Select Language:
If you’re preparing to build your next Magic: The Gathering deck for Standard play but aren’t sure which cards should be the main focus, we’re here to help.
Most Standard decks are built with at least 60 cards, but only a few cards really make a big difference in the game. These standout cards either work well with other cards or feature powerful mechanics. Here are some key cards to watch in Lorwyn Eclipsed.
### Hexing Squelcher
A card that drew immediate attention when revealed, Hexing Squelcher is a two-drop red creature that can’t be countered. It also makes your spells immune to counters and grants a two-life ward to all your other creatures. This aggressive card can quickly disrupt control decks that often need a few turns to get going and can limit their options early in the game.
### Moonshadow
For just one black mana, Moonshadow is a 7/7 creature that enters the battlefield with six -1/-1 counters on it. Alternatively, it’s great for removing Blight counters by sacrificing other creatures, which makes it very versatile. If combined with cards like High Perfect Morcant or facing opponents running Blight decks, counters can be removed from Moonshadow rapidly, making it a strong threat.
### Ajani, Outland Chaperone
Although it was a close call, this three-mana planeswalker is worth including. It can generate tokens or help remove large early- to mid-game creatures, making it a powerful addition. However, be aware that Ajani can be countered easily in white and green decks because of limited protection spells, and targeting removal could be a risk.
### Sear
Red and Izzet decks usually have plenty of removal options, but Sear stands out because it’s effective against planeswalkers as well. For two mana, Sear deals four damage to a creature or planeswalker, offering versatility. The challenge is fitting it into your deck without overloading on similar spells or running out of copies.
### High Perfect Morcant
This elf card can significantly boost elf decks. It’s a 4/4 that places -1/-1 counters on opponents’ Blight creatures whenever it hits the battlefield, and every elf you play adds to this effect. With enough token-makers and creatures, your opponents will struggle to keep their creatures alive, giving you a strong advantage. Protecting Morcant with spells is helpful to keep it active.
### Vibrance
From Lorwyn Eclipsed, Vibrance is a flexible card that enhances Gruul decks with its dual functions. It can be cast using evoke by paying two red mana to deal three damage or with two green mana to search your deck for a basic land, reveal it, add it to your hand, and gain two life. If you cast Vibrance with the full five-mana cost (two green and two red), you can activate both abilities without sacrificing the creature immediately, making it impactful at any moment during a match.
### Honorable Mention — Shock Lands
The return of Shock Lands is significant for mana-intensive decks. These lands can enter the battlefield untapped at the cost of two life points or come in tapped without any penalty. Playing a Shock Land early and paying the life cost can make opponents think you’re holding counter spells or removal, especially for decks like Rakdos aggro or Azorius control that rely on fast mana. While other deck types benefit too, these lands particularly strengthen those that need early mana acceleration.
By focusing on these cards, you can build a powerful and flexible deck suited for Standard play, leveraging their unique abilities to control, disrupt, or overwhelm your opponents.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
