Lorwyn’s Modern Influence Diminished
The upcoming Modern format matches are highly anticipated as the Region Championship Qualifiers (RCQs) will begin on April 4 and run until August 2. The release of the Lorwyn Eclipsed set has added numerous exciting cards to the metagame, significantly impacting deck strategies.
Lorwyn’s Modern Influence Diminished
Modern, a 60-card format that includes expansion and core sets since Eight Edition, thrives on intricate card interactions. It offers players ample strategies and options, enriched by over 22 years of card history. As the next round of RCQs approaches, analyzing the latest card trends is vital for competitive players.
Metagame Snapshot
To gauge the current state of Modern, over 700 tournament decks were analyzed from events held from January 23 to February 9. This data highlighted the performance of various archetypes, providing insight into which strategies are rising in popularity.
- The metagame share was calculated by considering each deck’s net wins, showcasing the top-performing strategies.
- Categories with less than one percent share included notable names like Orzhov Blink and Grixis Shadow.
- New contenders like Boros Energy and Ruby Storm have gained traction since the last major tournament in November 2025.
Top Cards from Lorwyn Eclipsed
The Lorwyn Eclipsed expansion introduced key cards, influencing established and emerging archetypes. The following table summarizes the most played cards from the set:
| Card Name | Total Copies | Main Deck | Sideboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formidable Speaker | 170 | 169 | 1 |
| Wistfulness | 83 | 76 | 7 |
| Deceit | 42 | 36 | 6 |
| Moonshadow | 40 | 40 | 0 |
| Aurora Awakener | 22 | 22 | 0 |
| Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| Hexing Squelcher | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Champions of the Shoal | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| Silvergill Mentor | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| Vibrance | 8 | 8 | 0 |
Deck Archetype Highlights
Several archetypes have effectively incorporated these cards into their strategies:
- Boros Energy: This deck has maintained a strong performance, utilizing Guy of Souls and Galvanic Discharge for combat dominance.
- Dimir Midrange: Enhanced by Wan Shi Tong, Librarian, this strategy has seen improved performance through disruption and card advantage.
- Living End: The Deceit and Wistfulness cards have revitalized this archetype, allowing for powerful graveyard interactions.
- Eldrazi Ramp: Formidable Speaker serves as a vital tool to advance the game plan, facilitating the casting of powerful threats.
As we approach the RCQ cycle, players need to adapt to the changing metagame. The new additions from Lorwyn Eclipsed will shape the deck-building landscape and influence competitive strategies. Understanding player trends and successful deck designs will be essential for those competing in the upcoming tournaments.
Looking Ahead
With the next round of RCQs marking the start of the 2026-27 premier play season, each player should prepare thoroughly. Mastering the intricacies of your chosen deck can be the difference between victory and defeat in this dynamic and competitive format. Exciting times await in the Modern scene.
