Duskmourn spoilers continue to come out in full force, and there are tons of unique ideas present. On top of that, there are plenty of references to previous card designs that help keep the set intriguing. For instance, the Overlord cycle is very reminiscent of the old-school Titans, while Meathook Massacre II obviously brings back memories of the original.
Beyond just card references, it appears we’re getting a couple reprints put into Standard that should easily have a major impact on the format. At the top of that list is almost certainly Pyroclasm. Pyroclasm is extremely efficient and does a great job keeping aggro decks in check. There’s a good chance this card is an instant staple in sideboards across Standard and Pioneer moving forward. Let’s dig deeper and discuss what makes the card so good.
Two Mana is Key
- Mana Value: 1R
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Card Sets: Ice Age, Portal, Seventh Edition, Eighth Edition, Ninth Edition, Tenth Edition, Magic 2010, Magic 2011, Modern Masters 2017, Masters 25, Duskmourn
- Card Text: Pyroclasm deals 2 damage to each creature.
Compared to other sweepers, Pyroclasm gets a huge edge by costing only two mana. Obviously, only dealing two damage makes the card a bit narrow. Nonetheless, Pyroclasm is an excellent sideboard card that should make a lot of noise in Standard and Pioneer.
Up to this point, almost every red pseudo-board wipe in Standard and Pioneer costs three mana. Both Brotherhood’s End and Anger of the Gods have seen play for their roles in helping to keep aggro decks at bay. However, even a three-mana effect like this can be too slow some of the time.
In Standard, Boros Convoke decks can slam Knight-Errant of Eos as early as turn two with Gleeful Demolition in the picture. If you’re on the draw against a nut draw from Boros Convoke, chances are Brotherhood’s End is not going to get you out of it. Pyroclasm, on the other hand, can clean up everything but the Knight itself a turn earlier, ensuring that you won’t get attacked for a boatload of damage.
Similarly, in Pioneer, a Gruul aggro deck with blazing speed has taken the format by storm. With access to Burning-Tree Emissary and Reckless Bushwhacker, this deck threatens to get you dead before a three-mana board wipe can save you. Once again, Pyroclasm can help you stay alive like no other effect can.
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Two Damage Can Be an Upside
- Mana Value: 1U
- Rarity: Rare
- Stats: 1/3
- MTG Set: Streets of New Capenna
- Card Text: Flying. Whenever a player casts their second spell each turn, Ledger Shredder connives. (Draw a card then discard a card. If you discard a nonland card, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.)
The other aspect of Pyroclasm that makes it so appealing is that you can play it in a deck that utilizes three-toughness creatures, and those creatures will survive. Think about Izzet Phoenix in Pioneer, for instance. Sometimes, Brotherhood’s End or Anger of the Gods could create awkward draws with Ledger Shredder. If you play Ledger Shredder turn two, unless the opponent plays two spell on their next turn, you won’t be able to follow up with a turn-three sweeper.
Pyroclasm removes this issue. You can slam Ledger Shredder to your heart’s content. Then, when you burn away your opponent’s small creatures, you’re still left with a major threat on the board. This can be essential against deck’s like Gruul aggro that have access to a bunch of Hasty creatures.
Similarly, in Standard, you can use Pyroclasm to clear a path after casting The Infamous Cruelclaw the turn prior. Being able to use Pyroclasm proactively is a nice bonus.
To be clear, this doesn’t mean that cards like Brotherhood’s End won’t have their uses. If Pyroclasm becomes a known quantity, people may adjust to playing more three-toughness creatures. Still, given how prevalent Boros Convoke is in Standard and Pioneer alike, Pyroclasm is sure to make its presence felt. We could see some major metagame shifts when Duskmourn releases, so make sure to do your best to stay ahead of the curve.
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