So, the art on this one is a little...odd. But, if Urza can have a "Dad Bod", so can I!
The Brother's War set was a love letter to early Magic. I first played Magic: The Gathering in middle school during the Urza's block, which is widely considered to be the most busted block of all time. This set introduced a large amount of artifact cards reprinted in retro frames and two commander decks that were 100% retro frames. Not only were these commander decks powerful, they introduced a lot of necessary cards that were needed in order to make a 100% retro deck. I cannot recommend these decks enough to jumpstart. your collection!
10 Reprints That Should Stay In Your Deck
Please note, there are many lands and ramp cards that were first printed in these decks that did not make it onto this list of 10 but are just as important. I tend to put a lot of focus on card draw and low mana value.
10 Cards To Cut
When deciding what to cut, the easiest cuts were creatures that are not artifacts. One thing you will realize when playing with Urza as your commander is, he gets removed a lot. If you have your deck set-up in such a way that it is predominately full of artifact creatures, Urza will stay affordable for you to cast. He is the wincon in this deck, how do we make him work best? I chose to pull Urza's Ruinous Blast & Phyrexian Rebirth because legendary creatures are everywhere these days, except apparently this deck. Also, in almost every game that I have played this deck, I have been the problem board state. Outside of this list, there are plenty of other places to make cuts.
Upgrades
With these upgrades we are able to add efficient ramp, reliable card draw, one of the best creatures in the game that is incredibly relevant in this situation and amazing spot removal. Cyclonic Rift will make some frown, but used responsibly it is usually okay. Unwinding Clock will keep you swinging while allowing you to have defense. I think Vigilance is low key one of the best keywords in commander behind only Flying. There are a lot of other options out there but I like how these upgrades hit on many of the keys facets of the game.
Budget Upgrades
So, you'll notice some of these cards look familiar. Sorry about that but they are just too good to pass up in this deck. I think the most expensive card in this group is only about $5 and I think these additions would make significant improvements to the deck. Blind Obedience is a game winner even though it doesn't look like it on initial assessment. Toxic Deluge has been reprinted into the ground and is considered to be one of the best board wipes in the commander. In this case of going up against our deck, it will do a great job to keep the chump blockers out of the way. Kappa Cannoneer, admittedly, I have not yet tried out but it looks so fun and I remember when it was first printed wishing that they would make it in retro. I think it is too good not to include in this deck. Spark Double is incredible in any deck but if we can double up our Urza triggers it's downright nasty.
Urza's Iron Alliance was one of the most powerful preconstructed commander decks to be printed to date. The nostalgia this deck brings is second to none as you would be hard pressed to find another character that has been more important in the lore for you vorthos fans.
Here is my Urza deck list, this one is special to me which is a big reason why it is the first deck to feature on my blog. There are several Rule 0 talking points before using this deck. The first one is a big one, it uses a Mycosynth Lattice & Karn lock to win the game. Additionally, cards like Rhystic Study & Cyclonic Rift can prove to make others salty.
With any precon, the first thing I recommend upgrading is the mana base and seeing what the deck does from there. I have found that cards play better than I thought they would occasionally and I end up keeping them in the deck where I would have normally pulled them.
Here are some posts I've made on upgrading your mana base that you may find helpful.
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Hello !
Thanks for your blog & analyse of the commander deck :)
I'm also in "retro frame" mode and try to upgrade my Urza deck...
Have you another list of upgrade in retro / no secret lair ??
Your decklist seems very good but the lot of secret lair retro frame is not for me (i want only cards in french..)
Thanks
Hi Balthor, thanks for checking out the site. Most of the deck functions fine without the usage of the secret lair cards. You will need to find mana rock alternatives for the talismans and fellwar stone. Maybe look at Wayfarer's Bauble or Ornithopter of Paradise type cards to replace them. Figure out how you like to win and replace the Planeswalkers with cards to support that. I'd try and stick Kappa Cannoneer in because that seems like a really fun card and it's budget friendly. Hope this helps and happy brewing!
Thanks for your response, I have mad a variante of your deck / suggestion with budget options
For the ramp i have had :
- Chromatic Lantern
- Springleaf drum
- Throught Vessel
- Fellwar stone (like your deck)
- Ornithopter of paradise (like your recommendation in the article)
For the wincon I add Kappa cannoneer (like your article) and I have keep some "big" creature of the precon (darksteel jugernaut + Filigree Attendant + master of etherum)
I also add some recurion card :
- Hanna, Ship's Navigator
- Emry (like your deck)
- Junk diver (like your deck)
- Scrap tawler (like your deck)
And copy card (sculpting steel + spark double) and removal from your article (damn / path to exile) + other (terror + mortify)
I have also a "short list" of other cards : advice welcome :)
- Crawlspace (protection)
- Semblance Anvil (ramp)
- Levitation (pump)
- Opposition (control)
- Scavenged Brawler (big creature, wurmcoil engine is a bit pricy..)
- Lithoform Engine (tools)
Again thanks for your retro mtg blog !