The remainder of this article will set out my philosophy towards the tier list, my definitions of each tier, and then I will give the final list. My general attitude about this list was shaped by Darknoj’s classic article on the subject. I also want to note, before I begin in earnest, that this list is not rocket science. It meant to be informative not definitive. If you want to hear a discussion of the list please listen or watch to the Season 3, Episode 5 of Second Sons for a detailed discussion of the list. That episode is airing live on Tuesday March 20th, 2018 on Buzz’s channel.
If people enjoy this I plan on update it for the 2018 regional season and beyond.
What are the Tiers?
Tier 1: These decks are the top dogs of the meta. If you bring them to a tournament, and play well, you can expect to make the cut. If you are not bringing one of the tier 1 decks, for some reason, they are the bad boys you need to be ready for. All of these decks contain excellent cards, powerful synergies, and have been refined by good build groups through netdecking.
Tier 1.5: These are good decks but are either: a) not consistent enough to beat the tier 1 decks OR b) are suppressed by the presence of certain decks in tier 1. Many of these decks were once tier 1 but were pushed down by new card releases or the refinement of decks that target them. Many of tier 1.5 decks are a chapter pack away from moving up to tier 1.
Tier 2: These are good decks but are outclassed by the decks in the above tiers. While they are capable of taking down a tournament with a specifically friendly meta they lack the consistency, synergy, and refinement of the tier 1 or even tier 1.5 decks. You will often see players with these decks in the second half of Swiss at large tournaments. Generally speaking these decks are two or three chapter packs from moving up a tier. They are worth keeping an eye on in the long term. All these caveats aside, tier 2 decks are certainly better that the tier 3 decks below them. It is important to note that the tier 2 list below is meant to be representative, not exhaustive.
Tier 3: These are, to use Darknoj’s term, the “casual decks.” These decks are, to put it another way, jank central. They often rely on fun but inconsistent synergies and combos. Many of themes that power these decks are very under-developed and may improve with future card releases. This tier list does not list any tier 3 decks but the sort of decks which represent this tier are GJ-Greensight and Lanni-Kraken pillage decks.
The Tier ListThe specific decks are not provided in any order.
TIER 1
- Ladies Combo (Tyrell-Lion)
- GJ Rains
- Martell-Wolf
- Martell-Rose
- Lanni Crossing
- Targ Fealty
- Bitterbridge
- Tyrell Crossing
- Targ Crossing
TIER 1.5
- GJ HRD-Kraken
- Exodia Brienne (Tyrell-Lion or Tyrell Summer)
- Lanni-Wolf
- Targ Rains
- Tyrell Rains
- Bara HRD-Castle
- NW Rains
- Builders (HRD-Gift or Summer)
- NW-Wolf
TIER 2
- Clansmen (Lanni-HRD Tower)
- NW Greensight
- Martell-Kraken
- GJ-Dragon
- Stark Fealty (no fun)
- Lanni-Rains
- Lanni-Dragon
- GJ-Dragon
- Martell-Dragon
- Martell-Fealty
- NW Crossing
- Bara-Dragon
- Bara HRD-Keep
- Puppies (Stark Rains)
- Tyrell Summer
- Targ HRD-Punishment
- Hyper Viper (Martell-Rose)
- Bara Crossing
- Lanni-Kraken
- Martell-Watch
- Tyrell-Watch
- Stark Crossing
I really like the description of the different tiers mentioning how many packs they are away from moving up to the next level. I think that’s a constructive way to grasp the relative differences.
I Enjoyed the discussion on Second Sons about this list quite well. I was wondering at what point will lists have names to go along with them? You guys talk about lists from 1.0 by names of cards in them i think and that makes it much easier to know what is being talked about I’m sure. Or will lists always be called by generic House/ Agenda?
Oh man, I think fun deck names are the best.
It would be great if we could have a list post-RL although I think there would be little change 🙂