Creeping Trailblazer – Core Set 2020 MTG Review

David
Fanany
Player
since
1995

Elementals as a creature type have rarely had a singular gameplay thing, except for the space of a block or so like Lorwyn‘s evoke mechanic and the ensuing gameplay. This probably makes sense. In our universe, there are 118 elements, each with different properties, and fantasy worlds often have even more than that. Then you get into creatures like Creeping Trailblazer which looks like it has both fire and plant properties, and the diversity multiplies even more.

This guy wants you to have lots of Elementals in play and wants them to attack, which is sometimes harder to put together than you might expect. That diversity of function means that some Elementals are better on defense or simply not very efficient, despite having a unique ability. Fortunately for the Trailblazer, M20 has a cast of Elementals that is good at a lot of things, with strong stats at various points on the mana curve, and a lot of speed and power overall. I like how well he goes with Chandra, Acolyte of Flame and Lavakin Brawler, and I like how he becomes a huge late-game threat in an interesting way. I wouldn’t even be surprised if he gets some testing in larger card pools, too – don’t forget what creature type Young Pyromancer creates.

Constructed: 3/5
Casual: 4/5
Limited: 3/5
Multiplayer: 3/5
EDH/Commander: 3/5

The Elemental subtheme of Core Set 2020 manifests in interesting ways, though Creeping Trailblazer is not the most subtle iteration of that. The idea is simple: use it to empower aggressive swings, by buffing your other Elemental creatures and giving an ability to go big if you have extra mana. A 2/2 for 2 is always welcome (especially in limited), particularly one with upside. Creeping Trailblazer is good for the ability to help you go wide or go big, though that body is pretty squishy; still, an early drop with the ability to conditionally contribute late is just what a Limited deck wants. I don’t think it’ll make it in Standard (2 toughness is an issue, though the mana cost isn’t the most prohibitive in a Standard with the shock lands), but it’s a strong Limited card with potential if you are enterprising enough.

Constructed: 3
Casual: 3.5
Limited: 4
Multiplayer: 3
Commander: 3.75