Ikoria Commander 2020: Arcane Maelstrom Deck Guide

by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Alright, Commander fans, let's dive deep into the Arcane Maelstrom deck from Ikoria Commander 2020! This deck is all about unpredictable, chaotic fun, slinging spells, and turning the battlefield into a wild, unpredictable landscape. If you're the kind of player who enjoys surprising your opponents and reveling in the beautiful mess of cascading spells, then Arcane Maelstrom might just be your jam. We will explore the strategy, key cards, upgrades, and general playstyle of the deck, so you can pilot it to victory, or at least, to some memorable game moments.

Arcane Maelstrom: Embracing the Chaos

The core strategy of Arcane Maelstrom revolves around the Cascade mechanic. Cascade essentially lets you cast a spell for free. When you cast a spell with Cascade, you exile cards from the top of your library until you hit a nonland card with a lower mana value. You can then cast that card without paying its mana cost, and the exiled cards get shuffled back into your library. The original Arcane Maelstrom deck is built around this chaos, making each game a unique experience. Playing this deck is not about pinpoint control but about creating opportunities and exploiting the randomness that Cascade introduces. Your goal isn't necessarily to have a perfect, streamlined plan, but to generate value and advantage through a chain of spells. This can lead to explosive turns where you cast multiple spells in a row, overwhelming your opponents with a sudden barrage of threats or answers.

The charm of this deck lies in its unpredictability. You never know what spell Cascade will unleash next, leading to exciting and unexpected outcomes. Sometimes, you'll hit exactly what you need at the perfect time; other times, you'll get a completely random but potentially beneficial spell. Either way, each game is a unique story. This variability can be both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it makes it difficult for opponents to predict your plays and plan their defenses. On the other hand, you have less control over the game's outcome, which can be frustrating if you prefer a more deterministic play style. To mitigate this, the deck is built with a range of spells that are useful in different situations, ensuring that even if you don't get the perfect Cascade trigger, you'll still get something valuable. Furthermore, the deck includes cards that can manipulate the top of your library or reorder the exiled cards, giving you some degree of control over the Cascade effect.

Playing Arcane Maelstrom is a thrilling experience for players who enjoy embracing the chaos and seeing where the game takes them. It's a deck that rewards adaptability and creative thinking, as you'll need to make the most of whatever Cascade throws your way. If you're looking for a Commander deck that is both fun and challenging, Arcane Maelstrom is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more predictable and controlled play style, you might want to consider a different deck.

Key Cards in Arcane Maelstrom

Let's breakdown some of the most important cards in the Arcane Maelstrom deck. These cards are the engine that drives the deck, enabling the Cascade strategy and providing the tools to control the chaos. Recognizing and understanding these cards is crucial for piloting the deck effectively.

  • Maelstrom Wanderer: This is the face commander and the powerhouse of the deck. Maelstrom Wanderer has Cascade, Cascade, meaning when you cast it, you get to Cascade twice! This can lead to some absolutely insane turns, casting multiple free spells and overwhelming your opponents with value. It also has Haste, so it can attack right away, applying immediate pressure.

  • Yidris, Maelstrom Wielder: Yidris is an alternative commander and a fantastic card in the 99. When Yidris deals combat damage to a player, all spells you cast for the rest of the turn gain Cascade. This can turn even small spells into massive value bombs, triggering a chain of free spells that can quickly swing the game in your favor.

  • Imoti, Celebrant of Bounty: While not included in the original preconstructed deck, Imoti is an amazing addition. She gives all your spells with mana value 6 or greater Cascade. Given that Arcane Maelstrom loves casting big spells, Imoti can be a game-changer.

  • Apex Devastator: This card is a bomb! Apex Devastator has Cascade, Cascade, Cascade, Cascade! That's right, four Cascades. This card is capable of generating insane value and can completely turn the tide of the game.

  • Etherium-Horn Sorcerer: Etherium-Horn Sorcerer is a creature with Cascade that also has the ability to bounce itself back to your hand. This allows you to reuse its Cascade ability multiple times, generating even more value over time.

  • Sunbird's Invocation: While not a Cascade card itself, Sunbird's Invocation triggers a similar effect whenever you cast a spell from your hand. When you cast a spell, you can reveal cards from the top of your library until you reveal a spell with a lower mana value, and then cast it for free. This is essentially a pseudo-Cascade effect that complements the deck's overall strategy.

  • Chaos Warp: This card is an invaluable piece of removal that fits perfectly with the deck's chaotic theme. Chaos Warp shuffles a target permanent into its owner's library, essentially removing it from the battlefield in exchange for a random card from their deck. This is a great way to deal with problematic permanents while embracing the unpredictable nature of the deck.

Understanding how these cards interact and synergize with each other is key to playing Arcane Maelstrom effectively. They form the foundation of the deck's strategy and provide the tools to generate value, control the board, and ultimately overwhelm your opponents.

Upgrading Your Arcane Maelstrom Deck

The preconstructed Arcane Maelstrom deck is a great starting point, but there's always room for improvement. Here are some upgrades that can significantly enhance the deck's power and consistency. These suggestions aim to amplify the deck's core strategy of cascading into powerful spells while addressing some of its weaknesses. Whether it's adding more Cascade triggers or refining the mana base, these upgrades will help you unleash the true potential of Arcane Maelstrom.

  • More Cascade Cards: The more Cascade cards you include, the more opportunities you have to trigger the Cascade effect. Consider adding cards like [[Shardless Agent]], [[Bloodbraid Elf]], and [[Ardent Plea]]. These low-cost Cascade spells can help you get the ball rolling early in the game, setting you up for bigger and better plays later on.

  • Ramp: Commander is all about mana, and Arcane Maelstrom is no exception. Include more ramp spells and mana rocks to ensure you can cast your expensive Cascade spells on time. Cards like [[Cultivate]], [[Kodama's Reach]], [[Rampant Growth]], [[Sol Ring]], and [[Arcane Signet]] are staples in any Commander deck.

  • Mana Fixing: A stable mana base is crucial for any multi-colored deck. Include dual lands, fetch lands, and other mana-fixing lands to ensure you can consistently cast your spells. Some budget-friendly options include the Ravnica bounce lands (e.g., [[Izzet Boilerworks]]), the Theros temples (e.g., [[Temple of Epiphany]]), and the Commander's Sphere cycle.

  • Top Deck Manipulation: Since Cascade is a random effect, being able to manipulate the top of your library can give you more control over what you Cascade into. Cards like [[Brainstorm]], [[Ponder]], and [[Preordain]] can help you set up your Cascade triggers for maximum value. Additionally, cards like [[Sensei's Divining Top]] and [[Scroll Rack]] can give you even more control over your library.

  • Powerful Payoffs: While Cascade is great for generating value, you also need some powerful payoffs to win the game. Consider adding cards like [[Craterhoof Behemoth]], [[Overwhelming Stampede]], and [[Expropriate]] to close out games. These cards can provide a massive boost in power or create overwhelming advantage, allowing you to secure the win.

  • Interaction: It's important to be able to interact with your opponents' plans and protect your own. Include a mix of counterspells, removal spells, and board wipes to keep your opponents in check. Cards like [[Counterspell]], [[Swords to Plowshares]], [[Cyclonic Rift]], and [[Vandalblast]] are staples in Commander.

Arcane Maelstrom: Playstyle and Strategy

Playing Arcane Maelstrom requires a unique blend of strategic thinking and adaptability. This deck is not about executing a precise, pre-planned game but embracing the chaos and making the most of the unpredictable Cascade mechanic. As a player, you need to be comfortable with randomness and able to react to whatever the game throws your way. You also need to have a good understanding of the deck's strengths and weaknesses, and how to play to its advantages. This section will provide insights into the optimal playstyle for Arcane Maelstrom and outline some key strategies to maximize your chances of success.

  • Early Game: Focus on ramping and mana fixing. Your goal is to get enough mana to cast your big Cascade spells as quickly as possible. Play your mana rocks and ramp spells early to accelerate your mana development. Also, prioritize fixing your mana to ensure you can cast your spells consistently.

  • Mid Game: Start casting your Cascade spells and generating value. This is where the deck really shines. Cast your Maelstrom Wanderer or Yidris, Maelstrom Wielder to start triggering Cascade and overwhelming your opponents with free spells. Don't be afraid to take risks and cast spells even if you're not sure what you'll Cascade into. The surprise element can often work in your favor.

  • Late Game: Close out the game with powerful payoffs. Once you've established a board presence and generated enough value, it's time to end the game. Cast your Craterhoof Behemoth or Overwhelming Stampede to overrun your opponents with a massive army of creatures. Or, cast Expropriate to steal your opponents' best permanents and resources.

  • Embrace the Chaos: The most important thing to remember when playing Arcane Maelstrom is to embrace the chaos. Don't get too attached to any one plan or strategy. Be flexible and adaptable, and make the most of whatever the game throws your way. Sometimes, the most unexpected plays can lead to the greatest victories.

Final Thoughts

Arcane Maelstrom is a unique and exciting Commander deck that offers a refreshing change of pace from more traditional strategies. Its reliance on the Cascade mechanic makes each game a new and unpredictable experience, ensuring that you'll never get bored playing it. While the deck may require some getting used to, its potential for explosive plays and game-changing moments is undeniable. So, if you're looking for a Commander deck that is both fun and challenging, Arcane Maelstrom is definitely worth a try. Embrace the chaos, trust in the Cascade, and get ready for some wild and unforgettable games!