Top 10 Most Expensive MTG Cards in Lost Caverns of Ixalan.
It’s been a few weeks since Lost Caverns of Ixalan was officially released. Now, we’re getting a better idea of how much the cards in the set are worth. There are some cards in LCI that are quite expensive and sought after, including powerful mythic cards that were expected to be pricey. Additionally, there are some unexpected breakout cards that are performing exceptionally well in competitive play, making them highly demanded. Today, we’ll focus on the top 10 most expensive cards in the set and try to figure out the best time to get them.
10. The Skullspore Nexus
The Skullspore Nexus may not be widely used in Standard, but it’s a card in high demand for Commander decks. Specifically, it’s sought after for its benefits to Dinosaur decks, particularly those led by Gishath, Sun’s Avatar. Firstly, it often comes at a reduced cost due to the substantial size of most Dinosaur cards. Secondly, it generates Dinosaurs with its token-making ability. Thirdly, doubling the power of an already massive Dinosaur is quite appealing! The current price is under $9, which is reasonable. It’s expected to decrease a bit more before gradually rising in value, likely extending into 2024 and beyond once Lost Caverns of Ixalan is out of print.
9. Ojer Axonil, Deepest Might
Typically, flashy mythic cards like Ojer Axonil follow a predictable price trend. During the hype of pre-order season, their prices are often inflated, but once the set is released and people start playing with the cards, the prices usually settle down. Surprisingly, this isn’t the case with Ojer Axonil. It remains as expensive, if not slightly more so, than it was during pre-order season, priced at $9. This suggests that there’s something significant about this card, indicating meaningful competitive playability and desirability for Commander.
Given that Ojer Axonil is being used in both Standard and Pioneer, it might be wise to consider acquiring your copies sooner rather than later in case its value continues to rise.
8. Bloodletter of Aclazotz
Bloodletter of Aclazotz, from The Lost Caverns of Ixalan in Magic: The Gathering, appears to be quite impressive. It offers a remarkably potent effect combined with what essentially amounts to a four-mana 4/4 flyer. Despite my expectation for quick adoption in Commander, it hasn’t gained popularity as rapidly as anticipated. Nevertheless, I believe this card has the potential to become a staple in group slug decks and a favored inclusion in Demon-themed decks, especially with commanders like Be’lakor, the Dark Master.
Surprisingly, despite its limited play, the card is priced at $10. Given its absence from competitive play and relatively low prevalence in EDH, it’s unclear where this demand is originating. The current $10 price tag seems high for a card with such limited play, so it might be prudent to wait and observe whether the price drops further before considering a purchase.
7. Tishana's Tidebinder
In contrast to the typical trend of initial hype followed by a price crash, Tishana’s Tidebinder has experienced the opposite journey. Starting at approximately $5, the regular booster version of this card has now climbed to $17. Fueled by demand across Standard, Pioneer, and Modern, and sought after by Merfolk players for EDH, Tishana’s Tidebinder stands out as one of the standout cards in Lost Caverns of Ixalan. Its Stifle ability has proven to be much more potent than expected.
Interestingly, there’s a cost-effective alternative. The borderless full art version, with its vibrant and colorful artwork, is available at a more budget-friendly price of around $12.50. If you don’t mind playing with this striking art, opting for the alternate version can save you some money compared to the regular booster version priced at $17.
6. Roaming Throne
Similarly, the alternate full-art treatment of Roaming Throne comes at a more affordable price compared to the regular booster version: $13.50 versus $17.50. This trend aligns with a broader pattern we’ve observed for certain alternative versions of cards; for instance, the Enchanting Tales from Wilds of Eldraine followed a similar trajectory, often ending up cheaper than the standard versions. Many cards on this list share the same pattern: the regular versions are pricier than their fancier counterparts.
For those who don’t have a strong preference for the appearance of their cards, this presents a cost-saving opportunity. You can save a couple of bucks on a card like Roaming Throne, which is an excellent addition to any creature-themed deck filled with triggered abilities, such as those led by commanders like Magda, Brazen Outlaw, Éowyn, Shieldmaiden, and, of course, Gishath, Sun’s Avatar.
5. Bonehoard Dracosaur
Occasionally, a Dragon emerges with such potency that it transcends the typical admiration from casual players and makes a significant impact in competitive Constructed play. Bonehoard Dracosaur appears to align more closely with cards like Goldspan Dragon or Glorybringer rather than the casual favorite Utvara Hellkite. It is gaining traction in both Standard and Pioneer formats. Priced just under $15 currently, if it gains widespread acceptance in competitive circles, its value could soar. This card seems likely to maintain its value over the long term in Commander as well, making it a potentially favorable acquisition.
4. Chimil, the Inner Sun
Chimil proves to be a potent colorless card that brings immediate and enduring value once it hits the battlefield. While rendering spells uncounterable in Commander games is useful, the primary allure of this card lies in obtaining a free cascade at the end of each turn. When paired with a commander that synergizes well with cascade, such as Zhulodok, Void Gorger, or Rocco, Street Chef, Chimil can significantly enhance your strategy. However, its current price tag of $16 raises some uncertainties. Although it’s a prominent mythic in the set and delivers substantial value, its price has consistently declined since the set’s release. Consequently, I’m not rushing to acquire my copies at the moment, anticipating that Chimil might experience a further reduction in price.
3. Ghalta, Stampede Tyrant
Many Commander decks follow the straightforward green mage philosophy of «play big creatures,» and Ghalta excels in both commanding a deck and being part of the 99. Dropping your entire hand onto the battlefield for just eight mana is sure to create exciting and memorable moments at the Commander table. Ghalta has already found a place in decks filled with colossal monsters like Gishath, Sun’s Avatar, Mayael the Anima, and Atla Palani, Nest Tender. With a stable price around the $20 mark, even with the banning of Geological Appraiser in Pioneer (a card used in some Appraiser decks with Ghalta), I don’t anticipate the price dropping much further.
2. Ojer Taq, Deepest Foundation
For many years, decks centered around the token theme in EDH have heavily relied on token-doubling effects. Cards like Doubling Season, Anointed Procession, and Parallel Lives have become staples in this archetype. However, a new contender has entered the scene in the form of Ojer Taq, Deepest Foundation. Ojer Taq takes it a step further by tripling your token generation, and even when defeated, it amusingly flips back over with ease.
Despite numerous reprints, Doubling Season still commands a $40 price tag, and Anointed Procession is priced at $45. In comparison, Ojer Taq’s current price of $22 seems undervalued and unsustainable. This card is poised to increase in value over time, particularly as it goes out of print. If you’re piloting a token deck and haven’t added Ojer Taq to your collection, it’s advisable not to wait too long, as its price is likely to rise steadily.
1. Cavern of Souls
Cavern of Souls, a card first introduced in Avacyn Restored, has maintained its status as a staple across multiple formats. In older formats like Legacy and Vintage, where counterspells are prevalent, having a tool to push threats through countermagic is crucial, and Cavern of Souls stands out as one of the best options for this purpose. At its peak, this card reached a staggering $90 per copy. Fortunately, with its proper reprint in the main set (though with an upgraded rarity), it is now more affordable than ever.
Since 2015, Cavern of Souls hasn’t been priced at $30 or below, making this a highly welcomed change for anyone seeking to acquire their copies. While it’s uncertain how much further its price may decrease, considering the card used to be three times its current value, obtaining it now represents a considerable bargain, regardless of future fluctuations.
In conclusion, today’s exploration of Magic: The Gathering cards provided valuable insights into market dynamics, strategic gameplay considerations, and noteworthy trends. From the introduction of new cards in Lost Caverns of Ixalan to the impact of reprints on iconic cards like Cavern of Souls, these analyses offer a comprehensive understanding for both players and collectors.
The articles underscored the significance of evaluating market trends, recognizing strategic potential in competitive play, and finding a balance between visual appeal and value. Factors such as playing formats and emerging strategies were highlighted for their influence on card prices and demand.
When it comes to new releases, emphasis was placed on monitoring price evolution and identifying opportune moments for acquisitions. Reprints, exemplified by Cavern of Souls, were presented as unique opportunities to obtain essential cards at more accessible prices.
In summary, these analyses provided a thorough perspective on the Magic: The Gathering card market, equipping enthusiasts with valuable insights to make informed decisions about acquisitions and gameplay strategies.
