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Xenan Kazed

Throne Deck By
KazePlays

+51

Cost Curve

Type

Faction

Information

If you would like to see the deck in action:

KazePlays on Twitch

Hey guys! This is a new list Ive been running in Masters with a decent success rate. At its heart, it is a tempo build striving to take early control of the board with the aid of glasshopper and reduced cost pledge units. Presence is maintained with a suite of efficient removal spells until the match can be closed out with charge units, of which there are twelve. Most games will end (by death or concession) on turns 4 to 7. If the game carries on longer, you will usually be able to out value your opponent regardless, utilizing a host of recovery options and unit retrieval from the void.

In case you are interested, I've been given permission to link a similar deck with a fantastic guide authored by DarettiMomsSpaghetti. His list was posted about a month ago, and has also gotten a lot of well deserved attention. I'm not certain which list is "better" in relation to the current meta, but I encourage you to try out both and post any suggestions you might have for improving the core concept. With additional refinements I hope to see this archetype evolve even further.

His list can be found here: Secret Xenan Aggro v1.21 (full deck breakdown w/ updates)

Here are some thoughts on card selections:

Last Chance: Really love this card and it has proven itself strictly more useful than Dark Return. Most effectively used to quickly retrieve a Glasshopper or Teacher of Humility on turn 2/3. The prior will naturally net you an additional pledge drop, all of which are insanely good, while the latter shuts down the Hooru/JPS Control decks that are so prevelant in upper ranks. Two is perfect in my opinion, though up to four is not unreasonable

Be Gone: You might question why I would include this, but it has several critical functions. First and foremost, it will clear the way for a Teacher of Humility or Amaran Stinger to hit face on turn 3/4, while leaving you enough power to drop another threat. Second, you can bounce back your Glasshopper to replay on turn 3 to net an additional pledge unit. Third, it generates a shadow influence, allowing you to cast your SS removal even if you didn't draw into the right resources. It is an undervalued card, and irreplaceable in this deck.

Annihilate and Desecrate: Some of the best single target removals in the game. Six total in whatever combination suits you would be best. They are very efficient and flexible.

Glasshopper: Amazing and Broken. You love this is your starting hand, especially with Be Gone and any one of your pledge units. If you don't start with one, its alright. This card generates incredible value at any point in the match.

Rapid Shot: This is an amazing inclusion, both offensively, defensively, and as spot removal. With a total of twelve charge units, you will be able to close out most games by turn 5 or 6. Three is a solid number.

Teacher of Humility: Every time I face Hooru Control with this in my starting hand, I smile. Every. Single. Time. Four of them are a must have. Even if you don't get the damage through to trigger, a 3/3 body on turn two is awesome.

Amaran Stinger: It is sensible to include four of these in almost any deck running Time. They avoid being pinged off by tricks that deal less than 4 damage, and they generate insane value. Use Be Gone or one of your removals to clear the way and let the stingers do their thing.

Kerendon Merchant: Better than smuggler in my opinion. Deadly is an awesome battle skill, and he fetches the most important market cards for high(ish) IQ techs.

Star-Reader's Blade: This is such an amazing card. It has so many uses in this deck, and you will never regret placing one on any of the units in this deck. Bringing back a Glasshopper on turn three is probably my favorite use, but it will never let you down. Three or four feels really good.

Cykalis, the Burning Sand: Our favorite unit to pledge. Once you get the ball rolling with 2+ of these, especially with Dread to bounce them back, the game is yours. They are also great for removal with Rapid Shot. Don't be afraid to toss one out there to contest the board, as you have overwhelm too, netting you 9 total damage for 3 power with a Glasshopper in play. The damage immunity on summon is great, too, allowing you to wait and use RS defensively the following turn. 4 x of these is required.

Dread: Definitely want to use a full playset of these, as this card has so many functions. Two Dreads back to back can switch one another from your void indefinitely. Antics like this are great, effectively giving you infinite card advantage. Also frequently used to retrieve Glasshopper and Amaran Stinger as well, which are great tempo plays. The lifesteal is also great for bouncing back in a match you are falling behind in. This will score you surprise wins against Rakano and similar aggressive decks that run out of juice after turns 4/5. Don't be afraid to summon Dread without a unit in your void, as you will often be able to pull him back using Last Chance. Getting the damage + Lifesteal is always worth it.

While the meta is still working itself out, I've found this to be one of my most consistent lists. This is especially true since you don't really see any Xenan representation in the last several tournaments. Net-deckers will have little or no idea how to deal with you. This fact alone gives you an edge over anyone playing a cloned list, which we are all prepared for and play against ad nauseum. Assuming this build stays under the radar for at least a few days, you will have a huge advantage. This will likely change in the next few weeks, so enjoy it while we can! Cheers.

Details

Shiftstone Cost
Does not include campaign cost
44,500

Premium Cost
243,200

Influence Requirements
2 2

Power Sources
15 19 8

Power Calculator
Shiftstoned Icon View Deck on Shiftstoned

Deck Rarities
14 19 18 15

Card Types
33 3 17 1 26

Contains Cards From Campaigns
Dead Reckoning [Set1003]
Into Shadow [Set1004]
Homecoming [Set1005]

Archetype
Tempo

Updated
May 29, 2019

Added
May 19, 2019

Views
13,283

Eternal Version
Dark Frontier

BBCode For Comments

Deck URL

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Comments

thedarkmessiah Eternal Version: 1.46.7
Would you keep Amaran Stinger in the deck now that he's been brought down to a 2/3? I, personally, hate that change for the obvious reasons: every deck and it's grandmother runs 4x Torch and now the stinger is a prime target for it.
KazePlays Eternal Version: 1.46.7
Yeah, I still run it. Last chance, and to a lesser extent, Dread, still make it worthwhile.
Tonnique Eternal Version: 1.46.6
I see this deck EVERYWHERE. Its nice though, so I play it too.
Audrey03 Eternal Version: 1.46.6
I followed you on Twitch will you be streaming tonight? Time zone is different for me but I want to watch. Thanks
whiskey Eternal Version: 1.46.4
Kaze can you please link your stream mentioned in another comment? Unable to find by searching your name. Thanks for the build!
KazePlays Eternal Version: 1.46.5
Sure thing: https://www.twitch.tv/kazeplays_ecg

I just set it up, I'm going to be streaming from 8pm-11pm EST, maybe later. See you then.
Clair0 Eternal Version: 1.46.6
Finally found your stream! Thx!
karine25 Eternal Version: 1.46.6
Me too
Tiffy Eternal Version: 1.46.4
This deck is so awesome! I might finally hit Master for my first time, Im only at Gold 2 but winning a lot. Thank you for sharing.
Gabrael Eternal Version: 1.46.4
What are you looking for on your draw? I like the deck, but I'm real streaky and only at about 50%. I think I'm not drawing well, but my experiments aren't showing improvement.
Gabrael Edited Eternal Version: 1.46.4
I'm doing better after focusing a bit more on tempo than pledge. At first, I was sending back any hand that didn't have pledge, and keeping any hand that did without much other consideration. But on too many occasions I would have nothing left after I pledged. So instead, I look to make sure I have a plan for the first three to four turns after I pledge. If not, I send the hand back for another draw.
daijanae Eternal Version: 1.46.4
Really nice deck, Kaze. Saw it on stream yesterday and jumped on the bandwagon. Side note, for those of you struggling with curving out, I suggest you watch an experienced player pilot it for a few matches. It is all about the proper mulligan.
Comment Deleted
whiskey Eternal Version: 1.46.4
Can you link the stream? Wasn't able to find it searching for Kaze.
Crosby4HyG Eternal Version: 1.46.4
I'd like to watch the stream as well, a link would be appreciated.
sergnotsurge Eternal Version: 1.46.4
Great deck but seems to struggle so hard with having enough sigils. Constantly getting stuck on 3 is such an epic problem. dropped a card for an additional sigil.
KazePlays Eternal Version: 1.46.4
Nice revision, I'll have to try it. Power base could probably be tweaked a bit as well. Haven't thoroughly tested it myself, but I'll update it later.
Grim_Deception Edited Eternal Version: 1.46.4
I've had no luck with this list and I've played xenan primarily since i started playing eternal. I just have terrible hands due to flood... ( also so were clear im npt saying it's a bad list, it's just not one i can pilot apparently
KazePlays Edited Eternal Version: 1.46.4
Sorry to hear it Grim! You might have better luck with these other two Xenan decks I've been watching. As far as I can tell they are really solid.

Evenhanded Reweave Pledge and Secret Xenan Aggro v1.21 (full deck breakdown w/ updates)

Let me know how it goes!



BlueEyedBadger Eternal Version: 1.46.4
Crazy strong deck. If you can afford the stones you wont regret crafting it.
AceEddy Eternal Version: 1.46.4
I'm surprised to see Team Rankstar is sleeping on this list in their Meta Monday release. I see this deck at least 3 times in every 10 games in Masters, and whoever is playing it usually wins.
EbonGh0st Eternal Version: 1.46.4
I doubt it was intentional. They probably only listen to the small group of people who submit lists to them and assume its somehow representative of the Meta as a whole. Based on hype alone, not to mention how many streamers Ive watched play this list in the last few days, I'd say its a lot more popular then anything in their Tier 1 and 2 categories. I'm sure Kaze didn't submit it to them, so its flying under their radar.
Bradomenus Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Awesome deck dude. I tried running a few games without Moonstone Vanguard as I didn't have enough shift stone to craft and still did pretty good. Somewhere around 7-3 at Diamond I. After breaking down and crafting all four, I've gone 4-0. One of the best lists on the board right now.
KazePlays Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Did you have difficulty securing your first turn pledges without the Moonstones? I'm confident that 12 pledge units is enough, but 8 seems to be cutting it pretty slim. Congrats on your wins either way! Keep it up.
Naina Eternal Version: 1.46.6
Twelve is plenty, sixteen might help, but not worth removing another card for it.
ReflectingMyDescent Eternal Version: 1.46.3
I think it's really hard to push through dread without secret passage. do you just let dread die and not attack if you want to bring back something from your void or what are u supposed to do with it when they have big threats like sandstorm titan on the board and you got no removal to be able to hit face with dread?
KazePlays Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Good question, and maybe one that others could weigh in on. Based on experiences between the two variants of this deck, I'm not really convinced Secret Passage is worth the spot. I've never once been in a scenario where dread HAD to get damage through. In fact, of all the pledge units in the deck, I find Dread to be least important. In rare situations where I wanted to swap him with a unit in the void, I would certainly cast and stall. This would probably be to cycle a Vara back into play. Other than that, I would much rather have a Rapid Shot or Star Readers Blade in hand, as their impact on board state is immediate. I'm sure mileage may vary between players, but I don't really want to fix something that isn't broken.
Bradomenus Eternal Version: 1.46.3
I'm with Kaze on this one. Why in the world someone put Secret Passage in this deck over the upgrades mentioned? It pretty obvious to me this list is miles better than previous ones... If you disagree, just play the two different versions and pick the one you think is better. It isn't rocket science.
HaLLeO6 Eternal Version: 1.46.3
This list is perfect in my opinion. I did try Darretti's list (mentioned below) a few weeks ago, but I feel this one is better. Secret Passage and Heirloom seeker were useless most of the time, and the majority of games were over before Xenan Obelisk ever became relevant. Star Readers blade, Rapid Shot, and Last Chance are a major part of what makes this particular deck work. It would fall apart completely without them. Wouldn't make any changes if I were you, but that's just my 2 cents.
arham82 Eternal Version: 1.46.6
Yeah, don't mess with the list. It is good as is imo.
DarettiMomsSpaghetti Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Nice to see someone has picked up the Xenan Pledge torch. :) Really like the Rapid Shots and it was an oversight in my initial list.
KazePlays Eternal Version: 1.46.3
I'm not entirely certain this list is an improvement. I'm including a link to yours in the introduction so players can try both versions and hopefully refine things even further. Your guide is also a lot more exhaustive than mine. Anyone interested should definitely check it out.
Illicitous Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Great deck, been seeing it a lot recently. Can't afford all the cards myself yet, but watched it on stream and it wrecks pretty much everything.
Crosby4HyG Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Really a top tier list here. I'm occasionally struggling against flyers as this deck doesn't have any. Would be nice if they'd make a Xenan Merchant so that Scarf could be included in the market. I'm thinking of dropping 2x Moonstone Vanguards for 2x SSTs, any thoughts on this? Obviously SST isn't a pledge unit so it's not ideal, but SST is still among the best 4 drops in the game.
KazePlays Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Thanks bro. I agree SST would be really good against Hooru Fliers and I think you could make the cut. I decided against it because Stonescar is so prevalent right now, and Moonstone is just so good against aggro. If you decide to make the switch, let me know how it goes! Nothing wrong with making changes imo.
Crosby4HyG Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Results have been decent, although I think I preferred having the 4x Moonstones just for the extra pledge chance opening hand. I realized that there is in fact a Xenan black merchant, so I'm using him instead of the Krenadon and just including scarf in the market. Losing the deadly merchant is a bummer, but I can live with it. Ambush on Ebon Dune Smuggler is nice against early aggro.
KazePlays Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Nice idea, maybe this would open up another spot in market for an additional Time tech in. I've found Cold Blood to be my least retrieved card, and I feel it is a flex spot for something else. Maybe Dissociate...
Comment Deleted
JamieK Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Thanks Kaze, I Finally hit Master after being on Diamond III for a billion years. This is a T1 list, no doubt. Now watch all the lemmings jump on board and copy it.
KazePlays Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Grats on Master Jamie
Elsa16 Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Shhhh, you will scare away the lemmings! Kidding aside I'm already seeing mirror matches lol.
Sholanda Eternal Version: 1.46.6
hahaha lemmings
Zzillian Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Damn bro, I think this is the best deck I've ever played. I'm currently 11-3 at Master 482. I would definitely be way higher if I had been playing this deck sooner. Nice work Kaze!
Shlomo Eternal Version: 1.46.3
I lost 6 in a row in Master level.
ETrex4240 Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Only a matter of time until you're picked up by a team. Deck is sweet!
KazePlays Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Thanks <3
EbonGh0st Eternal Version: 1.46.3
This deck is so busted. Epic to play with it but such cancer to play against it.
Elsa16 Edited Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Thank you for sharing Kaze. Nice deck and great guide.

Edit: Just destroyed three Hooru Control decks in a row. Feels so damn good.
Alice_Is_On Edited Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Amazing deck! I'm 9-0 - it is truly a dream to play =)
johnnn Eternal Version: 1.46.3
A whole pledge strategy with only 12 pledge cards ??
I don't know what world is that to make you only wins, I'm running 16 and I often don't catch a single pledge in the 2+1 opening hands.
... sans parler des mana death qui les accompagnent, même avec 4 seek power.
Alice_Is_On Eternal Version: 1.46.3
You must be unlucky - 12 pledge is plenty in my opinion. I always get at least one in my starting hand.
shad0ws Edited Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Nice list, definitely about to try this. Any thoughts on using Phase Out over Begone for removal? Seems like it goes well with the decks tempo.

edit: wow this list is pretty ridiculous. I haven't tried it with begone but phase out seems really good whenever I get it.
KazePlays Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Thanks for your response. You are definitely correct - Phase Out is great for removing a threat/blocker. The problem is that you can't bounce your own Glasshopper for an extra pledge draw, and Be Gone generates a shadow influence which can help us cast a turn 2/3 Desecrate when we don't draw into the power we need. Both are good cards, but utility is a bit better for Be Gone. I do enjoy locking out a massive threat for three turns though!
Dragonlife08 Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Just lost to this stupid busted deck like 6 times in an hour. I'm playing three different decks too (Hooru Control, Rakano aggro and Praxis Drones), so wtf. I come on here and sure enough its another cancer list by Kaze. Hate you buddy, but still gonna craft it.
KazePlays Eternal Version: 1.46.3
This made me laugh <3
Tanix031 Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Dude... just whoa. I'm 7-0 at (Diamond I), and I NEVER go on win streaks. TYVM.
Comment Deleted
TopDeckLife Eternal Version: 1.46.3
Really Strong and fun deck to play. Also I enjoy your approach to writing guides, they are so helpful. Thank you for your hard work bro!