The full set of cards for Murder at Castle Nathria has been revealed a little while ago, and we're nearing the time when they can finally become a part of our collection. Still not sure what to make of Mage or what kind of decks to play? We've broken down all class archetypes for the upcoming expansion and gathered a variety of theorycraft decks from streamers, pros, and community members to guide you on Day 1.
First off, there is a lot of other relevant content that you might be interested in:
- You can find all important information about the upcoming set in our Murder at Castle Nathria expansion guide.
- You can also build decks with all these new cards in our deckbuilder.
- The new Rewards Track has been fully detailed. Get a head start on the early XP gains!
- Major Patch 24.0 (plus hotfixes) prepared the ground for the expansion with various game mode updates and features.
- Need a more detailed overview of new themes and mechanics? We've also covered the Infuse keyword.
- This time around, you'll be able to open your packs faster than before - should you wish to!
Now, onto what's right around the corner. Before we jump into a variety of potential decks, here is a quick look at the class in the upcoming expansion:
Castle Nathria Mage - Quick Impressions
- Volatile Skeleton Mage may be a one-and-done archetype for this expansion, so it really needs to explode out of the gate.
- Secret Mage exists to annoy people once again, but did it receive enough help for Standard?
- If both packages fail to impress, it could be a long few months for the class.
Castle Nathria Mage - Expansion Cards & Archetypes
For Mage, two archetypes have asserted themselves as the favorite to play on Day 1: Skeletons and Secrets.
Skeleton Mage
Spooky scary skeletons that blow up in yo' face: that's the name of the game this time around. Because Volatile Skeletons want to die, building a board isn't really the plan; Skeleton Mage is more of a Combo/Control hybrid deck where all the death builds toward a fireworks finale with Kel'Thuzad, the Inevitable's Battlecry. Can "stall until your opponent's face (literally) explodes" work out for Mage? It certainly has in the past, so don't write the archetype off just yet. That said, another support card from the upcoming Mini-Set wouldn't hurt.
Secret Mage
Ahh...Secret Mage. The bane of...well, everyone when it does well. But can it rise to terrorize Standard once more? Orion, Mansion Manager refills your Secrets and grows with each one revealed, while Chatty Bartender gets right to the point with clearing power. But other than that (and the Secrets themselves, of course), what is the plan for the archetype? What are we building toward? The package is there, but it might need another end-game plan beyond simply "frustrate 'em 'til they quit".
Of course a balance has to be struck here, unless we really want to see Secret Mage overwhelm everyone in Wild again.
Other Mage Cards
These cards will find a home somewhere, despite not necessarily fueling the two archetypes' win conditions directly. Frozen Touch provides additional damage for lethal or acts as a simple clear, Solid Alibi can be a life-saver if timed well, and Suspicious Alchemist gives you a spell for 1-Mana; a helluva deal. Pro-tip: your opponent won't get a copy of the spell you chose if they're already dead...
Castle Nathria Mage - Top Neutral Cards
Volatile Skeleton is...well, another skeleton for Skeleton Mage. It's right in the name. Kael'thas Sinstrider allows the archetype to combo with Brann Bronzebeard on turn-9 instead of relying on a Coin from Mailbox Dancer on turn-10. That said, both in the same deck could be a reasonable play.
Anonymous Informant is the new Kirin Tor Mage, and it doesn't even have to be used up the turn you play her; this allows you to play a Secret and Orion together on turn 4, to ensure it's still there for his effect. Sketchy Stranger, meanwhile, can further annoy your opponents and still trigger Orion, who will replace those lesser Secrets with proper Mage ones.
Castle Nathria Mage - Day 1 Decks to Try
Not sure what to play for the class once it's time to enter Castle Nathria? We've gathered a handful of early deck ideas from all across the Hearthstone tavern just to help you out:
Damages For Days
Thijs combined the new Skeleton cards with the "Ping Mage" package: this provides a lot of clearing power and pressure, with Mordresh Fire Eye supplementing Kel'Thuzad's explosive finish at the top-end. Frostweave Dungeoneer is a true multi-tasker, creating bodies for Deathborne while also potentially drawing it.
Renathal, the Inevitable?
Superior David went with a Hero Power Mage "shell", as well, pushing both archetypes together alongside Prince Renathal. 40 cards means there's plenty of room for more card generation and clearing spells. Theotar, the Mad Duke is a spicy inclusion; just make sure you don't give 'em something good!
"Explosive-Butt, Anybody?"
Dekkster built a Secret Mage for Standard, eeking out damage wherever he can find it. If you Infuse your Frozen Touch spells, it's practically the equivalent of another Fireball for reach or to clear out a minion. The crafting cost of the deck is very low, as well, so it could be worth exploring for a player on a budget.
Wild Mode - Secret Mage Rides Again
jjjjjj suggested to the Born to Be Wild Podcast team to drop the Fireball traditionally found in Wild Secret Mage and go more board-centric. Oasis Ally provides value in the form of bodies, while also being easy to proc when combined with Scuttlebutt Ghoul - meaning Orion, Mansion Manager can pop off more often.
More Class Coverage for Murder at Castle Nathria
Want to look at what we've put together for another Castle Nathria suspect class? The navigation links below can take you there in an instant!
What do you think of Mage's card package for the upcoming expansion? Which decks are you going to take for a spin once Murder at Castle Nathria goes live on August 2? Is there something else from your favorite content creator that we didn't include here? Let us know in the comments!
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