Building an EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander) deck can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially when centered around a unique and versatile commander like Orvar, the All-Form. Orvar's ability to copy creatures and adapt to various situations makes it an intriguing choice for players who enjoy strategic gameplay and deck-building challenges. Here, we'll explore five distinct approaches to building an Orvar EDH deck, each with its strengths and playstyle.
Understanding Orvar's Abilities
Before diving into the different builds, it's essential to grasp Orvar's abilities and how they interact with other cards. Orvar's first ability allows it to copy any creature on the battlefield, excluding its power and toughness, until the end of the turn. This capability makes Orvar an excellent choice for a tribal or creature-based deck. Its second ability enables Orvar to take the form of any creature card in your graveyard, allowing for a high degree of flexibility and adaptability.
Build 1: Tribal Frenzy
The first build focuses on leveraging Orvar's ability to copy creatures, creating a tribal frenzy on the battlefield. This deck includes a variety of creature types, such as elves, merfolk, and humans, to maximize the benefits of Orvar's copying ability. By playing a mix of low-toughness, high-power creatures and vice versa, you can create an unpredictable and formidable board presence.
Key cards for this build include:
- Ezuri, Renowned Leader: A classic tribal leader that provides a significant boost to your creature-based strategy.
- Lord of Atlantis: A merfolk lord that increases the power and toughness of your merfolk creatures.
- Elvish Mystic: A mana accelerator that helps you ramp up to more expensive spells.
Build 2: Graveyard Value
The second build emphasizes the value of Orvar's graveyard interaction, allowing you to reuse powerful creatures and create a self-sustaining engine. This deck includes a variety of cards that enable you to manipulate your graveyard, such as Grapple with the Past and Eternal Witness. By leveraging these cards, you can create a robust graveyard presence and utilize Orvar's ability to take the form of any creature in your graveyard.
Key cards for this build include:
- Doomed Dissenter: A sacrifice outlet that helps you fuel your graveyard.
- Corpse Augur: A card draw engine that allows you to find the creatures you need.
- Regrowth: A classic recursion spell that helps you recover key creatures.
Build 3: Combo Potential
The third build focuses on creating a combo-oriented deck that utilizes Orvar's copying ability to generate an infinite loop. This deck includes cards like Deadeye Navigator and Astral Projection, which, when combined with Orvar, can create a game-winning combo. By playing a mix of combo pieces and support cards, you can create a deck that can close out games quickly and efficiently.
Key cards for this build include:
- Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker: A combo piece that allows you to create an infinite loop with Orvar.
- Dramatic Sceptre: A card draw engine that helps you find the combo pieces you need.
- Saugling Gorger: A card advantage engine that allows you to generate card advantage.
Build 4: Midrange Value
The fourth build takes a more midrange approach, focusing on generating value through Orvar's copying ability and supporting cards. This deck includes a mix of creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects, such as Kitchen Finks and Frostburn Weird, which can be copied by Orvar to generate additional value. By playing a mix of midrange creatures and support cards, you can create a deck that can compete with both aggressive and controlling opponents.
Key cards for this build include:
- Voice of Resurgence: A creature that generates value when it dies, making it an excellent target for Orvar's copying ability.
- Wilt-Leaf Liege: A creature that provides a significant boost to your creature-based strategy.
- Ajani, Caller of the Pride: A planeswalker that provides card advantage and can help you ramp up to more expensive spells.
Build 5: Control and Value
The final build takes a more controlling approach, focusing on generating value through Orvar's graveyard interaction and supporting cards. This deck includes a mix of cards that allow you to manipulate your graveyard, such as Grapple with the Past and Eternal Witness, as well as cards that provide card advantage, such as Sylvan Library and Rhystic Study. By playing a mix of controlling cards and support cards, you can create a deck that can outvalue your opponents and generate a strong board presence.
Key cards for this build include:
- Tectonic Giant: A creature that provides a significant boost to your controlling strategy.
- Acid-Moss: A removal spell that helps you clear the board of opposing creatures.
- Regrowth: A classic recursion spell that helps you recover key creatures.
In conclusion, building an Orvar EDH deck offers a wide range of possibilities, from tribal frenzies to combo-oriented builds. By understanding Orvar's abilities and leveraging the right support cards, you can create a deck that suits your playstyle and preferences. Whether you prefer a more aggressive or controlling approach, Orvar provides a unique and exciting EDH experience.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with Orvar EDH decks in the comments below. What's your favorite way to build around Orvar? Do you have any tips or tricks for maximizing its potential?
What is the best way to build an Orvar EDH deck?
+The best way to build an Orvar EDH deck depends on your playstyle and preferences. You can focus on tribal frenzy, graveyard value, combo potential, midrange value, or control and value. Experiment with different builds to find the one that suits you best.
What are some key cards to include in an Orvar EDH deck?
+Some key cards to include in an Orvar EDH deck depend on the build you choose. However, some staple cards include Ezuri, Renowned Leader, Lord of Atlantis, and Regrowth. You can also consider including cards that manipulate your graveyard, such as Grapple with the Past and Eternal Witness.
How do I maximize Orvar's potential in my EDH deck?
+To maximize Orvar's potential, focus on building a deck that leverages its copying ability and graveyard interaction. Include cards that provide value when copied or allow you to manipulate your graveyard. Experiment with different builds and strategies to find the one that works best for you.