This is a new attempt at a Shaman control deck. Use Galakrond tools to stay alive until late game, upgrade all your Corrupt cards and play them to also keep you alive, then ... unleash Y'Shaarj, the Defiler with a massive burst of both board clear and face damage.
Is this a viable concept? What key control cards for Shaman am I missing? Is the (Shaman-typical) lack of card draw going to get me in trouble?
I like the idea, but you are going to get absolutely mauled by full aggro Demon Hunter and full control Priest; you don't have any draw or resource generation and these classes will just run you over. That said, seeing your deck did cause me to develop an OTK. You use Tour Guide to make your post-quest battlecry doubling hero power (Corrupt the Waters) free for a turn, which lets you drop Y'Shaarj, the Defiler to create 4x corrupted Circus Medic and 4x Dunk Tank that cost 0 that turn--this lets you hit them in the face for up to 48 in a single turn.
This actually looks like a good deck. I’d cut the witch’s brews though. You’re going to need some more clears for the incoming meta. Maybe even oozes for the DH’s.
Oh the Parade Leader is super fun. Didn't even think of that.
Darkmoon Dirigible is a bit eh I think. I get that you're running it for the Y'Shaarj synergy, but as this deck stands I dunno if Y'Shaarj is THAT good with the way this deck is set up.
I'd consider putting a spell damage package in instead. With Vashj. In place of the Y'Shaarj stuff probably. I think Galakrond Shaman has trouble closing out games, and that can give you a lot of reach.
This actually looks like a good deck. I’d cut the witch’s brews though. You’re going to need some more clears for the incoming meta. Maybe even oozes for the DH’s.
Thanks for the feedback. I'd sure like to replace the Brews with something more fun, but will I survive long enough to use Fountains without them?
Oh the Parade Leader is super fun. Didn't even think of that.
Darkmoon Dirigible is a bit eh I think. I get that you're running it for the Y'Shaarj synergy, but as this deck stands I dunno if Y'Shaarj is THAT good with the way this deck is set up.
I'd consider putting a spell damage package in instead. With Vashj. In place of the Y'Shaarj stuff probably. I think Galakrond Shaman has trouble closing out games, and that can give you a lot of reach.
Eh, the original conception of the deck was to make Y'Shaarj work in Shaman, with the Galakrond package + Parade Leader synergy as icing on the cake, so I'd really like to try to make that original idea work. Like you said, Galakrond Shaman needs a win condition, and I think Y'Shaarj can be just that. Any suggestions about how to make it better without giving up that central element?
You may be right about Dirigible ... I dunno. I'm open to replacing it, but I'd prefer replacing it with another card that works well with Y'Shaarj if so.
I thought about fitting in Rune Dagger, for a 0-mana way to get Spell Damage on your Y'Shaarj turn, but it didn't seem to have enough synergy with everything else. Vashj is interesting, do you think I'll consistently have 3 spells still in deck by the time I draw Prime? (I've played a lot with Vashj, but never in decks where the Prime was anything more than a nice bonus when it happened; just the 4/3 Spell Damage was the main thing.)
You could maybe try growing a really big horrendous growth instead? If you want to build it more around corruption/y'shaarj, maybe cut Galakrond instead?
Thinking about it, I don't think you actually need that much to justify Y'Shaarj.
I think this is potentially pretty good? You're using Y'Shaarj as a way to get back your Dunk Tank + Circus Medics as a big finisher. You can obviously adjust the list depending on the meta turns out. (Subbing in weapon hate, or like lightning storm if you need it in place of the more expensive removal -- but it's REALLY important to corrupt your cards)
I think this would be better, though I think it'd need more refinement. But that's going to depend a lot on the meta.
I think Vashj Prime is okay, but mainly you just want the 4/3 for 3 with spell power more than anything. There's a lot more spells that have synergy with Vashj this set, tho. And I think she's a lot easier to slot into a deck.
You could maybe try growing a really big horrendous growth instead? If you want to build it more around corruption/y'shaarj, maybe cut Galakrond instead?
Thinking about it, I don't think you actually need that much to justify Y'Shaarj.
I think this is potentially pretty good? You're using Y'Shaarj as a way to get back your Dunk Tank + Circus Medics as a big finisher. You can obviously adjust the list depending on the meta turns out. (Subbing in weapon hate, or like lightning storm if you need it in place of the more expensive removal -- but it's REALLY important to corrupt your cards)
I think this would be better, though I think it'd need more refinement. But that's going to depend a lot on the meta.
I think Vashj Prime is okay, but mainly you just want the 4/3 for 3 with spell power more than anything. There's a lot more spells that have synergy with Vashj this set, tho. And I think she's a lot easier to slot into a deck.
Thanks for the suggestions, and for bearing with my eccentric desires. xD
So in either case (Galakrond or not), you don't think any Corrupt cards other than the finisher combo are worthwhile? You may be right, but it's sad if so.
You don't like Lightning Bloom with Corrupt cards? The idea was to Corrupt them ahead of schedule, although the overload is unfortunate in many cases. Still, it should let you play an upgraded Dunk Tank on 5 instead of on 6.
I think Horrendous Growth is just too slow (unless you happen to draw a Broom to pair it with), since it's just a big body that does nothing the turn it's played.
I'm going to edit the list taking your suggestions into account, and trying to include more just-good-cards and less synergy (even though synergy is appealing, I'm a bit of a Johnny player I guess). I'm not convinced Vashj is that good still, though.
You could maybe try growing a really big horrendous growth instead? If you want to build it more around corruption/y'shaarj, maybe cut Galakrond instead?
Thinking about it, I don't think you actually need that much to justify Y'Shaarj.
I think this is potentially pretty good? You're using Y'Shaarj as a way to get back your Dunk Tank + Circus Medics as a big finisher. You can obviously adjust the list depending on the meta turns out. (Subbing in weapon hate, or like lightning storm if you need it in place of the more expensive removal -- but it's REALLY important to corrupt your cards)
I think this would be better, though I think it'd need more refinement. But that's going to depend a lot on the meta.
I think Vashj Prime is okay, but mainly you just want the 4/3 for 3 with spell power more than anything. There's a lot more spells that have synergy with Vashj this set, tho. And I think she's a lot easier to slot into a deck.
Thanks for the suggestions, and for bearing with my eccentric desires. xD
So in either case (Galakrond or not), you don't think any Corrupt cards other than the finisher combo are worthwhile? You may be right, but it's sad if so.
You don't like Lightning Bloom with Corrupt cards? The idea was to Corrupt them ahead of schedule, although the overload is unfortunate in many cases. Still, it should let you play an upgraded Dunk Tank on 5 instead of on 6.
I think Horrendous Growth is just too slow (unless you happen to draw a Broom to pair it with), since it's just a big body that does nothing the turn it's played.
I'm going to edit the list taking your suggestions into account, and trying to include more just-good-cards and less synergy (even though synergy is appealing, I'm a bit of a Johnny player I guess). I'm not convinced Vashj is that good still, though.
Not a huge fan of Lightning Bloom with this deck because it's very reactive. You wanna make sure you have enough mana to keep reacting to your opponent's threats while building towards your swing turn.
But maybe I'm wrong about that.
Humongous Growth just gets so big. And your deck is already very good at dealing with threats. It's pretty easy to be competitive on board and then drop a couple of 2 mana 6/6s or whatever. Then do it again with Y'Shaarj. Paladin does this with Argent Braggart, and Paladin is a lot worse at regaining board control than shaman is.
I'd wanna work on my list more because I think it's pretty unrefined, but it's totally going to depend on the meta honestly.
I like the idea, but you are going to get absolutely mauled by full aggro Demon Hunter and full control Priest; you don't have any draw or resource generation and these classes will just run you over. That said, seeing your deck did cause me to develop an OTK. You use Tour Guide to make your post-quest battlecry doubling hero power (Corrupt the Waters) free for a turn, which lets you drop Y'Shaarj, the Defiler to create 4x corrupted Circus Medic and 4x Dunk Tank that cost 0 that turn--this lets you hit them in the face for up to 48 in a single turn.
Turns out this idea is one of Blizzard's Deck Recipes for this expansion.
I'm a little annoyed that it's going to get such publicity that way when we came up with it independently. And typically the Deck Recipes also aren't really competitive, so that's not a good sign either.
The recipe keeps the Galakrond aspect, even though you can't play Krond after you complete quest if you want the OTK combo.
Yeah, I agree. The thing that worries me more than the precon decks being good is that they clearly knew of this interaction when they designed the card, which means that they are okay with the re-introduction of un-interactive OTK combos. After the removal of Mind Blast from Priest, they announced that this wasn't going to be a significant part of the meta, but it looks like they changed their minds.
I'm in one of my pessimistic moods where I doubt all my card choices.
I'm thinking that Far Sight is a better average result than Mana Tide Totem? Although it ruins Corrupt effects more often than it enables them. And neither option really feels like it gives the deck enough draw (even with Harrison helping out).
I'm thinking that Far Sight is a better average result than Mana Tide Totem? Although it ruins Corrupt effects more often than it enables them. And neither option really feels like it gives the deck enough draw (even with Harrison helping out).
I'm thinking that Far Sight is a better average result than Mana Tide Totem? Although it ruins Corrupt effects more often than it enables them. And neither option really feels like it gives the deck enough draw (even with Harrison helping out).
Anything in particular you recommend cutting for a Totemic Reflection? Or is it even worth it when that would leave me with just 1x MTT and 1x Reflection?
Tidal Wave and Walking Fountain have different strengths. While Tidal Wave is better as a clear and to gain life, it is a dead card against an empty board or against tall threats. Also, you can just drop a Walking Fountain offensively and force the opponent to deal with it.
Tidal Wave and Walking Fountain have different strengths. While Tidal Wave is better as a clear and to gain life, it is a dead card against an empty board or against tall threats. Also, you can just drop a Walking Fountain offensively and force the opponent to deal with it.
Yep, obviously neither is strictly superior to the other. But I think Tidal Wave is (unfortunately) better on average. Especially when the healing is the most important aspect of either card in this deck.
I had a friend work through the deck with me. He pointed out that a weakness in card draw (which we couldn't find a good solution to in Shaman) can be made up for by card generation instead ... and I realized that Instructor Fireheart is just way better than Mana Tide Totem and made the swap.
This is a new attempt at a Shaman control deck. Use Galakrond tools to stay alive until late game, upgrade all your Corrupt cards and play them to also keep you alive, then ... unleash Y'Shaarj, the Defiler with a massive burst of both board clear and face damage.
Is this a viable concept? What key control cards for Shaman am I missing? Is the (Shaman-typical) lack of card draw going to get me in trouble?
Any shaman deck with Witch's Brew is bad deck.
Really? Why?
What would you put in its place instead?
I like the idea, but you are going to get absolutely mauled by full aggro Demon Hunter and full control Priest; you don't have any draw or resource generation and these classes will just run you over. That said, seeing your deck did cause me to develop an OTK. You use Tour Guide to make your post-quest battlecry doubling hero power (Corrupt the Waters) free for a turn, which lets you drop Y'Shaarj, the Defiler to create 4x corrupted Circus Medic and 4x Dunk Tank that cost 0 that turn--this lets you hit them in the face for up to 48 in a single turn.
This actually looks like a good deck. I’d cut the witch’s brews though. You’re going to need some more clears for the incoming meta. Maybe even oozes for the DH’s.
Oh the Parade Leader is super fun. Didn't even think of that.
Darkmoon Dirigible is a bit eh I think. I get that you're running it for the Y'Shaarj synergy, but as this deck stands I dunno if Y'Shaarj is THAT good with the way this deck is set up.
I'd consider putting a spell damage package in instead. With Vashj. In place of the Y'Shaarj stuff probably. I think Galakrond Shaman has trouble closing out games, and that can give you a lot of reach.
Thanks for the feedback. I'd sure like to replace the Brews with something more fun, but will I survive long enough to use Fountains without them?
Eh, the original conception of the deck was to make Y'Shaarj work in Shaman, with the Galakrond package + Parade Leader synergy as icing on the cake, so I'd really like to try to make that original idea work. Like you said, Galakrond Shaman needs a win condition, and I think Y'Shaarj can be just that. Any suggestions about how to make it better without giving up that central element?
You may be right about Dirigible ... I dunno. I'm open to replacing it, but I'd prefer replacing it with another card that works well with Y'Shaarj if so.
I thought about fitting in Rune Dagger, for a 0-mana way to get Spell Damage on your Y'Shaarj turn, but it didn't seem to have enough synergy with everything else. Vashj is interesting, do you think I'll consistently have 3 spells still in deck by the time I draw Prime? (I've played a lot with Vashj, but never in decks where the Prime was anything more than a nice bonus when it happened; just the 4/3 Spell Damage was the main thing.)
You could maybe try growing a really big horrendous growth instead? If you want to build it more around corruption/y'shaarj, maybe cut Galakrond instead?
Thinking about it, I don't think you actually need that much to justify Y'Shaarj.
So like...
https://playhearthstone.com/deckbuilder/AAECAaoIBO0F5LgD0M4D/N4DDfkDzc4DpssD4Aa7rQOBBNu4A7PcA6feA6ytA62RA5CnA67SAwA=
I think this is potentially pretty good? You're using Y'Shaarj as a way to get back your Dunk Tank + Circus Medics as a big finisher. You can obviously adjust the list depending on the meta turns out. (Subbing in weapon hate, or like lightning storm if you need it in place of the more expensive removal -- but it's REALLY important to corrupt your cards)
If you wanna keep the concept.
https://playhearthstone.com/deckbuilder/AAECAaoIBu0F5LgD9c4D47QD08AD/N4DDNCvA7PeA7IG9QSBBKjeA7PcA6qvA6feA7etA/6uA7mtAwA=
I think this would be better, though I think it'd need more refinement. But that's going to depend a lot on the meta.
I think Vashj Prime is okay, but mainly you just want the 4/3 for 3 with spell power more than anything. There's a lot more spells that have synergy with Vashj this set, tho. And I think she's a lot easier to slot into a deck.
Thanks for the suggestions, and for bearing with my eccentric desires. xD
So in either case (Galakrond or not), you don't think any Corrupt cards other than the finisher combo are worthwhile? You may be right, but it's sad if so.
You don't like Lightning Bloom with Corrupt cards? The idea was to Corrupt them ahead of schedule, although the overload is unfortunate in many cases. Still, it should let you play an upgraded Dunk Tank on 5 instead of on 6.
I think Horrendous Growth is just too slow (unless you happen to draw a Broom to pair it with), since it's just a big body that does nothing the turn it's played.
I'm going to edit the list taking your suggestions into account, and trying to include more just-good-cards and less synergy (even though synergy is appealing, I'm a bit of a Johnny player I guess). I'm not convinced Vashj is that good still, though.
I cut Darkmoon Dirigibles, Witch's Brews, and The Lurker Below in favor of a single Rune Dagger to use on your Y'Shaarj turn, a single Mana Tide Totem for cycle, Stormstrike x2 (just an excellent-value control card), and Harrison Jones (weapon hate and draw in one package, and in matchups where your opponent doesn't play weapons at least he upgrades your Corrupt cards).
Is this an improvement?
Not a huge fan of Lightning Bloom with this deck because it's very reactive. You wanna make sure you have enough mana to keep reacting to your opponent's threats while building towards your swing turn.
But maybe I'm wrong about that.
Humongous Growth just gets so big. And your deck is already very good at dealing with threats. It's pretty easy to be competitive on board and then drop a couple of 2 mana 6/6s or whatever. Then do it again with Y'Shaarj. Paladin does this with Argent Braggart, and Paladin is a lot worse at regaining board control than shaman is.
I'd wanna work on my list more because I think it's pretty unrefined, but it's totally going to depend on the meta honestly.
Turns out this idea is one of Blizzard's Deck Recipes for this expansion.
I'm a little annoyed that it's going to get such publicity that way when we came up with it independently. And typically the Deck Recipes also aren't really competitive, so that's not a good sign either.
The recipe keeps the Galakrond aspect, even though you can't play Krond after you complete quest if you want the OTK combo.
Yeah, I agree. The thing that worries me more than the precon decks being good is that they clearly knew of this interaction when they designed the card, which means that they are okay with the re-introduction of un-interactive OTK combos. After the removal of Mind Blast from Priest, they announced that this wasn't going to be a significant part of the meta, but it looks like they changed their minds.
I'm in one of my pessimistic moods where I doubt all my card choices.
I'm thinking that Far Sight is a better average result than Mana Tide Totem? Although it ruins Corrupt effects more often than it enables them. And neither option really feels like it gives the deck enough draw (even with Harrison helping out).
I'm thinking that Tidal Waves are better on average than Walking Fountains?
True. Sole far sight would be getter as card draw than mana totem. Instead you can use Mana Tide Totem + Totemic Reflection, as I did there https://www.hearthpwn.com/decks/1369091-based-phaoris-shaman
Yes. Stopped playing Walking Fountain just as they printed Tidal Wave. The heal from Groundskeeper and this card is quite enough.
Anything in particular you recommend cutting for a Totemic Reflection? Or is it even worth it when that would leave me with just 1x MTT and 1x Reflection?
Tidal Wave and Walking Fountain have different strengths. While Tidal Wave is better as a clear and to gain life, it is a dead card against an empty board or against tall threats. Also, you can just drop a Walking Fountain offensively and force the opponent to deal with it.
Yep, obviously neither is strictly superior to the other. But I think Tidal Wave is (unfortunately) better on average. Especially when the healing is the most important aspect of either card in this deck.
I had a friend work through the deck with me. He pointed out that a weakness in card draw (which we couldn't find a good solution to in Shaman) can be made up for by card generation instead ... and I realized that Instructor Fireheart is just way better than Mana Tide Totem and made the swap.
OK, this deck is 6-14. Not good. I'm open to suggestions about how to fix it.