
Gwent Meta Snapshot #13 – ENG – May 2021
ESC Card Gaming is happy to present our new Gwent Meta Snapshot #13 – ENG!
Thanks to the innovations introduced with Patch 8.5 the Meta has undergone several changes.
Despite the various nerfs suffered by the Crime archetype, Syndicate remains ahead of our Gwent Meta Snap # 13 thanks to the new deck based on Leader Pirate’s cove. The advantages that this archetype offers are many and it does not suffer from particular counter in Ladder.
To occupy the Tier 1 of our Gwent Meta Snap # 13 together with Sindacato we find Skellige with two decks, Blaze of Glory in an updated version with Coral and the Discard package, and Reckless flurry, an antimeta deck that manages to respond efficiently to many archetypes found in Ladder.
In Tier 2 of our Gwent Meta Snapshot # 13 we find the Trappatael archetype at the top, which has risen in position thanks to its solidity against most of the top Tier archetypes. Alongside the Scoia’tael deck we find the Crime which, after the different and incisive nerfs, is still a solid archetype and a valid alternative to the Pirate’s cove deck.
In this Tier we have also decided to include Elves Radeyah, which is confirmed as a valid list for dealing with the various archetypes in Ladder, and is a valid alternative for those who do not like to play the Traps archetype.
Finally, we have decided to place in this Tier the Keltullis decks of Monsters and Witcher of NR, which, despite the various patches and the many changes, remain solid archetypes.
This month we present a Tier 3 full of archetypes: we offer 3 deck Monsters, in particular Arachas Swarm and Viy. These two archetypes have not undergone particular changes post Patch, indeed, we still highly recommend them. They slip into Tier 3 only because they meet far less frequently in Ladder than in previous months, but they remain solid choices to bet on.
Finally, we propose two unreleased decks that benefit from the post Patch 8.5 changes: the White Frost deck and the new archetype Foltest Pincer Maneuver. They are both archetypes capable of producing an impressive amount of points.
Important missing Nilfgaard, a faction that after the Patch has seen its main archetype based on the Scenario almost completely destroyed. At the moment no deck of this faction is really advisable in Ladder, as it can hardly compete in terms of points and efficiency against the other factions.
Enjoy our Gwent Meta Snapshot # 13!
TIER 1
DECKLIST
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/a2639238e3971b118accb213297378ab
AUTHOR
Ci_87
INTRODUCTION
With the heavy nerfs to Cleaver and Halfling Safecracker in this patch, the Syndicate faction has moved on to a completely different deck, taking advantage of the new ability of the Pirate’s Cove Leader. This is our first proposal for the Gwent Meta Snapshot #13 – ENG
STRENGTHS
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Having 2 charges to create spenders allows us to have much easier mulligans as you don’t need to hold a spender in your hand. Moreover, even in the construction of the deck you have an advantage since you can insert different types of cards.
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Professor and Whoreson Junior, thanks to the buffs made to them in this patch, are simply too strong and give Syndicate the ability to play Devotion just with a bit of effort.
WEAKNESSES
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This deck has no particular weaknesses, the only bad situation is when you get to round 3 without any charges left and so not being able to spend the rest of your coins.
TACTICAL CHOICES
You can put Philippa in place of Boris and 2 cards of 4 provisions in place of the Casinò Bouncers.
DIFFICULTY
Medium

DECKLIST
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/b315df5974fc0339718d9b83df1b31c3
AUTHOR
conteduval
INTRODUCTION
The archetype Warrior with Devotion of Skellige has been with us in the ladder for more than a year now, changing shape from time to time.
In this season we find the variant with the discard package alongside the now solid and worthy warrior package, led by Eist of Tuirseach.
For the leader’s ability, as in the last season we find Blaze of Glory, given its natural affinity with Eist.
The game plan remains similar to the old versions, giving up some control tools, such as Hjalmar or Blood Eagle, but gaining a solid discard package with Coral and Birna Bran giving a much more solid round 1 than last season and other very big tempo-plays like Totems and Tyrggvi. Second place for our Gwent Meta Snapshot #13 – ENG
STRENGTHS
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Like all previous versions, the deck offers several control tools to limit the enemy’s engines, as well as numerous units with the possibility of doing damage, very useful to bring the enemy’s units to death-range.
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The deck is very consistent, the discard package allows you to score a lot of points to win round 1 (which was a problem for the old version) and at the same time allows you to thin cards from the deck in order to draw literally everything.
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The combination of Eist of Tuirseach with the leader’s ability, even without activating bloodlust, guarantees the absurd amount of 25-26 points, 12 of which are removal. This is one of Gwent’s strongest plays.
WEAKNESSES
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Even if this version has a more solid round 1, we must necessarily win round 1 to exploit eist to its maximum potential and not let us steal it under a push.
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The fact of having to use almost always Eist and the leader at the same time, coupled with the problem of not being able to win round 1, tends to be the main problem of this deck; once we lose the first round we will more likely be pushed until we are forced to use Eist, and therefore also the leader, losing a lot of the potential of the deck.
TACTICAL CHOICES
You can still play the full warrior version:
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/b542a5ec07e5127b8c3f47a474240c1f
DIFFICULTY
Easy

DECKLIST
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/acba91b3f91d061a54bd7c12cda969bb
AUTHOR
Yami
INTRODUCTION
The latest patch introduced a change to the “Reckless Fury” leader, which has gone from already being a nice leader’s ability to develop into a very strong and versatile leader’s ability; that’s why we decided to include this deck in Tier 1 in the Gwent Meta Snapshot #13.
STRENGHTS
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It is very oppressive when you start as the second one, in fact most of the time you will be able to win the first round on even; thanks to the many tempo plays and the leader’s charges that bring you to reach when there is the need.
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Very strong against swarm decks.
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Excellent push capability.
WEAKNESSES
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Suffers from the blue coin as there are not many proactive cards.
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The blue coin often forces you to overcommit to take round 1.
TACTICAL CHOICES
You can play a Madoc version of this:
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/dfec92eedb45709f17471835dd2d0354
DIFFICULTY
Easy

TIER 2
DECKLIST
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/aa9ee90c502f0e31c3c1555aad83582
AUTHOR
Quigon96
INTRODUCTION
After the recent nerfs to Cleaver and Halflings Safecracker this archetype has lost much of its power, but at the same time the buffs received by Professor and Whoreson Junior have made up for it.
In fact, compared to the last meta, we switched to a Devotion’s version of the deck and it still stands as the first one of the Tier 2 in our Gwent Meta Snapshot #13 – ENG !
STRENGHTS
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Although round 1 is now weaker, thanks to Devotion the deck has a much stronger long round, one of the best in this meta.
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It always has the Tunnel Drill and Cleaver combo with a coin setup provided by a Pickpocket or Swindle, which generates a difference of about 20 points and can remove important units from the opponent’s board.
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The deck is significantly more solid against swarm archetypes such as Elves and Arachas, in fact thanks to the presence of Whoreson Junior it’s like we have a second Drill.
WEAKNESSES
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Because of the Halfling Safecracker’s nerfs you will often have to leave round 1 early to the opponent in order not to risk losing on even.
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Like all the Devotion decks you will often not have access to the cards you need atthe moment you will need them the most, Vivaldi Bank is not very reliable as a tutor.
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Suffer from no-unit decks.
TACTICAL CHOICES
You can replace Professor with Sigi Reuven, plus if you want to go back to the No-Devotion version you can insert Oneiromancy and Sir Skiewertooth by removing Vivaldi Bank and Whoreson Junior.
DIFFICULTY
Medium

DECKLIST
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/2a31f265b0c21d087484b9b5b4f69066
AUTHOR
Infern-ale
INTRODUCTION
Trappatel is a very unique deck that can easily win against any deck in a long round 3 and defeat many combinations of the current top tiers.
With the change of the meta especially from the nerf of cleaver and masquerade ball it undoubtedly finds its space in the meta both for tournaments and for the pro ladder.
STRENGTHS
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Excellent both blue and red coins thanks to Elven mechanics.
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Round 3 not very interactive able to completely undermine the control decks.
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Very aggressive opening and difficult to stop since it is not essential to keep cards such as Apparent death, Isengrim and Vernossiel.
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Completely immune to tall punish by being a swarm.
WEAKNESSES
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Extremely vulnerable in short rounds.
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Push difficult to counter and dangerous since the traps do not have value if the opponent passes at the right time and you risk going in – 2 cards.
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It depends a lot on last say to keep the advantage over control decks.
TACTICAL CHOICES
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It is possible to replace pitfall trap for Ciaran aep Easnillen or remove Pitfall trap and Curse of corruption for Korathi heatwave and Maxii van dekkar, in both cases, however, it adds interactivity to the deck.
DIFFICULTY
Difficult

DECKLIST
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/04b57bc056cdd19736970c98c90709f6
AUTHOR
gigifacile
INTRODUCTION
After two seasons in which the elven archetype was primarily played in combo with the traps, as tempo decks proliferated this once have lost much of their strength.
This caused the return of one of the strongest decks of Gwent’s past which is the Radeyah-scenario.
With the buffs to the stratagems and with the possibility, thanks to Radeyah, to immediately activate a chapter of the scenario, the elven archetype returns with its arrogance almost to the top of the tier list this month.
STRENGHTS
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Very strong short round with Scenario and Vernossiel.
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Ability to resist bleeding thanks to good tempo plays.
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Plenty of proactive plays.
WEAKNESSES
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13 (T-H-I-R-T-E-E-N) 4-provisions cards in the deck.
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Little consistency in the draws, since Oneiromancy is the only tutor.
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Long round not as strong as the other decks in the meta.
TACTICAL CHOICES
Gold cards are virtually untouchable, while bronze cards may vary based on what is in the ladder.
DIFFICULTY
Difficult

DECKLIST
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/cb13b5cf62231d316258798075012764
AUTHOR
Movius
INTRODUCTION
Keltullis remains one of the best choices when it comes to the Monster faction, with its powerful engines, both tall and normal removal, and important tempo plays, it has everything it takes to be a competitive deck.
In addition if Ciri: Dash goes uncontested, she can easily win the games on her own.
STRENGTHS
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Removal for each range, from the 4-shooters up to Korathi Heatwave and Imlerith’s Wrath.
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Very strong engines like Nithral and The Beast, not to mention Keltullis itself.
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Keltullis and Ciri: Dash can win matches on their own if not contested.
WEAKNESSES
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Totally draws-dependent, missing the crucial golds will often lead you to lose the game.
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Suffers from decks that play multiple tall removals, this deck is very dependent on certain single cards such as Keltullis, Ciri: Dash and Cave Troll, if they are removed it often will lead you to a defeat
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Very complicated deck to play, understanding what to invest in round 1, when and how to push, and managing the number of units on the board make it a deck that will take time to play at its best.
TACTICAL CHOICES
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Virtually none of the golds, if not being able to choose between Parasite and Armory, and whether or not to play Maxii.
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All the bronzes are very flexible, the only indication is to try to keep the number of units very low.
DIFFICULTY
Difficult

DECKLIST
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/72f08df3b89c674583c7ad238f3f13c8
AUTHORS
Edo – Simo4dlc
INTRODUCTION
Also this month Northern Realms almost exclusively relies on the Witcher Swarm archetype which, however, is slightly less strong due to the changes to Vesemir: Mentor and, above all, to Lyria Scytheman. The only noteworthy change from last season’s version is the presence of Margarita Laux-Antille instead of Berengar. Tier 2 for our Gwent Meta Snapshot #13 – ENG
STRENGTHS
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Very consistent thanks to the presence of the various tutors.
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Good round 1 solidity due to bronze cards like Griffin Witcher and Griffin Witcher Adept which can generate a large amount of points.
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The blue coin does not particularly suffer thanks to the Crystal Skull, which in combo with the Griffin Witcher is often oppressive.
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Important carry over given by Erland of Larvik and Vesemir: Mentor.
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Excellent both while pushing and in the short round having cards like Keldar and Witcher Trio in combo with the ability of the Leader.
WEAKNESSES
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This deck suffers a lot Geralt: Yrden, especially now that Lyria Scytheman forces to have boosted units on the same row.
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Before Adrenaline 4 it is difficult to find playable cards, even more after the nerf to Vesemir: Mentor.
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Few interactions with the opposing board.
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Without Erland’s carryover it is more difficult to manage the game.
TACTICAL CHOICES
-
None
DIFFICULTY
Easy

TIER 3
DECKLIST
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/cf0cb8320bca2c31813c862e84034d63
AUTHOR
Clauz
INTRODUCTION
Despite the nerfs suffered in one of the latest updates, Viy remains one of the best viable archetypes for Monsters, thanks to the changing of the meta and the inclusion of new legendary cards in the latest patch. In fact it is one of the main counters of Skellige Warrior and of the No Unit archetypes in general, and becomes one of the main “antimeta” decks. Tier 3 but 5 stars for our Gwent Meta Snapshot #13 – ENG
STRENGTHS
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Very consistent short round.
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Excellent blue coin thanks to the Crystal Skull and Slyzard which allows you not to invest too much consumption in Round 1 and still develop considerable points.
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At the moment it has almost only favorable match-ups against the major top tiers pushing round 2 with Scenario often grants us the advantage card.
WEAKNESSES
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Despite the nerf to Lockdown, Nilfgaard remains a very complicated match-up.
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Suffers Geralt: Yrden.
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A bad Round 1 hand often has a negative effect on the entire game’s performance.
TACTICAL CHOICES
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The 4 provisions slots are very variable depending on the meta, while the core of the deck does not have flexible slots. If you want you can try the version without Scenario: https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/7ac88efe897ef38c0adb1e9aa3ab5cc2
DIFFICULTY
Easy

DECKLIST
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/641a4af5f563ad77e3726e89288b91e7
AUTHOR
WhiteWolf19__
INTRODUCTION
The archetype Arachas Swarm also finds space in the current meta. Although it is less effective than in recent months given the presence in meta of Top Tier archetypes such as Reckless Flurry, the deck is still very solid and fast, with tempo play able to push any type of opponent.
Compared to the old list, Triss: Telekinesis and Geralt: Yrden are replaced by Portal and Geralt of Rivia in favor of more solid tempo plays and also able to play the deck.
STRENGTHS
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Arachas Swarm enjoys a series of very fast and efficient tempo plays.
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The archetype Arachas Swarm has multiple win conditions at its disposal, in fact, it manages to give a few points of reference to its opponents.
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The deck has an aggressive and efficient push potential.
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Very efficient deck of Red Coin thanks also to a very oppressive card like Crimson Curse.
WEAKNESSES
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This archetype suffers a lot Geralt: Yrden, Lambert: Swordsman and cards that damage the rows, like Lacerate, Toruviel, etc …
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The Arachas archetype suffers short 3 rounds if he has used too many resources in previous rounds.
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He starts at a big disadvantage against the Top Tier Reckless Flurry.
TACTICAL CHOICES
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Triss: Telekinesis and Geralt: Yrden
DIFFICULTY
Medium

DECKLIST
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/540771794f7a927d359ea99c7fa9e236
AUTHOR
Quigon96
INTRODUCTION
Thanks to the changes made during the last patch, this new archetype was born; among these the most significant were the one to the Leader, which lost the +5 buff on the drawn unit but who got a second charge and the ability to summon a Volunteer, and the one to the Poor Fucking Infantry. This archetype will not be Tier 1 but if you are looking for a deck that has a plan A, B, C (and even D!) You are in the right place.
STRENGTHS
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Thanks to Poor Fucking Infantry, Queen Adalia and the Volunteer summoned by the leader ability, he can develop the perfect board for Draug in just a few turns, thus ensuring us one of the first 2 rounds.
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It has a second strong combo based on King Foltest and Dun Banner which allows it to generate a huge amount of points over time if the opponent does not have a response to the defender.
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If you can produce a good number of Kaedwen: revenants in the previous rounds, the Princess Pavetta and Erland combo grants a good amount of points on short Round 3.
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The deck has incredible round handling versatility; you can use King Foltest in Round 1, Draug in round 2 and Erland for a short round 3; or again Erland and King Foltest in Round 1 and then go with Draug in Round 3 long; and these are just a few examples of the playing possibilities this deck offers!
WEAKNESSES
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In the turn in which the Draug is used, if the opponent has a card that does damage in a row, the strategy of the deck can be compromised.
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Not suitable for resisting the opponent’s push of round 2, so he must necessarily try to win round 1.
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Little interaction with the opponent’s board.
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It has a weaker long round than most decks in meta.
TACTICAL CHOICES
The Queen Meve slot is the most versatile, in its place you can insert Falibor to have a longer play, or you can insert Kaer Seren and 2 Griffin Witcher Mentor to have 9 more points of carryover on Erland.
DIFFICULTY
Difficult

DECKLIST
https://www.playgwent.com/en/decks/072b4130962980cf3ef988ea08990e3b
AUTHOR
Clauz
INTRODUCTION
With the recent meta changes due to the latest patch and the buff to Ancient Foglet, it seems the time has come for Frost White to carve out a place in the meta albeit down the tier. Although the added engines are still few and the archetype supports are still a bit immature, it is possible to develop a significant amount of points. Last position for our Gwent Meta Snapshot #13 – ENG
STRENGTHS
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Very good Long Round of both Blue and Red coins thanks to the Echo card and the multiple effects that apply Frost (including Leader charges)
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Optimal short round 3 thanks to the Big MO package consisting of the classic Yghern / Goliath / Ozzrel triumvirate
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Our main engines are equipped with Veil and are therefore difficult to remove
WEAKNESSES
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Although our long round is excellent it is still far inferior to that of the main top tier of Skellige and Syndacate
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Geralt: Yrden and Korathi Heatwave are two cards currently quite common in the meta and tend to seriously compromise our mechanics
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We are forced to play Devotion, thus giving up important tutors like Oneiromancy or important removals like Korathi Heatwave
TACTICAL CHOICES
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By giving up some solidity on Ge’els and Naglfar we can replace Red Riders with Parasite, gaining a small but often incisive direct removal
DIFFICULTY
Easy
