Lorwyn Eclipsed may have released nearly two weeks ago, but in the digital space, more intriguing changes continue to come out of the woodworks. In today’s set of MTG Arena announcements, not only were all of the Alchemy: Lorwyn Eclipsed cards revealed, but six new-to-Arena reprints were also showcased.
If that weren’t enough, a major sideboarding change was announced on the client as well. For best of one enthusiasts, deckbuilding has now become a smoother process.
Back to a 15-Card Sideboard
Back when Strixhaven: School of Mages debuted in 2021, Wizards made the decision to shrink sideboards specifically for best of one play. For the majority of players, the difference between having a 15-card sideboard versus a seven-card one is non-existent. Yet, for those incorporating a “Wishboard” to maximize the Learn mechanic, having access to more sideboard options is a bonus.
According to Wizards, however, the data collected over the years suggests that moving back to a 15-card sideboard is in everyone’s best interest. As such, on February 3rd, sideboard numbers will be uniform across all formats.
From a deckbuilding perspective, this is a welcome change. After all, requiring players to register different decklists for best of one versus best of three events was a hassle for many. Now, switching off between either ranked mode should be a seamless transition.
While the benefits of this change far outweigh the negatives, increasing the number of sideboard cards allowed is ultimately a boost to all strategies with a Wishboard. In a Historic setting, Karn, the Great Creator decks in particular could see an increase in play. Meanwhile, with all of the new Lesson cards printed in MTG Avatar, Learn spells like Academic Dispute become more versatile in best-of-one Pioneer.
Thanks to upcoming spoilers for MTG TMNT, we know this change will also affect best-of-one Standard soon. While there are no cards currently in Standard that grab cards from outside the game, both Turtles Forever and North Wind Avatar are on their way. Some players even believe that the change could suggest that Learn cards aren’t making a massive resurgence in Secrets of Strixhaven, but there is just speculation so far.
Six Goblin-Themed Reprints
In addition to altering how sideboarding in best-of-one works, Wizards also announced the arrival of new Brawl decks that will be available in the Arena store tomorrow. Interestingly, the Goblins deck is bringing six new cards to MTG Arena.
Of the bunch, the most intriguing new card is definitely Murderous Redcap. Despite not being the most powerful card individually, it opens the door for a wide variety of combo kills. Alongside First Day of Class, Grumgully, the Generous, or Celes, Rune Knight, you can continuously use Murderous Redcap’s ability to kill itself and come back to play. Add a sacrifice outlet or a Blood Artist effect, and you’ll win the game on the spot.
Of the six reprints, the card most likely to see consistent Historic play is probably Tarfire. Lightning Bolt is banned, so competition for red burn spells isn’t super high. Plus, its ability to be tutored for with Goblin Matron and buff Nethergoyf and Pyrogoyf is noteworthy. Goblin Piledriver also has a chance of seeing play if the Goblins archetype reemerges.
The rest of the cards aren’t super powerful, but they should add needed redundancy to Goblin Brawl decks at the very least. Lords and tutor effects are always worthy inclusions in Goblin typal decks, even if Boggart Harbinger and Mad Auntie aren’t the strongest of the bunch. Similarly, having an extra Rakdos dual land that reliably enters untapped only makes these decks more consistent. It is a shame that Goblins is the only new archetype that seems to be getting new cards out of the blue, but it gives new tools for players to try, regardless.
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