Nearly every Lorwyn Eclipsed spoiler has been previewed at this point, and there are plenty of intriguing designs to be excited about. Whether you’re a fan of elite typal payoffs or -1/-1 counter support cards, this set has you covered.
Interestingly, while it’s natural for players to gravitate towards flashy new rares and mythics, Lorwyn Eclipsed is jam-packed with impactful uncommons. Many of these cards look poised to play a role in Standard, perhaps none more than a new efficient removal spell that kills Standard’s most problematic threat.
Requiting Hex
At a baseline, what makes Requiting Hex such an intriguing MTG card for Standard is its efficiency. While this card is restricted in the range of creatures it can kill, removing two-mana creatures for half the cost is a big deal. In a world dominated by Badgermole Cub, cheap instant-speed removal is at a premium.
Unlike Stab, which currently sees some play in Dimir Midrange, Requiting Hex doesn’t miss on three-toughness creatures like Duelist of the Mind. The instant also lines up better against Full Bore decks like Boros Burn, which has been on the rise as a way to combat Badgermole Cub strategies. Having the option to Blight 1 gives you extra breathing room against aggressive strategies, as well. All these factors put together should make Requiting Hex a decent upgrade for most black decks in Standard.
Sear
Red also got a premium uncommon removal option in Lorwyn Eclipsed. Obviously, not being able to target your opponent’s face is a downside, but Sear is an instant-speed upgrade to the usual four-damage kill spells that are currently seeing play. Offering a more flexible way to use your mana, Mono-Red may pick this up over Obliterating Bolt or Iroh’s Demonstration.
This is a huge distinction in a format ruled by cards like Ouroboroid that demand an answer precombat. Sear is also significantly stronger against Landfall, since you can interact with Mightform Harmonizer and the one-shot kills it makes. Even being able to kill opposing “Manlands” that attack you has value.
Thirst for Identity
Newly revealed today, Thirst for Identity is the latest installment in the “Thirst For” pseudo-cycle. This is a powerful effect, especially for Reanimator decks that are looking to dig for specific tools while discarding big creatures.
Unfortunately, as a pure card-draw engine for Standard, it’s going to be hard to compete with the likes of Winternight Stories. After all, the Harmonize ability outweighs the sorcery speed restriction in decks like Izzet Looting that are looking to put big, efficient creatures on the board. Nonetheless, other “Thirst For” cards have seen play before, so it’s impossible to count this one out entirely.
Mudbutton Cursetosser
Of all the Behold one-drop typal uncommons from Lorwyn Eclipsed, Mudbutton Cursetosser is the most appealing. On rate, the card is absolutely incredible. A one-mana 2/1 that threatens to kill an opposing creature when it dies is very strong and heavily disincentivizes opposing creature decks from blocking. The only issue is that you really need to be playing a high density of other Goblins in your deck to make this worth playing.
Where Mudbutton Cursetosser could make its biggest impact is in Pioneer. One thing Pioneer Goblins has been lacking is strong removal, and Mudbutton Cursetosser doubles as a beater and an interactive element. Thanks to Skirk Prospector, it’s easy to sacrifice this Goblin on command and kill a problematic two-drop. With Rundvelt Hordemaster in the mix, you may be able to generate some extra value on the way out, too. This may not be enough for Goblins to be anything but a Fringe archetype, but the upside is certainly there.
Springleaf Drum
It may not be a new card, but Springleaf Drum could still end up being one of the most important cards to enter Standard. Since its last appearance back in Born of the Gods, a lot has changed, and creatures are more efficient than ever. Being able to play a mana source that doesn’t get hit by creature removal is very strong in the right shell.
By far the most intriguing interaction that Springleaf Drum brings to the table is its ability to tap Gran-Gran right away and generate value. Most Gran-Gran decks don’t play a ton of other creatures to maximize Springleaf Drum, though it may not take much to make the artifact’s inclusion worthwhile. The extra mana goes a long way in helping Izzet decks fill their graveyards with Lessons while keeping their heads above water versus the Badgermole Cub decks. So, don’t be surprised if players put in extra work to incorporate Springleaf Drum into their decks.
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