Hey everyone! Diving deep into Bloomburrow drafts has been an absolute blast. Moving on from the complexities of Modern Horizons 3, Bloomburrow offers a refreshing draft environment packed with clear synergies and subtle strategic layers. If you’re looking to elevate your game and rack up some trophies in this format, you’ve come to the right place. This Bloomburrow Draft Guide is designed to get you up to speed on everything you need to know to succeed.
You might be wondering why this guide is coming out a little later than usual. In my experience, draft formats need about a week to truly solidify and for the optimal strategies to emerge. The initial days on Arena can be chaotic, and the information gleaned from that period often has limited long-term value. Early drafts are filled with experimental decks and players less familiar with the format. While quick analyses are possible, I prefer to provide you with insights that are reliable and applicable throughout the entire format’s lifespan. This guide aims to be that resource for your Bloomburrow drafting journey.
Key Concepts for Bloomburrow Draft
The most crucial aspect of Bloomburrow draft is synergy. While “secret gold cards” are often discussed in draft formats, in Bloomburrow, synergy is archetype-specific and significantly amplified. For instance, a Golgari deck might not always benefit from playing Honored Dreyleader. Therefore, card evaluation in Bloomburrow should be dynamic, adjusting with each pick you make. This doesn’t mean ignoring powerful cards, or “bombs”. Taking strong, impactful cards is still important, and splashing them is a viable strategy. However, many powerful cards in this set are not as impactful when isolated. They often require you to draft into specific archetypes to truly shine and reach their full potential.
Keeping synergy in mind from the start of your draft is key. A flexible drafting approach is beneficial in Bloomburrow. Prioritize cards that are generally useful across various archetypes early on, rather than committing too early to archetype-specific cards, even if they seem slightly more powerful in isolation. This approach provides adaptability as you see what card options become available. For example, taking a premium removal spell as your first pick is often stronger than selecting an archetype-specific “bomb” early in pack one. As later packs unfold and your deck direction becomes clearer, pivoting to archetype-defining cards becomes more appropriate.
Splashing colors feels relatively smooth in this format. There’s sufficient color fixing available to support splashes without enabling excessive “soup” decks. However, the synergy-driven nature of Bloomburrow naturally limits excessive splashing, as many cards lose effectiveness outside their intended archetypes. Of course, if you open a universally powerful bomb that fits into any deck, it’s still a clear first pick.
One key observation about Bloomburrow draft that often goes undiscussed is the significant impact of matchups. For example, a Dimir control deck, built to dominate aggressive strategies, might struggle against opposing control decks that can out-value it in the late game. Many control cards become less effective against similar control archetypes. Conversely, that same Dimir control deck would likely perform very well against aggressive Selesnya or Rakdos decks.
Similarly, playing a fast Rakdos Lizards deck against a grindy, food-centric Golgari deck can be challenging. In best-of-one (Bo1) matches, unfavorable matchups are sometimes unavoidable. However, in best-of-three (Bo3), you have the opportunity to draft and sideboard cards specifically to improve these tougher matchups. Consider matchup dynamics during drafting, especially if you plan to play Bo3.
Format Speed in Bloomburrow
Bloomburrow is a fast format. While not quite as blisteringly fast as Modern Horizons 3, it’s significantly quicker than most Standard-legal sets. Outside of ONE, it’s one of the fastest limited formats we’ve seen on Arena. This speed is largely due to the strength and prevalence of aggressive archetypes, excluding perhaps Golgari Squirrels, which adopts a more controlling, grindy approach.
The play/draw win rate is also notably skewed towards the play, ranking among the highest we’ve experienced. This is more concerning than just the overall speed of the format, as it indicates that winning the coin flip has an outsized influence on game outcomes. Being on the play provides a substantial advantage in Bloomburrow.
Bloomburrow Draft Archetype Tiers
Explore the comprehensive Bloomburrow (BLB) Limited Archetypes Guide and Example Decks for in-depth strategies.
Top Tier Archetypes
My top tier archetypes in Bloomburrow draft are Selesnya (GW), Golgari (BG), and Rakdos (BR).
Selesnya (GW) combines efficient board flooding with powerful mass pump effects like Rabbit Response and Warren Elder. This archetype can generate immense pressure and create overwhelming board states very quickly. Harvestrite Host is a key card that can supercharge this archetype’s explosiveness. The main challenge with Selesnya is that both Green and White are popular and often heavily drafted colors. However, when Selesnya comes together, it’s incredibly potent.
Rakdos (BR) typically manifests as a low-to-the-ground, aggressive Lizards build. It can also evolve into a “big creature” version using cards like Glidedive Duo and Quaketusk Boar to overpower opponents. A significant advantage of Rakdos is Scales of Shale, an exceptionally efficient one-mana combat trick for Lizards. The increased mana cost for non-Lizard decks helps ensure this key card remains accessible within the Rakdos archetype.
Golgari (BG) Squirrels is a grindier, more controlling archetype centered around food synergies. This makes it well-positioned against aggressive decks, as it excels at stabilizing the board and gaining life to recover from early pressure. Golgari Squirrels offers diverse build paths and doesn’t strictly require a heavy Squirrel focus, although Squirrels greatly enhance cards like Cache Grab.
Strong, But Not Quite Top Tier
The next tier of Bloomburrow archetypes includes Boros (RW), Simic (GU), Dimir (UB), and Orzhov (WB).
Boros (RW) can achieve incredibly fast, aggressive starts and feel like a top-tier archetype in ideal scenarios. However, it can also suffer from running out of steam in longer games or failing to draw the right balance of valiant creatures and enablers. Blacksmith’s Talent is a crucial card for Boros, providing sustained pressure and reach into the late game. Boros often becomes a viable option when drafting Selesnya initially but finding Green is heavily contested while Red remains open.
Simic (GU) excels in attrition-based, late-game scenarios due to its strong card advantage engines and ability to generate value by repeatedly bouncing its own creatures. The challenge with Simic is surviving the early game and reaching that late-game dominance. This often requires careful decisions about prioritizing life total versus long-term value. Chumping with a Pond Prophet can buy crucial time, but doing so reduces its potential for repeated bounces and overall value generation.
Dimir (UB) and Orzhov (WB) typically function as midrange or control archetypes. They can be very effective against aggressive strategies, especially with access to sweepers. However, they can struggle against strategies that generate multiple creatures, diluting the effectiveness of one-for-one removal spells.
“I’m Okay With Settling” Tier
Tier three archetypes consist of Gruul (RG) and Azorius (WU).
I generally don’t actively aim to draft Gruul or Azorius in Bloomburrow. They serve as fallback options when your preferred color combinations are heavily contested, or when the draft signals overwhelmingly open lanes. Even when opening a strong Azorius card like Kastral, the Windcrested in pack one, I’d often consider splashing it in a more powerful base archetype.
“Is This Lane Even Open?” Tier
The bottom tier is Izzet (UR). This doesn’t mean Izzet is unplayable or incapable of winning. Rather, it signifies that you shouldn’t proactively aim to draft Izzet. Trophying with Izzet is still achievable if the lane is exceptionally open and you assemble a very specific, powerful card pool. However, it’s generally less consistent and requires more favorable draft conditions than higher-tier archetypes.
Essential Tips and Tricks for Bloomburrow Draft
Optimize Forage Card Choices: When using Forage, be mindful of the card types you have remaining in your deck. Prioritize exiling cards that don’t synergize with your key cards. Leave permanents for Curious Forager, creatures for Hazel’s Nocturne, and instants/sorceries for Stormchaser’s Talent or Daring Waverider. Other cards like Builder’s Talent and Season of the Burrow also benefit from specific card types remaining in your deck. Before using Forage, quickly review your key synergies to exile cards responsibly.
Play Around Dazzling Denial: If your opponent is holding up two blue mana, consider the possibility of Dazzling Denial. Order your spells strategically to minimize its impact. For example, resolving one important creature spell might be better than risking two creature spells getting countered.
Fountainport Bell as a Land Slot: A single Fountainport Bell can be a useful inclusion in your deck, often replacing a basic land. However, running more than one usually requires a very specific strategy to justify the potential mana constraints.
Builder’s Talent Synergies: Fountainport Bell is a strong addition to a Builder’s Talent-centric deck. This archetype is more potent than initially perceived. Carrot Cake also shines in this archetype and has proven to be a surprisingly strong common.
Savor is Key Against Aggro: Savor is a crucial card for stabilizing against aggressive decks, providing both removal and potential combat advantage.
Dewdrop Cure – Often a Trap: Dewdrop Cure might seem appealing, but it’s often less effective than it appears in most decks. Its conditional nature and limited impact make it a card to be cautious of.
Aggressive Removal Timing: In Bloomburrow, delaying removal spells can be risky. While instinctively holding removal for the last moment is common, it’s often correct to use removal proactively on your turn while your opponent is tapped out, minimizing the risk of combat tricks or other disruptive plays.
Open Blue or Red Signals: Blue and Red are frequently under-drafted in Bloomburrow. Be alert for signals indicating open Blue or Red lanes. Seeing a Shoreline Looter or Kitnap relatively late in a draft can signal a strong pivot opportunity.
Mindwhisker – Underrated Card Selection: While not as powerful as Shoreline Looter, Mindwhisker is a strong, often late-pick uncommon. Its continuous card selection, combined with potential creature debuffing, offers excellent value for three mana.
Bandit’s Talent – Mana Smoothing: Bandit’s Talent is currently underrated. In fast limited formats like Bloomburrow, mana efficiency is crucial. Bandit’s Talent helps smooth your draws and ensures you hit land drops while providing card advantage.
Cruelclaw’s Heist – Better Than Expected: Cruelclaw’s Heist has performed surprisingly well, offering flexible removal and potential card advantage.
Darkstar Augur – Aggression or Lifegain: Darkstar Augur is effective in aggressive and lifegain strategies. However, be cautious in slower midrange decks with high-toughness creatures, as its triggered ability can become detrimental.
First Strike and Downwind Ambusher: First strike is particularly valuable when combined with Downwind Ambusher, maximizing its combat potential.
Blacksmith’s Talent – Equipment Removal Priority: Blacksmith’s Talent is a significant overperformer. When facing it, prioritize removing the Equipment it creates rather than the enchantment itself, as opponents are less likely to have redundant equipment in their deck.
Blooming Blast – Avoid Turn Two Treasure: Avoid giving your opponent a treasure token on turn two by playing Blooming Blast unnecessarily early.
Conduct Electricity & Early Winter – Sideboard Removal: Conduct Electricity and Early Winter are effective sideboard removal options. Consider main-decking them if your removal suite is lacking.
Heartfire Hero into Manifold Mouse Combo: Experience the Heartfire Hero into Manifold Mouse start at least once – it’s a powerful and enjoyable combination.
Valley Rally – Don’t Be Greedy: When using Valley Rally, don’t be overly aggressive and risk losing to removal. Secure the win when lethal, even if it means forgoing a minor combat advantage.
Galewind Moose – Expect It: “God, I hope they don’t have Galewind Moose” is a common thought in Bloomburrow. Assume your opponent might have it and play accordingly – don’t walk into it.
Bumbleflower’s Sharepot – Versatile Removal: Bumbleflower’s Sharepot is surprisingly effective removal, albeit expensive. The food token and ability to hit any nonland permanent provide valuable flexibility, especially against cards like Banishing Light or Kitnap.
Village Lands – Moderation is Key: While the Village lands are excellent additions, avoid over-saturating your deck with them if you have a high density of noncreature spells.
Hidden Grotto – Universal Inclusion: Hidden Grotto is generally a good inclusion in almost any Bloomburrow deck, regardless of color count, for its minor fixing and utility.
Valley Questcaller Bad Beat: Triple Valley Questcaller by turn four is an example of extreme bad luck – keep in mind variance exists in drafts.
Sweepers in Bloomburrow
Starfall Invocation and Season of Loss are the premier sweepers of Bloomburrow. These rare and mythic sweepers are incredibly powerful and difficult to play around, especially in Bo1. They offer board wipes with additional value. Fortunately, their rarity limits their frequency.
Wildfire Howl functions as the Pyroclasm of Bloomburrow. It’s surprisingly effective at clearing out many creatures in the format, particularly against aggressive Rabbit strategies.
Combat Tricks to Watch Out For
Crumb and Get It, Scales of Shale, and Overprotect are key combat tricks to be aware of. They can grant indestructible, negating removal and disrupting combat calculations. Shore Up and Plumecreed Escort are also relevant protection effects to consider when using removal.
Mabel’s Mettle can create significant swings, especially with valiant creatures. Be cautious when your opponent attacks in a way that seems too favorable for you, as Mabel’s Mettle might be in play.
Might of the Meek is a cheap cantrip commonly played, but remember its power bonus requires controlling a Mouse.
High Stride is less frequent, but still a possible combat trick to consider.
Savor doubles as both removal and a combat trick, capable of winning combat engagements.
Valley Rally and Rabbit Response are the format’s mass pump spells. Anticipate them when facing wide boards.
Downwind Ambusher, beyond its post-combat creature removal, can also disrupt combat math with its -1/-1 effect and additional blocker.
Counterspells in Bloomburrow
Spellgyre is a four-mana counterspell, making it telegraphed. Its flexibility to cycle itself for cards if no good counter target is available is a useful feature.
Long River’s Pull can feel underwhelming when forced to give your opponent a card to counter noncreature spells. It’s essentially a harder-to-cast Essence Scatter with a minor drawback. Be aware of it when your opponent keeps two blue mana open.
Dazzling Denial was discussed in the Tips and Tricks section. Remember the “bird clause” and avoid misplaying around it by casting spells with only two mana available against potential bird tokens.
Bloomburrow Draft Bombs
These are the clear Pack One Pick One (p1p1) rares of Bloomburrow draft. Take these over any non-mythic uncommon or common without hesitation. This isn’t a ranked list, simply prioritize these if opened.
Mythic Uncommons in Bloomburrow
These uncommons perform far above typical uncommon power level in Bloomburrow draft. Treat them as premium picks.
Bloomburrow “Do Not Draft” List
These are cards to actively avoid drafting in Bloomburrow. They are generally weak and best left in the sideboard (or your opponent’s deck).
Final Thoughts on Bloomburrow Draft
Thanks for reading this Bloomburrow draft guide! Hopefully, these tips and insights will help you navigate your next Bloomburrow draft and achieve greater success. Keep these strategies in mind, and you’ll be well-equipped to dominate the format. Good luck, and have fun drafting!
