Quick Study

Wilds of Eldraine is the next storyline set following the events in March of the Machine and The Aftermath. It’s designed as a palette cleanser, offering a light-hearted story with themes of fairy tales, in contrast to the previous interpretation of Arthurian legends. This set is a quick and joyful addition, featuring emerging new patterns such as having a single planeswalker per set, and continuing design choices like legendary creatures at uncommon. 

Speaking of design choices, the set also introduces new ideas in terms of combining previously unseen combinations of permanents. For instance, we now have an artifact that serves as both food and a clue, and Adventure is printed on enchantment cards.

Another returning feature, and a welcomed inclusion, is the bonus sheet now containing enchantments. This addition not only provides an excellent space for reprinting highly sought-after cards, but also introduces an additional layer to the sealed experience. However, this doesn't come without its drawbacks, as many of the included enchantments could have been better suited for the Commander Masters release, further increasing the underwhelming reprint quality there.

Enchanting Presence

Going over the bonus sheet, in line with the theme of enchantments, this is one of the best additions we have received when compared with the previous three treatments. The number of choices and the average price of the top few cards feel like a well-crafted and balanced idea that perfectly reflects the set's theme. Each card features new art, as in previous editions, but here the art choices establish a clean connection with the stories and parables that players may know, rather than each creature having a frame calling back to their native plane.

Among the standout cards, we have Doubling Season at $41.60, despite this being its 6th set reprint. Rhystic Study is valued at $25.95, maintaining its well-earned place among EDH and CEDH players. Lastly, Bitterblossom is priced at $14.59, starting to become much more affordable with each reprint. To complement the 60 cards included in the bonus sheet, there are additional variants in terms of Anime Enchanted Tales in all boosters.

$33.95$37.99

$16.22$18.99

Continuing the lottery experience we have been getting over the last few years are the confetti foils available in some Collector Boosters. On another note regarding the collectibles in the set, there is a very obvious absence of serialized cards this time. While some sellers and collectors love these, and other players loathe them, a quick break before the inevitable return of serialization madness is a breath of fresh air.

What a Bargain

Bargain is one of the mechanics that tries to bridge the gap between sealed and constructed play. While it strikes me as a less effective historic counterpart because it requires something in play, we have made significant progress in terms of having tokens on the board. However, not all Bargain cards are created equally. In fact, most of them will end up in bulk boxes. But one stands out as having the most potential and hype in the set.

Beseech the Mirror is shaping up to be the most anticipated card from the set. The reason for this is fairly simple; after all, what has been played in an increasing number of decks and costs four mana? If your guess was The One Ring or Sheoldred, the Apocalypse, then you are correct. With Beseech the Mirror currently sitting at $28 before release, there are two ways this card could go.

$1.45$2.29

$0.34$0.49

On the one hand, Coveted Prize is a similar enough card effect-wise, with notably different rulings about how the discount works. However, the card sees absolutely no play due to how convoluted it is and is likely to remain in its current price range. The same thing might apply to the new tutor, and after some trial and error, people will move on. The other option is that the triple black and Bargain costs are not really enough of a restriction, and Beseech the Mirror will become one of the top five tutors of all time.

A Tale for the Ages

Putting on my speculation hat and reflecting on what we’ve seen from the revealed cards so far, some cards are gathering a bit too much attention. Let’s start with Moonshaker Cavalry, which is currently being hailed as the white equivalent of Craterhoof Behemoth. In terms of cost and impact on the board, they are quite close and might even initiate an eight-drop cycle of finishers. However, the differences in playability are quite apparent. Strictly speaking, this is an EDH card in a color that lacks a consistent way of tutoring, unlike its green counterpart. There’s a reason why Craterhoof is seeing play in Legacy Elves and maintaining a relatively high price despite reprints. So while Moonshaker Cavalry is currently trending at $19.50, it will likely trend downwards to a more appropriate price point.

$43.61$59.99

Another card that seems currently overvalued in predictions is Agatha's Soul Cauldron. It has shown a solid decrease in price, coming down to $16.50 from the original listing of $29. This card is another addition to the Tazri, Stalwart Survivor EDH pile. Off the top of my head, it also pairs up nicely with Heliod, Sun-Crowned or Dauthi Voidwalker. Activated abilities are here to stay and more cards will be printed to maintain the value here. Given the very specific naming convention of a character, this card is also a challenging target to reprint in any subsequent set. Consequently, it might receive the same treatment as The Ozolith, where outside of the set print it’s used as a box topper.

The End

To conclude, Wilds of Eldraine is a set designed as a breather, offering a quick pause after wrapping up the events of the last story arc. With the inclusion of the bonus sheet and several notable and exciting new cards, the set proves to be a worthwhile addition to the game. It’s likely that many players will fondly remember it.

While we’re still in the pre-release period, some of the cards are continuing to drop in price from their initial speculative highs. Many cards will adjust in price post-release, and there may be some that stand out from the rest due to their playability in Standard. I'm eager to see how the set will shape different formats and metagames in the coming weeks. 

Join me again next time when we create some Faerie mischief with Commander: Wilds of Eldraine.

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