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COMMANDER(S)
Ovika, Enigma Goliath
QR Code
R U
- Izzet
Created by  Buddy1406
Bracket
4.0 - 4.5
Bracket 1
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ANALYSIS

Overview:

This Ovika, Enigma Goliath deck focuses on artifact ramp to deploy its 7CMC commander, then uses noncreature spells to generate Phyrexian Goblin tokens for swarm victories. While containing some explosive token-generation turns, it lacks fast combo finishes or robust protection.

Primer:

Core Strategy: The deck aims to cast Ovika, Enigma Goliath by T5-7 using numerous mana rocks, then convert noncreature spells into token swarms. Key phases: Ramp Phase: Deploy 3+ mana rocks (Hedron Archive, Firemind Vessel) to reach Ovika's 7CMC. Hands without T2-T4 ramp should be mulliganed. Token Engine: Cast high MV noncreature spells (Reality Heist, Explosive Singularity) post-Ovika to create 4-6 Goblins per spell. Win Conversion: Use tokens with Shared Animosity for combat kills or convoke payoffs like Complete the Circuit/Stoke the Flames. Secondary value from artifact recursion (Volcanic Vision) and dungeon completion via Sarevok's Tome.

Mulligan Priorities:

  • 3+ lands with red/blue sources
  • 2+ mana rocks under 4CMC
  • At least 1 high MV noncreature spell Reject hands with only late-game payoffs (Explosive Singularity) or no colored sources.

Key Tips:

  • Sequence rocks before Ovika - her Ward 3 deters early removal
  • Prioritize X-cost/conversion effects (Transcendent Message, Pack Attack) post-Ovika
  • Use Perplexing Test/Evacuation to protect your board pre-combat
  • Cursed Mirror copies opponents' creatures for immediate impact

Avoid Traps:

  • Overcommitting tokens before establishing protection
  • Holding convoke spells without token generation
  • Casting Ovika into open blue mana without Ward backup

Weaknesses:

Critical:

  • Commander dependency (15+ cards require Ovika's token generation)
  • Minimal protection (only Ward 3 & Resculpt for key pieces)

Moderate:

  • Slow recovery from board wipes (no mass recursion)
  • No infinite mana/damage combos for late-game

Minor:

  • Limited flying defense
  • High average CMC (3.7) creates clunky draws

Most Important Cards:

  • Shared Animosity
  • Surge to Victory
  • Heraldic Banner
  • Reality Heist
  • Coveted Jewel
  • Sarevok's Tome
  • Hedron Archive
  • Firemind Vessel
  • Izzet Signet
  • Fellwar Stone

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10

  • Goldfish win ~T8 via token swarm
  • No fast mana (Sol Ring missing) delays Ovika deployment

Resilience: 3/10

  • No free counterspells/hexproof
  • Limited recursion (only Volcanic Vision for spells)

Consistency: 6/10

  • 14 mana rocks enable Ovika casting
  • Lacks tutors for key payoffs

Interaction: 4/10

  • Few instant-speed answers (Chaos Warp, Assert Authority)
  • Reactive spells often too costly (Synchronized Eviction)

Rating Justification:

This deck sits between Casual/Precon (4.0) and Focused Casual (4.5). It exceeds precons with artifact synergy density but lacks:

  • The fast combo potential of 4.5 decks
  • Protection suites seen in 5.0+ lists
  • Redundant wincons beyond token swarm Typical win turns (8-10) and moderate interaction align with 4.0-4.5 benchmarks.

Power level: 4.0 - 4.5

DECK LIST
Ovika, Enigma Goliath
Creature: 2
($0.78)
1
Chief Engineer
1 U
1
Molten Gatekeeper
2 R
Artifact: 37
($10.17)
1
Arcane Signet
2
1
Astral Cornucopia
X X X
1
Bandit's Haul
3
1
Bonder's Ornament
3
1
Coalition Relic
3
1
Commander's Sphere
3
1
Coveted Jewel
6
1
Cursed Mirror
2 R
1
Decanter of Endless Water
3
1
Dreamstone Hedron
6
1
Fellwar Stone
2
1
Fire Diamond
2
1
Firemind Vessel
4
1
Fractured Powerstone
2
1
Glittering Stockpile
2 R
1
Guardian Idol
2
1
Hedron Archive
4
1
Heraldic Banner
3
1
Honored Heirloom
3
1
Izzet Locket
3
1
Izzet Signet
2
1
Letter of Acceptance
3
1
Midnight Clock
2 U
1
Mind Stone
2
1
Network Terminal
3
1
Planar Atlas
2
1
Prismatic Lens
2
1
Sarevok's Tome
4
1
Sisay's Ring
4
1
Sky Diamond
2
1
Solar Transformer
2
1
Sonic Screwdriver
3
1
Star Compass
2
1
Stonespeaker Crystal
4
1
Unstable Obelisk
3
1
Ur-Golem's Eye
4
1
Worn Powerstone
3
Enchantment: 2
($2.41)
1
Shared Animosity
2 R
1
Sorcerer Class
U R
Instant: 21
($4.29)
1
Artistic Refusal
4 U U
1
Assert Authority
5 U U
1
Chaos Warp
2 R
1
Complete the Circuit
5 U
1
Delightful Discovery
4 U
1
Dig Through Time
6 U U
1
Divergent Transformations
6 R
1
Evacuation
3 U U
1
Frantic Search
2 U
1
Keep Watch
2 U
1
Meeting of Minds
3 U
1
Pack Attack
2 R
1
Perplexing Test
3 U U
1
Reality Heist
5 U U
1
Resculpt
1 U
1
Rowdy Research
6 U
1
Shatter the Source
5 R
1
Stoke the Flames
2 R R
1
Synchronized Eviction
4 U
1
Tears of Rage
2 R R
1
Transcendent Message
X U U U U
Sorcery: 7
($3.04)
1
Distant Melody
3 U
1
Explosive Singularity
8 R R
1
Pyretic Charge
4 R
1
Surge to Victory
4 R R
1
Thoughtcast
4 U
1
Volcanic Salvo
10 R R
1
Volcanic Vision
5 R R
Land: 30
($2.25)
1
Castle Embereth
1
Command Tower
1
Exotic Orchard
1
Ferrous Lake
1
Frostboil Snarl
11
Island
1
Izzet Boilerworks
1
Izzet Guildgate
8
Mountain
1
Spire of Industry
1
Swiftwater Cliffs
1
Temple of Epiphany
1
Volatile Fault

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