Rivals of Ixalan offers a dynamic and exciting Limited format, blending the tribal synergies of the first Ixalan set with new mechanics and powerful cards. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of Rivals of Ixalan draft, maximizing your win rate and ensuring you dominate the battlefield, whether you're conquering the Sunken City or the Dinosaur Jungle.
Understanding the Rivals of Ixalan Landscape
Rivals of Ixalan introduces several key elements that shape the draft environment:
-
Two Distinct Tribes: While Dinosaurs and Vampires remain powerful, Rivals of Ixalan introduces several new and potent options. Merfolk and Pirates gain significant strength, presenting exciting new tribal archetypes. The key is recognizing which tribe is most aggressively supported in your packs.
-
New Mechanics: While some returning mechanics like Enrage and Raid are powerful, paying close attention to the impact of new mechanics like "Bloodcraze" and the diverse array of abilities will prove vital to your success.
-
Card Power Level: Rivals of Ixalan features a diverse power level among its cards, including some exceptionally strong rares and mythics. Knowing which cards are truly impactful and which ones are merely average is key to building a strong deck.
Drafting Strategies: Conquer the Draft
Success in Rivals of Ixalan Draft hinges on adapting to the cards you are presented. While a dedicated tribal strategy can be highly effective, remaining flexible is crucial. Here are some key strategies to consider:
1. Prioritize Powerful, Synergistic Commons and Uncommons
Don't get caught up chasing rare cards early. Focus on securing a strong base of commons and uncommons that work together. Look for cards that offer powerful effects regardless of their tribal affiliation.
2. Identify Your Tribe Early (But Stay Flexible)
Early picks often dictate your tribal focus. If you see a strong concentration of a particular tribe, commit early. However, be prepared to pivot if the later packs don't support your initial tribal choice.
3. Value Removal and Control
Removal spells, especially those that address powerful threats, are highly valuable in Rivals of Ixalan. Include a healthy amount of removal in your deck to address aggressive strategies and stabilize the board.
4. Don't Neglect Your Curve
Balance your mana curve to ensure you have creatures in every stage of the game. Don't overload on expensive cards; aim for a balanced curve that provides consistent pressure throughout the game.
5. Consider Your Opponents
Observe your opponents' draft picks to gain insights into their strategies. Adjust your draft accordingly to counteract their strengths and exploit their weaknesses.
Archetype Breakdown and Synergies:
While pure tribal strategies are powerful, hybrid approaches can be extremely effective. Here's a look at some key synergies to consider:
-
Vampires: Focus on cards with life-gain synergies or those with strong individual abilities. While there are still powerful Vampire synergies, Rivals of Ixalan makes it more open to hybrid approaches.
-
Dinosaurs: The Dinosaur tribe remains strong, with options for powerful attacks and enrage-based strategies. Explore synergies with other creatures that offer powerful abilities.
-
Merfolk: A strong tribal option in this set, Merfolk benefit from both their individual power and the supporting cards available.
-
Pirates: Similar to Merfolk, Pirates gain strength through combined abilities and supporting cards.
-
Hybrid Strategies: Consider a strategy blending aggressive creatures (Pirates or Merfolk) with some strong removal and control elements. This can adapt to various draft environments and minimize the impact of a poorly supported tribe.
Post-Draft Deck Construction: Fine-tuning Your Deck
Once the draft is complete, carefully review your cards and make adjustments. Optimize your mana curve, ensure you have adequate removal, and prioritize your most synergistic cards. Consider cutting cards that don't contribute to your overall strategy or have less synergy with your chosen archetype.
Mastering Rivals of Ixalan Draft: Conclusion
Rivals of Ixalan provides a rich and rewarding draft experience. By understanding the key mechanics, prioritizing synergistic cards, and adapting to the cards presented, you can significantly improve your win rate and conquer the diverse landscapes of Ixalan. Remember, practice makes perfect—the more you draft, the better you'll become at recognizing powerful synergies and building winning decks.
