Since the release of Edge of Eternities, a handful of cards have had a big impact in Pauper. Cryogen Relic was obviously a standout immediately after it was spoiled. Meanwhile, Illvoi Galeblade has proven to be a solid upgrade for mono-blue Faeries.
One card that hasn’t received much discussion, though, is Melded Moxite. Despite the lack of hype, Melded Moxite fits into multiple archetypes. Following a top-eight Magic Online Pauper Challenge finish, it’s high time this card got the recognition it deserves.
Melded Moxite in Boros Skyfisher
On the surface, Melded Moxite may not seem like anything special. A Tormenting Voice with an extra clunky activated ability isn’t anything to write home about. Once you factor in the fact that Melded Moxite is an artifact, however, it becomes significantly more intriguing.
This is, in part, due to its synergy with Glint Hawk and Kor Skyfisher. These incredible tools allow you to continue to generate value by bouncing Moxite and replaying it. While you’ll typically see Experimental Synthesizer play a similar role, this build abuses Moxite as a discard outlet for Sneaky Snacker.
Sneaky Snacker has become a format staple. By resolving Moxite, you get to discard Sneaky Snacker, then bring it back in the same turn after drawing two extra cards. If Sneaky Snacker ever dies, bouncing and replaying Moxite makes it trivial to resurrect Sneaky Snacker on command.
As an artifact, Moxite has the upside of enabling Galvanic Blast with some help. You can always sacrifice it to Makeshift Munitions when necessary, and in grindy games, making a 2/2 artifact creature token with your excess mana is no joke. Add up all of these benefits, and you’ve got a pretty strong trinket.
Melded Moxite in Mono Red Burn
Beyond Moxite’s appeal in the Boros Skyfisher shell, the artifact has also made a name for itself in mono-red burn. Since the banning of Kuldotha Rebirth, burn decks have been forced to evolve. Many players have moved away from the classic Goblin Bushwhacker builds in favor of a grindier option with Sneaky Snacker. Unsurprisingly, Moxite is a perfect fit here.
Sneaky Snacker burn decks are already interested in two-mana effects that let you discard a card and draw two cards. Grab the Prize is your best option, since it doubles as a burn spell. Otherwise, your options are pretty open. Highway Robbery and Demand Answers each have their upsides, but many players are incorporating a playset of Moxite as their second choice.
Once again, being an artifact for the purposes of playing Galvanic Blast is a huge deal. After Chain Lightning and Lightning Bolt, your burn spell options drop off hard if you can’t support Galvanic Blast. The token you create by sacrificing Moxite is an artifact, too, which only heightens Moxite’s appeal.
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