We’ve all had a couple of weeks to sling some spells in Foundations, and I’ve been loving it. I do think this is a solid set overall, and I’ve been enjoying the speed of the format. Yes, Josh is still in the basement, and yes, he is being humanely treated. Let’s talk about magic!
Format Speed
The format is a bit on the slower side, and being on the play/draw isn’t as big of an advantage compared to other sets. Boros and Rakdos can be on the faster side, with the remaining decks feeling pretty mid-range oriented.
Top Tier Archetypes
Tier 1: Dimir, Azorius
Dimir is the best two color archetype of this set, and there are a few reasons why. The colors are among two of the deepest, with plenty of playable commons and uncommons between them. Dreadwing Scavenger is a pretty busted uncommon, and I’m happy to first pick it. Dimir really benefits from the speed of the format, leveraging removal, card advantage, and evasive threats.
Azorius doesn’t deal with threats as well as Dimir, but it has more threats with the creatures White provides. Empyrean Eagle can be devastating with small flyers like , Mischievous Mystic, and Faebloom Trick.
Not That Far Behind Tier
Tier 2: Rakdos, Selesnya, Simic, Boros, Orzhov
Rakdos/Boros are the two aggro decks of the format. They operate fairly similarly, with each respective color making the bulk of the creatures, as red has very few good creatures to choose from. Battlesong Berserker has been surprisingly strong in these decks, and among one of the best creatures to choose from.
Selesnya/Simic/Orzhov are all similarly powered mid-range decks. There are no secrets I can really shed light on, as they all are pretty straight forward.
I’m Cool With Settling Tier
Tier 3: Gruul, Izzet
Gruul/Izzet mostly suffer from Red’s lack of adequate creatures. Both decks can function just fine, but more often than not, underperform.
I Swear It Was Wide Open Tier
Tier 4: Golgari
Golgari has a really difficult time actually closing out games. You will need some kind of bomb(s) to want to play this deck.
Sweepers
Day of Judgement
Slagstorm
Seismic Rupture
Combat Tricks
Fleeting Flight Fleeting Distraction Stab Snakeskin Veil Giant Growth Divine Resilience Joust Through Run away Together Fake Your Own Death Sure Strike Claws Out Bulk Up Goblin Surprise Faebloom Trick Inspiring Call Celestial Armor Aetherize Time Stop
Counterspells
An Offer You Can’t Refuse Essence Scatter Refute Time Stop
Bombs
Liliana, Dreadhorde General Bloodthirsty Conquerer Scavenging Ooze Spinner of Souls Leyline Axe Curator of Destinies Alesha, Who Laughs at Fate Celestial Armor Valkyrie’s Call Twinflame Tyrant
Top Uncommons
Dreadwing Scavenger Empyrean Eagle Mischievous Mystic Felling Blow Arbiter of Woe Perforating Artist Cat Collector
Cards to Avoid
Spitfire Lagac Hare Apparent Armasaur Guide Gleaming Barrier Burnished Hart Swiftfoot Boots Fishing Pole Twinblade Blessing Juggernaut Midnight Snack
Wrap Up
Foundations has been a solid experience so far. I rarely encounter extremely one-sided games, and it often feels a bit more attrition based, opposed to who curves out best, which I enjoy. The color balance feels quite a bit off, with Blue being a clear-cut best color, and both Green and Red needing some help in the creature department. What do you think?
Lose and Learn, Learn and Win
