Mastering Mayhem: Finding the Perfect Partner for Vial Smasher the Fierce
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Vial Smasher the Fierce, the Izzet-colored mad genius, brings glorious chaos to any Commander table. But wielding her power effectively requires careful consideration of her partner. The best partner for Vial Smasher is one that covers her weaknesses, amplifies her strengths, or provides a consistent game plan alongside her random damage output. Generally, commanders that provide value through card draw, mana generation, or synergistic abilities mesh well with Vial Smasher. Some of the best partners for Vial Smasher include Thrasios, Triton Hero, Kraum, Ludevic’s Opus, Sakashima the Impostor, and Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh. Choosing the right partner for Vial Smasher will allow you to transform randomness into refined chaos.
Identifying the Ideal Partnership: Key Considerations
Vial Smasher excels at punishing opponents for simply playing the game, dealing random damage based on the casting cost of your spells. However, she needs a partner that can address certain inherent shortcomings:
- Card Advantage: Vial Smasher decks can be mana-hungry, needing a steady stream of spells to maximize her damage. A partner offering card draw, like Thrasios, or Kraum, helps fuel this engine.
- Mana Ramp: High casting costs trigger larger Vial Smasher damage, but that also means you need ample mana. A partner providing mana ramp, such as Thrasios or enabling fast mana like Rograkh can accelerate your game plan.
- Consistent Win Conditions: Vial Smasher’s randomness can be unreliable as a primary win condition. A partner that offers a more focused path to victory, whether through combo potential or efficient beatdown, provides a backup plan.
- Synergy: Some partners directly synergize with Vial Smasher’s playstyle. For instance, Sakashima the Impostor allows you to circumvent the legendary rule and have multiple Vial Smashers on the battlefield, multiplying the damage output.
- Early Game Presence: Vial Smasher shines in the mid-to-late game when you’re slinging expensive spells. However, you need to survive long enough to get there. A partner that can contribute to early board control, like Rograkh can buy you valuable time.
Top Tier Partners: A Deep Dive
Here’s a closer look at some of the most successful partners for Vial Smasher:
- Vial Smasher the Fierce + Thrasios, Triton Hero: This combination is a powerhouse of value. Thrasios provides access to both green and blue, opening up a wide range of powerful spells and enabling crucial ramp and card draw. Thrasios’ ability to sink excess mana into card draw ensures you always have gas for Vial Smasher. Furthermore, Thrasios allows you to play big mana spells without remorse since he turns extra mana into card draw and can fix mana early on. This partnership allows you to build a value engine that also wins via combo lines such as Dramatic Reversal + Isochron Scepter.
- Vial Smasher the Fierce + Kraum, Ludevic’s Opus: Kraum offers excellent card advantage in a deck that wants to cast a lot of spells, and he doesn’t cost any mana if you are casting lots of spells. Kraum synergizes with Vial Smasher, helping you refill your hand after casting big spells and ensuring you consistently trigger Vial Smasher’s ability. Kraum also provides a solid blocker in the air, protecting you from early aggression.
- Vial Smasher the Fierce + Sakashima the Impostor: This is a unique, albeit fragile, pairing. Sakashima allows you to copy Vial Smasher, circumventing the legend rule and doubling, or even tripling, the amount of random damage you inflict per spell. While vulnerable to removal, this combo offers explosive damage potential if left unchecked.
- Vial Smasher the Fierce + Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh: Rograkh provides a 0-mana commander that helps you get ahead of the game by enabling fast mana rocks like Mana Crypt and Sol Ring. Rograkh also is a cheap attacker in a pinch. This partnership can be powerful since Rograkh is a 0 mana commander that synergizes with artifacts, allowing you to ramp into your game-winning spells.
Building the Deck: Core Considerations
Once you’ve chosen your partner, it’s time to craft the deck. Here are some key considerations:
- High Mana Value Spells: Prioritize spells with high casting costs to maximize Vial Smasher’s damage output. Consider cards like [[Genesis Ultimatum]], [[Expropriate]], and other game-changing spells.
- Mana Ramp: Include a robust suite of mana ramp to support your expensive spells. Mana rocks like [[Sol Ring]], [[Mana Crypt]], and [[Arcane Signet]] are essential, as well as ramp spells like [[Rampant Growth]].
- Card Draw: Ensure you have consistent access to card draw to fuel your spellcasting. Include cards like [[Rhystic Study]], [[Mystic Remora]], and draw spells like [[Brainstorm]] and [[Ponder]].
- Removal: Protect yourself from opposing threats with a selection of removal spells. Consider both single-target removal like [[Swords to Plowshares]] and board wipes like [[Wrath of God]].
- Win Conditions: While Vial Smasher provides a source of consistent damage, you’ll need a more reliable win condition. Consider combo options like [[Isochron Scepter]] + [[Dramatic Reversal]], or cards like [[Aetherflux Reservoir]] that synergize with casting lots of spells.
Remember to tailor your deck to your chosen partner and playstyle. Experiment with different combinations and strategies to find what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Vial Smasher trigger off of itself?
No, Vial Smasher’s ability only triggers when you cast another spell while she is already on the battlefield. Casting Vial Smasher herself will not trigger her own ability.
2. Does Vial Smasher deal commander damage?
No, Vial Smasher does not deal commander damage. Commander damage is solely defined as combat damage. Vial Smasher deals damage through a triggered ability, which does not count as combat damage.
3. Is Vial Smasher banned in Commander?
Vial Smasher the Fierce is not banned in Commander. You may use her as one of your commanders, but in some formats Vial Smasher is banned only as a commander, but can be played in the 99.
4. Can Vial Smasher hit planeswalkers?
Yes, Vial Smasher can hit planeswalkers that an opponent controls. The damage is dealt to the chosen player, who can then redirect that damage to a planeswalker they control.
5. Does Grand Abolisher stop Vial Smasher’s ability?
No, Grand Abolisher does not stop Vial Smasher’s ability. Grand Abolisher prevents opponents from casting spells or activating abilities during your turn. Vial Smasher’s ability is a triggered ability, not an activated ability, and is therefore unaffected by Grand Abolisher.
6. What is the “Rule 0” in Commander, and how does it affect Vial Smasher?
“Rule 0” is an unofficial rule allowing players to modify the rules of a Commander game before it begins, provided everyone agrees. For Vial Smasher, this could potentially involve agreeing on a different damage output for her ability or modifying the list of legal partners.
7. Can an opponent steal my Vial Smasher?
Yes, an opponent can steal your Vial Smasher using cards like [[Control Magic]] or [[Gilded Drake]]. This is why it’s important to include protection and removal in your deck.
8. What are some budget-friendly partners for Vial Smasher?
If you’re on a budget, consider partners like Silas Renn, Seeker Adept, Tymna the Weaver, or Malcolm, Keen Navigator. These partners offer valuable abilities at a lower price point.
9. How important is mana ramp in a Vial Smasher deck?
Mana ramp is crucial in a Vial Smasher deck. You need to be able to cast expensive spells consistently to maximize her damage output. Prioritize mana rocks and ramp spells in your deckbuilding.
10. What are some common win conditions for Vial Smasher decks?
Common win conditions include combo finishes with [[Isochron Scepter]] + [[Dramatic Reversal]], overwhelming opponents with value generated by card draw and mana ramp, or using cards like [[Aetherflux Reservoir]] to blast opponents after casting a flurry of spells.
11. How do I deal with counterspells in a Vial Smasher deck?
Include cards like [[Cavern of Souls]], [[Defense Grid]], and [[Silence]] to protect your spells from countermagic. You can also use counterspells of your own to protect your key spells and disrupt your opponents’ plans.
12. What are some good removal options for Vial Smasher decks?
Include a mix of single-target removal and board wipes. Consider cards like [[Swords to Plowshares]], [[Path to Exile]], [[Cyclonic Rift]], and [[Toxic Deluge]].
13. How can I protect Vial Smasher from removal?
Include protection spells like [[Swiftfoot Boots]], [[Lightning Greaves]], and [[Counterspell]] to keep Vial Smasher safe from removal. You can also use cards like [[Teferi’s Protection]] to protect your entire board.
14. What are some alternative partners for Vial Smasher that are less commonly seen?
Some less common but potentially powerful partners include Najeela, the Blade-Blossom for aggressive strategies, Obosh, the Preypiercer for doubling damage output with odd-costed spells, and Akiri, Line-Slinger for a more combat-focused approach.
15. Are proxies allowed in cEDH Vial Smasher games?
The meta is proxy friendly, making the cost to entry almost zero. You can find resources and decklists in places like the cEDH database. The Games Learning Society also provides valuable resources for game enthusiasts and educators. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
By understanding these key aspects and considerations, you can build a powerful and enjoyable Vial Smasher deck that wreaks havoc on your opponents. Good luck, and may the chaos be ever in your favor!