Outlaws of Thunder Junction boasts an impressive 47 common/uncommon removal spells, exceeding sets like MKM and LCI. Drafting success hinges on leveraging this abundance and adapting to frequent Breaking News interactions.

Set Overview & Power Level

Outlaws of Thunder Junction presents a surprisingly strong Limited environment, evidenced by a 47-15-1 record achieved on MTGO through extensive drafting. The set’s power level is notably high, largely due to the sheer volume of removal available – a staggering 47 at common and uncommon rarities alone. This abundance ensures impactful plays throughout the draft and gameplay.

Every pack contains Breaking News cards, consistently interacting with the board, often eliminating creatures. No archetype feels truly unplayable, offering flexibility, though WU and UR have shown slightly weaker performance.

Key Mechanics & Their Impact on Draft

Breaking News is central to Outlaws of Thunder Junction draft, appearing in every pack and reliably removing creatures or otherwise impacting the board state. This mechanic elevates the importance of card advantage and resilience. The high density of removal, combined with Breaking News, creates a reactive environment.

Splashing colors becomes more viable due to consistent interaction, enhancing Gx archetypes. Drafting prioritizes efficient removal and cards that thrive in a removal-heavy format, demanding adaptable strategies.

Color Pair Archetypes ⎼ Tier List

Outlaws of Thunder Junction features ten archetypes, with all being playable; however, WU and UR have shown underperformance in early drafts, requiring open seats.

Tier 1 Archetypes (Highly Consistent & Powerful)

Currently, specific Tier 1 archetypes haven’t been definitively established through widespread data, but initial assessments suggest strong potential within combinations capitalizing on the set’s removal density. Gx archetypes benefit significantly from the ease of splashing colors, given the format’s flexibility. Prioritizing archetypes that effectively utilize Breaking News cards and consistently apply pressure is key. Drafting should focus on synergistic elements, ensuring a cohesive strategy capable of overwhelming opponents with efficient threats and answers. Expect these archetypes to consistently deliver strong results.

Tier 2 Archetypes (Strong, but with Specific Requirements)

White/Blue (WU) and Blue/Red (UR) archetypes currently demonstrate underperformance, though remain viable with open seating and careful construction. These strategies require precise card evaluation and a commitment to specific synergies to succeed. Success relies on mitigating weaknesses and maximizing strengths through strategic card choices. Drafting these requires adaptability and a willingness to deviate from established patterns, focusing on enabling key interactions and capitalizing on opponent’s missteps.

Tier 3 Archetypes (Playable, but Require Significant Support)

While Outlaws of Thunder Junction lacks truly unplayable archetypes, some demand substantial support to function effectively. These strategies often rely on specific card combinations and consistent synergy to overcome inherent weaknesses. Success hinges on identifying key enablers early and prioritizing cards that bolster the archetype’s core strengths. Drafting these requires flexibility and a willingness to pivot if signals are unfavorable, demanding careful evaluation of each pick.

Removal in Outlaws of Thunder Junction

Outlaws of Thunder Junction distinguishes itself with a remarkable 47 removal spells at common and uncommon, significantly surpassing other recent draftable sets.

The Abundance of Removal ⎼ Common & Uncommon

Outlaws of Thunder Junction truly stands out regarding removal options, presenting a staggering 47 spells at the common and uncommon rarities. This density eclipses previous sets like March of the Machine (24 removal spells) and Lost Caverns of Ixalan (22).

This sheer volume fundamentally alters draft dynamics; players can reliably expect removal in nearly every pack. The prevalence of Breaking News cards further amplifies this effect, consistently providing creature removal or impactful interactions, making proactive play crucial.

Evaluating Removal Spells ⸺ Efficiency & Versatility

Given the sheer quantity of removal in Outlaws of Thunder Junction, discerning quality becomes paramount. Prioritize spells offering the best rate – cost versus effect – and consider versatility. Removal that handles multiple threat types (creatures, artifacts, enchantments) gains significant value.

Evaluate how well a spell interacts with Breaking News; some removal becomes less appealing when a free removal trigger is likely. Efficient, flexible removal will consistently outperform situational options in this format.

Impact of Breaking News Cards on Removal Strategy

Breaking News fundamentally alters removal evaluation in Outlaws of Thunder Junction. With a 90% chance to kill a creature, or 95% interaction rate overall, each pack reliably delivers a removal effect. This abundance diminishes the premium on early-pick, standalone removal spells.

Instead, prioritize removal that synergizes with Breaking News or addresses threats it can’t handle. Consider cards that provide value beyond simple destruction, like tempo swings or card advantage.

Top Commons & Uncommons

Prioritize commons offering immediate value and impactful removal. High-value uncommons can swing games, enabling archetypes and providing crucial advantages in Outlaws of Thunder Junction drafts.

Must-Pick Commons

Identifying premier commons is crucial for a successful Outlaws of Thunder Junction draft. Cards providing efficient removal, like those capable of consistently dealing with threats, should be prioritized highly. Look for commons that directly support key archetypes, offering synergistic value beyond their individual power.

Commons enabling consistent color fixing are also exceptionally valuable, given the set’s potential for splashing. Don’t underestimate the power of versatile utility commons that address multiple board states or provide card advantage. These commons form the backbone of a strong limited deck, offering reliability and consistency throughout the draft.

High-Value Uncommons

Outlaws of Thunder Junction uncommons often define a deck’s ceiling, offering significant power boosts and archetype synergy. Prioritize uncommons that provide impactful removal, especially those that circumvent common defenses or offer unique effects. Cards that substantially enhance a chosen archetype’s core strategy are also exceptionally valuable.

Look for uncommons that offer card advantage or disruptive capabilities, controlling the board and hindering opponents. Don’t overlook uncommons that provide strong late-game threats, capable of closing out games decisively. These uncommons elevate a good deck to a truly competitive level.

Drafting Strategy & Pick Order

Outlaws of Thunder Junction draft strategy emphasizes adaptability; no archetype is truly unplayable, but recognizing signals and prioritizing removal is crucial for success.

First-Pick Considerations

Outlaws of Thunder Junction presents unique first-pick dilemmas. Premium removal, like impactful spells capable of controlling the board, should be highly prioritized due to the set’s abundance of such options. Game-winning threats also warrant consideration, but assess their archetype dependence.

Draftsims provides comprehensive card rankings to aid in these early decisions. Remember that splashing is often viable, making cards supporting multiple colors valuable. Avoid forcing a specific archetype immediately; remain open to signals from subsequent packs and prioritize flexibility in your initial picks.

Mid-Draft Adjustments & Signals

As the draft progresses in Outlaws of Thunder Junction, pay close attention to signals. Repeatedly seeing cards from a specific archetype indicates it’s open, encouraging you to pivot. Conversely, a lack of support suggests avoiding that path.

The format’s strength lies in its lack of truly unplayable archetypes, so remaining adaptable is key. Prioritize cards that fit your emerging strategy, and don’t be afraid to splash colors if dual lands appear. Evaluate removal efficiency and versatility based on the board state.

Late-Draft Value Picks

In the late stages of an Outlaws of Thunder Junction draft, prioritize efficient removal – it’s abundant but always valuable. Look for cards supporting any archetype you’ve tentatively moved into, even if they aren’t premium picks. Solid role-players and archetype enablers become crucial.

Don’t overlook cards that enable splashing, given the format’s flexibility. Even seemingly situational cards can shine with the right synergy. Remember, consistent mana fixing is paramount for multi-color strategies, maximizing late-pick potential.

Mana Fixing & Color Requirements

Outlaws of Thunder Junction encourages splashing due to its flexible nature; dual lands are vital for consistent multi-color decks and maximizing archetype potential.

Importance of Dual Lands

Dual lands are exceptionally crucial in Outlaws of Thunder Junction drafts, significantly elevating the power of multicolored strategies. The format’s inherent flexibility and the prevalence of desirable splashing opportunities mean consistently hitting your color requirements is paramount. Prioritize acquiring dual lands early, as they unlock access to stronger archetypes and improve overall deck consistency.

Without reliable mana fixing, ambitious color combinations can quickly falter, leaving you vulnerable to opponents with more streamlined mana bases. Don’t underestimate their value – they’re often worth a premium pick!

Splashing Colors ⎼ Risks & Rewards

Outlaws of Thunder Junction actively encourages splashing due to the high density of removal and the format’s generally slower pace. However, successful splashing demands careful deck construction and a reliable mana base. The rewards – accessing powerful cards outside your primary colors – can be substantial, significantly boosting your deck’s overall strength.

Be mindful of the risks; inconsistent mana can lead to missed land drops and uncastable spells. Prioritize fixing and evaluate if the payoff justifies potential vulnerabilities.

Card Evaluation ⸺ Tier List Breakdown

Outlaws of Thunder Junction cards are categorized into tiers: premium removal/threats (Tier 1), solid role-players (Tier 2), and situational cards (Tier 3), guiding draft choices.

Tier 1 ⸺ Premium Removal & Game-Winning Threats

This tier encompasses cards that immediately elevate a draft deck’s power level. Expect impactful removal spells capable of swinging crucial combats, alongside creatures that demand answers or close out games swiftly. These are your first-pick candidates, often dictating archetype selection. Cards fitting this description include efficient, versatile removal and threats that consistently provide value. Prioritize these highly, as they offer significant advantages throughout the draft and in matches, forming the core of a successful strategy.

Tier 2 ⎼ Solid Role-Players & Archetype Enablers

These cards aren’t immediate game-winners, but they reliably contribute to a cohesive strategy. Tier 2 includes efficient creatures that excel in specific archetypes and removal that handles most threats. They fill crucial roles, supporting your primary game plan without necessarily being the game plan. While not first-pick material, consistently taking these cards strengthens your deck’s synergy and overall consistency, providing valuable support throughout the draft process.

Tier 3 ⎼ Situational Cards & Fillers

Tier 3 cards are generally only playable with significant archetype support or when you’re heavily committed to a specific color combination. These often require specific conditions to shine, lacking broad applicability. While not actively bad, they won’t single-handedly win games. Prioritize them only when filling gaps in your curve or when they directly enable key synergies within your chosen archetype. Don’t reach for these early; they’re late-draft value picks.

Archetype Specific Card Synergies

Outlaws of Thunder Junction thrives on identifying key card interactions within archetypes, building decks around core cards to maximize synergy and overall draft success.

Identifying Key Synergies within Archetypes

Successfully drafting Outlaws of Thunder Junction requires recognizing how cards amplify each other within specific archetypes. For example, cards supporting the “loot” strategy gain value when combined with those triggering off the graveyard.

Understanding how Breaking News interacts with creature-heavy strategies is crucial, as is recognizing how certain cards enable explosive turns in aggressive decks. Prioritize cards that don’t just function well independently, but actively enhance the core plan of your chosen archetype, leading to a more cohesive and powerful draft deck.

Building Around Core Cards

In Outlaws of Thunder Junction draft, identifying and prioritizing “core cards” is paramount. These are cards that strongly define an archetype and dictate your drafting direction. For instance, a strong looting engine might signal a commitment to a graveyard-centric strategy.

Actively seek cards that synergize with these cores, even if they’re individually less powerful. Don’t be afraid to deviate slightly from open signals if it means solidifying a potent core-driven strategy, maximizing your deck’s focused power.

Common Draft Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid neglecting removal due to its prevalence; forcing an archetype despite weak signals; and underestimating the value of splashing colors for archetype synergy.

Ignoring Removal

Outlaws of Thunder Junction is defined by its sheer volume of removal – a staggering 47 common and uncommon spells. Failing to prioritize these cards is a critical error. The format’s pace demands consistent answers to threats, and Breaking News further amplifies this need.

Drafting removal isn’t just about taking the best spell; it’s about recognizing its value in nearly every archetype. Even aggressive decks benefit from disrupting opponents, and control strategies absolutely require it to survive. Underestimating removal leads to being overrun and losing crucial board states.

Forcing an Archetype

Outlaws of Thunder Junction distinguishes itself with a remarkably open draft environment; no archetype is truly unplayable. Attempting to force a specific strategy, particularly weaker ones like WU or UR, often proves detrimental. The format rewards adaptability and reading signals over rigid commitment.

Prioritize strong cards and removal early, allowing the draft to guide you. Resisting the urge to tunnel vision prevents you from ending up in a diluted archetype lacking crucial pieces. Flexibility is key to maximizing your win rate in this diverse set;