Hey guys! Ready to dive deep into one of the most explosive combos in Magic: The Gathering? Today, we're breaking down the Finale of Devastation combo, a powerhouse strategy that can end games in the blink of an eye. Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, understanding this combo is crucial for competitive play. So, let's get started and unleash some devastation!

Understanding Finale of Devastation

Finale of Devastation is a game-changing sorcery card that allows you to search your library and/or graveyard for creature cards and put them onto the battlefield. What makes it so powerful? Its flexibility and scalability. The card's effect scales with the amount of mana you spend on it, meaning the more mana you pour into it, the more devastating its impact. You can fetch multiple creatures, give them haste and a +X/+X boost, where X is the amount of mana spent to cast the spell. This card is a definitive game-ender, allowing you to assemble a lethal board state out of nowhere.

Key Components of the Combo

At its core, the Finale of Devastation combo relies on a few key components to function optimally. Firstly, you need a way to generate a significant amount of mana. This is often achieved through mana dorks, mana rocks, or lands that produce multiple mana. Secondly, you need creatures that can either deal a lot of damage quickly or provide additional value when they enter the battlefield. Lastly, having a way to tutor or search for Finale of Devastation is extremely helpful for consistency.

Mana Generation

To successfully cast a game-ending Finale, you'll need a substantial mana base. Green-based decks often utilize mana dorks such as Llanowar Elves, Birds of Paradise, and Elvish Mystic to accelerate their mana production in the early game. These creatures allow you to ramp into more powerful spells much faster than your opponent. Another potent option is using mana-producing lands like Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx, which can generate a massive amount of green mana based on your devotion to green. Mana rocks, such as Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and Cultivate, are also excellent choices, particularly in multi-color decks, ensuring you have access to the right colors of mana when you need them. Combining these methods ensures you have the explosive mana acceleration required for a turn three or four Finale of Devastation, leaving your opponents scrambling.

Creature Selection

Choosing the right creatures to fetch with Finale of Devastation is crucial for maximizing the combo's impact. Craterhoof Behemoth is a classic choice, providing a massive boost to all your creatures and trample, often leading to an immediate win. Other powerful options include creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects that generate value, such as drawing cards, destroying threats, or providing additional mana. Additionally, creatures with haste or the ability to grant haste to other creatures can ensure that your newly summoned army can attack immediately, catching your opponent off guard. Consider creatures that synergize well with your overall game plan, whether it's generating tokens, controlling the board, or dealing direct damage. The key is to have a diverse range of creatures that can adapt to different situations, ensuring that your Finale of Devastation is always a game-winning play.

Tutors and Consistency

Consistency is key in any combo deck, and having access to tutors that can find Finale of Devastation is essential. Green provides several excellent tutor options, such as Green Sun's Zenith, which can find creatures that can then tutor for Finale of Devastation. Cards like Chord of Calling and Summoner's Pact can also be used to fetch creatures that can then search for the combo piece. Outside of green, consider using universal tutors like Demonic Tutor or Vampiric Tutor in black-based decks. Including multiple tutors in your deck increases the likelihood of drawing into Finale of Devastation when you need it, making your combo more reliable and consistent. Furthermore, consider including cards that allow you to manipulate your library, such as Brainstorm or Ponder, to improve your chances of finding the missing pieces.

Building the Deck

Okay, so now that we know the key pieces, let's talk about how to build a deck around the Finale of Devastation combo. The most common color combination is green for its mana ramp and creature tutors, but you can splash other colors for added utility.

Mana Base

A solid mana base is the foundation of any successful MTG deck, and a Finale of Devastation combo deck is no exception. Prioritize lands that can produce multiple colors of mana to ensure you can cast your spells consistently. Include fetch lands like Wooded Foothills and Windswept Heath to thin your deck and find the right lands when you need them. Shock lands, such as Breeding Pool and Stomping Ground, offer flexibility and can enter the battlefield untapped when you need them to. Don't forget about utility lands like Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx, which can generate a massive amount of mana in green-heavy decks. Aim for a balanced mix of land types to ensure you can cast both your early mana ramp spells and your game-winning Finale of Devastation. A well-constructed mana base will reduce the chances of mana screw and allow you to execute your combo smoothly.

Core Creatures

Selecting the right creatures is crucial for maximizing the impact of Finale of Devastation. Craterhoof Behemoth remains a top choice for its ability to provide a massive boost to all your creatures and trample, often leading to an immediate win. Consider including other creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects that generate value, such as drawing cards, destroying threats, or providing additional mana. Creatures with haste or the ability to grant haste, like Xenagos, God of Revels, can ensure your army attacks immediately. Evaluate creatures that synergize well with your overall game plan, whether it's generating tokens, controlling the board, or dealing direct damage. A mix of creatures that provide utility, card advantage, and raw power will give you the flexibility to adapt to different board states and opponent strategies. The key is to have creatures that complement each other and enhance the effectiveness of Finale of Devastation.

Support Spells

Support spells play a vital role in ensuring the consistency and resilience of your Finale of Devastation combo. Tutors like Green Sun's Zenith, Chord of Calling, and Summoner's Pact are essential for finding key creatures and Finale of Devastation itself. Include cards that provide card draw and filtering, such as Brainstorm, Ponder, and Preordain, to improve your chances of finding the missing pieces of your combo. Protection spells like Veil of Summer and Loran's Escape can protect your creatures from removal and counterspells, allowing you to execute your game plan undisturbed. Consider adding removal spells like Lightning Bolt or Swords to Plowshares to deal with opposing threats and clear the way for your combo. Support spells should complement your core strategy, providing the necessary tools to navigate through disruption and ensure you can assemble your combo pieces consistently.

Example Decklist

Here's a sample decklist to give you an idea of how to build a Finale of Devastation combo deck:

• Creatures (20):
  • 4 Llanowar Elves
  • 4 Birds of Paradise
  • 2 Elvish Mystic
  • 2 Craterhoof Behemoth
  • 2 Eternal Witness
  • 2 Reclamation Sage
  • 2 Endurance
  • 2 Dryad Arbor
• Spells (16):
  • 4 Finale of Devastation
  • 4 Green Sun's Zenith
  • 4 Chord of Calling
  • 4 Ponder
• Lands (24):
  • 4 Windswept Heath
  • 4 Wooded Foothills
  • 4 Misty Rainforest
  • 3 Breeding Pool
  • 3 Stomping Ground
  • 3 Forest
  • 3 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx

Gameplay Strategy

Alright, so you've built your deck, now what? Let's go over some gameplay strategies to help you pilot this combo to victory.

Early Game

In the early game, your primary focus should be on ramping up your mana as quickly as possible. Play your mana dorks like Llanowar Elves and Birds of Paradise to accelerate your mana production. Use cards like Ponder and Brainstorm to filter through your deck and find your key combo pieces. Play fetch lands to thin your deck and ensure you hit your land drops consistently. Be mindful of your opponent's strategy and play around potential disruption. Establishing a strong mana base in the early game will set you up for a powerful mid-game and allow you to execute your combo smoothly.

Mid Game

As you transition into the mid-game, start assembling your combo pieces. Use tutors like Green Sun's Zenith and Chord of Calling to find missing creatures and Finale of Devastation. Evaluate the board state and identify potential threats from your opponent. Consider playing utility creatures like Reclamation Sage to deal with problematic artifacts or enchantments. Protect your creatures with spells like Veil of Summer to prevent them from being removed. Continue to ramp your mana and position yourself to cast a game-winning Finale of Devastation. Be patient and wait for the right opportunity to strike, ensuring you have enough mana to execute your combo effectively.

Late Game

In the late game, it's time to unleash the Finale of Devastation combo and close out the game. Ensure you have enough mana to cast Finale of Devastation for a substantial amount, fetching Craterhoof Behemoth and other powerful creatures. Calculate your damage output and ensure you can deal lethal damage to your opponent. Be aware of any potential disruption from your opponent and have backup plans in place. If your initial attack is disrupted, use Eternal Witness to retrieve Finale of Devastation from your graveyard and try again on the next turn. The key is to be decisive and capitalize on any openings to secure the win.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some pro tips to elevate your Finale of Devastation gameplay:

• Stacking Triggers: Understand how to stack triggers to maximize the value of your creatures' abilities.
• Mana Efficiency: Plan your mana usage carefully to ensure you can cast Finale of Devastation for the optimal amount.
• Sideboarding: Know which cards to sideboard in and out depending on the matchup.

Conclusion

The Finale of Devastation combo is a force to be reckoned with in MTG. With the right deck building and gameplay strategy, you can dominate your opponents and claim victory. So go forth, practice, and unleash the devastation! Happy gaming, and may your mana always be plentiful!