Hoping to break into Modern, but need a budget friendly deck? Look no further than Modern Cascade. With the exception of
Living End
, the majority of cards are less than $1.
The strategy is very simple and straightforward in this deck. Every single creature features the cycling mechanic. We intend to take full advantage of this ability in order to load up our graveyard as quickly as possible.
A good opening hand would contain 2-3 mana and 4-5 creatures. The next step is to cycle away like you’re in the Tour de France. Be mindful of utilizing your mana base as efficiently as possible; if you can cycle just one more creature per turn make sure to do so. Eventually you’ll draw either
Demonic Dread
or
Violent Outburst
; these cards are what we want to play once our graveyard is sufficiently full. Once you cast either, the cascade mechanic will trigger. The only viable card in the entire deck for cascade to home in on is
Living End
-which will subsequently cast for free! Once cast, any creature your opponent has been harassing you with will be wiped clear, while every creature in your graveyard will immediately enter the battlefield. Some, like
Viashino Sandsprinter
and
Igneous Pouncer
can attack immediately, while the rest will have to wait patiently for next turn to no doubt administer a swift and brutal finish to your adversary.
For mana fixing, a few cards with basic landcycling are included in case the opening draw isn’t the greatest. Remember, always cycle
Igneous Pouncer
or
Valley Rannet
over
Forgotten Cave
if you have the option. A creature in the graveyard is more useful later on than a land.
If money is not a barrier for you, this deck becomes much more competitive by simply adding playsets of
Blood Crypt
and
Bloodstained Mire
. Aside from lands, I haven’t found much else to improve upon with the current sets available to choose possible additions from.
Addendum: With the latest Ikoria set having released, quite a few potent cyclers have debuted. I’m open to any suggestions while I narrow down my choices. I’m heavily leaning toward
Titanoth Rex
, unless a much better replacement can be brought to my attention.
”Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.”
