Concept

The replace mechanic is one of the core features of Duelyst. It makes decks much more consistent and consequently, gameplay much quicker and smoother. Some neutral minions interact with replace, either giving you extra benefits for replacing or allowing you to replace more times per turn. Throw all these cards together and you get the core of a deck that can be run in any faction.

You want to mostly play for tempo, with the replace minions as backline value generators complementing whatever you have going on up front. Combo finish: If you can set up one of your three main payoff creatures and then drop a Theobule with a reasonably full action bar, you usually generate a game-winning amount of value. To enable this combo, you need draw power. Ideally you should use the best draw cards from your chosen faction, but Sworn Sister L’kian is a decent neutral option to quickly refill the action bar with replace fodder.

Cards

Payoff

• Dreamgazer (only in swarmy lists)
• Wings of Paradise
• White Widow
• Inquisitor Kron
• Astral Crusader (still bad even after its buff, but can be played as a 1-of. Also, the sweetest sprite in the game.)

Support

• Aethermaster
• Theobule
• Card advantage effects (putting cards into your Action Bar)

Example Decklists

• Lyonar – Titan makes the deck competitively viable, even in S-rank. If you want to go full meme, Lionheart Blessing can be hilarious on White Widow. Decklists: Full meme, Titan.
• Songhai – Deathstrike Seal is funny on Widow. The curve also fits into Ox if you want to go that route. Decklists: Straight, Destiny.
• Vetruvian – Really good draw power and swarm synergies allows for a strong tempo build. Decklist.
• Abyssian – Good swarm support allows for a “slow swarm” playstyle. Curving Wings into Chakram also feels amazing. Decklist.
• Magmar – Good draw power and draw synergies. Decklist.
• Vanar – Circulus and Snow Chaser + Cryogenesis are decent draw engines. See decklist above.