MTG Avatar is quickly proving to be one of the most impactful sets for Constructed play in recent memory. While it isn’t too surprising that a multitude of new cards would make a splash in Standard, the fact that a bunch of cards are making waves in Eternal formats is what really makes the set special.
While some of these tools, such as Badgermole Cub and Wan Shi Tong, Librarian, received a ton of hype during spoiler season, we’re seeing more than just these flashy mythics pop up in the competitive scene. Tempo, midrange, and combo shells alike in Legacy have all received cool additions that are worthy of recognition.
Storm of Memories
One of the sweetest build-arounds from MTG Avatar, Storm of Memories, might be from the Jumpstart product, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t powerful. Storm has proven to be one of the most broken mechanics in Magic’s history, and in a format like Legacy, where players can exploit powerful rituals, Storm of Memories has a lot of appeal.
Right out of the gates, this sorcery is showing up in Legacy Ruby Storm decklists as a strong replacement for Past in Flames. Legacy Ruby Storm shares a lot in common with the Modern version of the deck, just with better mana acceleration and access to Burning Wish. With Wrenn’s Resolve, Reckless Impulse, and Jeska’s Will in the mix, alongside your wealth of Rituals, building up your Storm count after landing one of your cost reducers like Ruby Medallion is trivial. Since all of these spells cost three or less mana, you don’t need to go out of your way to incorporate Storm of Memories.
What makes Storm of Memories such a strong piece of top-end is that, because it has Storm itself, it isn’t vulnerable to opposing pieces of counter magic the way Past in Flames can be. On top of that, Storm of Memories doesn’t require you to pay mana to cast the cards from your graveyard, which only makes it easier to net a bunch of extra mana from your rituals. Having access to a reliable and resilient finisher goes a long way in helping this style of deck find more success in Legacy moving forward.
Meteor Sword
On rate, Meteor Sword is far from a strong design. Seven mana is way too much to pay for this kind of effect, especially when you factor in the expensive equip cost. Yet, in the context of Legacy, Meteor Sword makes for the perfect one-of in Azorius Stoneblade thanks to the presence of Stoneforge Mystic.
As long as you’re able to protect Stoneforge Mystic with Daze and Force of Will, you’ll have no problem bypassing this equipment’s massive casting cost. Once you add Phelia, Exuberant Shepherd into the mix, you’ll soon be able to start blowing up all of your opponent’s permanents one by one. Notably, Meteor Sword can hit lands, so your opponent has a small window to answer this engine before being sent back to the Stone Age.
Beyond Azorius Stoneblade, Orzhov Phelia shells also make for a good home for Meteor Sword. While these decks have a bit of a harder time protecting Stoneforge Mystic from opposing removal spells, the upside of getting to blink the equipment with Flickerwisp or Yorion, Sky Nomad makes it a great inclusion.
Aang, Swift Savior
Aang, Swift Savior is another card that plays well in Azorius Phelia shells due to its versatile enters trigger. As a tempo play, Aang is a perfectly serviceable three-drop that can delay a powerful play from the opponent. There’s no better feeling than tagging a big token with Aang, such as Marit Lage or the Germ token that Kaldra Compleat produces.
On top of that, though, Ang is a decent value-generating option that lets you blink out your own threats to recast. With this in mind, Evoking Solitude or Warping Quantum Riddler, then Airbending the potent five-drop so you can replay it at a discount, is a strong line of play. At the end of the day, Aang may prove to be a bit below the bar for Legacy, but it’s worth consideration at the very least.
Ba Sing Se
Ba Sing Se is yet another powerful one-of tutor option, but this time it’s at its best in Lands decks. Part of the appeal of playing Lands is that you have an elite late game. Life from the Loam and Wasteland gives you inevitability, especially when you have Exploration on the battlefield. Meanwhile, the combination of Wasteland and Ba Sing Se provides a similar method of locking your opponent out of playing their spells.
With enough mana at your disposal, you can activate Ba Sing Se and Earthbend onto Wasteland. From there, sacrificing Wasteland will trigger its return to the battlefield, and you can repeat this play pattern every turn. Throw in Ghost Quarter as a way to hit your opponent’s basic lands, and you’re in business.
The reality is, the opportunity cost of playing Ba Sing Se as a one-of land is low, and the upside of tutoring for it with Crop Rotation is pretty high. Still, the space for flex slots in the Lands deck is limited, so it’s unclear if this cool tech will catch on long-term. Legacy is a super powerful format, and the fact that so many Avatar cards are showcasing their strengths in the first week where they’re tournament legal shows just how strong this set truly is.
Stick with us here at mtgrocks.com: the best site for Magic: The Gathering coverage. Be sure to check out our deckbuilder for your next big brew!