Archived Analysis

Premodern is firing on all cylinders right now, boasting an impressive Final Health Index of 87.0. The main story this week is the format's incredible stability as a premier "eternal" sanctuary. While other formats feel the pressure of rapid release cycles, the data shows Premodern offers a surprisingly fluid metagame where nostalgia meets high-level competitive play.

The numbers back up this sentiment across the board. We are looking at a Metagame Diversity Score of 81.1 and a near-perfect Archetype Distribution Score of 96.2. The format is also physically expanding; event growth is clipping along at an average of 6.4% per month, with paper player participation rising by 3.9%. Notably, while paper remains the primary way to play with 2,763 players in January, MTGO saw a significant jump to 557 players recently, proving the digital scene is gaining real traction.

If you’re looking for the decks to beat, the top of the heap is currently a tie between Goblins and Sligh (RDW) at 6% each. These aggressive shells lead a pack that includes Madness, Terrageddon, and Mono Black Aggro at 4% apiece. Lower down the list, you'll find Deadguy Ale, White Weenie, and Stompy trying to carve out space. Despite the popularity of red aggro, Control actually holds the largest super-archetype share at 36.4%, followed by Aggro at 32.2% and Combo at 31.4%.

On the community side, Landstill is the primary topic of conversation, specifically the debate between traditional UW shells and "Dreadstill" variants using Phyrexian Dreadnought and Stifle. Meanwhile, "The Rock" (BG Midrange) is seeing a renaissance thanks to the raw power of Spiritmonger, Deranged Hermit, and Pernicious Deed. While Survival of the Fittest remains a lightning rod for debate, the consensus is that silver bullets like Pithing Needle and Ray of Revelation keep it in check. Even with no recent B&R changes, the buzz around Tainted Pact combo and the rising costs of staples like City of Traitors and Gilded Drake keep the community's pulse high.