MTG Salvation

Now that some cards have rotated, I would like to build a better Ion Storm deck once again.

Particularly, Hardened Scales and Hangarback Walker were out of range before.

Without further ado...



Here's my first attempt - are there any strategies I'm overvaluing here? Thanks in advance!

Why so much ramp when your curve stops at 4?

You probably want some versatile removal such as Beast Within that have countless applications.

Since all of your creatures die to removal at no benefit you should consider adding cards like Dense Foliage and Evolutionary Leap to discourage spot removal. Leap + 'Walker is already a solid combo and don't forget that Dense Foliage doesn't stymie activated abilities such as Ion Storm and Kessig Wolf Run.

Does Panharmonicon work with my counter builders?

Quote from Chromaticus »

Does Panharmonicon work with my counter builders?

Unfortunately not. It's because the triggers happens "on cast" and not when something "enters the Battlefield." That's why Soul Warden will gain 2 life but Managorger Hydra will still only get one +1/+1 counter.

Have you considered building around undying creatures and using Ion Storm or Retribution of the Ancients to pull the counters off and 'reset' them?

This is where I went with +1/+1 counters.


It shouldn't be too hard to just blindly jam Ion Storm in, but Braid of Fire helps Ion Storm perform much better.
But I'd still prefer Chandra's Ignition myself....

If you're planning on using blue - Cosi's Trickster & Chasm Skulker are options, but I don't think they're any better than the options you have listed. That is unless your opponents tend to use a lot of fetches & tutors - which mine do. Trickster is often 1-drop value in my group that can easily become a 6/6 quickly.

Quote from slave »

If you're planning on using blue - Cosi's Trickster & Chasm Skulker are options, but I don't think they're any better than the options you have listed. That is unless your opponents tend to use a lot of fetches & tutors - which mine do. Trickster is often 1-drop value in my group that can easily become a 6/6 quickly.

If you want a 1 drop just play Mold Adder.

Going to take a few of these suggestions and start over with them in mind:



Flayer of the Hatebound is back with Hardened Scales and Retribution of the Ancients for (B)= 6 Damage.

I'd like a sac outlet for clamp, but I imagine they'll be fine if I can also draw into retribution. They are never going to be bad

Carrion Feeder can be a sac outlet that also gets +1/+1 counters.

Could also try Mikaeus, the Unhallowed to make all your other creatures virtually unkillable with a Retribution of the Ancients in play.