Unveiling the Essence of Natural Order
The scent of freshly turned earth, the roar of ancient beasts, the whisper of a hidden agenda… these elements converge in the heart of a single, potent green enchantment in *Magic: The Gathering*: **Natural Order**. This card has carved its own unique niche within the landscape of *Magic*, forever changing the way players approach creature-based strategies and establishing itself as a cornerstone of competitive formats like Legacy and a potent inclusion in Commander. If you’re seeking to understand the power of a single, well-timed spell to fundamentally reshape the battlefield, or are looking for a creature-based combo strategy that will quickly overwhelm your opponents, you are in the right place.
At its core, Natural Order presents a deceptively simple proposition, costing a mere three mana, a single green, and the sacrifice of a green creature. This relatively minimal investment yields a powerful effect: you search your library for a creature card and put it directly onto the battlefield. This ability to leapfrog the typical casting cost of high-impact creatures is the engine that fuels the card’s enduring appeal. Think of it as the ultimate cheat code for creature strategies.
The beauty lies in the immediate reward. Instead of needing to cast the creature and wait for it to resolve, Natural Order allows the card to be placed directly onto the battlefield. Suddenly, creatures like Progenitus or Craterhoof Behemoth, that would normally cost an exorbitant amount of mana, are at your command. This speed is where the power of this card lies. It’s a tempo play that can rapidly shift the game in your favor.
The card’s effectiveness is also based on the format in which you play. Legacy, the format where Natural Order thrives the most, is known for its fast mana acceleration and efficient threats. The ability to use Natural Order early is a major factor in securing a game. The sacrifice aspect is also something to consider. It means that you are trading a creature to get a creature, so you want to make sure the trade is beneficial for you.
Delving into the Mechanics and Interactions
To truly master the potential of Natural Order, a deep understanding of its inner workings is essential. Let’s dissect the card’s mechanics and explore its nuances.
The trigger happens in this order: You sacrifice a green creature, and then search your library for a creature card. The sacrificed creature doesn’t need to be a target for the next creature to enter the battlefield. It can be any green creature, opening up different strategies and card selections.
The sacrifice is not optional; it’s a cost of the spell. This means you *must* have a legal target to cast Natural Order. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure you have at least one green creature in play when you cast the spell.
When it comes to interactions, things get complex. Consider the timing: after sacrificing a green creature, you are allowed to search your library for another creature. The order in which these steps are handled matters. The creature you find is put directly into play. No creatures can be cast in between, and this prevents interaction from the opponent.
Protection abilities are key. A creature with protection from green, for example, cannot be sacrificed for the effect. The same goes for a creature targeted with protection.
Navigating the Formats: Where Natural Order Reigns
Natural Order’s legacy extends across multiple *Magic: The Gathering* formats, each revealing a unique facet of its power.
Legacy: The Primary Playground
Legacy is the format where Natural Order has earned its most significant reputation. Here, the card is a key component in several powerful archetypes, but the main type of deck that uses it is the “Nic Fit” deck. This name stems from the original, and most common, application, which uses the Natural Order spell and a green creature to search for and put into play a large threat.
These decks typically center on mana acceleration via creatures. Cards like Veteran Explorer, alongside other ramp spells, allow for the early deployment of Natural Order. The goal is to resolve a Natural Order early on to immediately bring in a game-ending threat. A well-timed Natural Order can easily bring in a creature that wins the game on the spot.
The Legacy environment allows for many effective plays. The quick tempo and efficient card selection make Natural Order a powerful card.
Commander (EDH): A Versatile Tool
In the casual and multiplayer realm of Commander, Natural Order also finds a welcoming home. Its versatility is particularly prized in a format where strategies and card interactions run wild. The ability to tutor a powerful threat makes Natural Order a valuable addition to the Commander toolkit. It can swiftly put a game-winning threat on the battlefield.
Commanders that synergize well with Natural Order are numerous. Any green commander with a strategy is a good choice, allowing players to play with their creature toolbox. Natural Order in Commander opens up opportunities for big plays and sudden victories. It is a staple.
Building a Deck Around Natural Order: Strategic Insights
Creating a successful Natural Order deck requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are the key elements to consider:
Creature Selection: Your Champions on the Battlefield
The choice of creatures to tutor for is perhaps the most critical decision. You want impactful, game-winning threats that justify the sacrifice and search. Progenitus is a common choice, as it is a versatile option that can win matches quickly. Another solid option is Craterhoof Behemoth. This creature allows you to win out of nowhere when combined with other creatures on the field.
Color combinations play a significant role in the creature choice as well. Some archetypes run three or four colors, and can incorporate many creatures in different combinations.
Mana Ramp: Fueling the Green Machine
Speed is of the essence in Natural Order strategies. Efficient mana acceleration is a must, allowing you to cast Natural Order quickly. Creatures like Llanowar Elves, Birds of Paradise, and the rest of the classic mana dorks enable you to deploy Natural Order by turn two or three, putting the pressure on your opponent early.
Protection and Countermeasures: Safeguarding Your Combo
Because Natural Order can be countered, you’ll want to protect it. Counterspells, such as Force of Will or Force of Negation, can protect you from the opponent. Other cards will help you to gain control of the board so your creatures can be played.
Supplementary Spells: Enhancing Your Strategy
Beyond the core components, you’ll want to include supporting cards to enhance your strategy. Draw spells like Brainstorm or Ponder help you find your pieces. Removal spells can clear the way for your creatures to attack. Other tutors and support spells that will help your overall strategy.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Like any powerful spell, Natural Order comes with its own set of pros and cons.
The Upsides: Speed, Surprise, and Efficiency
The advantages are clear: Natural Order is a fast, efficient way to put a game-winning threat onto the battlefield. The element of surprise can catch opponents off guard. With the right choices, you’ll be able to win a game out of nowhere.
The Downsides: Vulnerability and Reliance
Natural Order is vulnerable to counterspells. If your opponent is able to counter the spell, then the play does not work. Your strategy is dependent on specific cards. If you don’t have Natural Order, then you are in trouble.
Mastering the Details: Tips and Tricks for Success
Here are some advanced strategies to refine your Natural Order plays.
Timing is Critical
Knowing when to cast Natural Order is crucial. You want to make sure you get the most benefit from it.
Metagame Awareness
Adjust your deck based on the current meta. If counterspells are prevalent, consider more protection.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy
Natural Order’s influence on *Magic: The Gathering* is undeniable. The card continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Its ability to cheat huge threats into play makes it a perennial favorite.
If you are looking to build a deck, then give Natural Order a try. Master its mechanics, and you’ll unleash the true power of the green machine.
Embrace the power of Natural Order. Experiment. Adapt. And dominate the battlefield with the might of nature itself!
