What if give it free removal, free ramp, and free casts? What do you get? UN-FUN DESTRUCTION
With the recent reveal of Ugin, Eye of the Storms from the upcoming Tarkir: Dragonstorm set, the debate over whether power creep is good or bad for the format is back in full swing.
What Is Power Creep, and Why Does It Matter?
First and foremost, Power creep refers to the gradual increase in the power level of new cards, making older cards feel less relevant over time. In Commander, this can manifest in a few ways:
- New cards that outclass older staples (e.g., Jeweled Lotus vs. Sol Ring).
- Commanders that are so strong they dominate the meta (e.g., Yuriko, The Tiger’s Shadow).
- Synergies that are so efficient they warp the format (e.g., Dockside Extortionist loops).
But is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. Power creep keeps the game exciting and gives players something to look forward to with each new set. However, it can also lead to frustration when older decks feel obsolete or when games become too predictable.
Ugin, Eye of the Storms: A Quick Case Study in Power Creep
Let’s take a closer look at the newly revealed Ugin, Eye of the Storms:
This card is insane. It’s a repeatable removal engine, a mana accelerator, and a game-ending combo piece all in one. While it’s not as oppressive as some other recent cards (looking at you, The One Ring), it’s definitely pushing the power level envelope.
- Pros: It’s a flavorful and exciting addition to the Tarkir: Dragonstorm set, and it gives colorless decks a powerful new tool.
- Cons: It’s yet another card that could dominate games, especially in decks built around colorless spells.
As a Commander player, I think Ugin, Eye of the Storms is an amazing addition to certain decks, particularly Eldrazi and other colorless strategies. Here’s why:
- Eldrazi Synergy:
If you’re playing against an Eldrazi deck, you already know you’re in for a high-power game. This Ugin fits perfectly into that bracket (Bracket 4 in the new power level system), and it’s not something that should catch anyone off guard. It’s a natural fit for decks that want to cast big, colorless spells and dominate the board. - Pre-Communication is Key:
One of the great things about Commander is the ability to communicate with your playgroup before the game starts. If someone drops this Ugin, it’s not going to be a surprise if you’ve already discussed power levels. It’s a card that belongs in high-powered games, and as long as everyone’s on the same page, it shouldn’t cause any issues. - Not for Every Deck:
While Ugin, Eye of the Storms is powerful, it’s not a card that will slot into every deck. It’s specifically designed for colorless strategies, which means it won’t be as ubiquitous as something like Dockside Extortionist or Smothering Tithe. This helps keep it from feeling oppressive across the entire format. - Modern and Standard? Not My Domain:
I’ll be honest, I don’t play Modern or Standard, so I can’t speak to how this card will impact those formats. But in Commander, it’s a card that’s going to shine in the right decks and the right playgroups.
I’m always excited to see new tools for niche strategies, and Ugin, Eye of the Storms is exactly that. It’s a card that rewards creativity and synergy, and it’s going to make Eldrazi and other colorless decks even more fun to pilot.
At the same time, it’s a card that’s easy to evaluate in terms of power level. If you’re sitting down at a casual table, you’re probably not going to see this Ugin. But if you’re playing in a high-powered or cEDH pod, it’s going to be a force to be reckoned with and that’s okay.
My Thoughts on Power Creep in Commander
As someone who views Commander as a social format first and foremost, I have mixed feelings about power creep. Here’s where I stand:
- It’s Not All Bad:
Power creep keeps the format fresh and gives players something to be excited about with each new set. Not every powerful card is a must-have, and there’s always room for underdog strategies. - Synergy > Raw Power:
A card like Ugin, Eye of the Storms is strong, but it’s not an instant win button. Synergy and pilot skill still matter, and that’s what makes Commander so rewarding. - The Social Contract Matters:
At the end of the day, Commander is about having fun with your playgroup. If a card is too oppressive, it’s okay to have a conversation about it. That’s the beauty of the format, it’s flexible and player-driven. - cEDH Is a Different Beast:
If I want to sweat and play cutthroat Magic, I’ll play cEDH. For casual Commander, I’m more interested in creating memorable moments than winning on turn 5.
While power creep is inevitable, there are ways to mitigate its impact:
- Embrace Rule 0: Talk to your playgroup about what’s acceptable and what’s not.
- Focus on Fun: Build decks that prioritize creativity and fun over raw power.
- Support Reprints: Advocate for more reprints to keep powerful cards accessible.
- Celebrate Underdogs: Give love to niche strategies and underplayed cards.
Power creep is a double-edged sword. It keeps the format exciting but can also may lead to frustration if left unchecked. Cards like Ugin, Eye of the Storms are a reminder that Magic is always evolving, and it’s up to us as players to shape the format we want to see.
And remember, whether you’re casting Ugin, Eye of the Storms or janky tribal deck, the goal is to have fun.
So, until next time: Life is a stack, and I’m here to clear it.