Deck Name: Epidemic Evolution
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Format: Legacy
Deck Type: Mechanic-Based Aggro (Infect & Proliferate)
Colors: Black-Green (Golgari)
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Description

"Epidemic Evolution" is a fast and ruthless Infect deck that spreads Phyrexian corruption across the battlefield. By utilizing Infect creatures and proliferate mechanics, it bypasses traditional life totals and forces opponents to succumb to poison counters. Every attack pushes them closer to an inevitable defeat, making every decision a matter of survival. With a mix of aggressive pump spells, board control, and disruption, this deck rewards precise and calculated gameplay.

This deck excels in both 1v1 and multiplayer settings, preying on opponents who lack early removal. Its combination of explosive starts and long-term poison counter strategies makes it a nightmare for decks that rely on slow development.
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How to Play

Early Game:
Establish pressure with Glistener Elf, Plague Stinger, and Blight Mamba to start accumulating poison counters.
Use Giant Growth, Mutagenic Growth, and Tainted Strike to turn early attacks into lethal threats.
Protect key creatures with Ranger’s Guile while disrupting your opponent with Duress and Dismember.

Mid-Game:
Introduce Ichor Rats to ensure at least one poison counter is on your opponent, enabling proliferate strategies.
Equip Grafted Exoskeleton to a creature, forcing opponents to deal with a major Infect threat.
Utilize Contagion Clasp and Grim Affliction to grow poison counters turn by turn.

Late Game:
Use Contagion Engine to clear smaller creatures and proliferate poison counters at an accelerated rate.
Deploy Spinebiter to deal poison damage directly, bypassing blockers entirely.
If needed, cast Triumph of the Hordes to turn your entire board into an unstoppable Infect swarm, ensuring victory in one strike.
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How the Infect Strategy Works

Set Up Infection:
Play low-cost Infect creatures to start poisoning opponents early.
Protect creatures and establish board presence while adding poison counters.

Proliferate for Maximum Effect:
Once at least one poison counter is placed, use Contagion Clasp, Grim Affliction, and Throne of Geth to multiply the effect.
Maintain board control while steadily increasing poison counters without attacking.

Deliver the Final Blow:
Use Spinebiter or Triumph of the Hordes to close out games instantly.
Against slower decks, repeatedly proliferate to finish opponents without needing further combat.

This strategy allows flexibility, adapting to both aggressive openings and prolonged battles where every counter matters.
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Sideboard Strategy

Against Aggro Decks:
Nature’s Claim – Removes key threats while providing minor life gain.
Virulent Wound – Kills small creatures and accelerates poison counters.
Carrion Call – Instant-speed Infect creatures to defend or pressure opponents.

Against Control Decks:
Duress and Thoughtseize – Strip away key counterspells and removal.
Heroic Intervention – Protects creatures from board wipes.
Pithing Needle – Shuts down activated abilities and planeswalkers.

Against Combo Decks:
Necropede – Infect creature that doubles as removal.
Hand of the Praetors – Speeds up poison counter application.
Triumph of the Hordes – Ensures quick kills before combo pieces assemble.
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Skill Level and Playability

"Epidemic Evolution" is a deck for players who enjoy aggressive, high-risk, high-reward strategies. Timing attacks, managing proliferate triggers, and protecting key threats are essential for success. The deck excels against slow setups but requires careful play against removal-heavy opponents.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Playstyle: Aggressive, tactical, and poison-based combat
Best For: Fast-paced games in 1v1 and multiplayer Legacy formats
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Quote:
"There is no cure, only inevitability. The Phyrexian plague spreads, and with it, your end is assured."

Last Update: 06/02/25