Brewing Magic: the Gathering (MTG) decks early before a new set release offer several benefits, giving players a competitive edge and creative freedom as they prepare for a shifting meta.

Here are the reasons why it’s advantageous:

• Get Ahead of the Meta

• When a new set is released, the meta is often uncertain, with many players experimenting to find the strongest archetypes. By brewing decks early, you can be one of the first to identify effective synergies and unique strategies, potentially giving you an edge in early tournaments or on platforms like MTG Arena. This proactive approach can allow you to play decks that counter early trends before others have had the chance to react.

• Maximize Creativity and Innovation

• Early brewing is an excellent opportunity to let your creativity flow. You have a fresh card pool with possibilities that haven’t been fully explored yet. This is a chance to test unique card combinations and interactions that others might overlook initially. The excitement of discovering new synergies and interactions in a shifting card pool keeps the game fresh and can result in innovative decks that stand out.

• Adjust and Improve Through Testing

• By testing your brews early, you have ample time to adjust, refine, and improve your decklist before the meta stabilizes. Early testing allows you to identify potential weaknesses, find the best sideboard options, and streamline the deck to make it as efficient as possible. This preparation means you’ll be ready with a polished deck when official tournaments or ranked play begins.

• Financial Benefits and Card Acquisition

• With a good deck idea early on, you can acquire key cards before their demand (and price) spikes. When specific cards become popular in established archetypes, their prices tend to increase. Early brewing helps you identify which cards are essential for your deck and lets you secure them before prices rise due to demand.

• Gain Familiarity with New Cards and Mechanics

• Brewing early gives you a head start in understanding the new set’s mechanics, keywords, and power levels. This familiarity can help you make better choices in gameplay, whether you’re in a tournament setting or casual play. Knowing new interactions and card capabilities allows you to play with greater confidence and anticipate other potential strategies.

• Community Recognition and Feedback

• If you’re active in the MTG community, sharing your early brews on platforms like Reddit, Twitter, or YouTube can generate feedback and gain attention from other players. This can lead to collaborative improvements on your deck and help you build a reputation as an innovative deck builder. Early brewers often receive credit for new archetypes if the deck becomes popular or competitive.