Sphere of Influence: October 11, 2024

Welcome to Sphere of Influence, a pre-FNM look at some potential movers and shakers that are worth picking up before their prices increase. This week, we’re taking a look at a few Modern cards that were once prohibitive (either price-wise or legality-wise) and are now excellent additions to your collection.

Endurance

The cycle of evoke Elementals from Modern Horizons 2 is so beyond busted, two of the five have been banned in Modern to deafening applause. Two others, Solitude and Subtlety, have remained popular and become less situational as decks evolve, and Endurance, the final one, is still a strong role-player worth attention. It’s not only a staple for graveyard hate in the sideboard, but boasts some chunky stats and a competitive mana value—should you actually want to tap things to cast it, that is. Additionally, Endurance is one of the only ones of the five (Solitude being the other) that effortlessly scales up for Commander.

The most striking thing about Endurance, though, is its price: $11, its all-time low. Considering the card has gone for upwards of $50 before, with prices hovering near there, now is a great time to bolster your green creature collection.

Risen Reef

Speaking of Elementals, Risen Reef wasn’t considered that competitive until after Modern Horizons 2, at which point this uncommon from Magic 2020 jumped to $4—not a hefty price, but it was accompanied by scarcity, annoying legions of Commander players hoping for an Elemental typal deck. Thankfully, the price and availability have settled to reasonable levels, so toss one into a bulk deal and file it away for later, while you can get one.

Goblin Bombardment

Before appearing in Modern Horizons 2, Goblin Bombardment was a card solidly sitting near $10, which was a shame considering it remains a Commander staple capable of easily wiping utility creatures off the map. Its reprint not only reduced the price to bulk rare but also introduced the card to Modern, where it putzed around before finding a home in recent Boros Energy decks. Grab a few at $3 each, especially if you can pick up the Tempest version with its superior, derpy art.

Commandeer

Less than a year ago, this Coldsnap combo protector was running more than $30—free spells are free spells, after all. Appearing in Commander Masters and Outlaws of Thunder Junction: Breaking News softened the financial blow of picking one up, with these two new versions running mere pennies compared to the original’s heftier $9 tag, which is still a steal. Commandeer offers such a unique effect that you won’t want to miss it as an option when brewing bizarre new Modern combo piles.

Dawn of Dusk?

A few Duskmourn cards have had an impact on Modern, but are there any deck archetypes you’re hoping to see resuscitated by new cards? Let us know!