<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Alara" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Alara</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESXwE7q4yldtyi8DGckaKlC9JK2sGCoRz16wUH8t10Uuu5jSdfAicI9f1wwtoR93PVcwOXONc815lbH9akFGdQr0ZNpQCeOFVN2hKpbKLLSPdjOxIV3MAfMLNTBZ8MiYIq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mathias Kollros</a></em></p>
<p>Hello, everyone! My name's Jonathan and today I'll be talking about the battle card type. Or, to be more precise, whether or not battles were a failure as a card type.</p>
<h2>What Are Battles?</h2>
<p>Battle is the latest card type introduced in the <em>Magic: The Gathering</em>, first (and only) printed in <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/mom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">March of the Machine</a>. </em>These battles all had the subtype of Siege. Because Sieges are the only type of battles we've seen, we have no way of knowing how they may differ from others types of battles, so our discussion today will only cover Sieges.</p>
<p>These permanents enter the battlefield under the protection of an opponent chosen by the owner of the battle and with a number of defense counters on them, indicated by the number on the black star in the corner.</p>
<p>Any player, other than the one protecting it, can attack them. Once the last defense counter is removed from them, they are exiled and the owner casts their back side from exile.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards rotate"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Alara"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Amonkhet"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Eldraine"></div></div>
<p>Sieges are all designed in the same way. First, they have an "enters the battlefield" (ETB) effect on the front side, which determines the overall theme of the card. The flips side confirms said theme through benefits connected to the front face.</p>
<p>For example, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Amonkhet" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Amonkhet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> puts a total of 15 cards into graveyards (in a four-player game), so that its back side can later have a wider variety of possible creatures to copy. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Eldraine" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Eldraine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> wants to strip cards out of an opponent's hand; in this way, the second half of the card can deal constant damage to them.</p>
<h2>How Do Battles Play?</h2>
<p>Although I'm not a game designer, I don't think it's a hot take to say that the design of battles fits better in a 1v1 setting.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wedding Ring"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Innistrad"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lightning Bolt"></div></div>
<p>First, they specifically ask you to designate a "defender." This is an obvious choice in 60-cards formats; but it also creates some sort of a minigame/sub-game in multiplayer environments. In other words, when you play a battle, you create a special game dynamic between you and one other player, excluding your other opponents.</p>
<p>This isn't unheard of (think of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wedding Ring" href="#" target="_blank">Wedding Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, for example), but it's not common either.</p>
<p>Additionally, other players can only partially interact with this situation. In fact, they can send damage to the battle as well, but they can't block creatures going against it. This makes perfect sense from a ruling point of view, but also deepens the disconnection between the two players involved and the rest of the table.</p>
<p>Although in other cases it could make sense for different players to team up against a specific permanent (e.g., removing a planeswalker), in this case only the battle's owner would benefit from such a coalition. They'd be the only ones getting to cast the back side of the card.</p>
<p>Sure, there will be a niche case in which a timely <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Bolt" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Bolt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> from an opponent will remove the last defense counter from your <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Innistrad" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Innistrad</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> so that you can remove a creature from the graveyard out of nowhere. And sure, you'll talk about it for months (correctly so). But let's be real, no one is going to fight your battles for you.</p>
<p>All in all, battles don't really adapt well to a multiplayer environment. Instead, they generate a weirdly irrelevant one-on-one minigame (more on this later).</p>
<h2>A Poor Roster of Battles</h2>
<p>Let's get straight to the point: battles are, on average, pretty bad.</p>
<p>And while this is true, the interesting part of the issue is that this isn't only about their effects. Rather, it's about how irrelevant half of the card is most of the time.</p>
<p>Let's have a look at the three most popular battles in Commander.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards rotate"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Ikoria"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Zendikar"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Segovia"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Ikoria" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Ikoria</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is close to a staple in cEDH thanks to its ability to fetch creatures. And yet, no one even thinks about attacking it to flip it. All of what it actually does belongs to the front side.</p>
<p>The same goes for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Zendikar" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Zendikar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Although being way more verbose, it can easily be boiled down to a functional reprint of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Explosive Vegetation" href="#" target="_blank">Explosive Vegetation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It does have a whole other half to go along with the ramping effect but, let's be real: Are you ever going to go through the struggle of attacking it only to get a mana dork?</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Segovia" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Segovia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> actually does a bit better on this front. The first half is undeniably bad compared to the second, but at least they synergize with one another. Getting two 1/1s for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> is not good in any way, but if you pair them with the ability to convoke out noncreature spells, then they become much more valuable.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards rotate"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Fiora"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Theros"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Shandalar"></div></div>
<p>If we scroll down the list, we can only start scratching our heads.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Fiora" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Fiora</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> pairs an expensive and inefficient board wipe with a creature with two effects that are specific to the point of being basically blank. Once again, they'd work way better in a 60-card format; sure, you might not have counters to remove as frequently, but at least you'd be getting the card draw way easier (and that's the good part, let's be honest).</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Theros" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Theros</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is simply the result of two inconvenient effects stapled together. The front side is a tutor, and that's always good in Commander. Except this is a worse version of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Enlightened Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Enlightened Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Idyllic Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Idyllic Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>The back side is your average Enchantress effect, except it's locked behind a huge side quest. Namely:</p>
<ul>
<li>Casting and resolving <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Theros" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Theros</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>;</li>
<li>Dealing four points of damage to said battle (i.e., spending a combat step or more attacking it);</li>
<li>Casting and resolving the back side of the card.</li>
</ul>
<p>In the end, it's just easier to play <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Enchantress&#039;s Presence" href="#" target="_blank">Enchantress&#039;s Presence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>The same reasoning applies to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Shandalar" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Shandalar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The second half of the card can be game-ending, but it requires so much effort that it's hardly worth it. The steps you have to follow to get it are so telegraphed that your opponents will have plenty of opportunities to try and stop you before your five-mana investment has done anything relevant.</p>
<h2>The Bright Side</h2>
<p>It wouldn't be fair to finish this article without mentioning the battles that had their fair bit of success, especially in Standard.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards rotate"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Zendikar"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Arcavios"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Amonkhet"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Zendikar" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Zendikar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was a staple of the format, thanks to its ability to ramp and fix mana in Domain decks.</p>
<p>Then, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Arcavios" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Arcavios</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was a core part of the combo deck revolving around <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Omniscience" href="#" target="_blank">Omniscience</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Abuelo&#039;s Awakening" href="#" target="_blank">Abuelo&#039;s Awakening</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Amonkhet" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Amonkhet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> saw some play as good piece in Dimir Midrange strategies.</p>
<h2>So Were Battles a Failure?</h2>
<p>So, were battles actually a failure? No, not at all.</p>
<p>And I know what you're saying: "But Jonathan, you've spent a whole article highlighting their flaws."</p>
<p>And that's true. But this doesn't mean they were a failure.</p>
<p>In my opinion, first and foremost, we have to keep in mind they weren't designed with Commander in mind. As I discussed, their focus on 1v1 dynamics makes it pretty clear.</p>
<p>Additionally, they lack proper support and/or the ability to be tutored for. Commander is inconsistent by nature, considering the unusual dimensions of the library. For this reason, tutoring and redundancy are such an important part of the game. The introduction of a card type that doesn't fit within this logic is difficult to ignore as a signal.</p>
<p>(And yes, I'm not counting the allegedly existing "double-faced" theme in Commander. Mostly because it didn't get any support other than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tetzin, Gnome Champion" href="#" target="_blank">Tetzin, Gnome Champion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>).</p>
<p>In the end, battles, or more specifically Sieges, were a not-so-well-tuned experiment. The concept is interesting, as the dynamics these cards create are. But the whole idea lost its spark due to inefficiency and the lack of a true pull towards battles overall.</p>
<p>As discussed during the article, only one half is relevant for most of these cards. And if that half is the back side, then it's often not worth your efforts to get to it.</p>
<p>Take <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Zendikar" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Zendikar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as an example. It's undeniably a good card, with a powerful effect that shines in Commander. And yet, cEDH players still most likely prefer <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Finale of Devastation" href="#" target="_blank">Finale of Devastation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Green Sun&#039;s Zenith" href="#" target="_blank">Green Sun&#039;s Zenith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nature&#039;s Rhythm" href="#" target="_blank">Nature&#039;s Rhythm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> above it. That's because, although they are all creature tutors with an additional effect, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Zendikar" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Zendikar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s benefit is so niche and irrelevant that it'll hardly ever even be an option.</p>
<p>Even more so, in a casual environment, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Shandalar" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Shandalar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> showcases how requiring too much effort kills a card. Is the back side of this battle powerful? Absolutely. Is it difficult to achieve? Just as much. Is it worth it in the end? Not at all.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>In conclusion, rather than scrapping the idea as a total failure, I really hope for a "battles revamp" in the future. Reducing their costs and making both halves appealing (or synergic at the very least) could be a huge for future concepts. And who knows, the non-Siege battles could be <em>vastly</em> different from what we've seen so far.</p>
<p>One last thing before finishing the article: shoutout to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Gobakhan" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Gobakhan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the only battle I've ever personally bought. I paid 35€ (30-ish$) for a playset for my mono-white Humans deck in Pioneer; sleeved them three times at the very best; watched them plummet to 5€/playset.</p>
<p>Now it's on to you! What do you think of battles/Sieges? Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!</p>


Are Battles a Failed Magic Card Type?

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stock Up" href="#" target="_blank">Stock Up</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CIzzy%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Izzy</a></em></p>
<p>Oh, <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/dft" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Aetherdrift</em></a>. How do we begin to talk about you, even a full year after you've come out? Naturally, my first gut instinct is to answer with, "Not well."</p>
<p>But if there's anything good to come out of <em>Aetherdrift</em> beyond the lessons Wizards of the Coast has inevitably learned from this flop of a set, it could be this: This set was cheery, and that was vital following <em>Duskmourn</em>'s story. We recently covered <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/examining-duskmourn-house-of-horror-one-year-later" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Duskmourn</em></a> and <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/examining-magic-the-gathering-foundations-one-year-later" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Foundations</em></a> in this series, and now, it's time to put the pedal to the metal and... <em>I guess</em>... Explore this one.</p>
<p><em>Aetherdrift</em> came out on February 14th, 2025, to very critical reviews. This will remain an extremely common theme for this article, as you'll come to find. But what cards ended up as Commander must-haves? Let's explore the tracks of Avishkar, Amonkhet, and Muraganda, as we simultaneously traverse this proverbial Frankenstein's Monster of a set.</p>
<h2>General Notes for <em>Aetherdrift</em></h2>
<p>Going into this article, I will state right away that I was <em>not</em> a fan of the set from the moment its themes were revealed. I can understand the need to appeal to a wide range of players, as well as the fact that, according to <em>Magic</em> Head Designer Mark Rosewater, some sets may not be for me. But, this set does not seem to be for a <em>large</em> number of players, by similar outlooks on <em>Aetherdrift</em>.</p>
<p>Another "<a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/are-hat-sets-bad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hat set</a>" through and through, the set was rife with tropes that seemed more at home in a racing-style video game spinoff of <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> than a card game expansion proper. At risk of being too critical for my own comfort, I want to say that I <em>wanted</em> to like this set. Truly, I gave it the old college try to endear myself to it. But there's nothing I can say beyond a couple of the objective facts that can allow me to be warm to <em>Aetherdrift</em>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Boommobile|dft|310"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stall Out"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Road Rage"></div></div>
<p><em>Aetherdrift</em> was codenamed "Tennis," which in itself is kind of funny. I thought that there was a "Racing" codename and that <em>maybe</em> there was a chance that this set had it. Turns out that's not the case, according to the <a href="https://mtg.wiki/page/Aetherdrift" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MTG Wiki</a>.</p>
<p>The set makes heavy use of both Vehicles and Mounts in an effort to drive the point home (if you'll pardon the expression) about the set's racing themes. And believe me, there are a <em>lot</em> of racing themes.</p>
<h3>The Story Behind the Set</h3>
<p>Now that the Omenpaths are firmly open between a multitude of planes affected by the Phyrexian Invasion, interplanar commerce and competition have begun to proliferate. A council responsible for the Ghirapur Grand Prix, previously a solely Avishkari institution, decided to expand the Grand Prix to include tracks outside of their plane.</p>
<p>What's more, they will allow extraplanar teams to compete as well. The prize is an extraordinary artifact called <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Aetherspark" href="#" target="_blank">The Aetherspark</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a device that allows its wielder to planeswalk.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Aetherspark"></div></div>
<p>Needless to say, many teams entered this competition. All we saw of this were ten teams, each representing one dual-color combination. The teams were mostly comprised of representatives from other, unknown planes of existence. An unfortunate effect that this had on the set was that those teams were largely forgettable.</p>
<p>For the teams that came from established planes, such as Duskmourn or Avishkar, it had a different but no less frustrating side effect. Those teams were diluted in their original purposes, and the planes involved were tarnished by this set.</p>
<h3>Why We Were Supposed To Care</h3>
<p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://mtg.wiki/page/Chandra_Nalaar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chandra Nalaar</a>, one of the lucky few Planeswalkers who retained her spark following the aftermath of the Phyrexian Invasion, entered the race to attempt to win the Aetherspark for her established girlfriend, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nissa Revane" href="#" target="_blank">Nissa Revane</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Nissa was desparked as a result of whatever simultaneously opened the Omenpaths. Therefore, beyond traversing them manually, her lack of a Planeswalker spark caused a bit of resentment.</p>
<p>This was meant to be the long-enfranchised players' means of investing our care into <em>Aetherdrift</em>. Again, this was diluted by the way the set presented itself. There's so little in the way of actual story beats anywhere except for within the literature provided on <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/magic-story/aetherdrift-episode-1-the-dashing-and-the-desperate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DailyMTG</a>.</p>
<p>...Okay, I <em>will</em> admit that the story, as written, was actually superbly fleshed out and made people care more. Players ought to read it, at least to show the disparity between card design and world design. But at the end of the day, the key takeaway was that players who cared about the cards really didn't care for the major theme.</p>
<p>Players did, however, really like the glimpses of Amonkhet and Muraganda in the time since the Phyrexian Invasion. And also, in the case of Amonkhet, the time since the passing of the destructive Hours perpetuated by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nicol Bolas, God-Pharaoh" href="#" target="_blank">Nicol Bolas, God-Pharaoh</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>I won't spoil who wins, but then again, the cards did that before the story could conclude. I recommend reading the story in full if you want to know more. In the end, this is probably the best thing to come out of <em>Aetherdrift</em>.</p>
<h2>Backing Up the Claims Above</h2>
<p>In Mark Rosewater's 2025 <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/state-of-design-2025?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State of Design</a> article, he states the reasoning for the disdain towards <em>Aetherdrift</em>. In essence, it backs up my claims made above. To spare you an additional necessary click, I'll input Rosewater's analysis below:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Players preferred more emphasis on the planes and less on the race.</strong><br />
Players liked seeing the three planes. In fact, the biggest complaint regarding the creative was that not enough time was spent focused on the planes themselves. So much of the set was focused on the race, and the majority of players seemed far less interested in the race than getting a chance to explore Avishkar, Amonkhet, and Muraganda.</p>
<p><strong>Having three planes and ten racing teams, many from other settings, spread things too thin.</strong><br />
This issue was made worse by the fact that so many cards were focused on the racers, many of which were from brand-new settings. Three planes in one set was already stretching things a bit thin, so the addition of all the racing teams muddied things even more. Most players who commented on the race teams wished that we just had race teams from the three planes we were visiting. Others said that if they had to be from other planes than the ones in the race, they should be from places we already knew, so there was less worldbuilding that had to go on in the creative elements of those cards.</p>
<p><strong>The racing theme in general wasn't well received.</strong><br />
<i>Aetherdrift</i> played into a lot of the criticisms of last year's sets where the set seemed more about focusing on specific tropes than bringing a world to life. While <i>Duskmourn: House of Horror</i> had some complaints about the survivors and some individual card concepts, the general sense was that the plane still had a lot of space to shine. <i>Aetherdrift </i>was mostly about a race that not enough players cared about. There were a number of players, though, that enjoyed seeing Chandra and Nissa's story get more focus.</p>
<p><strong>The set was a bit on the weak side and didn't offer a lot for constructed.</strong><br />
The other big problem with<i> Aetherdrift</i> was the major themes of the set didn't "land" in Constructed formats. The fault for this wasn't set design or play design but rather vision design. We were trying something new. Vehicles were always a support mechanic, and we tried making it a focus for a set. It turns out there's a reason certain themes work better as support. Start your engines! was also us pushing into new space, one that didn't really end up working out for constructed. I'm not sorry we tried, as part of design's job is to push into new areas and attempt things we haven't tried before. But not everything will work out and <i>Aetherdrift</i> ended up being, in my mind, a noble, but failed, experiment.</p></blockquote>
<p>Honestly, I couldn't agree more with these assessments. As of right now, the only card I can think of that is being utilized in Constructed (outside of Commander) is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stock Up" href="#" target="_blank">Stock Up</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is why its art is used as this article's featured image.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stock Up"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ketramose, the New Dawn"></div></div>
<p>Beyond Stock Up, however, pickings are bleakly slim within this set. Sure, some players were using <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ketramose, the New Dawn" href="#" target="_blank">Ketramose, the New Dawn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in a few places, but even that's tenuous. The set really was <em>that</em> catastrophically bad. Imagine <em>Homelands</em> but without more than two usable main set cards. That's <em>Aetherdrift</em> in a nutshell, but it's even worse here due to the <a href="https://mtg.wiki/page/As-fan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as-fan</a> factors of the set itself.</p>
<h2>Top Commanders of <em>Aetherdrift</em></h2>
<p>Even with its utterly abysmal levels of overall unplayability, this set had some legendary creatures that were, at least at the time, worth building around in Commander. As I normally do with the articles in this series, I will do my best to detail these commanders and the numbers they have done in the course of a year:</p>
<ul>
<li>The #3 most played commander in the main <em>Aetherdrift</em> set is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ketramose, the New Dawn" href="#" target="_blank">Ketramose, the New Dawn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. As mentioned above, Ketramose is played a bit elsewhere. But as far as Commander goes, he ranks #242 in overall popularity with 8,150 decks at his command.</li>
<li>#2 is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain Howler, Sea Scourge" href="#" target="_blank">Captain Howler, Sea Scourge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a commander hailing from another planar location entirely. With 8,951 decks at his disposal, Captain Howler ranks at #205 in popularity on EDHREC.</li>
<li>The most popular commander from the main set is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mendicant Core, Guidelight" href="#" target="_blank">Mendicant Core, Guidelight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a commander hailing from the Edge, as it were. Mendicant Core has considerably more decks in EDHREC's databases, with 12,490 handy. This puts the Guidelight at #120 in terms of popularity. This isn't a small number by any means, but it does mean that the main set completely falls short of having anything in <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the top 100 most popular commanders</a>.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mendicant Core, Guidelight"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Captain Howler, Sea Scourge"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ketramose, the New Dawn"></div></div>
<p>Speaking of popular commanders from this setting, the Commander precons for <em>Aetherdrift</em> did manage to yield one super-popular option in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hashaton, Scarab&#039;s Fist" href="#" target="_blank">Hashaton, Scarab&#039;s Fist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/esper-renaissance-a-major-glow-up-in-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In a recent article</a>, I spoke at length about how this Esper (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-b" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) standout helped propel its color identity over the course of 2025.</p>
<p>At this time, Hashaton ranks #35 with 20,702 decks in his present arsenal. Hashaton is actually a really fun commander, even if he has absolutely nothing to do with burning rubber over asphalt.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hashaton, Scarab&#039;s Fist"></div></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p><em>Aetherdrift</em> was, by and large, an abject disaster of a set. I expect that this was when Wizards of the Coast absolutely had to take full notice of the vitriol towards "hat sets" and then take action. While the story was honestly quite neat and the precons had some merit, there's little that can be said for the main set itself.</p>
<p>Hopefully Wizards can walk their talk about learning lessons from this set.</p>
<p>Now, I'd like to hear from all of you. I don't want to speak too much to the negative of this set, so if you think there's anything particularly good about <em>Aetherdrift</em> that I may have missed, I'd love to hear you sound off in the comments below! Have at it, dear readers!</p>


Examining Aetherdrift, One Year Later

<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Key art from Foundations | Image credit: Wizards of the Coast</em></p>
<p>Wizards of the Coast makes many changes to <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> with each set release. Amid that chaos, it's great that they've decided to keep one particular set in print (and in the Standard rotation) through 2029. Today, we're examining <em>Magic: The Gathering: </em><em>Foundations</em>, the <em>Magic</em> core set to outdo all other core set expansions that have come before it.</p>
<p><em>Magic: The Gathering: Foundations</em> came out on November 15th, 2024, to great commercial acclaim. This article seeks to explore a few different aspects of the <em>Foundations</em> paradigm shift:</p>
<ul>
<li>What made the set so iconic?</li>
<li>What changes did it bring to <em>Magic</em>?</li>
<li>How did players handle the changes?</li>
</ul>
<p>Now, it's important to note that <em>Foundations</em> is legal in Standard until 2029. Therefore, the changes it's brought are still active today in more metagames than normal. So in a sense, players are <em>still</em> handling those changes. With that in mind, let's discuss!</p>
<h2><em>Foundations</em>: A Gold Standard Core Set</h2>
<p>When <em>Foundations</em> came out, players clamored to purchase it. This is in stark contrast to most any core set from <em>Magic</em>'s extensive history, save perhaps for <em>Alpha</em>, <em>Beta</em>, or <em>Unlimited</em>. Stores sold out of the product quite fast.</p>
<p>Why is this? Well, some of it has to do with the return of the concept of core products. Players often have bemoaned the complexity creep of <em>Magic</em>. A core set often keeps sets around it from warping formats far too much for people's liking. But in 2021, after <em>Core Set 2021</em>, Wizards of the Coast stopped printing core products. It turns out the next three years would cause the craving for a little more simplicity to be heightened. So when <em>Foundations</em> was announced, players celebrated.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bloodthirsty Conqueror"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Doubling Season"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Twinflame Tyrant"></div></div>
<p>Furthermore, <em>Foundations</em> showcases the aesthetic core of exactly what <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> is (or, in a sense, <em>was</em>) supposed to be. It was high fantasy, but it was also everything that we have come to know the game's story to contain. It even featured five Planeswalker characters to tie everything back into <em>Magic</em>'s original properties. This was a crucial move amid the downsizing of planeswalker cards in sets.</p>
<p>Even more importantly than the aesthetics to many players, the set contained a ton of really high-value cards. We can't stress enough how important it was to see a card like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bloodthirsty Conqueror" href="#" target="_blank">Bloodthirsty Conqueror</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Twinflame Tyrant" href="#" target="_blank">Twinflame Tyrant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in packs. These cards are now iconic to the game as a whole because of their initial inclusion here. Furthermore, reprints like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Doubling Season" href="#" target="_blank">Doubling Season</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> certainly helped the set along.</p>
<p>All of these factors, from the previous deprivation of core sets to the aesthetics and mechanics of what came after, make <em>Foundations</em> more than just the best core set, but one of the best sets out today.</p>
<h2><em>Foundations</em> Changed How We Think About the Game</h2>
<p>When <em>Foundations</em> came out, a few key changes came with it that altered <em>Magic</em> just slightly enough to bypass some players' registry.</p>
<p>For one, the templating on cards changed a little bit to include the "this [object]" text, with this text replacing the card's name. This was mainly just done to free up space in the text boxes of cards, which have often been seen as too cluttered by complexity creep. After all, <em>Magic</em> was, and still is, the most complex tabletop game in the world, according to those in the know.</p>
<p>Additionally, enchantments now use the frame popularized by the original <em>Theros</em> block for its enchantment creatures. The reasoning cited by Wizards of the Coast includes the need to make enchantments look more unique, like how artifacts are and generally always have been. This is an intuitive change and a noticeable one at that.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Homunculus Horde"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Valkyrie&#039;s Call"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Baton of Morale"></div></div>
<p>Finally, a mechanical change to the game: <em>Foundations</em> moved the assignment of combat damage to the combat damage step. In addition, Wizards made it so that any amount of damage dealt could be assigned to the appropriate blockers. This is a subtle change and one that puts a modicum more value on attacking creatures. It also simplifies combat a ton for newer players. Plus, it actually gives all nine players who still like banding something to mull over!</p>
<p>All in all, players appreciated these changes to the game. Though they were mostly cosmetic changes or ones that assist design in the future, these changes were welcomed by the playerbase.</p>
<h2><em>Magic</em>'s Beginner Box: A New Product for New Players</h2>
<p>The Beginner box from <em>Magic: The Gathering: Foundations</em> was another important tool for <em>Foundations</em>' overwhelming success as a set. It was a product designed to teach the game to new players. In this way, it allowed <em>Foundations</em> to appeal to a newer, less-enfranchised set of players and prospective players.</p>
<p>When I covered New York Comic Con 2024, Wizards of the Coast formally invited me to Hasbro's Manhattan offices to look over the <em>Foundations</em> Beginner Box. <a href="https://commandersherald.com/commanders-herald-hits-the-big-apple-for-new-york-comic-con/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I covered this experience back then on Commander's Herald</a>, and the memory of that meeting still sticks with me as a high point of that trip. Honestly, what an absolute thrill that experience was!</p>
<p>But, being the enfranchised player that I was and still am, Wizards felt it unnecessary to run through a demo game with me, which, due to the crunch of time, I completely understand. Still, I got hold of a copy after the set was officially released and found it to be a great teaching tool.</p>
<h2>The Starter Collection: A Masterful Way to Begin</h2>
<p>Another extremely helpful tool in making <em>Foundations</em> popular was the Starter Collection. This bundle-adjacent product contained several packs, as well as all the staple cards you might want from the set to help build decks. This also included multiple reasonably powerful rares and mythics.</p>
<p>In addition, this product included a clickwheel life counter and a deckbuilder's guide for newer players.</p>
<p>Overall, this product seemed <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">more popular than others in the <em>Foundations</em> </span>line. Seldom do I see it on shelves even today, and even when I see other products from this core set on shelves. This seems like a hallmark of a successful product!</p>
<h2><em>Foundations Jumpstart</em>: A Return to Wondrous Form</h2>
<p>The last sealed product I'll discuss in this retrospective is the <em>Foundations Jumpstart</em> set. This supplemental product wasn't legal in Standard, but it was sure as all heck popular! It was a return to form for the <em>Jumpstart</em> concept, but with many years of Wizards of the Coast's lessons learned about how to make that kind of set work.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Taeko, the Patient Avalanche"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rev, Tithe Extractor"></div></div>
<p>New cards like <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/building-ninja-typal-with-taeko-the-patient-avalanche" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Taeko, the Patient Avalanche</a> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rev, Tithe Extractor" href="#" target="_blank">Rev, Tithe Extractor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> freshened up the <em>Jumpstart</em> format, while a whole slew of reprints piqued many players' interest and kept their engagement. Anime treatments abounded with this supplemental expansion to <em>Foundations</em>. This likely helped the case of local game stores keeping the set on shelves.</p>
<p>All in all, <em>Foundations Jumpstart</em> was an amazing <em>Magic</em> product.</p>
<h2>Popular <em>Foundations</em> Cards</h2>
<p>With that, it's time we examine the most popular legendary creature cards in <em>Magic: The Gathering: Foundations</em>! In this analysis, we are only going to look at the core set, and <em>not Foundations Jumpstart</em>. Otherwise, this would take a <em>while</em>, since it'd be like we were covering two sets at once. Let's begin!</p>
<p>The three most popular new commander-eligible cards in <em>Foundations</em> are currently:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Loot, Exuberant Explorer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tinybones, Bauble Burglar"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Niv-Mizzet, Visionary"></div></div>
<ul>
<li>At #3 we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Loot, Exuberant Explorer" href="#" target="_blank">Loot, Exuberant Explorer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. At the time of writing, Loot pilots 3,928 decks, putting him at a ranking of #553 overall. It doesn't feel like Loot is doing too much for Commander until you take into account his utility in the 99 of decks, paired with the notion that 553rd is actually a high ranking amongst legendary creatures in all of <em>Magic</em>.</li>
<li>Clocking at #2 is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Niv-Mizzet, Visionary" href="#" target="_blank">Niv-Mizzet, Visionary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The Firemind and newest Living Guildpact of Ravnica has a ton of usage in Commander, namely as a member of the 99. However, this Niv-Mizzet is also a synergistic counterpart to his original card, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind" href="#" target="_blank">Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as well as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Niv-Mizzet, Parun" href="#" target="_blank">Niv-Mizzet, Parun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. These other two iterations of the character combo off with Visionary to great effect. As a result, this card commanders 5,972 decks and is ranked at #350 overall.</li>
<li>Finally, the most popular commander from <em>Foundations</em> proper is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tinybones, Bauble Burglar" href="#" target="_blank">Tinybones, Bauble Burglar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Tinybones is an interesting case in this instance. He only commands 6,080 decks and is therefore ranked only seven ranks up from Niv-Mizzet, Visionary at #343. This said, he actually ranks highest overall amongst his iterations, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tinybones, Trinket Thief" href="#" target="_blank">Tinybones, Trinket Thief</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tinybones, the Pickpocket" href="#" target="_blank">Tinybones, the Pickpocket</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The reason actually eludes me, especially given that Trinket Thief is a much older card and both it and Pickpocket are more interesting cards. Nevertheless, the ranking of #343 overall makes Tinybones, Bauble Burglar the most popular <em>Foundations</em> commander in the format.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>There were no Commander decks released for <em>Foundations</em>, despite the mass of exciting legendary creatures in the set. This may be the one thing that the set truly lacked. It would've been a truly great place to release more Starter Commander Deck products.</p>
<p>Even so, <em>Magic: The Gathering: Foundations</em> was a stellar product release. Paired with its handling of starter-friendly products and the delicate <em>Jumpstart</em> subset development, many <em>Magic</em> players will agree that <em>Foundations</em> is most definitely the best <em>Magic</em> core set since 1993.</p>
<p>With that, let's open the floor to you, dear readers! How do you feel about <em>Magic: The Gathering: Foundations</em>? Did you like how Wizards of the Coast handled the set? What was your favorite product tied to it? Furthermore, how do you feel about it being in print until 2029? Sound off in the comments below!</p>
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Examining Magic: The Gathering: Foundations, One Year Later

Ravnica: City of Guilds, 20 Years Later

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Valgavoth, Terror Eater" href="#" target="_blank">Valgavoth, Terror Eater</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Illustrated by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/ajmanzanedo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Antonio José Manzanedo</a></em></p>
<p>Welcome to the next installment in our series examining <em>Magic</em> sets and their impact one year later! <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/examining-bloomburrow-one-year-later" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Last time we </a><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/examining-bloomburrow-one-year-later">examined <em>Bloomburrow</em></a> and the cozy woodland vibes it</span> brought to the gaming table. Today, we're taking a much darker turn with <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/dsk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Duskmourn: House of Horror</em></a>!</p>
<p><em>Duskmourn</em> came out one year ago (at the time of writing), on September 27th, 2024. The set has had the lion's share of criticism and wasn't as well-received as <em>Bloomburrow</em> for those critical reasons. Nonetheless, the set's lore had a fantastic plot that engaged players in a huge way, as well as mechanics that really tied the set together under its horror flavor.</p>
<p>What were the criticisms, and what made <em>Duskmourn</em> shine despite them? Come with us as we delve into the fear factory that was The House!</p>
<h2>General Notes on <em>Duskmourn: House of Horror</em></h2>
<p>We got our first major look at the set <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/first-look-at-duskmourn-house-of-horror" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on June 28th</a>. The set contained various house-horror tropes that hearkened back to pop-cultural horror across the history of the genre. The set takes tropes from a lot of literary horror as well. Stories like the Japanese author Uketsu's <em>Strange Houses</em> or Mark Z. Danielewski's <em>House of Leaves</em> all surely left their mark on this set.</p>
<p>Of these tropes, though, the films of the 1980s were most prevalent and were the focal point of much of the art and flavor of the set. You'd see ideas from <em>A Nightmare on Elm Street</em> (1984), <em>Halloween</em> (1978), or even <em>Skinamarink</em> (2022) in this set. Any nightmarish being you can think of from all manner of horror or slasher film could feasibly make an appearance in <em>Duskmourn</em>.</p>
<p>For many, however, this was a bit of an issue, but it wasn't necessarily the horror's fault.</p>
<p>According to <em>Magic</em> Head Designer Mark Rosewater's <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/state-of-design-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State of Design 2025</a> article, there were a few issues with <em>Duskmourn</em> alongside some great praise. The article explores the good and less-good aspects of the reception of <em>Magic</em>'s designs from the previous year. So, when it came to the Duskmourn setting, Rosewater mentioned that players had issues with what he calls "mundane modernity." To quote Rosewater's analysis within that article:</p>
<blockquote><p>Some things <i>Duskmourn: House of Horror</i> did for the first time bothered players, like having characters wearing and using things that we actually use: things like sneakers, or jeans, or a baseball bat. Part of fantasy is the idea that you're coming to a world that is fundamentally different than your own. Fantasy wants to be inspirational, and seeing everyday objects which are a part of all of our daily lives deflates that.</p></blockquote>
<h3>A Contrast From <em>Bloomburrow</em> Showcases What Makes <em>Magic</em> Special</h3>
<p>And now, I'd like to bring in a slight sidebar. Something I've noticed about sets like <em>Bloomburrow</em> is their propensity to release just before or after a very dark set, such as <em>Duskmourn</em>. <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> has done this a few times as a "palate cleanser." We saw it with the <em>Lorwyn</em> block on the heels of <em>Time Spiral</em> Block, which was extremely dark. We saw it with <em>Kaladesh</em>, with the lighter, brighter themes following <em>Shadows over Innistrad</em> and <em>Eldritch Moon</em>'s sharp morbidity and cosmic grotesquery.</p>
<p>And we saw it most recently last year with <em>Bloomburrow</em> releasing before <em>Duskmourn: House of Horror</em>.</p>
<p>According to Rosewater's analysis, this brand of dichotomic planar juxtaposition is something that, from a flavor perspective, makes <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> so special. <em>Wizards of the Coast</em> is capable of showcasing great darkness and lightheartedness in equal measure over a short span. The way that the company can manage to do this is a major boon to the <em>Magic</em> cosmology, from a lore standpoint, and to the brand as a whole.</p>
<p>This phenomenon keeps players highly engaged and interested for a while longer than they would if it were thematically the same throughout its expansion sets. In turn, the game continues through the revenue players put into it out of their interest in the themes.</p>
<h3>On the "Modern Mundanity" Issue</h3>
<p>Of note, based on some information that I've read recently, to use Rosewater's coined term, "modern mundanity" is still a problem for players. This year, we've had multiple <em>Universes Beyond</em> sets release, the most recent being <em>Marvel's Spider-Man</em>.</p>
<p><em>Spider-Man</em>'s reception at this time is not stellar. One Reddit thread stated that for their store, the set's Prerelease had the worst attendance they had in recent years, beating out <em>Murders at Karlov Manor</em>.</p>
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:316px" ><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/1nm5qt3/spiderman_was_our_lowest_prerelease_attendance/">Spider-Man was our lowest Pre-Release attendance ever</a><br /> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Any-Conversation1401/">u/Any-Conversation1401</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/">magicTCG</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script></p>
<p>By contrast, <em>Final Fantasy</em> sold even better than <em>Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth</em> before the Square Enix collaboration even came out. I'd posit that this stark contrast isn't just about <em>Universes Beyond</em>, as players seem to say and believe. Rather, it's also largely about the lesson that <em>Magic</em> still hasn't quite learned from <em>Duskmourn: House of Horror</em>.</p>
<p>Modern mundanity is something that players see as having no place in <em>Magic</em>. Believe it or not, fantasy sells a game rooted in the fantasy genre. Even the science fiction sets do pretty well, looking at <em>Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty</em> and even <em>Edge of Eternities</em>. It's when <em>Magic</em> drops a certain amount of fantastical escapism that it begins to suffer somewhat.</p>
<p>Getting back to <em>Duskmourn</em>, people complained a ton about the '80s-chic high school-grade outfits that so many background characters had. It was in huge contrast to the key players in the story: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kaito, Bane of Nightmares" href="#" target="_blank">Kaito</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, The <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Wandering Rescuer" href="#" target="_blank">Wanderer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tyvar, the Pummeler" href="#" target="_blank">Tyvar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Niko, Light of Hope" href="#" target="_blank">Niko</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zimone, All-Questioning" href="#" target="_blank">Zimone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Wandering Rescuer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kaito, Bane of Nightmares"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tyvar, the Pummeler"></div></div>
<h3>Ah, Some Light in the Dark... *Click* Maybe Turn That Off Again?</h3>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Valgavoth, Terror Eater" href="#" target="_blank">Valgavoth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, oh <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Valgavoth, Harrower of Souls" href="#" target="_blank">Valgavoth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Let's take a moment to discuss this insanely terrifying Elder Demon.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Valgavoth, Terror Eater"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Valgavoth, Harrower of Souls"></div></div>
<p>His presence in the <em>Duskmourn</em> story made it so much better than many would expect. Uncharacteristically for the majority of other <em>Magic</em> stories, Valgavoth's presence was horrific because he was everywhere and nowhere all at once. We hardly saw much of this monstrous character until the end of the story, but his existence as not just in The House but <em>as The House itself</em> was felt.</p>
<p>Valgavoth is <em>Duskmourn</em>, and <em>Duskmourn</em> is Valgavoth. This was so important when looking at the storyline beats. It simply bears mention, because to neglect Valgavoth is to feed the dread he inspires.</p>
<h2>EDHREC Statistics</h2>
<p>So, this article also merits some stats. Here are the top five commanders from <em>Duskmourn: House of Horror</em>, as well as the top five commanders from its Commander decks.</p>
<h3>Top Five <em>Duskmourn: House of Horror</em> Main Set Commanders</h3>
<p>At #5, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kona, Rescue Beastie" href="#" target="_blank">Kona, Rescue Beastie</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Kona is a mono-green creature with a strong ability that, at least when the set was spoiled, I didn't have much faith in. Nonetheless, <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/kona-rescue-beastie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kona currently ranks at #254 on the site</a> with 7,060 decks at the time of writing.</p>
<p>For #4, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Mindskinner" href="#" target="_blank">The Mindskinner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This mono-blue enchantment creature is a dedicated Mill commander by all respects. And it's still surprising to me that the card is so popular as a commander, especially considering its archetype. With <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/the-mindskinner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8,014 decks on EDHREC</a>, The Mindskinner ranks at #202 on the site, just shy of the Top 200.</p>
<p>#3 on this list is a dear favorite of mine: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Jolly Balloon Man" href="#" target="_blank">The Jolly Balloon Man</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I wrote a deck tech on The Jolly Balloon Man very early on in my time with <a href="https://commandersherald.com/the-jolly-balloon-man-a-commander-deck-tech/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commander's Herald</a>, which at the time was one of our sibling sites. So, you can understand why this creep was one of my personal faves.</p>
<p>And I suppose the idea stuck well, because he currently boasts a formidable <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/the-jolly-balloon-man" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8,177 decks on EDHREC, ranking at #194</a> among the most popular commanders on the site.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kona, Rescue Beastie"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Jolly Balloon Man"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Mindskinner"></div></div>
<p>#2 is the very person who made the mistake of releasing Valgavoth into The House: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Marina Vendrell" href="#" target="_blank">Marina Vendrell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Marina is a commander who deals with one of the set's most memorable gimmicks: Rooms. In essence, Marina can do a lot to make this concept work exceptionally well.</p>
<p>And while I'm the only person I know who has a Jolly Balloon Man deck, I've faced quite a few Marina Vendrell builds. She ranks at <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/marina-vendrell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#146 on EDHREC with 9,819 decks built</a>. Frankly, I can't wait till she breaks 10k!</p>
<p>And finally, at #1 for main set commanders in <em>Duskmourn</em>, we have a pint-sized powerhouse that I <em>never</em> expected to see on the top ten, let alone at #1. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arabella, Abandoned Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Arabella, Abandoned Doll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a truly strong herald of the meek. As an uncommon card and one that's deceptive in its power, I was surprised to see Arabella on this list at all. But lo and behold, <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/marina-vendrell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arabella has 13,967 decks on EDHREC</a> at the time of writing, and is ranked well within the top 100 most popular commanders on the site at a mighty #76.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Marina Vendrell"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arabella, Abandoned Doll"></div></div>
<h3>Top Five Commanders From the <em>Duskmourn</em> Precons</h3>
<p>The top five most popular commanders from the precons of this set are as follows:</p>
<p>#5 on this list is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Master of Keys" href="#" target="_blank">The Master of Keys</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a commander whose deck I've faced maybe all of one time. This release was just full of surprises, huh? The Master of Keys is used primarily as an enchantment-centric control commander. With <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/the-master-of-keys" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5,734 decks and a ranking of #346 on EDHREC</a>, The Master of Keys doesn't have a ton of popularity, but it can still hold its own against a lot of other legendary creatures on the list.</p>
<p>On the list at #4 is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rendmaw, Creaking Nest" href="#" target="_blank">Rendmaw, Creaking Nest</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Rendmaw is a commander whose deck I've faced a handful of times and had a great, really fun match every time. This Scarecrow facilitates a fair few huggy, political builds which is <em>interesting</em> for its black-green color identity. Rendmaw boasts <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/rendmaw-creaking-nest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8,221 decks on EDHREC and is ranked at #192</a> on here.</p>
<p>#3 on our list is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zimone, Mystery Unraveler" href="#" target="_blank">Zimone, Mystery Unraveler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Perhaps made popular by initial games among the four <em>Duskmourn</em> precons, Zimone dominated many tables using that exact table setup.</p>
<p>One particular game I enjoyed where Zimone had a great showing was one where Ify Nwadiwe of Dropout and Smosh fame piloted her on Commander At Home. You can find that video below. All the other preconstructed decks from the set also showcase their assets amazingly in it as well:</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Commander at Home #44 - Duskmourn Commander Deck Preview with Ify Nwadiwe and Ashlen Rose" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eQY54Y0ftt4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Zimone, Mystery Unraveler has a fantastic ranking of <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/zimone-mystery-unraveler" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#127 on EDHREC, with 10,550 decks</a> at the time of writing.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Master of Keys"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zimone, Mystery Unraveler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rendmaw, Creaking Nest"></div></div>
<p>At #2 on this list is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aminatou, Veil Piercer" href="#" target="_blank">Aminatou, Veil Piercer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. A dedicated Enchantress commander, the designers of her preconstructed deck leaned heavily into the miracle route. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aminatou, the Fateshifter" href="#" target="_blank">Aminatou, the Fateshifter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was popular enough in <em>Commander 2018</em> that it must have rubbed off onto the design here.</p>
<p>Due to powerful synergies and a great toolkit in the form of her precon, Aminatou, Veil Piercer <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/aminatou-veil-piercer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ranks at #96 with 12,270 decks on EDHREC</a> right now.</p>
<p>And finally, the #1 most popular commander from the <em>Duskmourn</em> precons is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Valgavoth, Harrower of Souls" href="#" target="_blank">Valgavoth, Harrower of Souls</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The House may not <em>always</em> win, but it wins a <em>lot</em>. That obviously includes here in the rankings. Valgavoth is the commander of a Group Slug-style build most of the time, hurting opponents where it hurts them the most, and sometimes in equal or equitable measure.</p>
<p>Valgavoth has even infiltrated the Top 50! With <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/valgavoth-harrower-of-souls" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a rank of #38 and 18,152 decks databased on EDHREC</a>, he's one of the fiercest and most formidable commanders of this day and age.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aminatou, Veil Piercer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Valgavoth, Harrower of Souls"></div></div>
<h2>Conclusion, and an Open Call for Opinions</h2>
<p>I liked <em>Duskmourn</em> a whole lot more than I did <em>Bloomburrow</em>. I will admit openly that I can be edgy in my interests, but there's definitely a limit. I'm a huge fan of horror in theory, but, perhaps oddly, not in practice. I used to be a haunt actor and designer years ago, and that is maybe the big exception for me, but I can't stomach some horror styles. But haunted houses are my bread and butter, so <em>Duskmourn</em> was too, in essence.</p>
<p>But let's hear from some of you, dear readers! What did you think about <em>Duskmourn: House of Horror</em> a year ago, and has that opinion changed? Do you like it more than you did before? Do you like it less? How has this set aged for you? Sound off in the comments below!</p>
