Magic: the Gathering’s newest set,Theros: Beyond Death,is set to release on January 24th, 2020. Spoiler season is up and running, and some of the cards that have been spoiled are great for all sorts of constructed play. So whether players love Commander, Standard, or other formats, there’s something for them on the plane of Theros.
Players who have been playingMagic: the Gatheringfor a while will recognize the plane Theros;Theros,Born of the Gods(2013)andJourney into Nyx(2013) took place on the beautiful plane of Theros. With interestingTheros-unique mechanicslike Enchantment Creatures and Devotion, this could be considered a fan-favorite plane. The newest return to Theros,Theros: Beyond Death, takes the characters, gods, and planeswalkers everyone loved from this plane and remade them in new interesting ways, so here are the best constructed cards.
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Heliod, Sun-Crowned
This Heliod is part of the newestPioneer infinite combothat players are excited to try out, asHeliod, Sun-Crownedcan be played withWalking Ballistato make infinite damage to another player. This combo may see play in Commander, but likely will only be played in Pioneer and other formats.
Purphoros, Bronze-Blooded
Along with theCavalier of Flame, this card can be a great boon to mono-red and Boros players in Standard, Commander, and maybe even Pioneer. Giving all creatures haste makes the five CMC absolutely worth it. This probably will not be a four-of in Standard or Pioneer, but it will most likely see some play in those formats. While not as powerful as the previousPurphorosprinted in the original Theros set, this god is still a great addition to Standard and Limited formats. It will be interesting to see how well this card plays during theMagic: the Gathering’sTheros Beyond Deathpre-release.
Klothys, God of Destiny
There is a lot to love aboutKlothys, God of Destiny. Not only will she be an excellent Commander for anyone’s next Gruul EDH deck, but also will make quite the splash in both Standard, Pioneer, and Brawl.
This god not only targets reanimation decks by removing creatures from their graveyards, but also deals damage to each opponent. There’s a reason why this card is already incredibly expensive, and Klothys will be a popular card even after rotation. It’s a shame players can’t include this one in the 99 of theirAtraxa decks; it would be an amazing addition to the Super Friends lists with this Phyrexian commander.
Nyx Lotus
Although this artifact is a four-drop, this will be a boon for any color deck. This will be the first time white, blue, and black decks will have a reliable way to ramp in Standard. Although it will most likely see only a little play in Standard, it will more than likely be seen in Brawl, Limited, and Commander.
Tectonic Giant
There is a lot to love about this mono-red giant.Magichas always been short of good giant cards, and this will become a staple for giant tribal decks from now on in Commander. This giant could also see a lot of Standard, Brawl, and Limited play with its ability to do direct damage to other players. It also gives players a sort of card draw, which is always great news for burn decks of all kinds. Perhaps players will be able to play this in Pioneer as well, which isnow a format inMagic Arenaand paper.
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Underworld Breach
Escape is the shiny new keyword forTheros: Beyond DeathandUnderworld Breachgives players access to all of their cards in their graveyard. While this card can be stopped withKunoros, Hound of Athreos(which players will most likely be sideboarding if Escape takes off), it will make for some interesting Escape decks in upcoming events for Standard and Brawl. The full effects of Escape remain to be seen, yet if it takes off, there’s plenty of reason to believe it could change themeta in Standard.
Thirst for Meaning
Any card draw in Standard is good for players, and this one is interesting. Continuing the cycle started byThirst for Knowledge,Thirst for Meaningfocuses on Enchantments instead of Artifacts, which makes sense in this Enchantment-heavy Theros plane. Players will love this card for Standard and Limited, but it will most likely not see as much play in Pioneer, Modern, or Commander where players have access to much better card draw. This card will be a great addition for beginners who are looking to update theirnewTheros: Beyond DeathPlaneswalker Ashiok Deck.
Uro, Titan of Nature’s Wrath
Uro is the new Simic in town. AfterOko’s banning from Pioneerand Standard, players may have though Simic to be dead in new Constructed, but this guy is bringing it back. This titan not only draws players cards, but it also helps players to play additional lands from their hands. This card will be amazing in Commander and Brawl, and will likely see play in Standard while players attempt to see if Escape will be viable in the format.
Nylea, Keen-Eyed
Like the lastNyleafrom the original Theros, the newNylea, Keen-Eyedloves creature decks of all kinds. It not only makes creatures cheaper to player, but also allows players to draw additional creatures off the top of the library. As an indestructible god for 4, this Nylea will be seeing play in most formats. This will be a great addition to theQuesting Beastdecks that have been in the meta in Standard, and she will also be a boon to any green-based creature deck in Commander and Brawl as well.
Gray Merchant of Asphodel
The Gray Merchant is not only a fantastic Standard card, but it also is a great card for potential Pioneer, Brawl, and even some mono-black Commander decks. Most of the constructed formats can gain a lot from the Gray Merchant of Asphodel, and having it back in standard after six years or so will be fantastic for players who love mono-black and Dimir decks. While notone of the most expensiveTheros: Beyond Deathcards, it could be a Standard changer.
Magic: the Gathering’sTheros: Beyond Deathwill be released January 24th, 2020 online and in paper.
