Flesh and Blood was released in 2019 and already is considered by critics to be a contender for Magic: The Gathering's position as one of the best trading card games ever. With fast gameplay, an emphasis on face-to-face play instead of online matches, and endless deck building options, it’s a riveting experience for players of all experience levels.
In 2020, the Runeblade class was added alongside the first Runeblade-specific hero, Versai. Runeblade uses a combination of standard and arcane damage, allowing for a wide range of attacks. Despite the learning curve to building a deck of this style, the gameplay is well worth the investment.
9 Arknight Ascendancy
Dealing arcane damage at multiple angles is the hallmark of a Runeblade. The best method for doing this is through the use of arcane attacks, which are the product of spell casting and are much harder to block than normal forms of damage. Arknight Ascendancy epitomizes this style of attack, dealing six arcane and five regular damage simultaneously. An added bonus is the potential to get off this one-two combination of attacks for a start-up cost of zero. It also creates Runechants, each of which are their own source of arcane damage, for every point of damage it pushes through.
Combined with Pummel (Red) you can keep the Runechants rolling. When compared to other cards in the Runeblade deck, Arknight Ascendancy can get you the most benefit for the cost.
8 Grasp Of The Arknight
If you’re out of Runechants, Grasp of the Arknight can help you move forward. With a cost of two, you can create a Runechant. However, if you already control any Runechants, you will be paying an additional token to activate each. With the possibility of arcane damage from each Runechant it can be well worth the cost.
But the real benefit of Grasp of the Arknight comes from the blocking it provides. On its first iteration it can block two damage, before gaining -1 defense counter and being able to block one damage the next time. When up against slower decks or on-hit decks, the additional defense can offset the start-up cost.
7 Vexing Malice
Having solid cards to play in the late game is every bit as important as starting off strong. Vexing Malice provides two arcane damage, allowing it to chip away at single barrier decks. The opponent is then forced to choose between taking the damage or burning a card to block.
It creates an impressive effect when paired with Mauvian Skies, activating all cards that have abilities that triggered with arcane damage in the current round. When deciding which color of Vexing Malice to use, blue will get you the overall best results.
6 Sonata Arcanix
For a cost of zero, Sonata Arcanix allows you to reveal the next three cards in your deck. While that doesn’t sound too impressive on paper, it can become a powerhouse when played with Bloodsheath Skeleta, lowering the overall cost for the turn and revealing more cards. The damage dealt to the opponent is equal to the number of cards this tactic puts into your hand.
Even if the play doesn’t work, you have information to make decisions on which card to pitch next turn for no cost.
5 Mordred Tide
A common mistake players of all games make from time to time is equating a simple action with a simple result. Mordred Tide turns this concept on its head. When paired with the Runeblade hero, Viserai, this card can set up an impressive six or more Runechants in a single turn. Applied correctly, this can multiply your damage output for the next turn, activate Viserai’s ability which lowers the cost of each Runechant, and add a free pitch for the rest of the cards played.
The best part of all, though, is the cost to use Mordred Tide: a start-up of zero.
4 Ninth Blade Of The Blood Oath
Ninth Blade is an expensive card at a cost of nine, but has the potential to pack a devastating punch. When applied correctly and in conjunction with cards such as Bloodsheath Sketala and Sluggish, it can cause enough damage to strike the penultimate blow.
The cost is brought down by one for each Runechant controlled, meaning it can be done inexpensively or even for no cost with a little patience. With each Runechant being its own package of arcane damage, it’s a strategy worth the wait.
3 Vexing Quillhand
Attacking is the best part of most games, but having the proper gear is part of the recipe for success. Vexing Quillhand is a set of gloves that offer one arcane barrier. What really sets them apart, though, is they can be destroyed to create two Runechant tokens. With each Runechant providing its own arcane damage, it's a powerful one-two punch of offense and defense.
When in a pinch, Vexing Quillhand just might turn out to be your Flesh and Blood version of a saving throw.
2 Meat And Greet (Red)
The best offense includes a solid defense, which is what Meat and Greet (Red) offers. Opponents are forced to give up some momentum and card advantage when dealing with this dark horse. When played while a Runechant is in progress, it will force more cards out of their hand to deal with the arcane damage and stop Meat and Greet (Red) from going again.
A boost of seven occurs when it is combined with Oak of the Arknight (Red), along with a devastating amount of Runechants building up.
1 Bloodsheath Skeleta
A favored piece of armor among competitive players, Bloodsheath Skeleta is a major benefit in a Runeblade deck. The ability is activated instantly, regardless of whether it is your turn or your opponent’s turn, as long as you have priority.
When paired with Sonata Arcanix or Ninth Blade, it can create a wave of unbelievable damage push for little to no cost. However, some caution on when to play it is warranted, this card goes to the graveyard after it is destroyed. And what goes into the graveyard stays there for rest of the match.
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