Enchantment Auras have been a part of the best gameplay in Magic: the Gathering TCG and Wizards of the Coast have made some powerful versions and cards with effects that can win on their own, and some are oppressive enough to protect your creatures from removal.

Each has distinct features, so join me in exploring the best Auras in MTG in the 30 years of the game, discovering the art of enhancing creatures, outwitting opponents, and creating moments of pure magic on the planes.

Auras in Magic: The Gathering are enchantments that target and attach to a creature, providing various enhancements or effects. The best Auras often strike a balance between providing significant advantages while minimizing the risk of card disadvantage if the enchanted creature is removed. Here are some of the best Auras in MTG:

1. Rancor: This green Aura from Magic’s past is a classic. It provides a creature with +2/+0 and trample, and if the creature goes to the graveyard, Rancor returns to your hand, ensuring you don’t lose card advantage.

2. Ethereal Armor: Particularly powerful in an Enchantment-themed deck, Ethereal Armor gives the enchanted creature +1/+1 for each enchantment you control and first strike. It can quickly become a game-changer in the right deck.

3. Curiosity: A blue Aura that draws you a card whenever the enchanted creature deals damage to an opponent. It’s a staple in decks aiming for card advantage and can be particularly potent on evasive creatures.

4. Daybreak Coronet: This white Aura is part of the powerful “Bogles” archetype. It grants +3/+3, first strike, vigilance, and lifelink. It’s a powerhouse when attached to a creature with hexproof, making it difficult for opponents to deal with.

5. All That Glitters: This enchantment from the Throne of Eldraine set gives the enchanted creature +1/+1 for each artifact and/or enchantment you control. It can become a substantial power boost in decks built around artifacts and enchantments.

6. Dead Weight: A black Aura that not only weakens an opponent’s creature by -2/-2 but also serves as removal. The creature is destroyed if its toughness reaches 0 or less.

7. Pacifism: A classic white Aura that simply prevents the enchanted creature from attacking or blocking. It’s a straightforward removal option for decks that want to neutralize threats without destroying them.

8. Hyena Umbra: This Aura provides a creature with a +1/+1 boost and first strike. Additionally, it has the “Totem armor” ability, meaning if the creature is destroyed, you instead remove all damage from it and destroy the Umbra.

9. Spider Umbra: Similar to Hyena Umbra, Spider Umbra provides +1/+1 and totem armor. It’s particularly useful for protecting key creatures from removal.

10. Animate Dead: While not a traditional “Aura,” Animate Dead is an enchantment that returns a creature from any graveyard to the battlefield under your control. It’s a powerful reanimation spell that can be used strategically.

Remember, the effectiveness of Auras often depends on the overall strategy of your deck and the metagame you’re facing. While powerful, Auras can be risky as they create a two-for-one situation if the enchanted creature is removed. Careful deck construction and consideration of the potential risks are key when including Auras in your Magic: the Gathering deck.