Bronze 3 to Gold 3 Ixtun Peaks

This deck has helped take me from being away from the game for well over a year to climbing the ladder with a lot of wins recently. It’s very much a work in progress, but I really enjoy this list in the current form and I’m running hot enough to post it.

The idea is based on the old Ixtun Peaks lists (which were in vogue back when I stopped playing) because I was already invested in that wedge. After reviewing the Throne Primer in the articles section to get a good idea of what the meta decks are, I decided to start to pivot to my own midrange/control hybrid and see how it goes.

Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve combo’d off with West-Wind Herald and Iceberg Scattershot, so it might be time to pull that combo out of the market. I probably won’t until I can either add more copies of either Xo of the Endless Hoard or get some Stormhalt Platings. While the WWH’s aren’t the greatest unit, being a way to rebuy a wrath or continue to generate aegis fliers with Mirror Image off Howling Peak even without the combo is big game when you’re already ahead on board.

If you want to play this deck, know that I play it like a midrange deck - I want as many X-for-1’s as possible, and I’m often making a decision to pivot into an attacking role around the time that Peak has come down to catch me up. The toughest matchups are midrange/control decks that finish you off with bog relic weapons; I was playing a Bore in the market for a while and may go back to that, but I’m unsure. The other way you lose games with this deck is not hitting your power requirements - 6 max and FFJJPP is when I start to feel comfortable knowing I’ll be able to cast all my spells. Don’t be afraid to keep a hand with 2 power, Vargo Redclaw, and a Seek Power or Strategize, as you’re going to draw power, tutors, and card draw often. Catch up to aggressive starts with Hailstorm and Harsh Rule.

One of my personal favorite plays against an opponent who’s overextending is to play a Vargo, but not block and then Harsh Rule. Typically a blowout, and honestly one of my favorite plays in this deck. To be honest, I picked Vargo as an alternative to Svetya, Orene of Kosul, which I thought would be a better four drop in this list, but now I’m not so sure. The synergy between the sweepers that don’t kill Vargo is much more powerful than I anticipated.

Improvements I’m considering are more Xo to replace the West Wind Heralds (which also helps the power situation), or perhaps replacing those with Stormhalt Plating. I’m still undecided. Any feedback or questions would be appreciated!