Master the Epic Valor Starter Deck in Magic Arena
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Upgrading the Starter Deck
- Removing Alchemy Cards
- Adding Coppercoat Vanguard
- Replacing Ambush Paratrooper
- Flood the Board with Soldier Tokens
- Replacing Mass Production
- Adding Resolute Reinforcements
- Swapping out Unwanted Cards
- Improving the Mana Base
- Conclusion
Article
Introduction
In this article, we will be discussing how to upgrade the high-flying Avacyn Remastered Starter Deck on a budget. Our goal is to improve the deck without spending a single rare. We will be focusing on the Azorius Soldier theme, making strategic changes to optimize its performance. Let's get started!
Upgrading the Starter Deck
To begin the upgrade process, locate the starter deck in your collection and clone it. This will Create a Second copy of the deck, which you can freely modify and update. We will be making changes to this cloned deck to transform it into a more competitive and powerful Azorius Soldier deck.
Removing Alchemy Cards
Since Alchemy cards tend to be expensive and may not synergize well with the budget deck, we recommend removing them. Click on the deck and switch it to the Standard format. This will filter out any Alchemy cards, allowing us to focus on optimizing the deck for the Current Standard meta.
Adding Coppercoat Vanguard
To enhance the soldier theme and increase the deck's power, we suggest adding Coppercoat Vanguard. This powerful uncommon card is a 2-mana 2/2 that grants +1/+0 to all other humans. Since most soldiers are humans, this card becomes a valuable asset, pumping the entire board. Additionally, it possesses the Ward ability, providing protection against removal spells. By adding one copy of Coppercoat Vanguard and removing an underperforming card, we can reinforce the soldier theme and improve the deck's aggression.
Replacing Ambush Paratrooper
While Ambush Paratrooper aims to boost our board's power, it falls short in terms of efficiency. It requires paying five mana to grant +1/+1 to all creatures, which can be quite costly. Instead, we recommend adding Resolute Reinforcements, a versatile card found in most soldier and human decks. Resolute Reinforcements costs two mana and creates a 1/1 soldier token, effectively flooding the board with soldier tokens. Its flash ability also allows for strategic surprise plays. By swapping out an Ambush Paratrooper for a fourth copy of Coppercoat Vanguard, we can further strengthen the deck's Core.
Flood the Board with Soldier Tokens
Mass Production, while an intriguing card, costs six mana and feels clunky within our aggressive aggro deck. We suggest replacing it with Resolute Reinforcements, a superior option in terms of mana efficiency and token generation. Resolute Reinforcements costs two mana and creates a 1/1 soldier token. This card sees play in various soldier and human decks due to its ability to flood the board with low-cost creatures. Additionally, its flash ability allows for unexpected plays and synergizes well with the deck's tribal payoff effects. By incorporating one more copy of Resolute Reinforcements into the deck, we can increase its consistency and generate more creatures.
Replacing Inefficient Cards
Next, we address some cards in the original deck that may not Align with our optimized strategy. Recruitment Officer, while a decent 1-mana 1/1 first strike creature, falls short compared to Idyllic Beachfront. Idyllic Beachfront not only taps for Blue and white mana but also provides card draw in the late game when sacrificed. Its inclusion enhances the deck's consistency and provides additional resources during extended matches. We recommend replacing two Recruitment Officers with two Idyllic Beachfronts to improve the deck's overall performance.
Improving the Mana Base
To optimize our mana base, we can upgrade the deck with Secluded Courtyard, a dual land that enters the battlefield untapped when we choose "soldier" as the creature Type during its resolution. This land provides a consistent source of blue and white mana and contributes to a smoother mana curve. By replacing two basic lands with two Secluded Courtyards, we enhance the deck's mana flexibility and stability.
Conclusion
Through these strategic changes and upgrades, we have transformed the Avacyn Remastered Starter Deck into a formidable Azorius Soldier deck. While the deck can still benefit from acquiring additional rares, it now showcases a more Cohesive strategy and increased power level. Feel free to experiment with further improvements, such as adding more Harbin and Sky Strike Officer cards. With time and practice, this budget-friendly deck has the potential to hold its own against formidable opponents. So go ahead and give it a try!
Highlights
- Upgrading the Avacyn Remastered Starter Deck on a budget
- Focusing on the Azorius Soldier theme
- Removing Alchemy cards and switching to the Standard format
- Adding Coppercoat Vanguard to boost power and protection
- Replacing Ambush Paratrooper with Resolute Reinforcements for token generation
- Enhancing the mana base with Secluded Courtyard and Idyllic Beachfront
FAQ
Q: Can this upgraded deck compete against tier one decks?
A: While it may not match the sheer power level of tier one decks, this upgrade significantly improves the starter deck's competitiveness. With the right playstyle and skill, you can definitely hold your ground against strong opponents.
Q: Are there any other rare cards worth adding to this deck?
A: Most certainly! Cards like Harbin and Sky Strike Officer further amplify the deck's strength and synergies. If you have access to these rares, incorporating them into the deck will undoubtedly enhance its overall performance.
Q: How can I improve the deck's consistency and mana base further?
A: Investing in additional rare lands, such as Fortified Beach, can greatly enhance the deck's consistency. Additionally, including more dual lands that provide blue and white mana will help stabilize your mana base and ensure smoother gameplay.