Welcome, planeswalkers! This guide navigates the complex War of the Spark draft format, offering insights into archetypes and strategic drafting approaches for success.
Overview of the Set
War of the Spark is a large set, heavily influenced by the storyline events unfolding on Ravnica. The set features Planeswalkers as the central theme, with a significantly higher density of Planeswalkers compared to previous Magic releases. This impacts draft strategy, as these powerful cards can often dictate the flow of a game and become high-priority picks.
The color pairs are well-defined, each supporting distinct archetypes. Expect a faster-paced metagame than some previous formats, with several aggressive strategies being viable. The set also introduces the “Eternal Night” mechanic, which can dramatically alter the battlefield and requires careful consideration during deck construction. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each color pair, and how they interact, is crucial for successful drafting. Be prepared to adapt your strategy based on the signals you receive during the draft.
Draft Format Specifics
War of the Spark drafts are conducted using the standard three-pack, booster-draft format. Each player receives three boosters and selects one card from each pack in turn, passing the remaining cards to the next player. The draft is followed by deckbuilding, where players construct a 40-card deck from the cards they drafted, including lands.
Due to the prevalence of powerful Planeswalkers, prioritizing them early in the draft is often a good strategy. However, don’t overvalue them to the detriment of building a cohesive strategy. Removal spells are also highly valuable, as they are essential for dealing with opposing Planeswalkers and creatures. Pay attention to the mana curve of your deck, ensuring a balanced mix of early-game and late-game plays. Be mindful of color requirements and avoid stretching too thin across multiple colors.
Color Pair Archetypes
Explore synergistic strategies! War of the Spark boasts ten distinct color pair archetypes, each offering unique playstyles and drafting opportunities for competitive success.
Dimir (U/B) ─ Control & Value
Dimir thrives on outmaneuvering opponents through strategic control and extracting maximum value from every card. This archetype excels at disrupting enemy plans with counterspells, removal, and hand disruption, slowly grinding opponents down while building a resilient board presence. Prioritize cards that generate card advantage, such as those with surveil or draw effects, to consistently find answers and maintain control.
Look for powerful planeswalkers that can establish a late-game advantage, alongside efficient creatures that provide both offense and defense. Don’t shy away from cards that benefit from the graveyard, as Dimir can effectively utilize recursion to replay key threats. A successful Dimir deck aims to control the pace of the game, answer threats efficiently, and ultimately overwhelm opponents with superior card quality and value.
Izzet (U/R) ⎻ Spellslinger Aggro
Izzet aims to overwhelm opponents with a flurry of spells, leveraging synergy between instants and sorceries to create explosive turns. This archetype thrives on casting multiple spells per turn, utilizing creatures that benefit from spellcasting or directly deal damage. Prioritize cheap, efficient spells that can clear the board or push damage, alongside creatures that reward a spell-heavy strategy.
Look for cards that copy spells, reduce casting costs, or provide additional effects when spells are cast. Planeswalkers that support a spell-centric game plan can also be valuable additions. A successful Izzet deck focuses on maintaining a constant stream of spells, overwhelming opponents with direct damage and tempo advantages, ultimately closing out the game quickly.
Simic (U/G) ⎻ Ramp & Midrange
Simic excels at accelerating mana development, enabling the deployment of powerful, game-ending threats ahead of schedule. This archetype focuses on ramping into larger creatures and planeswalkers, controlling the board with efficient removal and card advantage. Prioritize mana dorks, ramp spells, and creatures with strong “enter the battlefield” effects or late-game scaling potential.
Look for cards that generate value over time, such as those with proliferate or those that draw cards. A successful Simic deck aims to establish a mana advantage, deploy impactful threats, and overwhelm opponents with superior board presence. Card draw is crucial for maintaining momentum and finding answers to opposing strategies, ensuring a consistent path to victory.
Rakdos (B/R) ─ Aggro & Sacrifice
Rakdos thrives on aggressive strategies combined with sacrifice synergies, aiming to quickly overwhelm opponents with a relentless assault. This archetype leverages cheap, efficient creatures and disruptive removal to control the early game, transitioning into a mid-game fueled by sacrifice outlets and value generation. Prioritize creatures with strong attack stats and abilities that benefit from being sacrificed.
Cards that reward sacrificing creatures, like those that draw cards or deal damage, are essential. A successful Rakdos deck balances aggression with resilience, utilizing sacrifice effects to maintain board presence and disrupt opponent’s plans. Efficient removal spells are key to clearing blockers and pushing through damage, securing a swift victory.
Golgari (G/B) ─ Graveyard & Recursion
Golgari excels at a slower, value-oriented game plan centered around filling the graveyard and recurring threats. This archetype utilizes self-mill effects to populate the graveyard with creatures, then employs recursion spells to bring them back to the battlefield repeatedly, overwhelming opponents with sustained pressure. Prioritize cards that synergize with the graveyard, offering both filling and reanimation capabilities.
Look for creatures with strong “enter the battlefield” effects, as they provide value even when repeatedly reanimated. Efficient removal is crucial for controlling the board while building your graveyard engine. A successful Golgari deck balances graveyard setup with resilient threats, creating a powerful engine of recurring value and inevitable advantage.
Gruul (R/G) ─ Aggro & Big Creatures
Gruul aims to overwhelm opponents with aggressive creatures and raw power. This archetype focuses on deploying large, efficient threats early and often, backed by pump spells and combat tricks to push through damage. Prioritize creatures with high power and relevant keywords like trample or haste, enabling swift and decisive attacks. Removal is less critical than raw offensive capability, but some reach is valuable for breaking stalemates.
A successful Gruul deck curves out aggressively, consistently presenting threats that demand answers. Look for cards that amplify your creatures’ power, turning already formidable threats into game-ending forces. While lacking the finesse of other archetypes, Gruul’s straightforward aggression can be incredibly effective against slower, more controlling strategies.
Orzhov (W/B) ⎻ Lifegain & Control
Orzhov seeks to control the board and outvalue opponents through lifegain and incremental advantages. This archetype excels at stalling the game with removal and blockers, simultaneously accruing life to create a buffer against aggression; Prioritize cards that generate value over time, such as creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects or those that provide repeatable lifegain. Efficient removal is crucial for disrupting opponent’s plans and maintaining control.
A successful Orzhov deck combines disruption with resilient threats. Look for synergies between lifegain and payoff cards, turning your accumulated life total into a decisive advantage. While not the fastest archetype, Orzhov’s ability to grind out opponents and control the pace of the game makes it a formidable choice.
Boros (W/R) ─ Aggro & Combat Tricks
Boros aims for swift, aggressive victories through efficient creatures and impactful combat tricks. This archetype thrives on overwhelming opponents early, capitalizing on aggressive plays and exploiting combat math. Prioritize low-cost creatures with aggressive stats and cards that enhance their combat prowess. Combat tricks are essential for winning crucial battles, pushing through damage, and protecting your attackers.
A successful Boros deck requires a critical mass of threats and the ability to consistently apply pressure. Look for synergies between creatures that benefit from combat tricks or provide additional value when attacking. While vulnerable to board wipes, Boros’s speed and direct damage can often close out games before control strategies can stabilize.
Key Mechanics & Considerations
Eternal Night and Daybound significantly impact gameplay. Partner creatures offer unique synergies, while a high density of sorceries and instants can dictate draft choices.
Eternal Night & Daybound
Eternal Night and Daybound are central mechanics in War of the Spark, profoundly influencing draft strategy and gameplay. Lands entering the battlefield under your control put a Night counter on an opponent, and three Night counters trigger Eternal Night, flipping double-faced lands to their night side.
Daybound creatures gain a bonus when a land enters the battlefield under your control. Drafting around these mechanics requires careful consideration of land counts and the balance between proactive and reactive strategies. Prioritize cards that benefit from either condition, or those that can disrupt your opponent’s ability to trigger Eternal Night.
Be mindful of the potential for opponents to exploit Daybound, and consider including removal spells to manage key creatures. Lands that enter tapped can slow down your Daybound triggers, so weigh the benefits carefully. Understanding the timing and impact of these mechanics is crucial for success in the draft.
Creatures with Partner
The Partner mechanic in War of the Spark introduces a unique deckbuilding challenge and opportunity. Creatures with Partner can be your commander if you also control another creature with Partner. This allows for incredibly diverse and powerful two-color combinations, opening up new archetype possibilities.
When drafting, prioritize Partner creatures that synergize well with your chosen colors and overall strategy. Don’t solely rely on finding both partners; a strong single Partner creature can still be valuable. Be aware that opponents may also be targeting these cards, increasing their draft value.
Consider how Partner creatures interact with other cards in the set, particularly those that reward specific color combinations. Building around Partner requires careful planning and a willingness to adapt your strategy based on what you open. Flexibility is key to maximizing the potential of this mechanic.
Sorceries & Instants Matter
War of the Spark heavily rewards players who build decks around sorceries and instants. Several cards offer significant advantages when you cast noncreature spells, creating a compelling archetype focused on spellcasting. Prioritize cards that benefit from or directly enhance your instant and sorcery count.
Look for cards that provide value when you cast instants and sorceries, such as those that draw cards, create tokens, or deal damage. Efficient removal spells and combat tricks become even more powerful in this context. Don’t underestimate the importance of card draw to fuel your spell-heavy strategy.
Be mindful of your mana curve and ensure you have enough lands to consistently cast your spells. A well-tuned sorcery/instant deck can overwhelm opponents with a constant stream of value and disruption, leading to a decisive advantage.
Card Evaluation & Tier Lists
Assessing card power is crucial. Mythic rares demand immediate picks, while rares offer strong support. Uncommon cards can be surprisingly impactful in the right archetype.
Mythic Rare Priorities
Prioritizing Mythic Rares is paramount in War of the Spark drafts. Cards like Nicol Bolas, the Ravager, and Teferi, Hero of Dominaria are immediate first picks, offering game-winning power and significant archetype synergy. However, evaluation isn’t solely about raw strength; consider how a mythic fits your developing strategy.
Powerful standalone threats, regardless of color commitment, should be highly valued. Planeswalkers with strong loyalty abilities and impactful ultimates are generally superior. Mythics that enable specific archetypes – like those bolstering graveyard strategies or spell-slinging – gain value if you’re already leaning that direction.
Be cautious about taking a mythic that heavily forces you into a color combination you haven’t received signals for. Flexibility is key early in the draft. Don’t reach for a mythic if it compromises your ability to remain open to multiple viable archetypes. Remember, a strong core of commons and uncommons often outweighs a single, powerful mythic;
Rare Draftable Cards
Beyond Mythic Rares, several Rares significantly impact War of the Spark drafts. Cards like Liliana, Dreadhorde General, and Kaya, Orzhov Usurper offer powerful effects and can anchor strong archetypes. Look for rares that provide immediate value or enable key synergies within your chosen colors.
Rares that offer repeatable effects, card advantage, or efficient removal are consistently strong picks. Consider cards that disrupt opponent’s strategies, like counterspells or graveyard hate. Those supporting established archetypes – such as Rakdos sacrifice or Simic ramp – are particularly valuable.
Evaluate rares based on their flexibility. Cards playable in multiple archetypes increase your drafting options. Avoid highly situational rares unless they perfectly complement your existing strategy. Prioritize cards that address weaknesses in your deck or enhance its strengths, ensuring a cohesive and powerful build.
Uncommon Power Plays
War of the Spark’s Uncommons are surprisingly potent, enabling impactful plays throughout the draft format. Cards like Experimental Frenzy in Izzet offer explosive turns, while Massacre Wurm in Golgari can swing board states dramatically; Identifying these uncommon bombs is crucial for success.
Look for Uncommons that synergize with common cards, creating powerful combinations. Cards supporting the graveyard strategy in Golgari, or efficient removal in Rakdos, are particularly strong. Don’t underestimate the value of efficient creatures with strong abilities.
Prioritize Uncommons that provide card advantage or tempo swings. These can disrupt your opponent’s plans and create opportunities for decisive attacks. Recognizing these power plays allows you to build a cohesive and competitive deck, maximizing your chances of victory.
Draft Strategy & Tips
Adaptability is key! Read signals, identify open lanes, and don’t force archetypes. Prioritize synergistic cards and be prepared to pivot mid-draft for optimal results.
Identifying Open Lanes
Early in the draft, discerning which color pairs are underdrafted is crucial. Pay close attention to what cards are returning to you in later picks – repeated colors signal potential openness. If you consistently see Rakdos (Black/Red) or Gruul (Red/Green) cards wheeling, those archetypes might be available.
Conversely, a lack of cards in certain colors suggests they are heavily contested. Be wary of forcing a strategy if the signals indicate it’s already being pursued by multiple drafters. Don’t be afraid to abandon an initial plan if the draft isn’t supporting it.
Look for key archetype enablers passing late. For example, seeing multiple Partner commanders or strong sacrifice outlets could indicate a viable Rakdos strategy. Recognizing these early indicators allows you to capitalize on opportunities and build a more consistent deck.
Reading Signals
Effective drafting hinges on interpreting the “signals” sent by your opponents. A card returning multiple times late in a pack isn’t just luck; it suggests the colors are open. Conversely, consistently receiving mediocre cards in a color indicates others are prioritizing it.
Pay attention to what your neighbors are taking. If someone consistently drafts blue and red, assume Izzet (U/R) is closed. Observe which archetypes are being built around – are there many creatures with Partner appearing? This suggests a willingness to draft those cards.
Later picks offer clearer signals. A strong uncommon returning late is a powerful indicator. Don’t ignore the overall flow of the draft; a sudden shift in card quality can reveal a change in color availability. Adapt your strategy based on these observations!
Pivoting During the Draft
Sticking rigidly to an initial plan can be disastrous. War of the Spark’s diverse archetypes demand flexibility. If your chosen colors are heavily contested – signaled by consistently poor card quality – be prepared to pivot. Don’t force a strategy that isn’t supported by the packs.
Identify potential secondary colors early. Having a backup plan allows for a smoother transition. Look for cards that overlap between archetypes, offering options. A strong uncommon in a new color can be the catalyst for a complete shift.
Pivoting isn’t admitting defeat; it’s smart drafting; Recognize when your initial lane is closed and adapt to maximize your chances of building a competitive deck. Don’t be afraid to abandon ship if necessary!
Problematic Archetypes
Certain archetypes prove consistently weaker. Orzhov, Azorius, and Boros often struggle to compete, lacking consistent power or a clear path to victory.
Avoiding Weak Strategies
Successfully navigating War of the Spark draft hinges on recognizing and avoiding inherently weaker archetypes. While any deck can win, forcing Orzhov (White/Black), Azorius (White/Blue), or Boros (White/Red) significantly reduces your chances. These strategies often lack the raw power or consistent card advantage needed to overcome stronger opponents.
Orzhov struggles with consistent threats, relying heavily on incremental lifegain that’s easily outpaced. Azorius can become too controlling, lacking sufficient finishers. Boros, while aggressive, often runs out of steam quickly, vulnerable to midrange or control decks. Prioritize open lanes and signals indicating a viable, powerful archetype. Don’t stubbornly pursue a color pair simply because you picked a strong card early; adaptability is key. Recognizing these pitfalls early allows you to pivot towards a more promising strategy, maximizing your draft’s potential.
Recognizing Overdrafted Colors
Identifying overdrafted colors is crucial for successful War of the Spark drafting. If you consistently see cards of a specific color flowing back to you late in packs, it’s a strong indicator that others aren’t prioritizing it. This doesn’t automatically make that color good, but it does mean it’s likely open for you to exploit.
Pay attention to what your neighbors are taking. If someone is heavily signaling Red, and you’re seeing Red cards frequently return, consider pivoting away. Conversely, if a color is consistently absent, it might be a prime opportunity. Don’t be afraid to abandon your initial plan if the signals are overwhelmingly clear. Overdrafted colors create opportunities to draft powerful, synergistic decks with less competition, significantly increasing your win rate. Adaptability and observation are paramount.
