Standard: Aggro dominates; diversity remains low

Standard is in a state of flux! Our data indicates a format struggling for balance, reflected in a Final Health Index of 65.5. The recent bans show that Wizards is trying to push the format in a better direction.

The key numbers paint a mixed picture. The Diversity Score is low at 54.4, showing that the metagame is not as varied as desired. In contrast, the Archetype Distribution Score is high at 78.7, suggesting that while the variety of successful decks may be limited, the decks themselves are well-defined. Player Growth is declining at -6.7% for paper and -3.6% for MTGO play, suggesting dwindling interest overall. Event Growth also indicates a decline at -2.8%. However, the B&R Health Score is a robust 80.0, reflecting the positive impact of the banlist changes!

Looking at the Top 10 decks, Aggro strategies are clearly dominant. UR Aggro leads the pack at 28.4%, followed by Red Deck Wins at 24%. Dimir Aggro takes up a significant portion of the meta at 15%. The rest of the top 10 is comprised of other Aggro strategies in the form of Orzhov, Mono Green, Temur, Boros, Selesnya, Simic and Esper.

Based on Reddit discussions, the community is focusing on the evolving metagame. Rakdos Midrange is a key topic. Its consistent performance is drawing both praise and criticism. Azorius control variants are emerging as a contender. Cards like Sheoldred, the Apocalypse, are seeing a lot of play, while Invoke Despair is generating less hype. The B&R announcement, which banned cards like Cori-Steel Cutter, Abuelo's Awakening, Monstrous Rage, Heartfire Hero, Up the Beanstalk, Hopeless Nightmare, and This Town Ain't Big Enough, reflects a strong effort to increase metagame diversity.