Unintended MTG Foundations Infinite Combo: The Most Overpowered Strategy Explained

Exploring the Infinite Combo in Magic: The Gathering Foundations

Magic: The Gathering Foundations has introduced a potential contender for the most formidable infinite combo in the game’s history. According to one of the game’s Senior Designers, this powerful pairing was intentionally included in the set, adding an exciting dynamic for players.

Exciting Times for MTG Enthusiasts

Currently, the excitement surrounding Magic: The Gathering is palpable, especially with the recent launch of MTG Foundations. This new set strives to offer a blend of nostalgia for seasoned players while also being accessible to newcomers venturing into the iconic trading card game (TCG) for the first time.

Revisiting Classic Cards

One of the key aspects that make Foundations appealing is its simplified mechanics. This set not only features streamlined gameplay but also reintroduces classic cards from MTG’s 30-year legacy alongside innovative new entries designed to complement them.

A Formidable Combo: Bloodthirsty Conquerer and Marauding Blight-Priest

The combination of Bloodthirsty Conquerer and Marauding Blight-Priest has emerged as a particularly daunting infinite combo. This duo leverages their unique abilities to create a loop that can conclude games rapidly, making them a significant concern for both novice and experienced players alike.

MTG Foundations Bloodthirsty Conqueror Infinite Combo — Image Source: Wizards of the Coast

To provide context, Marauding Blight-Priest was originally introduced in the Zendikar Rising set back in 2020 and has since received a reprint in Foundations. Meanwhile, Bloodthirsty Conquerer is a new card debuting in this set.

How the Combo Works

The synergy between these two cards stems from their life-gain mechanics. Bloodthirsty Conquerer’s ability ensures that “Whenever an opponent loses life, you gain that much life.”Conversely, Marauding Blight-Priest’s ability states, “Whenever you gain life, each opponent loses 1 life.”

To execute this infinite loop, you only need to have both cards on the battlefield and find a method to reduce your opponent’s life. Once you trigger their abilities, they will continually activate in a cycle, reducing your opponent’s life to zero while increasing yours. This combo also proves effective in multiplayer formats such as Commander since it triggers for each opponent.

Confirmation from MTG’s Design Team

The overwhelming power of this combo led some players to speculate whether its presence in the same set was a mistake. However, MTG Senior Designer Carmen Klomparens took to X to clarify that the inclusion was, in fact, a deliberate design choice.

Seen a lot of talk about this combo being in #MTGFDN and it being unclear if it’s intentional or not. Outside of the “Cmon guys give us some credit”it does feel somewhat useful to give some context on why this was intentional, or how we got here. 1/ pic.twitter.com/adJ9xIK3TC

— Carmen Klomparens (@Em_Tee_Gee) November 11, 2024

Klomparens elaborated, stating that the design team’s aim was to create the most compelling “Core Set”possible. “The goal was to bridge the gap between novice and veteran players,”she explained. The intention was not to simplify the game but to encourage new players to explore powerful combos and the excitement they bring, even if it means facing them early in their gameplay experience.

The Appeal of Foundations

Whether you are new to the game or a seasoned collector, acquiring Bloodthirsty Conquerer and Marauding Blight-Priest should be a priority. The Marauding Blight-Priest is included in the MTG Foundations Starter Collection, while Bloodthirsty Conquerer can be found in booster packs, offering avid fans the chance to experience this thrilling aspect of the game.

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