Overview:

This Esper (WUB) discard/reanimator deck leverages Hashaton's token generation through creature discards, supported by reanimation, zombie synergies, and value engines. While capable of explosive plays with cards like Dream Halls and Mondrak, Glory Dominus, it lacks cEDH-level speed/protection and relies heavily on graveyard access.

Primer:

Core Strategy:
Deploy discard outlets (Putrid Imp, Skirge Familiar) to fuel Hashaton's 4/4 zombie creation while reanimating bombs (Elesh Norn, Toxrill). Backup plans include zombie tribal via The Scarab God and stax locks with Toxrill/Sheoldred. Key phases:

1. Setup (T1-3): Play discard engines, mill creatures via Frantic Study, and establish protection (Grand Abolisher).
2. Payoff (T4-6): Reanimate bombs or flood the board with 4/4 zombies. Mondrak doubles token output for lethal swings.
3. Lock (Late Game): Deploy Toxrill slime counters or Sheoldred attrition to stall opponents.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 3 lands and ≥1 discard outlet (Bog Witch > Putrid Imp).
• Prioritize black sources for reanimation spells.
• Mulligan hands without creature discard payoffs.

Key Tips:

• Use Tortured Existence to rebuy ETB creatures like Archfiend of Ifnir.
• Dream Halls enables free casts by discarding zombie tokens.
• Protect Mondrak with Teferi's Protection before mass token generation.

Avoid Traps:

• Overextending into board wipes without recursion.
• Keeping 7+ mana bombs in opening hands.

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• Graveyard hate (Rest in Peace, Leyline of the Void) neuters reanimation and Hashaton.
• No infinite combos; relies on incremental value.

Moderate:

• Commander-dependent (3+ removals cripple token engine).
• Limited protection for payoff creatures.

Minor:

• High mana curve (avg. 3.2 CMC) risks slow starts.

Most Important Cards:

• Mondrak, Glory Dominus
• Demonic Tutor
• Sheoldred, Whispering One
• Archfiend of Ifnir
• Toxrill, the Corrosive
• Dream Halls
• Rhystic Study
• Consecrated Sphinx
• Diabolic Intent
• Tortured Existence

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10
Can reanimate 7+ CMC threats by T4 (Dark Ritual > Reanimate), but zombie swarm requires setup. Lacks T3 win potential.

Resilience: 4/10
Folds to graveyard exile but runs 5 recursion spells. Minimal free protection (only An Offer You Can't Refuse).

Consistency: 6/10
7 tutors (including Urza's Saga), 10+ card draw engines. Redundant discard outlets mitigate bad draws.

Interaction: 6/10
8 targeted removals (Anguished Unmaking, Swords), 3 counterspells, and Toxic Deluge. Lacks stack control for high-power metas.

Rating Justification:

Outperforms upgraded precons (4.5) with explosive reanimation lines and stax elements but lacks:

• cEDH-speed combos (T5+ wins vs T3)
• Robust protection (0 free counterspells)
• Graveyard independence

Fits "Optimized Casual" (5.0) with focused lines but vulnerable to common disruption.

Power level: 5.0 - 5.5