Facing the Cost: The Truth About Legacy Decks
The Legacy format is notoriously expensive, and the reserve list creates significant barriers to entry. There are frequent questions about viable replacements for [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]. Unfortunately, no alternatives offer the same synergies with cards like [[Echo of Eons]], [[Mox Opal]], and others. If purchasing this card is not feasible, consider using proxies at your local game store or within your friend group. While a sensitive topic, proxies can be a temporary solution while you save for this key piece of the deck. Alternatively, Magic Online offers a less expensive route to play; you can acquire the entire The EPIC Storm decklist for around $300.00 USD—far less than the cost of a single [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]. If this is still out of reach, consider using Cardhoarder to rent the deck for as little as $5 a week.
Budget-Friendly Strategies for Building The EPIC Storm
Building The EPIC Storm on a budget is feasible. Since we no longer use [[Ad Nauseam]], maintaining a high life total is less crucial, allowing for some cost-saving substitutions. [[Underground Sea]] can be replaced with [[Watery Grave]]. Likewise, [[Bayou]] and [[Volcanic Island]] can be swapped for more modern equivalents. A recent boon for Legacy players is the introduction of Surveil lands from Murders at Karlov Manor, reducing the number of expensive dual lands needed. The EPIC Storm utilizes affordable options like [[Commercial District]] and [[Undercity Sewers]], each under $10.00 USD. Overall, you’d need just three dual lands, supplementing them with shock lands in the interim.
How to Invest Wisely in Your Magic Deck
Beginning your deck building journey can be daunting. We recommend starting small and gradually upgrading. Utilizing moderately played (MP) cards can significantly reduce costs without compromising performance. Begin by acquiring essential, low-cost cards like [[Brainstorm]], [[Ponder]], [[Galvanic Relay]], [[Lotus Petal]], and [[Dark Ritual]]. Next, invest in budget-friendly rare cards such as [[Undercity Sewers]], [[Burning Wish]], and [[Echo of Eons]] which play pivotal roles in the deck. As your budget allows, consider acquiring higher-value cards in this order:
- [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]
- [[Underground Sea]]
- [[Volcanic Island]]
- [[Bayou]]
Remember to consider our Shop when making these purchases. We also partner with Amazon, TCGplayer, and Cardhoarder.