Feeling Overwhelmed by the new set?

Right now, in World of Warcraft, we are experiencing a very rare phenomenon and one we are unlikely to experience again in this game. We have a card pool that has been effectively doubled. One big set, added to another big set comprising the entire cardpool for a format. The closest Magic comes to what we are currently experiencing is when a new big set comes out each fall. However, in Standard which is the format most affected by new sets, one big set is added to another big set, 2 small sets, and a base set. The closest VS. comes is Modern Age right after a new set, but even then one set is added to three sets that are the same size. In WoW, he have one set added to one other, both of relatively equal size.

To add to the complicated situation we are facing, Dark Portal appears to be significantly more powerful than Heroes of Azeroth. There is seemingly a double digit amount of decks I would like to build and test just based on the new cards we have. That doesn't even include updating older decks with the new cards. With all this new information, where do we even begin to decipher what the metagame is going to look like?

The best place to start is obviously the Heroes of Azeroth metagame. Dominated by Shamans, with healthy portions of Hunter, Warlock, and Warrior, the decks that have been successful over the past few months are unlikely to just disappear. During the beginning stages of the metagame development, many people will choose to stick with tried and true decks. They know these decks are good and feel comfortable playing them. When you start building your new decks for the post-Dark Portal metagame, start by testing them against the old decks first.

It would be nice to have some kind of idea though of what will pop up out of the new set. Here is a list of possibilities with how likely or unlikely they are to come about, IMO.

This set is very control-oriented so a shift in that direction seems likely. The early weeks of Dark Portal legality will likely be won by aggressive decks as they historically thrive in undefined metagames. But as things settle down, control decks will rise to the top.

Likelihood: Very high

The class that got the most out of the set is Warlock. Warlock control, Undead specifically, got some wonderful toys. This is the deck I predict is going to start moving toward the top, and I guarantee a Warlock will be Tier 1.

Likelihood: Very high

Rogues have been the popular underdog throughout Heroes of Azeroth. This set they got a lot of much needed help. I think early in the season especially, Rogue decks will come out in full force as a lot of people try to take what was once a worthless class to the top. I think the Rogue deck will be very solid, but I'm not sure if it will be a Tier 1 deck or not. Only time will tell.

Likelihood: High

Many games are going to end up going to time as people refuse to die with Lay on Hands. The Blood Elf Paladin specifically will have the ability to play 4 Lay on Hands and then recycle them with Solanian's Belongings. Whether the Paladins can actually finish a match under an hour is still to be determined.

Likelihood: High

Hunter control will surface as a viable decktype. With most of this set focusing on Hunter abilities that are more controlling and adding more good pets, Hunters could slow down and play a more controlling game with cards like Trophy Kill, Lightning Reflexes, and Frost Trap.

Likelihood: Medium

Holy Priests will become playable thanks to all the great healing abilities in the set. Just imagine Mojo Mender Ja'nah sitting behind a sea of Guardians and Meatwalls just healing away while you can't get through the protectors (unless you're a Rogue, in which case you laugh at the utter uselessness of their allies). You finally get someone big enough to start taking out chunks of their health only to find him Brainwashed.

Likelihood: Medium

Warrior solo will continue to improve as a control deck. With its slew of new control abilities combo'ing isn't as important as Warriors are now even better "turtles." The wealth of new graveyard hate makes recurring equipment destruction less of a problem and you can never deal damage through their Demo Shouts and armor.

Likelihood: High

Now you know some of the things I expect to happen in the coming weeks as we prepare for Dark Portal play in tournaments. I would recommend starting your testing with the current metagame and then add decks to your gauntlet as they do well in your testing.