Introduction
This deck was made because it has a personal meaning to Mr Hills (me) . This was one of the decks used when I played competitively, and I have made them again so other people can experience what MTG was like at the time, and can share my passion for the game.
This deck list specifically was made by Mr Hills, adapted from other players lists, and was played during the Pioneer Format in 2020.
Introduction
The Ensoul Artifacts deck is all about speed and aggression. Your main goal is to quickly turn your cheap artifacts into powerful threats, overwhelming your opponent before they have time to set up their defenses. The key card here is Ensoul Artifact, which turns any artifact into a 5/5 creature with the simple cost of two mana.
Early Game:
Your ideal start involves playing one of your zero- or low-cost artifacts, such as Ornithopter or Darksteel Citadel, on the first turn. If you have Ensoul Artifact or The Blackstaff of Waterdeep in hand, you'll want to cast one of these on turn two to transform that artifact into a 5/5 creature. Darksteel Citadel is especially potent with Ensoul Artifact because it’s indestructible, making it a nearly unstoppable 5/5 early in the game.
Artifact Synergy:
The deck is packed with ways to make your artifacts even more dangerous. Ghostfire Blade and Stonecoil Serpent are excellent choices, providing you with either additional power or a flexible threat that can grow with the game. Gingerbrute can become a hasty and unblockable 5/5 when paired with Ensoul Artifact, putting immediate pressure on your opponent's life total. The Blackstaff of Waterdeep gives you another way to animate your artifacts, adding consistency to your plan.
Disruption and Protection:
To protect your powerful artifacts, you have access to Stubborn Denial, which becomes a one-mana hard counter once you have a 5/5 creature on board, and The Royal Scions, which can both draw cards and pump your creatures to ensure they hit even harder. Hope of Ghirapur offers some protection by preventing your opponent from casting non-creature spells for a turn, potentially buying you the time you need to swing in for lethal damage.
Burn and Finishers:
The deck also packs a punch with Shrapnel Blast, which can deal a quick 5 damage to either a creature or your opponent's face by sacrificing one of your artifacts. With so many low-cost artifacts, you can often use Shrapnel Blast as a surprise finisher after attacking with your 5/5s. The Royal Scions can also help push through extra damage, making sure your opponent can't stabilize before it's too late.
Manabase and Utility Lands:
Your manabase is designed to support your aggressive strategy. Spirebluff Canal and Steam Vents ensure you have the mana you need early, while Mutavault can become an additional creature when necessary, and Shivan Reef provides both red and blue mana without slowing you down. Riverglide Pathway offers more flexibility in your colors, ensuring you can consistently cast your spells on curve.
The Ensoul Artifacts deck thrives on explosive starts and quick victories. Your goal is to create a big, threatening artifact creature early in the game, protect it with countermagic, and finish off your opponent with burn spells. It’s a deck that rewards decisive, aggressive play and can win games before your opponent knows what hit them.
Key Cards
Cards to look for in the opening hand