Same, Same, But Different: 5 “New” Pioneer Decks to give a try

Mogged
17/02/2023 · 3 min read
meta

Quick intro

With the release of ONE, there I have had a resurgence of interest in Pioneer decks  that were once missing key tools to make them truly competitive. The Pioneer format has been known for its wide range of possibilities and potential for innovation in deckbuilding, making it a dynamic format for competitive play. After some experimentation, I believe there are several decks that could emerge as potential threats once again, so here are 5 decks I will be working on.

1. Golgari Power

Surprisingly, there had been no viable four-drop options for this deck until the recent printing of Archfiend of Dross, which is an integral component of the build. This is basically an aggro deck where creature power matters and is used to unlock Fight Rigging, The Great Henge, and Ghalta.

Golgari Power. Builder: Mogged. —

1st in Same, same but different: 5 "New" Pioneer Decks — 17-Feb-2023

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Maindeck (60)

Creature [31]
4  Archfiend of the Dross		$0.99 $0.19 R
4  Elvish Mystic		$0.79 $0.03 C
2  Ghalta, Primal Hunger		$5.49 $0.02 R
1  Polukranos, Unchained		$0.99 $0.02 M
4  Lupine Prototype		$0.49 $0.02 R
4  Shakedown Heavy		$0.59 $0.01 R
4  Werewolf Pack Leader		$2.49 $0.20 R
4  Rotting Regisaur		$2.79 $0.02 R
4  Llanowar Elves		$0.69 $0.03 C

Artifact [3]
3  The Great Henge		$59.99 $1.05 M

Enchantment [4]
4  Fight Rigging		$0.99 $0.01 R

Land [22]
4  Blooming Marsh		$2.49 $0.14 R
1  Hashep Oasis		$0.35 $0.03 U
4  Llanowar Wastes		$1.29 $0.02 R
4  Overgrown Tomb		$14.99 $0.12 R
4  Darkbore Pathway	//	$7.49 $0.53 R
1  Takenuma, Abandoned Mire		$12.99 $2.76 R
1  Forest		$0.01 $0.01 C
1  Boseiju, Who Endures		$49.99 $10.92 R
2  Lair of the Hydra		$1.99 $1.14 R

Sideboard [15]
2  Fatal Push		$2.49 $0.86 U
3  Bushwhack		$0.69 $0.03 U
2  Shifting Ceratops		$0.49 $0.02 R
4  Thoughtseize		$11.99 $1.60 R
4  Phyrexian Fleshgorger		$5.99 $0.58 M

Buy this deck:

$34.26 Tix @cardhoarder   $0.99 / Week @cardhoarder   $374.85 @tcgplayer   $483.53 @cardkingdom  

Deck Tools: Visual View Similar Decks Proxies Archetype Analysis

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Copy to clipboard and import! 4 Archfiend of the Dross 4 Elvish Mystic 2 Ghalta, Primal Hunger 1 Polukranos, Unchained 4 Lupine Prototype 4 Shakedown Heavy 4 Werewolf Pack Leader 4 Rotting Regisaur 4 Llanowar Elves 3 The Great Henge 4 Fight Rigging 4 Blooming Marsh 1 Hashep Oasis 4 Llanowar Wastes 4 Overgrown Tomb 4 Darkbore Pathway 1 Takenuma, Abandoned Mire 1 Forest 1 Boseiju, Who Endures 2 Lair of the Hydra 2 Fatal Push 3 Bushwhack 2 Shifting Ceratops 4 Thoughtseize 4 Phyrexian Fleshgorger

2. Ub Spells

The new additions to this deck include Darksteel Shores, and the hyped-up Mercurial Spelldancer.

Notably, this deck shares many similarities with UR Phoenix, as both decks focus on playing an interactive game by controlling their opponents before unleashing powerful finishers such as flipping Thing in the Ice or copying Temporal Trespass, or simply drowning the opponent in card advantage.

UB Spells. Builder: Mogged. —

1st in Same, same but different: 5 "New" Pioneer Decks — 17-Feb-2023

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Maindeck (60)

Creature [10]
4  Thing in the Ice		$2.99 $0.02 R
2  Brazen Borrower		$8.99 $7.91 M
4  Mercurial Spelldancer		$0.59 $0.02 R

Instant [22]
2  Tainted Indulgence		$0.39 $0.02 U
2  Spell Pierce		$0.59 $0.01 C
4  Opt		$0.35 $0.01 C
4  Fatal Push		$2.49 $0.86 U
4  Consider		$0.99 $0.03 C
2  Censor		$0.35 $0.03 U
3  Heartless Act		$0.35 $0.03 U
1  Negate		$0.35 $0.03 C

Sorcery [8]
2  Temporal Trespass		$23.99 $0.91 M
4  Thoughtseize		$11.99 $1.60 R
1  Treasure Cruise		$0.35 $0.01 C
1  Chart a Course		$0.35 $0.02 U

Land [20]
2  Hive of the Eye Tyrant		$4.49 $3.50 R
4  Watery Grave		$14.99 $0.25 R
2  Island		$0.01 $0.01 C
4  Darkslick Shores		$2.29 $0.10 R
2  Underground River		$2.79 $0.06 R
2  Hall of Storm Giants		$3.99 $4.66 R
4  Clearwater Pathway	//	$6.99 $1.05 R

Sideboard [15]
2  Sheoldred, the Apocalypse		$79.99 $13.14 M
2  Duress		$0.35 $0.03 C
2  Mystical Dispute		$0.39 $0.04 U
2  Bloodchief's Thirst		$0.35 $0.03 U
1  Negate		$0.35 $0.03 C
2  Narset, Parter of Veils		$0.79 $0.11 U
4  Leyline of the Void		$3.49 $1.24 R

Buy this deck:

$80.38 Tix @cardhoarder   $2.01 / Week @cardhoarder   $367.00 @tcgplayer   $446.01 @cardkingdom  

Deck Tools: Visual View Similar Decks Proxies Archetype Analysis

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Copy to clipboard and import! 4 Thing in the Ice 2 Brazen Borrower 4 Mercurial Spelldancer 2 Tainted Indulgence 2 Spell Pierce 4 Opt 4 Fatal Push 4 Consider 2 Censor 3 Heartless Act 1 Negate 2 Temporal Trespass 4 Thoughtseize 1 Treasure Cruise 1 Chart a Course 2 Hive of the Eye Tyrant 4 Watery Grave 2 Island 4 Darkslick Shores 2 Underground River 2 Hall of Storm Giants 4 Clearwater Pathway 2 Sheoldred, the Apocalypse 2 Duress 2 Mystical Dispute 2 Bloodchief's Thirst 1 Negate 2 Narset, Parter of Veils 4 Leyline of the Void

3. Mardu Greasefang

I've come to realize that Nahiri is an invaluable addition to this deck. Her ability to dig, fill the graveyard with vehicles, and both find Greasefang and reanimate it make her an essential tool. Additionally, she synergizes beautifully with Bloodtithe Harvester. Although I've traditionally preferred Mardu to Abzan, I have to admit that Abzan has been the better choice so far.

However, the next time I register Greasefang, I will definitely go with Nahiri as my go-to choice.

Mardu Greasefang. Builder: Mogged. —

1st in Same, same but different: 5 "New" Pioneer Decks — 17-Feb-2023

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Maindeck (60)

Creature [14]
4  Bloodtithe Harvester		$0.35 $0.03 U
4  Fable of the Mirror-Breaker		$21.99 $10.31 R
4  Greasefang, Okiba Boss		$0.49 $0.01 R
1  Kroxa, Titan of Death's Hunger		$2.99 $0.66 M
1  Scrapwork Mutt		$0.39 $0.03 C

Artifact [7]
3  Parhelion II		$0.59 $0.02 R
3  Skysovereign, Consul Flagship		$1.99 $0.03 M
1  Unlicensed Hearse		$0.69 $1.04 R

Instant [7]
4  Fatal Push		$2.49 $0.86 U
3  Vanishing Verse		$0.49 $0.20 R

Sorcery [4]
4  Thoughtseize		$11.99 $1.60 R

Planeswalker [4]
3  Nahiri, the Unforgiving		$0.99 $0.02 M
1  Liliana of the Veil		$15.99 $5.55 M

Land [24]
1  Blightstep Pathway	//	$6.49 $3.38 R
1  Brightclimb Pathway	//	$4.99 $0.32 R
3  Concealed Courtyard		$0.99 $0.27 R
4  Inspiring Vantage		$2.49 $0.47 R
3  Blood Crypt		$17.99 $0.25 R
3  Needleverge Pathway	//	$4.99 $2.09 R
1  Takenuma, Abandoned Mire		$12.99 $2.76 R
1  Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth		$39.99 $0.36 R
2  Godless Shrine		$13.99 $0.06 R
1  Hive of the Eye Tyrant		$4.49 $3.50 R
4  Blackcleave Cliffs		$2.79 $0.06 R

Sideboard [15]
2  Rending Volley		$1.99 $0.95 U
2  Portable Hole		$0.99 $0.04 U
1  Reidane, God of the Worthy		$0.69 $0.50 R
1  Skysovereign, Consul Flagship		$1.99 $0.03 M
2  Unlicensed Hearse		$0.69 $1.04 R
1  Extinction Event		$0.69 $0.61 R
2  Duress		$0.35 $0.03 C
1  Collective Brutality		$1.79 $0.06 R
1  Reckoner Bankbuster		$2.29 $1.80 R
1  Kolaghan's Command		$1.49 $0.15 R
1  Vanishing Verse		$0.49 $0.20 R

Buy this deck:

$85.79 Tix @cardhoarder   $2.14 / Week @cardhoarder   $295.82 @tcgplayer   $388.91 @cardkingdom  

Deck Tools: Visual View Similar Decks Proxies Archetype Analysis

Export & Save: Magic online format Apprentice and MWS .dec

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Copy to clipboard and import! 4 Bloodtithe Harvester 4 Fable of the Mirror-Breaker 4 Greasefang, Okiba Boss 1 Kroxa, Titan of Death's Hunger 1 Scrapwork Mutt 3 Parhelion II 3 Skysovereign, Consul Flagship 1 Unlicensed Hearse 4 Fatal Push 3 Vanishing Verse 4 Thoughtseize 3 Nahiri, the Unforgiving 1 Liliana of the Veil 1 Blightstep Pathway 1 Brightclimb Pathway 3 Concealed Courtyard 4 Inspiring Vantage 3 Blood Crypt 3 Needleverge Pathway 1 Takenuma, Abandoned Mire 1 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth 2 Godless Shrine 1 Hive of the Eye Tyrant 4 Blackcleave Cliffs 2 Rending Volley 2 Portable Hole 1 Reidane, God of the Worthy 1 Skysovereign, Consul Flagship 2 Unlicensed Hearse 1 Extinction Event 2 Duress 1 Collective Brutality 1 Reckoner Bankbuster 1 Kolaghan's Command 1 Vanishing Verse

4. Red Green Obosh

The inclusion of Copperline Gorge has proven to be a fantastic addition, making splashing red easier and allowing for more interaction, such as Glorybringer and Bonecrusher. Furthermore, the deck has benefited from the introduction of two new powerful threats: Nissa and Rex.

The main goal of the deck is to maintain a steady curve, and with the likelihood of games ending in flooding, having mana sinks such as Migloz and Obosh becomes increasingly important. This build makes excellent use of the latest cards, since the green cards in the set are particularly strong and synergize well with the deck's overall strategy.

Red Green Obosh. Builder: Mogged. —

1st in Same, same but different: 5 "New" Pioneer Decks — 17-Feb-2023

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Maindeck (60)

Creature [31]
4  Elvish Mystic		$0.79 $0.03 C
2  Shivan Devastator		$5.49 $0.17 M
4  Glorybringer		$0.49 $0.02 R
4  Lovestruck Beast		$0.49 $0.02 R
4  Llanowar Elves		$0.69 $0.03 C
4  Bonecrusher Giant		$0.59 $1.42 R
4  Migloz, Maze Crusher		$0.49 $0.02 R
2  Tyrranax Rex		$10.99 $0.29 M
3  Gilded Goose		$1.79 $0.25 R

Artifact [2]
2  The Great Henge		$59.99 $1.05 M

Sorcery [2]
2  Turntimber Symbiosis		$4.99 $1.32 M

Planeswalker [4]
2  Kiora, Behemoth Beckoner		$0.99 $0.03 U
2  Nissa, Ascended Animist		$4.49 $0.29 M

Land [21]
4  Copperline Gorge		$3.99 $0.09 R
4  Stomping Ground		$13.99 $0.38 R
4  Cragcrown Pathway	//	$4.99 $1.05 R
2  Lair of the Hydra		$1.99 $1.14 R
1  Sokenzan, Crucible of Defiance		$6.49 $2.75 R
1  Boseiju, Who Endures		$49.99 $10.92 R
1  Forest		$0.01 $0.01 C
4  Karplusan Forest		$5.49 $0.13 R

Sideboard [15]
1  Obosh, the Preypiercer		$0.49 $0.02 R
3  Reclamation Sage		$0.35 $0.03 U
3  Primal Might		$0.49 $0.02 R
2  Tyrranax Rex		$10.99 $0.29 M
3  Elder Gargaroth		$20.99 $0.53 M
3  Rending Volley		$1.99 $0.95 U

Buy this deck:

$40.81 Tix @cardhoarder   $1.02 / Week @cardhoarder   $340.26 @tcgplayer   $448.85 @cardkingdom  

Deck Tools: Visual View Similar Decks Proxies Archetype Analysis

Export & Save: Magic online format Apprentice and MWS .dec

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Copy to clipboard and import! 4 Elvish Mystic 2 Shivan Devastator 4 Glorybringer 4 Lovestruck Beast 4 Llanowar Elves 4 Bonecrusher Giant 4 Migloz, Maze Crusher 2 Tyrranax Rex 3 Gilded Goose 2 The Great Henge 2 Turntimber Symbiosis 2 Kiora, Behemoth Beckoner 2 Nissa, Ascended Animist 4 Copperline Gorge 4 Stomping Ground 4 Cragcrown Pathway 2 Lair of the Hydra 1 Sokenzan, Crucible of Defiance 1 Boseiju, Who Endures 1 Forest 4 Karplusan Forest 1 Obosh, the Preypiercer 3 Reclamation Sage 3 Primal Might 2 Tyrranax Rex 3 Elder Gargaroth 3 Rending Volley

5. Monogreen Sun

I am thrilled about the potential of the latest cards in this deck, particularly Green Sun's Zenith and Tyrranax Rex, which complement each other beautifully.

Green Sun's Zenith provides valuable selection options in the early turns, allowing players to cheat big creatures into the game with X=5. The alternatives for casting these creatures are either Nykthos or Castle Garenbrig. This is undoubtedly my preferred kind of deck in this format, and I have high expectations for its performance and success.

Monogreen Sun. Builder: Mogged. —

1st in Same, same but different: 5 "New" Pioneer Decks — 17-Feb-2023

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Maindeck (60)

Creature [21]
4  Elvish Mystic		$0.79 $0.03 C
4  Llanowar Elves		$0.69 $0.03 C
4  Tyrranax Rex		$10.99 $0.29 M
3  Tovolar's Huntmaster		$0.49 $0.02 R
2  Kogla, the Titan Ape		$2.99 $0.02 R
4  Topiary Stomper		$2.79 $0.10 R

Sorcery [8]
4  Green Sun's Twilight		$0.49 $0.02 R
4  Turntimber Symbiosis		$4.99 $1.32 M

Enchantment [7]
4  Wolfwillow Haven		$0.39 $0.03 U
3  Oath of Nissa		$1.49 $0.13 R

Planeswalker [4]
4  Kiora, Behemoth Beckoner		$0.99 $0.03 U

Land [20]
4  Castle Garenbrig		$4.99 $0.15 R
4  Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx		$39.99 $0.66 R
10  Forest		$0.01 $0.01 C
1  Boseiju, Who Endures		$49.99 $10.92 R
1  Lair of the Hydra		$1.99 $1.14 R

Sideboard [15]
2  Setessan Petitioner		$0.35 $0.03 U
2  Shifting Ceratops		$0.49 $0.02 R
4  Cankerbloom		$0.49 $0.03 U
3  Kraul Harpooner		$0.35 $0.03 U
3  Sylvan Primordial		$0.49 $0.02 R
1  Skylasher		$0.49 $0.02 R

Buy this deck:

$23.56 Tix @cardhoarder   $0.99 / Week @cardhoarder   $268.76 @tcgplayer   $339.05 @cardkingdom  

Deck Tools: Visual View Similar Decks Proxies Archetype Analysis

Export & Save: Magic online format Apprentice and MWS .dec

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Copy to clipboard and import! 4 Elvish Mystic 4 Llanowar Elves 4 Tyrranax Rex 3 Tovolar's Huntmaster 2 Kogla, the Titan Ape 4 Topiary Stomper 4 Green Sun's Twilight 4 Turntimber Symbiosis 4 Wolfwillow Haven 3 Oath of Nissa 4 Kiora, Behemoth Beckoner 4 Castle Garenbrig 4 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx 10 Forest 1 Boseiju, Who Endures 1 Lair of the Hydra 2 Setessan Petitioner 2 Shifting Ceratops 4 Cankerbloom 3 Kraul Harpooner 3 Sylvan Primordial 1 Skylasher

Green is looking really good in this format, Tyrranax Rex might be my new favorite card to brew with

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Mogged
MTGO Grinder
Mogged is one of the MTGO grinders behind many of the top winning decks across formats. He has the most Challenge top8s and wins in 2021, and is currently leading in Challenge wins in 2022. His articles show a deep understanding of the MTG theory and are great for those looking to improve their gameplay, better understanding the game, and learning how the metagame evolves over time.