If you enjoy decks in Magic: The Gathering that repeatedly interact with the graveyard, Lorehold might be the college for you at Strixhaven. With the return of the Flashback mechanic, there are many ways to give cards a second shot to influence the game.
We’ve highlighted some of the top Lorehold cards from Secrets of Strixhaven so far, based on how they could impact Standard or Commander decks.
Honorable Mentions
These cards aren’t in the top five yet, but they could become very important once the set releases and the meta shifts:
- Flashback
- Borrowed Knowledge
- Colossus of the Blood Age
- Kirol, History Buff
- Ark of Hunger
5. Aziza, Mage Tower Captain
For Standard and Commander
This legendary Djinn sorcerer costs just one white and one red mana. At first glance, it’s a 2/2 legendary creature with no special abilities. However, its ability is quite useful: whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, you may tap three untapped creatures you control to choose new targets for that spell.
In a way, Aziza acts like a powerful Storm effect, especially useful in clutch situations where you want to double up on spells, even if it means tapping some creatures.
4. Restoration Seminar
For Standard and Commander
This spell costs seven mana, which might seem high at first. The key is understanding the added value: it returns a nonland permanent from your graveyard to the battlefield — a creature, artifact, or enchantment.
What truly makes this card powerful is the Paradigm mechanic from Strixhaven, allowing you to cast a free copy of the spell at the start of each first main phase for the rest of the game if the initial cast was successful. These additional copies can still be countered but don’t cost mana. Despite the initial cost, successfully resolving this spell can be a game-changer.
3. Emeritus of Conflict
For Standard and Commander
While this card fits well in Prismari decks too, Emeritus of Conflict features first strike—a common trait among Lorehold and Boros creatures. It’s a 2/2 for only two mana and can cast Lightning Bolt for just one mana using the prepare mechanic, dealing three damage to any target.
To use the prepare ability on Emeritus of Conflict, you need to cast three spells in a turn. It doesn’t enter prepared, which limits its power slightly but keeps it balanced. This card can be very useful in both Prismari and Lorehold decks, showcasing the versatility of the Strixhaven college system, as long as mono-color cards aren’t hampered by restrictive keywords.
2. Antiquities On The Loose
For Standard and Commander
This three-mana sorcery screams Lorehold’s theme. If cast normally or via Flashback, it’s bound to annoy your opponent. It creates two 2/2 spirit tokens, and if cast from anywhere other than your hand (like through Flashback), it puts a +1/+1 counter on every spirit you control, including tokens and non-tokens.
While the Flashback cost is increased to six mana, it’s worth it if you have spirits on the board and are close to ending the game. Finding ways to reduce its mana cost or trigger additional copies (such as with Aziza) can boost your board presence. Just be cautious if your opponent runs board wipes.
1. Lorehold, The Historian
For Standard and Commander
This legendary 5/5 flying dragon is nothing to overlook. Its true strength lies in its secondary abilities. For five mana, it’s a fair cost for a powerful creature, especially if you can keep it on the battlefield longer.
Lorehold, The Historian grants each instant and sorcery in your hand “Miracle 2,” meaning you can cast one for just two mana if it’s the first card drawn that turn. Additionally, it allows you to discard a card during each opponent’s upkeep for a chance to draw again, potentially setting up more Miracle plays.
This card is expected to see more use in Standard initially, as its mana cost is high for Commander, but it’s excellent for mid-to-late game swing plays that can turn the tide of battle.
