Star Trek Draft Archetypes
With the new Universes Beyond set releasing soon, Wizards of the Coast is previewing the ten dual‑color draft archetypes from the Star Trek Magic set. Each archetype focuses on a specific mechanic or strategy, giving players a clear path to a 3‑0 prerelease record.
White‑Blue Spacecrafts & Artifacts
This archetype centers on Spacecrafts that become stronger when stationed, so you’ll need ways to generate or protect token creatures to power them up. It can be slow in small decks and vulnerable to early aggression, making it less popular than some others.
Black‑Blue Control
Instead of the usual black‑blue control, Star Trek introduces modal choice cards that let you pick between several options when a spell resolves or a dilemma triggers. Cards such as The Caretaker, Jett Reno, Problem Solver and Elim Garak reward you for facing those dilemmas, blending control and aggression into a flexible deck.
Black‑Red Klingon
Klingon decks go all‑in on aggression, using token creatures that can be sacrificed to buff permanents and then swinging wide for a quick win. The aggressive nature fits the Klingon theme perfectly and makes this a favorite for prerelease.
Red‑Green Landfall
Landfall returns in this set with ten cards that trigger whenever a land enters the battlefield. Build a ramp‑heavy deck with big creatures to capitalize on the extra damage, but avoid splashing into a third color, which can thin your strategy.
Green‑White Life & Counters
Life gain and +1/+1 counters are abundant, making green‑white a standout choice. Focus on creatures like The Doctor, EMH that place counters on entry and boost other counted creatures; while proliferation isn’t present, similar effects can be achieved.
White‑Black Borg Artifacts
The Borg theme uses the Assimilate mechanic, letting you steal an opponent’s creature, put it onto the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter, and strip its original type. The We Are The Borg Commander precon is a fan favorite, and a well‑tuned Borg deck can dominate draft.
Red‑Blue Scientists & Noncreatures
Red‑blue decks traditionally stack noncreature spells with a few key creatures. Here, Scientists replace the classic Prowess engine, letting you draw, discard, counter spells, bounce permanents, create tokens, and deal direct damage. The archetype is familiar and popular, though not guaranteed success in draft.
Black‑Green Graveyard
Cards that care about the graveyard drive this archetype. Aim to fill your graveyard with seven or more cards to activate Threshold, then cast spells from the yard or bring them back stronger. It’s a solid strategy that leverages the set’s graveyard synergies.
Red‑White Power
The power‑counting mechanic requires eight or more power on the battlefield to activate creature abilities, which feels restrictive in this set. Expect this archetype to be rare unless you have no other viable options.
Green‑Blue Strange New Worlds
Landing Party lets you gain upgrades based on the number of different land names on the battlefield. In draft you must collect many land types, making this the toughest archetype to master, but a competent deck can be extremely fun to play.
