Howdy Y'all! I'm Levi from The Thought Vessel Show, and today we're back on the budget bomb train with Outlaws of Thunder Junction and the attached bonus sheet The Big Score. As usual, this list is in no particular order--it's simply a celebration of great cards at great prices. Let's begin!
Eris, Roar of the Storm
Coming from the Quick Draw commander deck as the alternative commander, Eris offers a fresh take on the spell-slinging deck by building an army of 4/4 Flying Prowess Dragon Elementals. For $0.99, this card packs a serious punch.
One Last Job
For a White reanimation spell, five total mana is a reasonable rate. One Last Job also lets you bring back an Aura/Equipment and a Vehicle/Mount for additional mana. In the right deck, this card can completely swing the momentum in your favor. The current price for this card is $0.49.
Obeka, Splitter of Seconds
Whenever Obeka as a character gets a card, it always dives into a groundbreaking new space. Obeka, Splitter of Seconds is no exception. While it shines in the command zone more than in the 99, Obeka can take full advantage of "at the beginning of your upkeep" triggers like Twilight Prophet, Court of Ambition, and Dragonmaster Outcast. This commander is definitely a must-answer threat, surprisingly priced at just $0.49.
Arcane Heist
I'm a huge fan of the cypher mechanic, so when a card like this pops up, it grabs my attention. Being able to cast spells from your opponents' libraries can significantly boost your power level, depending on the quality of their spells. Even so, consistently getting an extra card each turn can be strong if you cipher onto a creature that can attack unblocked. Playing your opponent's spells doesn't usually come with a high price tag, and this card is no exception, currently going for $0.99. I see that as a steal, and perhaps in a future deck tech, I'll show you why.
Felix Five-Boots
Here we have another alternate commander from Outlaws of Thunder Junction, and one of my personal favorites: Felix Five-Boots. This card comes from the Grand Larceny precon. Felix is the first Panharmonicon for damage triggers. Every time you deal damage to draw a card, you'll now draw two cards. With its built-in protection via Ward, Felix is an excellent value at just $0.99. I've played against a few of these commander decks, and each time, they've been incredibly impactful. I'm definitely a fan.
Lock and Load
Another gem from Quick Draw, Lock and Load is a phenomenal addition to spellslinger decks. Play this card on a setup turn, then cast it for free later to draw cards equal to the number of spells you've cast that turn. For $0.49, if you're running a spellslinger deck, give this one a shot.
Another Round
This card seems destined for blink decks that include Green, as you'll need plenty of mana to maximize its effectiveness. Blinking creatures with abilities can create impactful turns, especially if you can copy those abilities 4 or 5 times. Depending on your battlefield, this card could easily close out a game--an impressive feat for a $0.49 card.
The Key to the Vault
For value-driven equipment, this card earns its spot. Connecting with it lets you dig into your deck to find a card to cast, functioning almost like a super scry. Picking the best card from your top five usually guarantees you'll find something impactful. Priced as low as $0.70, this card is a strong contender for equipment decks--maybe even Captain America builds.
Hell to Pay
An X-spell that lets you stockpile mana for a future turn while also taking out a creature is bound to see play. Hell to Pay does both, with the option to target a mana dork for more Treasure or take out a bigger threat. This versatile removal piece costs as little as $0.39, making it a valuable option for budget builds.
Crackling Spellslinger
We end our list with another Quick Draw commander card: Crackling Spellslinger. Storm is a mechanic that Wizards of the Coast approaches cautiously because of its game-ending potential. Crackling Spellslinger adds Storm to the next instant or sorcery spell you cast after it. While overshadowed by the release of Storm, Force of Nature, some spells--like extra turn effects--become broken when copied multiple times. This card's current price of $0.49 on Coolstuffinc makes it a budget gem.
And there you have it! These are some of the budget bombs for Outlaws of Thunder Junction. This is a deep set with a lot of power, so there are definitely more gems to explore. Until next time, happy gaming!