War... War Never Changes (2.0)

Note: This list was tested pre-AoA and does not include any of the new cards in the expansion. So feel free to test, tweak and edit for the times. That being said, let's get started!!!

Testing Second Iteration of Deck If you'd like to assist, please leave commentary on choices you are making to core list.

War... War Never Changes (Premise): War is guns. War is allies. War is an army, building it's arsenal and testing it's mettle against the enemies that would march upon it or against it. That's everything this deck stands for.

When I began this list, I wanted a themed, voltron ally/support build that could function alongside War Machine's weaponry and perfectly compliment his play styles. I am an aggressive player at heart (for those that have seen my other lists), and as an old MtG player I was focused on pumping up my "creatures" via "enchantment" style effects to make them more versatile than ever. I figured with that, and setting up the guns on board, he couldn't be beat.

In this newer iteration, we move away from "pump" effects and instead focus on keeping allies around as long as possible, and keeping war Machine healed up as he's our primary blocker with this strategy. As we are not blocking with allies (unless necessary) and trying to capitalize fully on their stats/activations and utility, we run heals and defensive upgrades for said allies (and/or War Machine).

The Avenger-based Army:

Black Knight - Along with Shoulder Cannon, toughs will never be an issue for this deck. Push through.

Falcon - He's been clutch in so many match-ups hitting an average of 2 treacheries. But, even when he doesn't, he's a 2/2 body with 3 activations (pre upgrade cards).

Giant Man - Another big body that can thwart and push damage. Obviously great with Reinforced Suit or Team Training as well.

Goliath - A set-up card to utilize post board build in phase 2 for a huge chunk of damage, alongside something like a Full Auto, or Repulsor Beam, Missile Launcher style line.

Hawkeye - No explanation needed. The Leadership staple for dealing with minions and board state control.

Iron Man - Kit Ally that does exactly what you need to set-up War Machine. Goes amazing with our upgrade package and can grab suits for allies on board too.

Maria Hill - The only NON-Avenger ally. War Machine needs the extra thwart support, and she activates twice or can get off a block after, while helping draw as well.

White Tiger - Card draw, good stat lines, better with suit and or Team Training up as well. Obviously love to see her phase 2 or 3 (if expert).

The Support:

Cost Reduction - Avenger's Tower, Team Building Exercise, Quinjets, and getting 1 to 2 Gauntlet Guns in play.

Avenger's Tower - No brainer with all Avenger Allies.

Team Building Exercise - Again, great synergy here with our list.

Quinjets - Free allies one to two times a game, play other big things same turn?!?! Yes PLEASE!!! Another CRUCIAL card to lay down early for big mid game/end game turns. Allows you to get an ally down and voltron it turn of at times. Too good! I know a lot of people feel it's "too slow", but honestly, being able to land two allies potentially in one turn, or one free with a big upgrade piece can illicit a monster momentum shift!

The Healing:

First Aid - Is CRUCIAL in this deck between the allies and War Machine. I love to just block down with Machine and allow him to be a sponge, cause he doesn't need to tap to do anything with his guns. It's just a nice compliment, and easy to cruise through villain attacks (most of the time) doing so.

Endurance - As stated is just the stereotypical, great value solo heal card.

Down Time - Definitely a flex here, but given my playstyle with him and the blocking, I like to recover big and keep it moving. This card is clutch in healing me back to full against tougher villains. Your call on this one, but I can't count how many times I've been happier sitting at 8 to 10 health after recovering and being able to block down much more mid to late game.

In Closing:

I wanted this deck to be my do it all deck. I wanted it to help me grow as a player because Leadership really wasn't my jam (until now), and I figured in adding another Aspect, I'd become more rounded. Plus, I play a lot of coop, so in playing Leadership, I'd understand how my friend's Leadership decks functioned more as well. That leads to better cohesion as a group, and tighter play.

It's done just that. I can pivot more with this deck. I can audible when things aren't going my way. I can focus on board state and build into a nice OTK via pumps and ammo/events/upgrades. I feel capable of just edging out villains of most types with it in standard (what I usually play).

If you can find a way to manage thwart early (War Machine's weakness), I don't think you'll feel behind in any game. This deck generates so much value, it's hard to ever feel that way. Allies early, let them lead the charge. Reinforced Suit is king. Get those extra activations and values. Be smart with blocks and you dictate when you lose your allies. Especially if you have an OTK style win set-up with upgrades down and ammo cranked.

I hope you enjoy the list as much as I have. He's performed amazing against core, and is doing tremendous up through Task Master in Red Skull. I have no doubts he'll find a way to handle Zola, and give Red Skull fits (with smart mulligans, and approach). Please feel free to leave me comments on how well he is doing for you all! And thanks for all the community support in regards to my other two decks!