Magic: The Gathering – Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. Eldrazi (2015) Board Game

Magic: The Gathering – Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. Eldrazi is a board game released in 2015 by Wizards of the Coast, a renowned game designer in the industry. The game is based on the popular Magic: The Gathering trading card game and features a showdown between two powerful factions

the Zendikar and the Eldrazi.

Game Components of Magic: The Gathering – Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. Eldrazi

2 ready-to-play 60-card decks (one Zendikar-themed, one Eldrazi-themed)

2 deck boxes

1 strategy insert

1 learn-to-play guide

2 spin-down counters

How To Setup Magic: The Gathering – Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. Eldrazi

To set up, each player chooses a deck and shuffles it. Players draw a starting hand of seven cards. The objective is to reduce the opponent’s life total from 20 to 0. The setup is straightforward, and the included learn-to-play guide helps new players get started quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck Theme: Zendikar focuses on landfall triggers and green mana ramp, while Eldrazi emphasizes powerful, high-toughness creatures.

Landfall Mechanic: Zendikar deck utilizes landfall triggers to activate various abilities when lands are played.

Eldrazi Spawn: Eldrazi deck features the ability to generate numerous low-toughness spawn creatures.

Objective: The goal is to reduce the opponent’s life total from 20 to 0 using the unique mechanics and strategies of each deck.

Player Experience

Playing Magic: The Gathering – Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. Eldrazi is an engaging experience, particularly for those familiar with the Magic: The Gathering universe. The Eldrazi deck is often praised for its consistency and power, while the Zendikar deck requires more strategy and combination of cards to succeed. The game involves many decisions, making it highly interactive and challenging.

Pros

Interactive Games: The decks create close, highly-interactive games with many decisions.

Introduction to New Mechanics: Introduces players to new cards and mechanics from the Battle for Zendikar set.

Ready-to-Play: Comes with pre-constructed decks, making it easy for new players to jump in.

Educational: Includes a learn-to-play guide, which is helpful for beginners.

Cons

Zendikar Deck Balance: The Zendikar deck is often criticized for being diluted with less useful Ally and Level Up cards.

Mana Curve Issues: The Zendikar deck’s mana curve can make initial hands weak.

Removal Options: Zendikar has fewer and weaker removal options compared to the Eldrazi deck.

Personal Thoughts on Magic: The Gathering – Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. Eldrazi

This set is ideal for both new and experienced Magic: The Gathering players, particularly those in the 9-12 year old range who enjoy strategic gameplay. The Eldrazi deck’s consistency makes it a favorite among players who like powerful, straightforward strategies, while the Zendikar deck offers a more challenging and complex playstyle. Overall, it’s a great gift for anyone looking to dive into the Magic: The Gathering universe or explore new deck dynamics.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.