Master of Waves was once a highly sought-after staple in competitive play, particularly during its peak in Standard. As a centerpiece of Mono-Blue Devotion strategies, it generated overwhelming board presence and punished removal-heavy decks. Its synergy with blue permanents and protection from red made it both resilient and explosive, which naturally drove demand—and price—upward.

Its value was further cemented during its Standard era when it played a pivotal role in Mono-Blue Devotion’s victory at Pro Tour Theros. The deck’s explosive board development, fueled by devotion synergies and powered by Master of Waves as its primary finisher, showcased just how dominant the card could be on the biggest stage. That high-profile win amplified demand almost overnight, as competitive players rushed to build the deck that had just conquered the Pro Tour.

However, one major reason for its decline in card value is rotation. When it left Standard, its primary competitive home disappeared. Without a dominant tier-one archetype to anchor it, demand significantly dropped, and prices tend to follow competitive relevance.

Another factor is power creep. Modern Magic design has introduced more efficient threats and token generators that either provide immediate value or have a more reliable impact on the board. Compared to newer creatures that generate advantage even when removed, Master of Waves can feel slower and more conditional.

Reprints and increased supply have also contributed to this trend. Appearances in supplemental products and reprint sets expanded availability, which naturally reduces scarcity. Even modest reprint waves can meaningfully affect older rares that rely on nostalgia or former glory to maintain price.

Finally, the current metagame landscape simply doesn’t favor devotion-style builds in most formats. Without consistent tournament finishes or strong synergy pieces in top-tier decks, Master of Waves has shifted from a competitive staple to a niche role-player. In Magic finance, sustained demand drives value, and without it, even former all-stars can fade.

Thanks for reading.