on and your opponent is more and more likely to have something very expendable to give up. It can be pretty potent early. And, because you choose the option, you can at least choose the one that is the toughest for them to decide – for example if they have only one creature or one enchantment the choice is easy – but its also pretty easy if they only have two of one of them and so forth. The fact its an Instant means you can deploy it at the exact right time a little more easily too – but still. Its removal that you don’t really have enough control over.
2.5 Keep in mind, your opponent chooses what gets exiled when you use this. So, mostly, it will feel like a three mana edict effect, and those have waning value as the game goes on and your opponent is more and more likely to have something very expendable to give up. It can be pretty potent early. And, because you choose the option, you can at least choose the one that is the toughest for them to decide – for example if they have only one creature or one enchantment the choice is easy – but its also pretty easy if they only have two of one of them and so forth. The fact its an Instant means you can deploy it at the exact right time a little more easily too – but still. Its removal that you don’t really have enough control over.
Fang of Shigeki
2.5 One mana 1/1s with Deathtouch are always playable, mostly because they have the ability to trade up with just about anything. This one also comes with Enchantment and Ninja upside, though in Green probably only the former matters. Still, you probably won’t ever cut the first few copies of these from your Green decks.
2.5 One mana 1/1s with Deathtouch are always playable, mostly because they have the ability to trade up with just about anything. This one also comes with Enchantment and Ninja upside, though in Green probably only the former matters. Still, you probably won’t ever cut the first few copies of these from your Green decks.
Spirited Companion
2.5 Well, it looks like White got an Elvish Visionary! That’s always a pretty nice card in Limited – as adding something to the board and getting a card out of it feels pretty good.
2.5 Well, it looks like White got an Elvish Visionary! That’s always a pretty nice card in Limited – as adding something to the board and getting a card out of it feels pretty good.
Moon-Circuit Hacker
3.0 Ninjutsu for one is quite the deal, especially because it will be drawing you a card if you ninjutsu it in. After that, you’ll only get to loot when it hits the opponent, but that’s okay – the initial use of the card will allow you to set up a 2-for-1, and that’s pretty nice. It is sort of a more convoluted Elvish Visionary that comes with an additional power.
3.0 Ninjutsu for one is quite the deal, especially because it will be drawing you a card if you ninjutsu it in. After that, you’ll only get to loot when it hits the opponent, but that’s okay – the initial use of the card will allow you to set up a 2-for-1, and that’s pretty nice. It is sort of a more convoluted Elvish Visionary that comes with an additional power.
Kami of Terrible Secrets
1.5 // 3.0 A 4-mana ¾ is not a great stat-line these days, so you are going to want to be drawing a card off of this around half the time for it to be worth it. And…that’s not going to be automatic in every Black deck in the format, since this asks you to have both an Artifact and Enchantment. That’s certainly easier to do in this format than it is in most, but if you’re in say, UB Ninjas or the BG graveyard deck – that’s not something you’re going to be focused on. In a lot of ways, this is a BW gold card, because that’s the deck that has a whole bunch of reasons to get both an Artifact and an Enchantment in play.
1.5 // 3.0 A 4-mana ¾ is not a great stat-line these days, so you are going to want to be drawing a card off of this around half the time for it to be worth it. And…that’s not going to be automatic in every Black deck in the format, since this asks you to have both an Artifact and Enchantment. That’s certainly easier to do in this format than it is in most, but if you’re in say, UB Ninjas or the BG graveyard deck – that’s not something you’re going to be focused on. In a lot of ways, this is a BW gold card, because that’s the deck that has a whole bunch of reasons to get both an Artifact and an Enchantment in play.
Simian Sling
3.0 This compares really favorably with Tormentor’s Helm for Kaldheim. It gives the same stats boost and the same ability that punishes blocking. The difference is this is a bit more expensive to Equip – or in this case Reconfigure, but the fact you can just play t his as a creature is a huge upgrade. They’ve given us a lot of nice one drops of late, and this looks like one to me. It can attack effectively early, and then when it can no longer do that, you can suit up another creature who can take advantage of the ability more effectively.
3.0 This compares really favorably with Tormentor’s Helm for Kaldheim. It gives the same stats boost and the same ability that punishes blocking. The difference is this is a bit more expensive to Equip – or in this case Reconfigure, but the fact you can just play t his as a creature is a huge upgrade. They’ve given us a lot of nice one drops of late, and this looks like one to me. It can attack effectively early, and then when it can no longer do that, you can suit up another creature who can take advantage of the ability more effectively.
Pack 3 Pick 5: Kami of Terrible Secrets
Fang of Shigeki
2.5 One mana 1/1s with Deathtouch are always playable, mostly because they have the ability to trade up with just about anything. This one also comes with Enchantment and Ninja upside, though in Green probably only the former matters. Still, you probably won’t ever cut the first few copies of these from your Green decks.
2.5 One mana 1/1s with Deathtouch are always playable, mostly because they have the ability to trade up with just about anything. This one also comes with Enchantment and Ninja upside, though in Green probably only the former matters. Still, you probably won’t ever cut the first few copies of these from your Green decks.
Ninja's Kunai
2.5 You pay a total of 3 mana for Lightning, and that’s not a bad rate in Limited. What’s more is, it also lets you get some synergy – and not only the obvious artifact and Equipment synergy – but also some sacrifice synergy for the RB deck
2.5 You pay a total of 3 mana for Lightning, and that’s not a bad rate in Limited. What’s more is, it also lets you get some synergy – and not only the obvious artifact and Equipment synergy – but also some sacrifice synergy for the RB deck
Befriending the Moths
3.0 Chapter I and II will very likely enable attacks you didn’t have before, and that’s a pretty big deal. Especially because this eventually adds meaningfully to the board by giving you a 2/4 Flyer. It will be a bit of a bummer to play on a completely empty board, but that won’t be happening that often. This looks like a good Common to me, one you can first pick sometimes.
3.0 Chapter I and II will very likely enable attacks you didn’t have before, and that’s a pretty big deal. Especially because this eventually adds meaningfully to the board by giving you a 2/4 Flyer. It will be a bit of a bummer to play on a completely empty board, but that won’t be happening that often. This looks like a good Common to me, one you can first pick sometimes.
Dramatist's Puppet
1.5 There’s a lot of counters in this set, so taking them away from your opponent or adding them to your own things is definitely relevant, but it still won’t always actually be able to do a thing, and when it can’t it will still be a 4-mana 2/4, which is pretty bad.
1.5 There’s a lot of counters in this set, so taking them away from your opponent or adding them to your own things is definitely relevant, but it still won’t always actually be able to do a thing, and when it can’t it will still be a 4-mana 2/4, which is pretty bad.
Ironhoof Boar
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
Virus Beetle
1.5 Adding to the board and taking something away from your opponents’ hand isn’t a bad play in the early to mid game, though it does get less impressive late. It comes with the Artifact type too, which is a useful thing.
1.5 Adding to the board and taking something away from your opponents’ hand isn’t a bad play in the early to mid game, though it does get less impressive late. It comes with the Artifact type too, which is a useful thing.
Peerless Samurai
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
Kami of Terrible Secrets
1.5 // 3.0 A 4-mana ¾ is not a great stat-line these days, so you are going to want to be drawing a card off of this around half the time for it to be worth it. And…that’s not going to be automatic in every Black deck in the format, since this asks you to have both an Artifact and Enchantment. That’s certainly easier to do in this format than it is in most, but if you’re in say, UB Ninjas or the BG graveyard deck – that’s not something you’re going to be focused on. In a lot of ways, this is a BW gold card, because that’s the deck that has a whole bunch of reasons to get both an Artifact and an Enchantment in play.
1.5 // 3.0 A 4-mana ¾ is not a great stat-line these days, so you are going to want to be drawing a card off of this around half the time for it to be worth it. And…that’s not going to be automatic in every Black deck in the format, since this asks you to have both an Artifact and Enchantment. That’s certainly easier to do in this format than it is in most, but if you’re in say, UB Ninjas or the BG graveyard deck – that’s not something you’re going to be focused on. In a lot of ways, this is a BW gold card, because that’s the deck that has a whole bunch of reasons to get both an Artifact and an Enchantment in play.
Mukotai Ambusher
2.0 This seems like a solid little Ninja if you’re in the market for those. The Ninjutsu is very nicely costed, though keeping in mind that you have to return a thing to your hand does make it seem a bit less efficient. And really, neither casting this the normal way nor Ninjutsuing it is going to make you feel like you’re doing a great job. Its solid, and Lifelink makes it a good creature to Modify.
2.0 This seems like a solid little Ninja if you’re in the market for those. The Ninjutsu is very nicely costed, though keeping in mind that you have to return a thing to your hand does make it seem a bit less efficient. And really, neither casting this the normal way nor Ninjutsuing it is going to make you feel like you’re doing a great job. Its solid, and Lifelink makes it a good creature to Modify.
Skyswimmer Koi
3.0 This has pretty nice stats as a 4-mana 3/3 Flyer, and while its artifact pay off ability isn’t amazing, adding a loot effect to all of your artifacts is definitely relevant upside.
3.0 This has pretty nice stats as a 4-mana 3/3 Flyer, and while its artifact pay off ability isn’t amazing, adding a loot effect to all of your artifacts is definitely relevant upside.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Lethal Exploit
Colossal Skyturtle
3.5 This has three pretty nice modes! If you get it late and cast it as a creature, its big enough that it can close out a game, and Ward 2 provides it a bit of protection. UG is the color pair that has the most channel in it, and the Skyturtle does a pretty good of making tha clear with its two channel abilities – and they are both abilities that do a thing that might let you get back a card with Channel. Even absent that channel synergy, the fact that you can use this to get back any card from your graveyard, or to bounce a permanent is pretty nice. For most stuff with channel, if you chopped the card up, each card individually wouldn’t be that impressive, but because this card basically has three very different modes, the flexibility is well worth it.
3.5 This has three pretty nice modes! If you get it late and cast it as a creature, its big enough that it can close out a game, and Ward 2 provides it a bit of protection. UG is the color pair that has the most channel in it, and the Skyturtle does a pretty good of making tha clear with its two channel abilities – and they are both abilities that do a thing that might let you get back a card with Channel. Even absent that channel synergy, the fact that you can use this to get back any card from your graveyard, or to bounce a permanent is pretty nice. For most stuff with channel, if you chopped the card up, each card individually wouldn’t be that impressive, but because this card basically has three very different modes, the flexibility is well worth it.
Enthusiastic Mechanaut
3.5 This has good stats and a nice keyword for the cost, and reduces the cost of Artifacts. Obviously, that’s what UR is all about in this set, so this will set you up nicely in that deck.
3.5 This has good stats and a nice keyword for the cost, and reduces the cost of Artifacts. Obviously, that’s what UR is all about in this set, so this will set you up nicely in that deck.
Shrine Steward
1.0 // 2.5 This has some ugly stats, but if your deck has even 2 Shrines and/or Auras, it is probably worth running. While this set does have plenty of Enchantments, it doesn’t have so many Auras and Shrines that you’ll always end up with enough of them to run the Steward.
1.0 // 2.5 This has some ugly stats, but if your deck has even 2 Shrines and/or Auras, it is probably worth running. While this set does have plenty of Enchantments, it doesn’t have so many Auras and Shrines that you’ll always end up with enough of them to run the Steward.
Experimental Synthesizer
2.0 So, up front it effectively draws you a card, and because this only costs one mana, it won’t usually be hard for you to play that card – and, it very nicely allows you to play lands. Now, this does mean playing it really early isn’t going to feel great, because you are less likely to be able to utilize whatever you hit, but starting around turn 4 it starts to be a nice play, and it effectively ends up as a 2-for-1, because you can also get a Samurai out of it. I do think the awkwardness of playing this early definitely hinders it, but I think you’ll end up playing this often enough in Red decks, perhaps the most in RB, which likes sacrificing them. But it also overlaps a bit into other archetypes – UR likes artifacts in general and RW like Samurai, for example.
2.0 So, up front it effectively draws you a card, and because this only costs one mana, it won’t usually be hard for you to play that card – and, it very nicely allows you to play lands. Now, this does mean playing it really early isn’t going to feel great, because you are less likely to be able to utilize whatever you hit, but starting around turn 4 it starts to be a nice play, and it effectively ends up as a 2-for-1, because you can also get a Samurai out of it. I do think the awkwardness of playing this early definitely hinders it, but I think you’ll end up playing this often enough in Red decks, perhaps the most in RB, which likes sacrificing them. But it also overlaps a bit into other archetypes – UR likes artifacts in general and RW like Samurai, for example.
Lethal Exploit
3.0 Two mana for -2/-2 at Instant speed isn’t exactly premium, though it can kill a lot of stuff. And you can even use it combined with a block to take something down – though that’s always a little risky. That said, I think you’ll be able to do -3/-3 with this often enough that it sneaks into the lower B range. If it was always -3/-3 it would be a 3.5. And sometimes this will be even more than -3/-3 – though I think we have to accept the wide range of outcomes with this, and the fact that -2/-2 is probably going to happen a lot.
3.0 Two mana for -2/-2 at Instant speed isn’t exactly premium, though it can kill a lot of stuff. And you can even use it combined with a block to take something down – though that’s always a little risky. That said, I think you’ll be able to do -3/-3 with this often enough that it sneaks into the lower B range. If it was always -3/-3 it would be a 3.5. And sometimes this will be even more than -3/-3 – though I think we have to accept the wide range of outcomes with this, and the fact that -2/-2 is probably going to happen a lot.
Moon-Circuit Hacker
3.0 Ninjutsu for one is quite the deal, especially because it will be drawing you a card if you ninjutsu it in. After that, you’ll only get to loot when it hits the opponent, but that’s okay – the initial use of the card will allow you to set up a 2-for-1, and that’s pretty nice. It is sort of a more convoluted Elvish Visionary that comes with an additional power.
3.0 Ninjutsu for one is quite the deal, especially because it will be drawing you a card if you ninjutsu it in. After that, you’ll only get to loot when it hits the opponent, but that’s okay – the initial use of the card will allow you to set up a 2-for-1, and that’s pretty nice. It is sort of a more convoluted Elvish Visionary that comes with an additional power.
Tales of Master Seshiro
3.5 Chapter I and II actually give a fairly significant buff. +1/+1 counter + Vigilance for a turn is pretty sweet, because it not only enables a better attack, it allows you to alter how a race is going. Now, sometimes paying 5 for chapter one is going to feel pretty rough – like if getting the counter and vigilance doesn’t do much for you, but at the stage in the game that you play this, it is pretty likely to be useful. Then, you end up with a pretty nice creature – with haste and Vigilance – which will mean it can swing right away, unlike most of these saga-creatures. I think this might be Green’s best Common. It gives you a ton of very real value up front, and then a very nice creature.
3.5 Chapter I and II actually give a fairly significant buff. +1/+1 counter + Vigilance for a turn is pretty sweet, because it not only enables a better attack, it allows you to alter how a race is going. Now, sometimes paying 5 for chapter one is going to feel pretty rough – like if getting the counter and vigilance doesn’t do much for you, but at the stage in the game that you play this, it is pretty likely to be useful. Then, you end up with a pretty nice creature – with haste and Vigilance – which will mean it can swing right away, unlike most of these saga-creatures. I think this might be Green’s best Common. It gives you a ton of very real value up front, and then a very nice creature.
Reckoner Shakedown
1.5 This is a pretty neat take on a Coercion Effect, as it is effectively a modal card that takes away your opponents best card, or it gives you a look at your opponents hand and puts two +1/+1 counters on one of your creatures or vehicles. Individually, those two effects are probably about a D. The discard effect only allows for a one-for-one trade and doesn’t change your board at all, while putting two +1/+1 counters on a thing for this much mana at Sorcery speed is really clunky. The discard effect is also pretty close to a dead card in the really late game, so having the other option will really matter there.
1.5 This is a pretty neat take on a Coercion Effect, as it is effectively a modal card that takes away your opponents best card, or it gives you a look at your opponents hand and puts two +1/+1 counters on one of your creatures or vehicles. Individually, those two effects are probably about a D. The discard effect only allows for a one-for-one trade and doesn’t change your board at all, while putting two +1/+1 counters on a thing for this much mana at Sorcery speed is really clunky. The discard effect is also pretty close to a dead card in the really late game, so having the other option will really matter there.
Brute Suit
2.5 This is a nice little Vehicle at Common. 1 to crew is super easy, and its no joke as an attacker. As we’ve seen, there’s lots of Vehicle stuff going on this set too.
2.5 This is a nice little Vehicle at Common. 1 to crew is super easy, and its no joke as an attacker. As we’ve seen, there’s lots of Vehicle stuff going on this set too.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Thundersteel Colossus
Jukai Naturalist
3.5 A two mana 2/2 with lifelink is pretty nice, and reducing the cost of Enchantments is pretty nice too! As it often is, GW is about Enchantments in this set, so that will definitely be coming up.
3.5 A two mana 2/2 with lifelink is pretty nice, and reducing the cost of Enchantments is pretty nice too! As it often is, GW is about Enchantments in this set, so that will definitely be coming up.
Armguard Familiar
2.5 This is a very solid playable. A two mana 2/1 with Ward 2 is already pretty close to passable, so adding the Reconfigure upside is really nice. It is a nice little creature early, and in the late game it can lend a much-needed stats boost, as well as a little bit of protection, for a more relevant creature.
2.5 This is a very solid playable. A two mana 2/1 with Ward 2 is already pretty close to passable, so adding the Reconfigure upside is really nice. It is a nice little creature early, and in the late game it can lend a much-needed stats boost, as well as a little bit of protection, for a more relevant creature.
Coiling Stalker
3.0 If you Ninjutsu this in, you end up paying two for a 2/1 that puts a counter somewhere. Note, by the way, that “somewhere” can be on itself, too! Now you obviously also returned a thing to your hand, so it isn’t all upside, but still, it seems like a reasonable deal. And it is the kind of creature that is a pretty real problem if your opponent can’t get blocks in front of it.
3.0 If you Ninjutsu this in, you end up paying two for a 2/1 that puts a counter somewhere. Note, by the way, that “somewhere” can be on itself, too! Now you obviously also returned a thing to your hand, so it isn’t all upside, but still, it seems like a reasonable deal. And it is the kind of creature that is a pretty real problem if your opponent can’t get blocks in front of it.
Thundersteel Colossus
2.0 This is a pretty neat design for an Equipment. It isn’t nearly as discounted as most of them are, but it is also massive and very easy to crew – coming with Trample and Haste generally means it is going to wreck face pretty significantly the turn it comes down, and it’s a big enough threat that your opponent will usually need to find a way to deal with it. I don’t think the most aggressive decks will be remotely interested in this, but as a top-curve win condition for grindier or controlling decks, I could see this pulling some weight.
2.0 This is a pretty neat design for an Equipment. It isn’t nearly as discounted as most of them are, but it is also massive and very easy to crew – coming with Trample and Haste generally means it is going to wreck face pretty significantly the turn it comes down, and it’s a big enough threat that your opponent will usually need to find a way to deal with it. I don’t think the most aggressive decks will be remotely interested in this, but as a top-curve win condition for grindier or controlling decks, I could see this pulling some weight.
Dramatist's Puppet
1.5 There’s a lot of counters in this set, so taking them away from your opponent or adding them to your own things is definitely relevant, but it still won’t always actually be able to do a thing, and when it can’t it will still be a 4-mana 2/4, which is pretty bad.
1.5 There’s a lot of counters in this set, so taking them away from your opponent or adding them to your own things is definitely relevant, but it still won’t always actually be able to do a thing, and when it can’t it will still be a 4-mana 2/4, which is pretty bad.
Crackling Emergence
1.5 This is a neat take on a land animation spell – making it so the land doesn’t die when the creature does is definitely a nice little upgrade, but these types of spells basically always underperform. They are the most impressive in the early game in a lot of ways – but you also don’t want to be hindering the way you develop your board, and by turning a land into a creature, you might be doing just that. It is kind of exciting to think about your opponent trading a real creature for this, but it isn’t as good of a deal as it seems – you’re still just trading 1-for-1.
1.5 This is a neat take on a land animation spell – making it so the land doesn’t die when the creature does is definitely a nice little upgrade, but these types of spells basically always underperform. They are the most impressive in the early game in a lot of ways – but you also don’t want to be hindering the way you develop your board, and by turning a land into a creature, you might be doing just that. It is kind of exciting to think about your opponent trading a real creature for this, but it isn’t as good of a deal as it seems – you’re still just trading 1-for-1.
Master's Rebuke
3.0 We see versions of this card all the time, and it always ends up being Green premium removal. It allows you to kill a lot of things pretty cheaply, and having a large enough Green creature in play to make it work isn’t that hard. You do have to be a little careful with when you use it, because if they blow up your creature in response it is some really terrible news.
3.0 We see versions of this card all the time, and it always ends up being Green premium removal. It allows you to kill a lot of things pretty cheaply, and having a large enough Green creature in play to make it work isn’t that hard. You do have to be a little careful with when you use it, because if they blow up your creature in response it is some really terrible news.
Greater Tanuki
3.0 This seems pretty nice. In the early game you can use it to fix and ramp your mana, and in the late game it can be a big beater that helps you close things out. It isn’t super incredible at doing either thing, but effectively being a split card with a worse Rampant Growth on one side and a worse Colossal Dreadmaw on the other gives you a decent option all game long.
3.0 This seems pretty nice. In the early game you can use it to fix and ramp your mana, and in the late game it can be a big beater that helps you close things out. It isn’t super incredible at doing either thing, but effectively being a split card with a worse Rampant Growth on one side and a worse Colossal Dreadmaw on the other gives you a decent option all game long.
Rugged Highlands
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Seismic Wave
Seismic Wave
3.5 mana to do 2 to anything isn’t incredible, but the one damage it does to all non-artifact creatures is quite nice. There are lots of things this card can end up doing. For example, if you do the 2 damage to a non-artifact creature, this will actually end up doing 3 total. You can also use it kill an X/2 and then pick off an X/1 or two. This card will occasionally cause big blowouts against X/1s, and it probably makes non-artifact X/1s in this format a little bit worse than normal. I think in the end, this is premium removal.
3.5 mana to do 2 to anything isn’t incredible, but the one damage it does to all non-artifact creatures is quite nice. There are lots of things this card can end up doing. For example, if you do the 2 damage to a non-artifact creature, this will actually end up doing 3 total. You can also use it kill an X/2 and then pick off an X/1 or two. This card will occasionally cause big blowouts against X/1s, and it probably makes non-artifact X/1s in this format a little bit worse than normal. I think in the end, this is premium removal.
Favor of Jukai
2.0 Channeling this will be the better deal most of the time, as the tricks we see that offer that same boost and reach always tend to be pretty playable, but it is nice that you can also use this as a more permanent boost in situations where that’s better.
2.0 Channeling this will be the better deal most of the time, as the tricks we see that offer that same boost and reach always tend to be pretty playable, but it is nice that you can also use this as a more permanent boost in situations where that’s better.
Searchlight Companion
3.0 This gives you some reasonable value for the cost, and its also a great card to combine with Ninjas, since it is not only evasive, but it also has an ETB ability, so recasting it will give you another token, and that’s some nice value to get on top of whatever it is you did with Ninjutsu.
3.0 This gives you some reasonable value for the cost, and its also a great card to combine with Ninjas, since it is not only evasive, but it also has an ETB ability, so recasting it will give you another token, and that’s some nice value to get on top of whatever it is you did with Ninjutsu.
Unstoppable Ogre
2.0 The enter the battlefield trigger on the card won’t always do something for you, but there will be a decent number of situations where it allows you to attack more effectively with your board. It can also crew everything which is nice.
2.0 The enter the battlefield trigger on the card won’t always do something for you, but there will be a decent number of situations where it allows you to attack more effectively with your board. It can also crew everything which is nice.
Greater Tanuki
3.0 This seems pretty nice. In the early game you can use it to fix and ramp your mana, and in the late game it can be a big beater that helps you close things out. It isn’t super incredible at doing either thing, but effectively being a split card with a worse Rampant Growth on one side and a worse Colossal Dreadmaw on the other gives you a decent option all game long.
3.0 This seems pretty nice. In the early game you can use it to fix and ramp your mana, and in the late game it can be a big beater that helps you close things out. It isn’t super incredible at doing either thing, but effectively being a split card with a worse Rampant Growth on one side and a worse Colossal Dreadmaw on the other gives you a decent option all game long.
Lucky Offering
1.5 This is actually passable in your main deck in this format, since there are so many artifacts, and many of them can be blown up by this. It is still narrow enough that I don’t love putting in the main deck.
1.5 This is actually passable in your main deck in this format, since there are so many artifacts, and many of them can be blown up by this. It is still narrow enough that I don’t love putting in the main deck.
Reckoner Shakedown
1.5 This is a pretty neat take on a Coercion Effect, as it is effectively a modal card that takes away your opponents best card, or it gives you a look at your opponents hand and puts two +1/+1 counters on one of your creatures or vehicles. Individually, those two effects are probably about a D. The discard effect only allows for a one-for-one trade and doesn’t change your board at all, while putting two +1/+1 counters on a thing for this much mana at Sorcery speed is really clunky. The discard effect is also pretty close to a dead card in the really late game, so having the other option will really matter there.
1.5 This is a pretty neat take on a Coercion Effect, as it is effectively a modal card that takes away your opponents best card, or it gives you a look at your opponents hand and puts two +1/+1 counters on one of your creatures or vehicles. Individually, those two effects are probably about a D. The discard effect only allows for a one-for-one trade and doesn’t change your board at all, while putting two +1/+1 counters on a thing for this much mana at Sorcery speed is really clunky. The discard effect is also pretty close to a dead card in the really late game, so having the other option will really matter there.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Akki War Paint
Suit Up
1.5 These types of effects are almost always not worth it – they keep pushing them on us, though! What makes them bad is the fact that you only resize a creature. Making one into a 4/5 for 3 mana is not normally going to be a very good rate, and that’s even if you’re including the ability to turn Vehicles on like this can. You’re going to get a small stats boost in most cases, and that just isn’t worth the risk of getting blown out by removal. They did do one thing here that’s pretty interesting though: They added a cantrip. That certainly makes this better, as at worst you can sort of cycle this for three mana, and if you do manage to resize a creature and win combat you’ll actually feel like you’re doing something – but it still isn’t very good for the same reasons these effects never are: They don’t do enough for their cost and they are also very risky!
1.5 These types of effects are almost always not worth it – they keep pushing them on us, though! What makes them bad is the fact that you only resize a creature. Making one into a 4/5 for 3 mana is not normally going to be a very good rate, and that’s even if you’re including the ability to turn Vehicles on like this can. You’re going to get a small stats boost in most cases, and that just isn’t worth the risk of getting blown out by removal. They did do one thing here that’s pretty interesting though: They added a cantrip. That certainly makes this better, as at worst you can sort of cycle this for three mana, and if you do manage to resize a creature and win combat you’ll actually feel like you’re doing something – but it still isn’t very good for the same reasons these effects never are: They don’t do enough for their cost and they are also very risky!
Heir of the Ancient Fang
2.5 This is a 3-mana ⅔ that will sometimes be a 3-mana ¾, and in a curve out in a RG deck there’s a good chance it goes that way.
2.5 This is a 3-mana ⅔ that will sometimes be a 3-mana ¾, and in a curve out in a RG deck there’s a good chance it goes that way.
Favor of Jukai
2.0 Channeling this will be the better deal most of the time, as the tricks we see that offer that same boost and reach always tend to be pretty playable, but it is nice that you can also use this as a more permanent boost in situations where that’s better.
2.0 Channeling this will be the better deal most of the time, as the tricks we see that offer that same boost and reach always tend to be pretty playable, but it is nice that you can also use this as a more permanent boost in situations where that’s better.
Akki War Paint
1.0 Getting an Enchanted creature destroyed is a pretty good way to lose a game because you get 2-for-1’d. Nice Auras tend to do something to offset that risk, and this doesn’t. This does give a pretty nice boost for the cost, and the set has payoffs for "modified" things, but I still have a hard time getting behind this.
1.0 Getting an Enchanted creature destroyed is a pretty good way to lose a game because you get 2-for-1’d. Nice Auras tend to do something to offset that risk, and this doesn’t. This does give a pretty nice boost for the cost, and the set has payoffs for "modified" things, but I still have a hard time getting behind this.
Mothrider Patrol
2.0 So, this has a couple of nice synergy things going on. First, it is a Warrior with Flying, so it will frequently be able to attack alone and trigger those sorts of effects. Second, the fact it has Flying means it pairs nicely with Ninjutsu. And yeah, White has only one Ninja, but you’re not going to be playing Monowhite, so it could come up! Those things definitely help the card – it is a decent early game attacker that can then Master Decoy things in the late game. The cost of 4 mana is pretty steep for the effect, but it is still a nice on to have around in the late game.
2.0 So, this has a couple of nice synergy things going on. First, it is a Warrior with Flying, so it will frequently be able to attack alone and trigger those sorts of effects. Second, the fact it has Flying means it pairs nicely with Ninjutsu. And yeah, White has only one Ninja, but you’re not going to be playing Monowhite, so it could come up! Those things definitely help the card – it is a decent early game attacker that can then Master Decoy things in the late game. The cost of 4 mana is pretty steep for the effect, but it is still a nice on to have around in the late game.
Futurist Sentinel
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
2.0 We have seen a Colorless version of this in the past – I think it was called Irontread Crusher or something – and it was alright, but nothing special. It is pretty reasonably costed both to cast and to crew – it lets you rumble with a much larger creature than you would normally be able to on turn 5!
Pack 3 Pick 10: Akki Ember-Keeper
Guardians of Oboro
2.0 A 3-mana ¾ with Defender is kind of okay in a more controlling deck, and if you modify this one – or other creatures with Defender – they can attack. That’s kind of cool, though not exactly an incredible payoff. This seems fine.
2.0 A 3-mana ¾ with Defender is kind of okay in a more controlling deck, and if you modify this one – or other creatures with Defender – they can attack. That’s kind of cool, though not exactly an incredible payoff. This seems fine.
The Shattered States Era
1.5 I like most of these creature-sagas a reasonable amount. Most of them are at least a 2.5…but not this one. 5 mana for a Threaten is costly. That type of effect is always so situational. Sometimes it will let you attack in ways you couldn’t before – and unlike a lot of Threatens you do eventually actually add to the board with this one – but I still don’t love it. Chapter II will only be meaningful on like half of your board states. You do ultimately get a 3/3 with Trample and Haste, but that’s not exactly a big deal by turn 7, and Chapters I and II are highly situational.
1.5 I like most of these creature-sagas a reasonable amount. Most of them are at least a 2.5…but not this one. 5 mana for a Threaten is costly. That type of effect is always so situational. Sometimes it will let you attack in ways you couldn’t before – and unlike a lot of Threatens you do eventually actually add to the board with this one – but I still don’t love it. Chapter II will only be meaningful on like half of your board states. You do ultimately get a 3/3 with Trample and Haste, but that’s not exactly a big deal by turn 7, and Chapters I and II are highly situational.
Akki Ember-Keeper
3.0 This is a nice little two drop. It has passable stats and a nice ability that makes sure your board stays populated when your modified creatures die. There are a plethora of ways to modify them, so getting a creature token or two out of this isn’t far-fetched at all, and that’s some pretty great value.
3.0 This is a nice little two drop. It has passable stats and a nice ability that makes sure your board stays populated when your modified creatures die. There are a plethora of ways to modify them, so getting a creature token or two out of this isn’t far-fetched at all, and that’s some pretty great value.
Imperial Subduer
2.5 Tapping an opposing creature tends to be a pretty nice effect for aggro decks in Limited, as it can often enable some attacks you didn’t have without the tap. This does have an additional restriction, in that your Warrior or Samurai has to attack alone to do it – but it still seems pretty nice. The Subduer itself is a Warrior, so it triggers its own ability. The Samurai/Warrior deck seems to have other payoffs for attacking with one creature at a time too, so this seems like a solid Common.
2.5 Tapping an opposing creature tends to be a pretty nice effect for aggro decks in Limited, as it can often enable some attacks you didn’t have without the tap. This does have an additional restriction, in that your Warrior or Samurai has to attack alone to do it – but it still seems pretty nice. The Subduer itself is a Warrior, so it triggers its own ability. The Samurai/Warrior deck seems to have other payoffs for attacking with one creature at a time too, so this seems like a solid Common.
Commune with Spirits
1.0 This is cheap and gives you some decent card selection. But…it also doesn’t really do a whole lot, and cards like that seem to be getting worse and worse in Limited these days. It seems like it will be easy to cut this.
1.0 This is cheap and gives you some decent card selection. But…it also doesn’t really do a whole lot, and cards like that seem to be getting worse and worse in Limited these days. It seems like it will be easy to cut this.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Scrapyard Steelbreaker
Moonsnare Prototype
2.0 Without channel, this would be pretty close to unplayable. A one mana mana-rock is kind of exciting, but having to tap both the Prototype and something else to make a colorless mana just isn’t going to be that great in Limited most of the time. It might do something really early, but it is just a dud late. But, this card helps mitigate against that because in the late game you can turn it into a Time Ebb-type effect. Paying 5 for that effect isn’t amazing – and like with a lot of Channel cards neither card individually would be very good, but together? I think this ends up being a reasonable enough playable, albeit one you end up cutting a decent chunk of the time. Modality really improves the card, though.
2.0 Without channel, this would be pretty close to unplayable. A one mana mana-rock is kind of exciting, but having to tap both the Prototype and something else to make a colorless mana just isn’t going to be that great in Limited most of the time. It might do something really early, but it is just a dud late. But, this card helps mitigate against that because in the late game you can turn it into a Time Ebb-type effect. Paying 5 for that effect isn’t amazing – and like with a lot of Channel cards neither card individually would be very good, but together? I think this ends up being a reasonable enough playable, albeit one you end up cutting a decent chunk of the time. Modality really improves the card, though.
Heir of the Ancient Fang
2.5 This is a 3-mana ⅔ that will sometimes be a 3-mana ¾, and in a curve out in a RG deck there’s a good chance it goes that way.
2.5 This is a 3-mana ⅔ that will sometimes be a 3-mana ¾, and in a curve out in a RG deck there’s a good chance it goes that way.
Scrapyard Steelbreaker
2.0 This will slot pretty well into the Black-Red deck, which is mosty about sacrificing artifacts. With enough mana and artifacts in play, this creature becomes a real pain to block.
2.0 This will slot pretty well into the Black-Red deck, which is mosty about sacrificing artifacts. With enough mana and artifacts in play, this creature becomes a real pain to block.
Greater Tanuki
3.0 This seems pretty nice. In the early game you can use it to fix and ramp your mana, and in the late game it can be a big beater that helps you close things out. It isn’t super incredible at doing either thing, but effectively being a split card with a worse Rampant Growth on one side and a worse Colossal Dreadmaw on the other gives you a decent option all game long.
3.0 This seems pretty nice. In the early game you can use it to fix and ramp your mana, and in the late game it can be a big beater that helps you close things out. It isn’t super incredible at doing either thing, but effectively being a split card with a worse Rampant Growth on one side and a worse Colossal Dreadmaw on the other gives you a decent option all game long.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Reckoner's Bargain
Reckoner's Bargain
2.0 This type of effect tends to do alright, especially in decks with a sacrifice theme – which in this format will mostly mean Black-Red. It is sort of an Instant speed Tormenting Voice, in the sense that you give up two cards to draw two cards – its just that one of them is an artifact or creature in play. Using this in response to a removal spell, or to get rid of something expendable will always feel nice, but there are also situations where you can’t find a spot to use this because you just don’t have the resources to make it worth it. The life gain is a nice addition, but doesn’t power it up a ton.
2.0 This type of effect tends to do alright, especially in decks with a sacrifice theme – which in this format will mostly mean Black-Red. It is sort of an Instant speed Tormenting Voice, in the sense that you give up two cards to draw two cards – its just that one of them is an artifact or creature in play. Using this in response to a removal spell, or to get rid of something expendable will always feel nice, but there are also situations where you can’t find a spot to use this because you just don’t have the resources to make it worth it. The life gain is a nice addition, but doesn’t power it up a ton.
Eiganjo Exemplar
3.0 It counts itself of course, so even without any other samurais around it attacks as a 3/2. One really nice thing is that you can play this, and then on the same turn attack with another Samurai, and +1/+1 is likely to help it attack more effectively.
3.0 It counts itself of course, so even without any other samurais around it attacks as a 3/2. One really nice thing is that you can play this, and then on the same turn attack with another Samurai, and +1/+1 is likely to help it attack more effectively.
Simian Sling
3.0 This compares really favorably with Tormentor’s Helm for Kaldheim. It gives the same stats boost and the same ability that punishes blocking. The difference is this is a bit more expensive to Equip – or in this case Reconfigure, but the fact you can just play t his as a creature is a huge upgrade. They’ve given us a lot of nice one drops of late, and this looks like one to me. It can attack effectively early, and then when it can no longer do that, you can suit up another creature who can take advantage of the ability more effectively.
3.0 This compares really favorably with Tormentor’s Helm for Kaldheim. It gives the same stats boost and the same ability that punishes blocking. The difference is this is a bit more expensive to Equip – or in this case Reconfigure, but the fact you can just play t his as a creature is a huge upgrade. They’ve given us a lot of nice one drops of late, and this looks like one to me. It can attack effectively early, and then when it can no longer do that, you can suit up another creature who can take advantage of the ability more effectively.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Peerless Samurai
Ironhoof Boar
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
2.5 This really reminds me of the Bloodrush Mechanic, which allowed you to pay some mana and discard a creature card for a trick – so, yeah. This isn’t the greatest as a creature or a trick – the small toughness boost does limit the number of combats you can win with the boar’s channel, but it also has the upside of really letting you run over a creature and do a ton of damage. I like the flexibility here.
Peerless Samurai
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
3.0 This is a nice little Common. A 3-mana ⅔ with Menace is a decent starting point, and adding an “attack alone” payoff to the card is nice, and the one you get here is going to be pretty relevant, especially if you play the Samurai on turn 3. It is likely to help you either double spell or play a 4-drop on turn 4, and either of those are pretty appealing.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Experimental Synthesizer
Experimental Synthesizer
2.0 So, up front it effectively draws you a card, and because this only costs one mana, it won’t usually be hard for you to play that card – and, it very nicely allows you to play lands. Now, this does mean playing it really early isn’t going to feel great, because you are less likely to be able to utilize whatever you hit, but starting around turn 4 it starts to be a nice play, and it effectively ends up as a 2-for-1, because you can also get a Samurai out of it. I do think the awkwardness of playing this early definitely hinders it, but I think you’ll end up playing this often enough in Red decks, perhaps the most in RB, which likes sacrificing them. But it also overlaps a bit into other archetypes – UR likes artifacts in general and RW like Samurai, for example.
2.0 So, up front it effectively draws you a card, and because this only costs one mana, it won’t usually be hard for you to play that card – and, it very nicely allows you to play lands. Now, this does mean playing it really early isn’t going to feel great, because you are less likely to be able to utilize whatever you hit, but starting around turn 4 it starts to be a nice play, and it effectively ends up as a 2-for-1, because you can also get a Samurai out of it. I do think the awkwardness of playing this early definitely hinders it, but I think you’ll end up playing this often enough in Red decks, perhaps the most in RB, which likes sacrificing them. But it also overlaps a bit into other archetypes – UR likes artifacts in general and RW like Samurai, for example.
Pack 3 Pick 15: Rugged Highlands
Rugged Highlands
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
2.5 Like always, these provide some very nice fixing, and its nice to see them at Common, as it will make splashing a third color pretty simple. Fixing is great, even if you aren’t going three colors – a dual land really helps your mana base in a two color deck.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: March of Wretched Sorrow
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Flame Discharge
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Nezumi Prowler
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Twisted Embrace
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Mukotai Ambusher
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Walking Skyscraper
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Wanderer's Intervention
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Voltage Surge
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Ironhoof Boar
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Tales of Master Seshiro
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Gift of Wrath
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Geothermal Kami
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Short Circuit
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Crackling Emergence
- Pack 1 Pick 15: Short Circuit
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Tameshi, Reality Architect
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Otawara, Soaring City
- Pack 2 Pick 3: You Are Already Dead
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Life of Toshiro Umezawa
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Imperial Recovery Unit
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Kami's Flare
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Dockside Chef
- Pack 2 Pick 8: You Are Already Dead
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Akki Ronin
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Peerless Samurai
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Gift of Wrath
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Scrapyard Steelbreaker
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Ambitious Assault
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Peerless Samurai
- Pack 2 Pick 15: Island
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Ogre-Head Helm
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Sokenzan Smelter
- Pack 3 Pick 3: The Long Reach of Night
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Gravelighter
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Kami of Terrible Secrets
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Lethal Exploit
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Thundersteel Colossus
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Seismic Wave
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Akki War Paint
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Akki Ember-Keeper
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Scrapyard Steelbreaker
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Reckoner's Bargain
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Peerless Samurai
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Experimental Synthesizer
- Pack 3 Pick 15: Rugged Highlands
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