Big Gernichora

5 stars

With both long and short round contingencies, as well as a powerful leader ability that supports the Thrive engine, Big Gernichora is able to output a sheer amount of points that few other decks can match. As a result, Big Gernichora bacome one of the strongest decks in the meta.

Strengths: Insane in short rounds. Very threatening if given control of R1 and able to bleed R2. Thrives provide a lot of points in longer rounds.

Weaknesses: Vulnerable to tall removal and cards like Blue Dream. As a mostly proactive deck, engine overload decks can outvalue you.

Considerations: Gimpy can be replaced by Imlerith’s Wrath or Ghoul. If you include Ghoul, consider Griffin instead of Werecat. -Spyro

Eredin Slyzard

4 1/2 stars

Strengths: This list is similar to Big Gernichora, running with tall bodies and Thrive package. However, the biggest strength of this deck is Slyzard coupled with Eredin’s ability to grant Immunity. This combo essentially bricks all damage dealing cards, which is incredibly strong.

Weaknesses: The deck has some direct counters such as Scorch or Yrden. Luckily for Slyzard, these cards don’t see a lot of play.

Considerations: Dorregaray and Striga vs engines. You have to cut Geralt to fit them, which makes your mirror worse. -KingChezz93

Midrange Gernichora

4 stars

Strengths: This variant takes the Thrive package and Crones found in its bigger sister and replaces the top end. Instead of big boys, this deck includes control cards. By capping the strength of our units at 7, we brick tall removal. This improves our matchup vs Nilfgaard for example.

Weaknesses: These changes make the deck less powerful than the big variant. It lacks the finishers and your R2 bleed is also less effective.

Considerations: Blue Dream and Werecat improve the mirror. Dorregaray and Toad Prince can deal with engines. -Aifbowman

Shupelando

4 stars

Although not as common as his NG and NR counterparts, Shupelando has seen some rise in popularity since the recent Gwent Open qualifiers, in which our teammates BeardyBog and Green-Knight had great success with the list. Big boys are omitted in favour of having control options.

Strengths: This deck improves its matchups vs engines and tall removal. It includes the Shupe bomb, which can be used as a finisher.

Weaknesses: The deck sacrifices some of the Thrive package to include Shupe. You can’t bleed as effectively as the taller variants.

Considerations: Blue Dream and Werecat improve the mirror. Dorregaray and Toad Prince can deal with engines. -Aifbowman

Unseen Elder

3 1/2 stars

Strengths: Elder allows you to play out all 3 rounds. Powerful in long and short rounds. You can easily punish engines. Decent control over R1.

Weaknesses: Plenty of reactive plays which can be bad when you don’t have the last say. Inconsistent Bronze package. Terrible vs Nilfgaard.

Considerations: Why aren’t you playing Gernichora? -Wusubi