MTG Eldrazi Guide: Titans, Decks, and Strategies – Part 2

2. What Are the Eldrazi?

Brief Overview of Eldrazi

The Eldrazi are a unique and formidable creature type in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), first introduced in the Rise of the Eldrazi set. These cosmic horrors are inspired by Lovecraftian entities, characterized by their alien appearance, immense power, and ability to warp reality itself. In the MTG lore, Eldrazi are ancient beings that exist between planes of existence, consuming the mana and life force of entire worlds.

Key characteristics of Eldrazi include:

• Colorless nature, often requiring generic mana to cast
• Large creatures with high power and toughness
• Unique abilities that interact with exile and graveyard zones
• Distinctive, otherworldly artwork

Impact on the Game and Community

The introduction of Eldrazi had a profound impact on both the gameplay mechanics and the MTG community:

1. Gameplay Revolution: Eldrazi introduced new strategies and deck archetypes, challenging players to adapt their playstyles and deckbuilding approaches.
2. Meta Shift: Their power level and unique abilities led to significant changes in competitive play, with some Eldrazi cards becoming staples in multiple formats.
3. Lore Expansion: The Eldrazi storyline added depth to the MTG multiverse, captivating players with its cosmic horror elements.
4. Controversial Reception: While many players were excited by the fresh concepts, others found Eldrazi overpowered, leading to heated debates within the community.
5. Collector’s Interest: Eldrazi cards, especially mythic rares and foils, became highly sought after by collectors, impacting the secondary market.

Key Sets Featuring Eldrazi

Three main sets brought the Eldrazi to the forefront of Magic: The Gathering:

1. Rise of the Eldrazi (2010): This set introduced the Eldrazi to the MTG world, featuring iconic cards like Emrakul, the Aeons Torn, and Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre. It established the Eldrazi’s core mechanics and lore.
2. Battle for Zendikar (2015): Returning to the plane of Zendikar, this set showcased the devastating impact of the Eldrazi on the world. It introduced new Eldrazi mechanics and continued the storyline of the planeswalkers’ fight against these cosmic threats.
3. Oath of the Gatewatch (2016): The conclusion of the Battle for Zendikar block, this set featured the climactic battle against the Eldrazi Titans. It introduced more powerful Eldrazi cards and resolved (for the time being) the main Eldrazi storyline.

These sets not only expanded the Eldrazi creature type but also significantly influenced the overall direction of Magic: The Gathering’s gameplay and narrative for years to come.

All Parts of the MTG Eldrazi Guide

• 1. Introduction: The Rise of the Eldrazi
• 2. What Are the Eldrazi?
• 3. The Eldrazi Titans: Gods Among Monsters
• 4. Eldrazi in Different MTG Formats
• 5. Top Eldrazi Cards Beyond the Titans
• 6. Eldrazi Deck Strategies
• 7. The Lore of the Eldrazi
• 8. Budget-Friendly Eldrazi Options
• 9. Collecting Eldrazi: From Commons to Mythics
• 10. The Future of Eldrazi in MTG
• 11. Conclusion: Embracing the Cosmic Horror