Liliana, Defiant Necromancer – Illustration by Karla Ortiz

Liliana, Defiant Necromancer | Illustration by Karla Ortiz

Greetings, Planeswalkers! The era of “Explorer” as we know it is hopefully drawing to a close, as Pioneer Masters (PIO) is rapidly approaching. This MTG Arena-exclusive set is poised to bring Explorer almost completely up to date, although some cards will unfortunately be absent. Beyond its Constructed implications, Pioneer Masters also stands out as another draftable Magic set on Arena.

Continue reading for a Day-0 guide on the optimal approach to this fresh format!

Table of Contents

1 Sets and Mechanics
1.1 Practical Mechanics/Themes
1.2 Bonus Sheet

2 Rarity Downshifts and Upshifts
2.1 Multicolor Commons and Archetypes

3 Archetypes
3.1 WU Skies
3.2 UB Control
3.3 BR Midrange
3.4 RG Stompy
3.5 GW Midrange
3.6 WB Attrition
3.7 UR Spells
3.8 BG Midrange
3.9 RW Heroic
3.10 GUx Ramp

4 Top Commons
4.1 White
4.2 Blue
4.3 Black
4.4 Red
4.5 Green
4.6 Weaker Commons

5 Strong Uncommons

6 Bomb Rares
6.1 Mythics
6.2 Rares

7 Splashing and Mana Fixing

8 Wrap Up

Sets and Mechanics

Radiant Flames – Illustration by Slawomir Maniak

Radiant Flames | Illustration by Slawomir Maniak

Pioneer Masters pulls from a variety of sets not yet on MTG Arena, notably the Return to Ravnica block, the Battle for Zendikar block, the Theros block, Fate Reforged, Dragons of Tarkir, Magic Origins, and Core Sets 2014/2015. Consequently, its mechanics are heavily influenced by the sets needed for Pioneer reprints. In terms of sheer mechanic count, Pioneer Masters is extensive, encompassing:

Converge, Devoid, Support, Landfall, Dash, Exploit, Rebound, Formidable, Manifest, Prowess, Delve, Ferocious, Devotion, Heroic, Bestow, Extort, Scavenge, Evolve, Overload, Battalion, Surge, Awaken, Renown, Monstrosity, Fuse, Detain, Cipher, Bloodrush, Afterlife, Adventure, Delirium, Double-faced cards, Exert, Convoke, Embalm, Kicker, Undergrowth, and Blood tokens.

Practical Mechanics/Themes

In practice, most of the keywords above are limited to a few cards and won’t be major in Pioneer Masters Limited. However, some keywords and strategies are significantly supported.

Gnarlback Rhino

Heroic is prevalent in PIO, all from the Theros block. Key rarity downshifts (Hero of Iroas at common!?) suggest Wx heroic will be a draftable theme. It pairs with Gladecover Scout and Gnarlback Rhino, which also benefit from targeting spells.

Chromanticore

Bestow is also prominent, complementing heroic. Each color has a common bestow creature, with uncommons and Chromanticore available.

Disciple of Phenax

Devotion is another Theros mechanic present, mainly uncommon or higher, except for Nylea’s Disciple and Disciple of Phenax. The Theros gods are draftable at mythic, but might be weak compared to PIO’s power level.

Note: devotion cards are on a PIO bonus sheet, not the main set.

Unravel the Aether

Enchantments: Theros influence again, PIO has more enchantments. Enchantment recursion/tutoring via Heliod’s Pilgrim, Lotus-Eye Mystics, Commune with the Gods. Enchantment removal with Keening Apparition and Unravel the Aether at common.

Shoulder to Shoulder

Prowess creatures are fairly common (6 total at common/uncommon), plus Nivix Cyclops-like cards. Pair with removal and cantrips like Consider and Shoulder to Shoulder for triggers.

Fallaji Archaeologist

Graveyard payoffs: PIO supports graveyard value. Cards like Treasure Cruise, Bloodfire Enforcers, Dreg Mangler, Nemesis of Mortals synergize with self-mill like Commune with the Gods, Undead Butler, and Fallaji Archaeologist.

Opal Lake Gatekeepers

Gates are a supported subtheme in Pioneer Masters. Strong payoffs like Guild Summit, Gatebreaker Ram, Gates Ablaze, and Archway Angel. 11 common gates, District Guide, and Gatekeeper cards like Opal Lake Gatekeepers.

Double-faced lands: Common/uncommon dual-faced lands from Zendikar Rising. Rarity downshifts enabled this. Spell/land hybrids for consistent decks.

Bonus Sheet

PIO has three 40-card bonus sheets (120 cards total) with themes: devotion, planeswalkers, and spells.

Sheets rotate bi-weekly:

• Planeswalkers: December 10–24
• Spells: December 24–January 7
• Devotion: January 7–21

Devotion sheet includes devotion cards and creatures with pips like Archaeomancer and Nightveil Specter, changing the set’s feel weekly.

Guide focuses on always-present cards, bonus sheet cards reviewed in uncommon/rares sections. Top commons are not bonus sheet cards.

Rarity Downshifts and Upshifts

Dreadbore at common is a shock – typical of Pioneer Masters rarity changes! Notable shifts:

Assemble the Legion

These shifts make Pioneer Masters feel like a real Masters set, more powerful than Foundations.

Multicolor Commons and Archetypes

10 2-color uncommons downshifted to common as signposts for 2c archetypes.

List:
Skyrider Elf

Archetypes

2-color archetypes less defined than usual, more multicolor cards but unevenly distributed thematically. Drafts less “on rails” for color pairs, but “on rails” for strong themes like Gates or Heroic. Plan for each color pair is useful.

WU Skies

Nimbus Naiad

Lyev Skyknight is a good beater, WU often heroic-themed. Sungrace Pegasus, Wingsteed Rider, Ghostblade Eidolon like pump spells/auras. White is dominant color, blue offers Clutch of Currents, Cloudfin Raptor, Nimbus Naiad.

UB Control

Sight Beyond Sight

Toil / Trouble Pioneer Masters

Possessed Skaab in control deck with self-mill, interaction. Recur spells like Far // Away, Devour Flesh, Ob Nixilis’s Cruelty, 1-for-1 until opponent concedes. Rebuild with card advantage like Read the Bones, Treasure Cruise, Sight Beyond Sight.

BR Midrange

Limits of Solidarity

Toil / Trouble Pioneer Masters

Dreadbore archetype-agnostic, BR multicolor cards (Bloodtithe Harvester, Toil // Trouble, Rakdos’s Return) similar. Limited sacrifice theme. “Good stuff” strategy: removal, good creatures, steady pressure, kill threats.

RG Stompy

District Guide

Zendikar Incarnate hits hard. Straightforward RG, pair beaters (Rubblebelt Raiders, Nessian Asp, Heart-Piercer Manticore) with support (Domri Rade, Ghor-Clan Rampager). Good home for rarity-shifted cards (Goreclaw, Honored Hydra, Boon Satyr, Heart-Piercer Manticore). District Guide important for mana needs.

GW Midrange

Loxodon Smiter

Selesnya Charm versatile. GW simple, efficient creatures, flexible cards. Loxodon Smiter at uncommon, get multiple. Two GW flavors: beatdown or heroic. Selesnya Charm always good.

WB Attrition

Zulaport Cutthroat

WB weaker, lackluster multicolor cards. Imperious Oligarch good early, others (Sin Collector, Cartel Aristocrat) unimpressive. Mini-aristocrats possible (Cartel Aristocrat, Nantuko Husk, Zulaport Cutthroat). Avoid WB, splash Blood Baron of Vizkopa.

UR Spells

Keranos, God of Storms

Turn / Burn Pioneer Masters

UR better than WB, better multicolor cards. Turn // Burn, Stormchaser Mage, Nivix Cyclops good for prowess. Bigger UR with Keranos, God of Storms, removal, card draw. UR spells “flavor” important, bomb in prowess deck ok.

BG Midrange

Nemesis of Mortals

Dreg Mangler at common strong, BG more aggressive. Good creatures, black removal. Not graveyard archetype, value bonuses not build-arounds. Nemesis of Mortals closest thing to graveyard payoff.

RW Heroic

Expedite

RW well-supported, best color pairs. Martial Glory, Anax and Cymede, Tenth District Legionnaire synergize. Heroic creatures, targeting spells (Artful Maneuver, Rimrock Knight, Fall of the Hammer, Witch’s Mark, Expedite).

GUx Ramp

Urban Evolution

GUx most varied, Skyrider Elf rewards multicolor. GU multicolor cards (Kiora’s Follower, Urban Evolution) flexible. Skyrider Elf/gates synergy, GUx Gates common. RW Heroic/GUx Gates premier fast/slow decks.

Top Commons

Top commons for each color pair, color identity commentary.

White

White aggressive, heroic focus. Cards overlap with heroic, exceptions (Swift Reckoning, Lotus-Eye Mystics). Best commons:

1. Hero of Iroas

2. Sejiri Shelter / Sejiri Glacier

3. Compulsory Rest

Blue

Blue varied, tempo spells, instant/sorcery creatures, Treasure Cruise.

1. Treasure Cruise

2. Essence Scatter

3. Fallaji Archaeologist

Black

Black removal, card draw, self-mill (Gurmag Angler, Sanitarium Skeleton), small sacrifice theme (Nantuko Husk, Silumgar Butcher).

1. Ob Nixilis’s Cruelty

2. Nantuko Husk

3. Gurmag Angler

Red

Red aggressive, heroic support, stompy/spells. High card quality via downshifted uncommons.

1. Rimrock Knight

2. Wild Slash

3. Fall of the Hammer

Green

Green fixing, ramp, fatties, typical green. Heroic support cards, needs red/white pairing.

1. District Guide

2. Gnarlback Rhino

3. Audacity

Weaker Commons

Stinkers not great in most decks:

Lagonna-Band Trailblazer, Tah-Crop Skirmisher, Returned Centaur, Makindi Sliderunner, Darksteel Ingot, Halo Scarab, Scion of Ugin.

Strong Uncommons

PIO strong uncommons, many downshifted rares, draft-defining. Includes bonus sheet cards.

Examples: Celestial Archon, Fiendslayer Paladin, Imposing Sovereign, Mentor of the Meek, Stasis Snare, Guild Summit, Jhessian Thief, Murmuring Mystic, Sphinx’s Tutelage, Fell Stinger, Keepsake Gorgon, Priest of the Blood Rite, Ultimate Price, Fight with Fire, Heart-Piercer Manticore, Monastery Swiftspear, Boon Satyr, Experiment One, Gatebreaker Ram, Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma, Honored Hydra, Bloodtithe Harvester, Loxodon Smiter, Tenth District Legionnaire.

Bomb Rares

PIO bombs, mythics/rares sometimes box-checking, some heavy hitters. Includes bonus sheet cards.

Mythics

Archangel of Thune, Elspeth, Sun’s Champion, Gideon, Ally of Zendikar, Tragic Arrogance, Jace, Architect of Thought, Jace, Memory Adept, Jace, Vryn’s Prodigy, Ob Nixilis Reignited, Chandra, Flamecaller, Mizzium Mortars, Stormbreath Dragon, Nissa, Vastwood Seer, Nissa, Voice of Zendikar, Whisperwood Elemental, Dragonlord Ojutai, Dragonlord Silumgar, Dragonlord Atarka, Dragonlord Dromoka, Blood Baron of Vizkopa, Keranos, God of Storms, Assemble the Legion.

Rares

Dictate of Heliod, Linvala, the Preserver, Secure the Wastes, Aetherling, Niblis of Frost, Sidisi, Undead Vizier, Soulflayer, Goblin Rabblemaster, Pia and Kiran Nalaar, Polukranos, World Eater, Woodland Wanderer, Rakdos’s Return, Fleecemane Lion, Boros Reckoner.

Splashing and Mana Fixing

Not strict 2-color set. Fixing options: District Guide, Courier’s Briefcase, Guildgates, Evolving Wilds, Gateway Plaza, Halo Scarab, Darksteel Ingot.

Recommend splashing bombs, 3-color for double-pipped cards, gates theme for splashing/durdling.

Wrap Up

Pioneer Masters covered. Bonus sheets make Day 0 weird, weekly changes. Wx Heroic, Gx value decks safe drafts.

Questions to readers: favorite cards, archetypes. Draftsim Discord link.

End with sign-off, Draftsim follow links, tags.# Pioneer Masters Draft Guide: Dominate Your First MTG Arena Drafts

Liliana, Defiant Necromancer – Illustration by Karla Ortiz

Liliana, Defiant Necromancer, a powerful card in Pioneer Masters. Illustration by Karla Ortiz.

Hello fellow Planeswalkers! The whispers are true – the “Explorer” format on MTG Arena is evolving, and soon, the full force of Pioneer Masters (PIO) will be unleashed! This highly anticipated, Arena-exclusive set is designed to bring the Explorer format almost completely in line with tabletop Pioneer, injecting a wealth of powerful cards. Beyond its significant impact on Constructed play, Pioneer Masters is also making waves as a brand new, and exciting, draftable Magic: The Gathering set available right here on MTG Arena.

Ready to dive in and master this new format from day one? Keep reading for your essential Day-0 guide, packed with insights on how to best approach your first Pioneer Masters drafts!

Table of Contents

1. Decoding Sets and Mechanics
1.1. Key Mechanics and Draft Themes
1.2. Understanding the Rotating Bonus Sheets
2. Rarity Shifts: Downshifts and Upshifts to Watch For
2.1. Multicolor Commons: Your Archetype Signposts
3. Archetype Deep Dive: Crafting Your Winning Strategy
3.1. WU Skies: Airborne Aggression
3.2. UB Control: Dictate the Pace
3.3. BR Midrange: Relentless Pressure
3.4. RG Stompy: Overwhelm with Power
3.5. GW Midrange: Efficient and Flexible
3.6. WB Attrition: Value and Removal
3.7. UR Spells: Prowess and Payoffs
3.8. BG Midrange: Graveyard Value and Beats
3.9. RW Heroic: Targeted Triumph
3.10. GUx Ramp: Go Big or Go Home
4. Top Commons by Color: Building Blocks for Success
4.1. White: Heroic and Efficient Creatures
4.2. Blue: Card Advantage and Tempo
4.3. Black: Removal and Graveyard Synergies
4.4. Red: Aggression and Burn
4.5. Green: Ramp and Powerful Bodies
4.6. Commons to Be Wary Of
5. Strong Uncommons: Power at a Premium
6. Bomb Rares to Look Out For
6.1. Mythic Rares: Game-Winning Potential
6.2. Rares: Format-Defining Cards
7. Mana Fixing and Splashing: Expanding Your Color Palette
8. Final Thoughts: Prepare to Pioneer

1. Decoding Sets and Mechanics

Radiant Flames – Illustration by Slawomir Maniak

Radiant Flames, a powerful board wipe in Pioneer Masters. Illustration by Slawomir Maniak.

Pioneer Masters is a melting pot of cards culled from various sets that have yet to grace MTG Arena. Primarily, it draws from the Return to Ravnica block, the Battle for Zendikar block, and the Theros block, alongside notable inclusions from Fate Reforged, Dragons of Tarkir, Magic Origins, and Core Sets 2014 and 2015. This diverse source material means the set’s mechanics are heavily influenced by the card pool needed to bolster the Pioneer format on Arena. Mechanically, Pioneer Masters is incredibly rich, boasting a vast array of keywords and abilities. A comprehensive list would include:

Converge, Devoid, Support, Landfall, Dash, Exploit, Rebound, Formidable, Manifest, Prowess, Delve, Ferocious, Devotion, Heroic, Bestow, Extort, Scavenge, Evolve, Overload, Battalion, Surge, Awaken, Renown, Monstrosity, Fuse, Detain, Cipher, Bloodrush, Afterlife, Adventure, Delirium, Double-faced cards, Exert, Convoke, Embalm, Kicker, Undergrowth, and Blood tokens.

1.1. Key Mechanics and Draft Themes

While the sheer volume of mechanics might seem overwhelming, in practice, many of these keywords are represented by only a handful of cards and won’t be central to the Pioneer Masters Limited environment. However, several mechanics and strategic themes do receive significant support and will shape your draft decisions.

Gnarlback Rhino

Heroic is a prominent mechanic in PIO, with all instances originating from the Theros block. The exciting news? Hero of Iroas, a key heroic enabler, has been downshifted to common! This rarity shift strongly suggests that White-X (Wx) Heroic strategies will be a consistent and powerful draft archetype. Furthermore, heroic synergies beautifully with cards like Gladecover Scout and Gnarlback Rhino, both of which thrive when targeted by spells. Get ready to trigger those heroic abilities and pump up your creatures!

Chromanticore

Bestow also makes a significant return, perfectly complementing the heroic mechanic. Each color in Pioneer Masters features at least one common bestow creature, providing ample opportunities to suit up your creatures. Beyond commons, you’ll find several powerful bestow uncommons, and even the mythic rare Chromanticore for those truly ambitious drafts. Bestow creatures offer versatility, functioning both as creatures and as powerful auras to enhance your board.

Disciple of Phenax

Devotion, another iconic mechanic from Theros, appears in Pioneer Masters as well. While primarily featured at uncommon and higher rarities, there are two notable common exceptions: Nylea’s Disciple and Disciple of Phenax. The entire pantheon of Theros Gods is also draftable at mythic rare, although their overall power level in the context of PIO’s high power environment remains to be seen. Some speculate they might be surprisingly weaker than anticipated.

Important Note: Keep in mind that devotion-related cards are featured on one of PIO’s rotating bonus sheets, and are not part of the set’s core card roster. This means their availability in drafts will fluctuate.

Unravel the Aether

Enchantments are another key element inherited from Theros. Pioneer Masters features a higher density of enchantments than typical Magic sets. This opens up strategies focused on enchantment recursion and tutoring, supported by cards like Heliod’s Pilgrim, Lotus-Eye Mystics, and Commune with the Gods. If you prefer dealing with enchantments rather than playing them, Keening Apparition and Unravel the Aether offer reliable enchantment removal at common.

Shoulder to Shoulder

Prowess creatures are present in reasonable numbers, with a total of six across common and uncommon rarities. Furthermore, cards like Nivix Cyclops effectively function as prowess creatures in their own right. To maximize prowess triggers, consider pairing these creatures with efficient removal spells and cantrips like Consider and Shoulder to Shoulder. The UR Spells archetype will heavily leverage prowess for aggressive strategies.

Fallaji Archaeologist

Graveyard Payoffs are a clear theme in Pioneer Masters, offering multiple avenues for generating value from your discarded cards. Powerful cards like Treasure Cruise, Bloodfire Enforcers, Dreg Mangler, and Nemesis of Mortals all reward you for filling your graveyard. To fuel these strategies, look for self-mill effects from cards like Commune with the Gods, Undead Butler, and Fallaji Archaeologist.

Opal Lake Gatekeepers

Gates emerge as a surprisingly well-supported subtheme in Pioneer Masters. Many of the most powerful gate-centric cards are present, including key uncommons like Guild Summit, Gatebreaker Ram, Gates Ablaze, and Archway Angel. To facilitate gate strategies, the set includes an impressive eleven common Gates (ten dual-color gates plus Gateway Plaza), alongside District Guide, and several “Gatekeeper” cards like Opal Lake Gatekeepers to reward you for embracing this unique archetype.

Double-Faced Lands are a welcome addition, with each color receiving one common/uncommon dual-faced land, all sourced from Zendikar Rising. These rarity downshifts are a significant boon for Limited. While not archetype-defining build-arounds, these MDFC lands are always valuable in Limited, providing increased deck consistency thanks to their spell/land hybrid nature.

1.2. Understanding the Rotating Bonus Sheets

A unique feature of Pioneer Masters is its implementation of bonus sheets. The set incorporates three distinct 40-card bonus sheets, totaling 120 unique cards. Each sheet revolves around a simple, thematic concept: Devotion, Planeswalkers, and Spells.

The crucial element is that these bonus sheets rotate every two weeks according to the following schedule:

• Planeswalkers: December 10–24
• Spells: December 24–January 7
• Devotion: January 7–21

The Devotion bonus sheet is particularly noteworthy, extending beyond just devotion cards to include creatures with valuable colored mana symbols like Archaeomancer and Nightveil Specter. These rotating sheets inject a dynamic element into the format, shifting the character of Pioneer Masters each week it’s available on Arena.

For the purposes of this guide, the primary focus will be on cards that are consistently present in Pioneer Masters. Bonus sheet cards will be discussed within the Uncommon and Rare sections, but remember that their availability will vary depending on the active bonus sheet. Critically, none of the Top Commons highlighted in this guide are bonus sheet cards, ensuring their consistent presence in your drafts.

2. Rarity Shifts: Downshifts and Upshifts to Watch For

Seeing Dreadbore at common might cause a double-take for seasoned players, but these kinds of surprising rarity downshifts are a hallmark of Pioneer Masters! While a complete list of every rarity change is extensive, some of the most impactful shifts include:

Assemble the Legion

These rarity adjustments contribute to Pioneer Masters feeling distinctly like a true Masters set, elevating the overall power level significantly. If you’re transitioning to PIO drafts after playing formats like Foundations, be prepared for a noticeable jump in power – your decks in Pioneer Masters will, on average, be considerably more potent.

2.1. Multicolor Commons: Your Archetype Signposts

Another noteworthy aspect of rarity shifts is the downshift of ten key two-color uncommons to common for Pioneer Masters! These cards act as classic “signposts,” subtly guiding you toward the set’s loosely defined two-color draft archetypes.

Here’s the complete list of these crucial multicolor commons, along with our initial interpretation of their associated archetypes:

Skyrider Elf

3. Archetype Deep Dive: Crafting Your Winning Strategy

The two-color archetypes in Pioneer Masters are less rigidly defined compared to many Magic sets. While there is a higher-than-average number of multicolor cards (one for each color pair at common, and 2-4 at uncommon), their thematic connections are often loose and unevenly distributed. This means that your drafts may not feel as “on rails” in most color pairs, but you’ll find strong direction if you commit to well-supported themes like Gates or Heroic.

Regardless, having a basic plan for each color pair is always beneficial as you begin to explore Pioneer Masters Limited!

3.1. WU Skies: Airborne Aggression

Nimbus Naiad

Lyev Skyknight is a fantastic aggressive creature that excels in decks aiming to apply early pressure. Expect WU to frequently incorporate a heroic subtheme, as cards like Sungrace Pegasus, Wingsteed Rider, and Ghostblade Eidolon all significantly benefit from pump spells and auras. White will typically be your dominant color in this pairing, with blue providing valuable support through cards like Clutch of Currents, Cloudfin Raptor, and Nimbus Naiad.

3.2. UB Control: Dictate the Pace

Sight Beyond Sight

Toil / Trouble Pioneer Masters

Possessed Skaab shines in a controlling archetype that leverages self-mill and robust interaction. The core strategy revolves around recurring powerful spells like Far // Away, Devour Flesh, and Ob Nixilis’s Cruelty to continuously disrupt your opponent’s game plan. The aim is to engage in efficient one-for-one trades, gradually grinding your opponent down until they concede. Sustain your resources and rebuild card advantage using powerful draw spells like Read the Bones, Treasure Cruise, and Sight Beyond Sight.

3.3. BR Midrange: Relentless Pressure

Limits of Solidarity

Toil / Trouble Pioneer Masters

Dreadbore is a quintessential example of an archetype-agnostic card, and BR’s other multicolor offerings like Bloodtithe Harvester, Toil // Trouble, and Rakdos’s Return follow a similar pattern of broad utility. While a dedicated sacrifice theme is not heavily emphasized in PIO, you do have access to cards like Nantuko Husk at common and Limits of Solidarity at uncommon if you wish to explore that direction. More often, however, BR will likely function as a “good stuff” midrange deck. Prioritize drafting premium removal spells and efficient creatures, aiming to apply consistent pressure while eliminating any significant threats your opponent presents.

3.4. RG Stompy: Overwhelm with Power

District Guide

Zendikar Incarnate is a straightforward creature that packs a serious punch for its mana value. The RG archetype in Pioneer Masters follows a similarly direct approach. Aim to combine powerful beaters like Rubblebelt Raiders, Nessian Asp, and Heart-Piercer Manticore with supporting cards such as Domri Rade and Ghor-Clan Rampager. This color pair is also an excellent home for potent rarity-shifted cards like Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma, Honored Hydra, Boon Satyr, and Heart-Piercer Manticore. District Guide will be a crucial pick in RG, as the archetype tends to be mana-hungry, demanding consistent land drops.

3.5. GW Midrange: Efficient and Flexible

Loxodon Smiter

Selesnya Charm? Yes please! This card is a Limited all-star, offering a versatile suite of modes that are relevant in almost any situation. GW in PIO is characterized by efficiency and flexibility, lacking flashy mechanics but boasting solid creatures and adaptable cards. Loxodon Smiter at uncommon ensures you can reliably draft multiple copies of this powerful threat if you find yourself in the right lane. Expect GW decks to lean towards two primary styles: straightforward beatdown strategies, or builds that resemble heroic decks, utilizing enchantments and pump effects. Regardless of the specific build, Selesnya Charm will undoubtedly be a cornerstone card.

3.6. WB Attrition: Value and Removal

Zulaport Cutthroat

WB currently appears to be one of the weaker color pairs in Pioneer Masters, primarily due to its less impactful multicolor common. Imperious Oligarch is efficient against early threats, but other multicolor options like Sin Collector and Cartel Aristocrat leave something to be desired. It’s possible to construct a mini-aristocrats style deck in WB, as some of the necessary pieces are present (Cartel Aristocrat, Nantuko Husk, Zulaport Cutthroat, etc.). However, WB seems like a color pair to actively avoid for now. If you find yourself in WB, consider splashing Blood Baron of Vizkopa if you can, as it represents a significant power boost for the archetype.

3.7. UR Spells: Prowess and Payoffs

Keranos, God of Storms

Turn / Burn Pioneer Masters

UR presents a more promising outlook compared to WB, with more impactful multicolor cards. Turn // Burn, Stormchaser Mage, and Nivix Cyclops are all efficient and synergistic cards for a UR Prowess deck. Alternatively, you can pursue a “big spells” strategy, leveraging resilient threats like Keranos, God of Storms alongside ample removal and card draw. As is typical with UR, the key is to identify which “flavor” of UR spells you are drafting – a hyper-aggressive prowess build or a more controlling build. However, don’t hesitate to include a powerful standalone bomb even in a focused prowess deck if the opportunity arises.

3.8. BG Midrange: Graveyard Value and Beats

Nemesis of Mortals

Dreg Mangler at common is a powerhouse, giving BG a more aggressive edge than is often typical for the color pair. Heroic synergies are minimal here, so focus on playing standalone good creatures alongside efficient black removal to clear a path for your threats. While graveyard interactions are present, BG in PIO isn’t a dedicated “graveyard archetype.” Instead, graveyard synergies primarily provide value bonuses rather than being essential build-around mechanics. Nemesis of Mortals is perhaps the closest card to a true graveyard payoff in PIO, and it should perform exceptionally well in BG decks.

3.9. RW Heroic: Targeted Triumph

Expedite

RW is undeniably one of the most well-supported color pairs in Pioneer Masters. Martial Glory, Anax and Cymede, and Tenth District Legionnaire form a powerful core synergy, and the set offers a wide array of other heroic creatures to build around. You’ll have access to numerous effective cards to repeatedly target your heroic creatures, including Artful Maneuver, Rimrock Knight, Fall of the Hammer, Witch’s Mark, and Expedite. RW Heroic is poised to be a dominant aggressive force in the format.

3.10. GUx Ramp: Go Big or Go Home

Urban Evolution

The final archetype, GUx Ramp, is likely to be the most diverse and flexible. Skyrider Elf explicitly rewards you for splashing additional colors, encouraging a multicolor approach. GU’s other multicolor cards are generally straightforward and versatile: Kiora’s Follower and Urban Evolution are valuable additions to almost any deck. There’s a natural synergy between Skyrider Elf and the Gates theme, so expect to see GUx Gates decks frequently. GUx Ramp and RW Heroic are positioned to be the format’s premier slow and fast archetypes, respectively, representing opposite ends of the speed spectrum.

4. Top Commons by Color: Building Blocks for Success

A crucial aspect of mastering any new draft format is identifying the top common cards in each color. Here’s a breakdown of three standout commons for each color in Pioneer Masters, along with insights into each color’s overall identity within the set.

4.1. White: Heroic and Efficient Creatures

White in Pioneer Masters is an aggressive, lean color that strongly emphasizes the heroic mechanic. The majority of common white cards directly support this archetype, although some exceptions like Swift Reckoning and Lotus-Eye Mystics don’t perfectly align with this focus. The top three white commons are:

#1. Hero of Iroas

Hero of Iroas

The rarity downshift of Hero of Iroas is a game-changer. It’s no surprise that this card is projected to be a top common. Offering a superior creature stat line compared to alternatives like Lagonna-Band Trailblazer, and providing valuable cost reduction for key heroic support cards like Compulsory Rest, Knightly Valor, and Gift of Orzhova, Hero of Iroas is a cornerstone of the heroic archetype.

#2. Sejiri Shelter / Sejiri Glacier

Sejiri Glacier

All of the common MDFCs (Modal Double-Faced Cards) in Pioneer Masters are strong in Limited, but Sejiri Shelter / Sejiri Glacier stands out as particularly excellent. Heroic decks highly value protection spells akin to Gods Willing, and Sejiri Shelter provides this crucial protection while also functioning as a tapped Plains when needed. This versatility significantly improves deck consistency. Remember to factor these MDFCs as approximately 0.5 lands when constructing your deck.

#3. Compulsory Rest

Compulsory Rest

Compulsory Rest’s sacrifice clause is a relevant drawback, particularly against bestow creatures, as your opponent can sacrifice the enchanted creature to “free” the bestowed creature. Nevertheless, this white enchantment closely resembles Pacifism in function, and importantly, it can be tutored up by Heliod’s Pilgrim. This tutorability elevates its value, likely making it a stronger pick than Swift Reckoning for most white-based decks.

4.2. Blue: Card Advantage and Tempo

Blue in Pioneer Masters is a versatile color, offering a mix of tempo-oriented spells, creatures that synergize with instants and sorceries, and the sheer card advantage of Treasure Cruise.

#1. Treasure Cruise

Treasure Cruise

It’s almost self-evident, but Treasure Cruise offers an incredibly efficient rate when its delve cost can be reduced. However, maximizing its effectiveness requires dedicated setup. Prioritize cards that fill your graveyard quickly, such as Fallaji Archaeologist, Consider, Undead Butler, and Commune with the Gods. If your deck can’t consistently fuel delve, consider running only a single copy to avoid diminishing returns.

#2. Essence Scatter

Essence Scatter

Essence Scatter is a strong and efficient counterspell that’s well-positioned in the format. Many decks in Pioneer Masters, particularly green-based strategies, tend to be slower and more ponderous, making Essence Scatter highly effective at disrupting their game plans. This counterspell is a valuable addition to any blue-heavy deck, and its lower mana cost makes it significantly easier to utilize effectively compared to more expensive counter options like Cancel variants.

#3. Fallaji Archaeologist

Fallaji Archaeologist

Treasure Cruise gives Fallaji Archaeologist a powerful purpose it lacked in The Brothers’ War. Finding Treasure Cruise with its ability immediately reduces Cruise’s cost, even before considering other delve enablers. Beyond its synergy with delve, Fallaji Archaeologist is a generally useful blocker, providing a valuable speed bump against aggressive strategies.

4.3. Black: Removal and Graveyard Synergies

Black’s strengths in Pioneer Masters lie in its premium removal suite, card draw options, and graveyard-centric value cards like Gurmag Angler and Sanitarium Skeleton. A minor sacrifice theme also exists, supported by cards like Nantuko Husk and Silumgar Butcher. However, black’s primary strengths are its straightforward efficiency and power.

#1. Ob Nixilis’s Cruelty

Ob Nixilis

Ob Nixilis’s Cruelty is simply unconditional removal at its finest, capable of eliminating almost any creature in the format. This black instant is not only efficient but also provides valuable exile removal, permanently dealing with problematic threats.

#2. Nantuko Husk

Nantuko Husk

Nantuko Husk is a potent threat, particularly within decks built to support it. Pioneer Masters offers several cards that synergize well, such as Sanitarium Skeleton, Zulaport Cutthroat, Cavern Lampad, Rogue’s Passage, and Undead Butler. While build-around worthy, avoid including Nantuko Husk in decks lacking sufficient support for its sacrifice ability.

#3. Gurmag Angler

Gurmag Angler

Gurmag Angler is a phenomenal graveyard payoff, mirroring the power of Treasure Cruise. Aim to include at least one copy in almost every black deck, and consider running multiple copies in decks specifically designed to fill the graveyard.

4.4. Red: Aggression and Burn

Red in Pioneer Masters is an aggressive color with strong heroic support at common, alongside options for stompy and spells-matter strategies. Red’s overall card quality is high, boosted by the inclusion of downshifted uncommons.

#1. Rimrock Knight

Rimrock Knight

Rimrock Knight was a standout common in Throne of Eldraine, and its power is amplified in PIO thanks to the presence of the heroic mechanic. Its flexibility is key, allowing for both early curve-outs and later-game pump spell synergies. Rimrock Knight significantly outclasses most other common two-drops in the format, like Makindi Sliderunner and Boundary Lands Ranger.

#2. Wild Slash

Wild Slash

Wild Slash (effectively Shock with added upside) is excellent in a format featuring Hero of Iroas, Wingsteed Rider, and Nantuko Husk at common. Its ability to go face adds reach to aggressive red decks, although the damage prevention clause is largely flavor text in this context.

#3. Fall of the Hammer

Fall of the Hammer

Removal and heroic triggers in one efficient package – Fall of the Hammer is a valuable asset for RW Heroic decks. This red instant also functions as a red version of Bite Down for RG Stompy decks, making it broadly useful across red archetypes.

4.5. Green: Ramp and Powerful Bodies

Green’s strengths in Pioneer Masters align with its traditional roles: mana fixing, ramp, and powerful, oversized creatures. While it offers some support for heroic strategies, it’s best paired with red or white to fully capitalize on those synergies.

#1. District Guide

District Guide

District Guide is a highly reliable mana fixing tool, essential for any greedy multicolor deck. Its consistent land fetching makes it a top-tier common for enabling ambitious color combinations.

#2. Gnarlback Rhino

Gnarlback Rhino

Solid base stats combined with the potential for “free” cards from pump spells, auras, and Savage Punch make Gnarlback Rhino a highly desirable common. Its common rarity ensures you can often acquire multiples and build around its potent triggered ability.

#3. Audacity

Audacity

Speaking of build-arounds, Audacity is a premium aura for heroic creatures, arguably the best common aura for the archetype. This cheap and powerful enchantment not only provides a significant stat boost but also refunds itself when the enchanted creature is removed, offering exceptional value and resilience.

4.6. Commons to Be Wary Of

As a Masters set, Pioneer Masters still includes a few commons that are generally weaker and unlikely to make the cut in most decks. While not color-specific, these commons are worth noting as cards to avoid if possible:

Lagonna-Band Trailblazer

Lagonna-Band Trailblazer: Not the worst card, but the weakest of the common heroic creatures. Primarily a blocker or backup plan, ideally cuttable from your final deck.

Tah-Crop Skirmisher

Tah-Crop Skirmisher: Power level in PIO is higher than in its original set, Amonkhet. Playable if you desperately need a two-drop, but generally underwhelming.

Returned Centaur

Returned Centaur: Milling yourself or your opponent can have some strategic value, but the body is weak for its cost. Avoid unless you have a specific graveyard strategy or are aggressively milling your opponent.

Makindi Sliderunner

Makindi Sliderunner: While Evolving Wilds offers some synergy, this card feels underwhelming in a Masters set.

Darksteel Ingot

Darksteel Ingot: With common Gates, District Guide, Courier’s Briefcase, and Evolving Wilds available, you can find more efficient mana fixing options.

Halo Scarab

Halo Scarab: Similar to Darksteel Ingot, there are likely better fixing options, though it can trade with early two-drops, making it slightly more appealing.

Scion of Ugin

Scion of Ugin: A mediocre common fatty that lacks impact. Playable as a last resort win condition or flier, but generally replaceable.

5. Strong Uncommons: Power at a Premium

Pioneer Masters is bursting with powerful uncommons, many of which were originally rares in their respective sets. These cards will often be the most impactful and draft-defining elements of the format. Here’s a selection of excellent uncommons to prioritize in your drafts. Remember that this section does include bonus sheet cards, so their availability will depend on the active bonus sheet rotation!

• Celestial Archon
• Fiendslayer Paladin (Bonus Sheet: Devotion)
• Imposing Sovereign
• Mentor of the Meek
• Stasis Snare
• Guild Summit
• Jhessian Thief
• Murmuring Mystic
• Sphinx’s Tutelage (Bonus Sheet: Devotion)
• Fell Stinger
• Keepsake Gorgon (Bonus Sheet: Devotion)
• Priest of the Blood Rite
• Ultimate Price
• Fight with Fire
• Heart-Piercer Manticore
• Monastery Swiftspear
• Boon Satyr
• Experiment One
• Gatebreaker Ram
• Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma
• Honored Hydra
• Bloodtithe Harvester
• Loxodon Smiter
• Tenth District Legionnaire

6. Bomb Rares to Look Out For

Pioneer Masters is loaded with powerful rares and mythic rares, some of which are truly format-warping bombs. While many mythics and rares seem designed to fill out the Pioneer card pool rather than dominate Limited (e.g., Enter the Infinite, Day’s Undoing, and the Theros Gods), there are still plenty of game-winning bombs to be aware of. Remember that this section includes bonus sheet cards, so their availability will depend on the active bonus sheet!

6.1. Mythic Rares: Game-Winning Potential

• Archangel of Thune
• Elspeth, Sun’s Champion (Bonus Sheet: Planeswalkers)
• Gideon, Ally of Zendikar
• Tragic Arrogance (Bonus Sheet: Spells)
• Jace, Architect of Thought (Bonus Sheet: Planeswalkers)
• Jace, Memory Adept (Bonus Sheet: Planeswalkers)
• Jace, Vryn’s Prodigy
• Ob Nixilis Reignited
• Chandra, Flamecaller (Bonus Sheet: Planeswalkers)
• Mizzium Mortars (Bonus Sheet: Spells)
• Stormbreath Dragon
• Nissa, Vastwood Seer
• Nissa, Voice of Zendikar (Bonus Sheet: Planeswalkers)
• Whisperwood Elemental
• Dragonlord Ojutai
• Dragonlord Silumgar
• Dragonlord Atarka
• Dragonlord Dromoka
• Blood Baron of Vizkopa
• Keranos, God of Storms (Bonus Sheet: Devotion)
• Assemble the Legion

6.2. Rares: Format-Defining Cards

• Dictate of Heliod
• Linvala, the Preserver
• Secure the Wastes
• Aetherling
• Niblis of Frost
• Sidisi, Undead Vizier
• Soulflayer
• Goblin Rabblemaster
• Pia and Kiran Nalaar
• Polukranos, World Eater
• Woodland Wanderer
• Rakdos’s Return (Bonus Sheet: Spells)
• Fleecemane Lion
• Boros Reckoner

7. Mana Fixing and Splashing: Expanding Your Color Palette

Pioneer Masters is not a strictly two-color format! Ample mana fixing is available, encouraging players to explore three-color decks and efficient splashing of powerful cards. Your mana fixing options include:

• District Guide
• Courier’s Briefcase
• Common Guildgates (Simic, Izzet, Selesnya, Rakdos, Orzhov, Azorius, Golgari, Gruul, Boros, Dimir)
• Evolving Wilds
• Gateway Plaza
• Halo Scarab
• Darksteel Ingot

With this level of fixing, splashing powerful single-pip bombs is highly recommended. Consider drafting three-color decks to fully leverage double-pip colored mana cards. The format is likely to feature a dynamic between lean, aggressive two-color decks (like RW Heroic) and more ambitious, multicolor “greed piles.” Don’t forget that the Gates theme provides another compelling reason to embrace splashing and slower, more controlling strategies!

8. Final Thoughts: Prepare to Pioneer

Tragic Arrogance – Illustration by Winona Nelson

Tragic Arrogance, a devastating board wipe for control strategies. Illustration by Winona Nelson.

And there you have it – your Day-0 guide to Pioneer Masters! The rotating bonus sheets introduce a layer of complexity to format evaluation, as the optimal strategies and color pairings might shift from week to week. However, you can’t go wrong by focusing on Wx Heroic and Gx value-oriented decks as you begin your Pioneer Masters drafting journey.

Which cards are you most excited to play with in Pioneer Masters Limited? Which archetypes are you eager to draft? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion over on the Draftsim Discord!

Until next time, may your Pioneer Masters drafts be consistently rewarding and enjoyable!

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