Bone Saw, not even in all honesty. The powercreep has essentially made cards without effects worthless if they do not have the stat-line of a card that costs 1 higher. Well, unless you evolve into it but that doesn't count.
@@jovanong1177 restless mummy is a 3 2 reborn and silverback is a 1 4. The 1 attack means that the restless mummy can only attack once because it doesnt die and respawn and the 4 health means that the Silverback doesn't even die. So you attack into it once and it's still up and you can't attack again.
@@flimpeenflarmpoon1353 if both my restless mummies died killing this silverback patriarch i would consider that value for my opponent, i rather my restless mummy be left at 1 health and his be left at one health instead of throwing both my mummies to kill a patriach
I still don't get why he had it in his deck or why the streamer conceded. If the guy is dumb enough to run the Footman in high ranks, show him that what he's doing is wrong!
If that's what you think power creep is in hearthstone then yes you are correct but it is still infinitely better than giving more stats to new minions or broken effects
They dont care because they need to sell new packs from newest expansion. If they make basic/classic set viable (soon our Twilight Drake will go to hall of fame , RIP :( ) no one will buy new packs with equally powerful cards as in the newest expansions. This is straight forward economy politic for many card games including Magic The Gathering. Magic is famous with extreme power creep over the years.
The base set is meant to be an introduction to the game, with simple mechanics to give you an idea of how to play. With passing of time it's normal that 5 years old ideas get surpassed when you take in account the game natural limitations, like: 1 to 10 mana, 0 to a reasonable 12ish attack(for most cards), same with health, 7 max minions on allied board, only 2 (deck starting) copies, the fact that decimals are not used and many others factors. Bottom line, the base set was meant to become obsolete at some point and by logic more and more for every expansion that goes by, even in power level as one can only do so much within the borders that the game possibilities offer. Also, some comparisons were not really fair, as class cards are not really meant to be compared on a 1:1 ratio with neutral or other class cards, like for instance, we know how warrior gets a bonus when it comes to taunt mechanics, that priest minions get healthy life total, the abundance of divine shields in paladin and so forth, just to name a few examples. With that said, i'd rather not pass for someone just pointing out stuff to make you look bad,, i actually liked the video! Keep up the good work.
Great comment, totally agree. Hearthstone is starting to remind me of Magic the gathering. In my opinion they didn’t check the power creep as new sets came out and ended up wrecking the game. I hope hearthstone doesn’t follow that path, you’ve gotta have a limit at some point or the game becomes stupid
@@Thatowlzguy maybe if you read extensively you would have noticed how much the limitation of "numbers" is stressed and plays a big part when trying to introduce new ideas without overshadowing preexistent cards, wich normally happens.
For what i gather from your comment you seem to belive that cards with simple mechanics are bound to become useless. Thats the whole point of the video, they are basic in concept but thats not why they are bad, value-wise they dont make sense.
Comparing Neutral to Class cards and Neutrals to Legendaries might be too disingenuous. Class cards always get a special effect benefitting the class' identity. You can make a solid claim about how crappy basic Neutral cards are by comparing them to newer expansion Neutral cards. I love the idea of buffing basic set stats. I think that would be the perfect fix for newbies!
The problem here is that the good cards of the basic set are being put together with the bad ones and being compared to the best cards of other sets... For example saying that the argent commander is bad compared to the new 5/3 rush divine shield dragon of the new expansion is just denying the fact that the card is already good and playable. The 3/2 best is also a decent card and the 8/8 taunt is an awesome minion to put in your deck when starting the game. I think the main idea of this video is to put some more strength in the basic set so the cards would be as strong or stronger than some of the new cards. This would just make hearthstone less entertaining. When I started the game I was enjoying my pack opening because every card was at least as strong as the few one I already had. The basic set card are being replaced with your new card through your progression in the game. In addition to that having a stronger basic set would just mean that the decks would be less various, using always the same cards from expansion to expansion, year to year. To me there are some cards of the basic set that might be buffed like the 1/4 taunt or the 5/4 for 6 mana that heal your hero but it should not be as strong as the new cards, otherwise opening packs would just be less entertaining, and it is a big part of a card game.
@@UrzaWeatherlight Nah it's a mathematical guarantee that a card game is going to have bad cards, as long as you print more cards than can be put into a deck I.e 30 in this case.
I always thought it stupid and greedy that the “free” cards are literally unplayable. In other games like Gwent, you start with a few epics and cards that actually see play. They don’t print bad cards on purpose just so say “hey we gave you _some_ free cards!” It’s gross and even worse is the fact Blizzard won’t change their design.
"free cards" in Hearthstone do see play: think about truesilver champion, consacration, swipe, Savage Roar, tracking, animal companion and so many more. It's Just te basic neutral cards that suck
The solution for the basic set is to keep some of the minions with "weak" statlines (river croc/chillwind yeti) because they establish a baseline for new players to look at and go "oh this is how much stats a 4 drop /should/ have." We have some really outdated cards that didn't work to set this example, like 7 Mana 7/7 compared to Dr boom. Basic neutral cards probably need to have an extra 1 health across the board and they would be more in line with current cards while not becoming too powerful that the eclipse anything in standard right now.
I think the most insulting thing for me about the basic set is that they usually have the better/non cartoony art styles and also are the most connected to the lore, yet they are the weakest :/
@@addamazeing Basic/Classic are both very connected to the lore since they both came out with the game, you know what I meant, don't have to nitpick. Also I'd much rather see warrior using Warsong commanders or frostwolf grunts instead of flunkies. If only they had better effects that fit any archetypes.
Pretty sure all the basic cards take their art directly from the old WOW tcg. So that's probably why they feel so artistically different from the other sets
The only way those card could be relevant in the future is adding a sort of 'archetype' that plays with those basic minions. Like a 'Battlecry: Destroy a minions, summon 2 basic minions with cost 4 or less'. Something like that. Yugioh played this idea frequently, and the result is pretty funny. They realized that old monsters are useless (aka non effect monsters) so they introduced archetypes that sinergyzes with those monsters, like 'Draw 2 normal monsters from your deck' 'Give a normal monster +X/+X' etc. So in the end, give those basic monsters the same threat as lackeys, adding some card that plays with them, summon them, buffing them, searching them, etc.
Quicksand Elemental > Bloodfen Raptor 2 mana 3/2 with battlecry giving your opponent's minions -2 attack for the turn, making trading into them much more reasonably viable. Neutral with a strong effect... never sees play. Lol
I feel like this video lacks the context that these cards were released in. While I agree a lot of the classic set has become obsolete at this point, there were YEARS of separation of these cards with minor pushes in power to get them to where they are today. An argument for the classic set as it is being it was made to be simple to some degree to help new players understand and learn the game. Yes, card games are fairly widespread but we can't discount people who don't have that background. Comparing silverback patriarch to fierce monkey ignores that one is a neutral card and one is a class card. Class cards are usually stronger than their neutral counterparts everything else being equal. The same holds true for the war golem/Dr. Boom comparison with regards to their rarity common/legendary. It can be pushed because of that difference. Warsong commander has been butchered, no argument there. BUT it was made that way because it was BROKEN beforehand. I am glad charge has been begun to be phased out for rush. That's a personal gripe since I like control more than aggro, but even with the opposite philosophy, the old version of this card did too much. Molten giants that got cheaper when you took damage, 2 mana brewmasters to bounce them back to your hand to be played again at likely 0 mana that then got charge and could attack AGAIN on the same turn. I vividly remember one game as priest where I stole 2 shield blocks from a warrior at full health. I died from 40->0 (30 hp and 10 armor) from the enemy having nothing on board at the start of the turn. That is toxic game design. They TRIED to do a softer nerf but the combo was just redone in a different form with raging wargens. I agree warsong commander deserves better than it's current state but it's proved a hard card to balance and I feel like the team has moved on at this point. Guardian of kings...yeah, he needs some love. I want control paladin to be a thing but it struggles sometimes. To be fair, the comparison you make with watcher just happened in the recent set, so maybe they'll give him some love in the new year updates, who knows but this whole set is rather large in power level compared to others.
You're very correct in the essay you've typed. Classic is a little obsolete. Back in the days the classic cards were still good. But with every other card game (that I've played), the more that gets added to the game, the weaker the older sets seem to get. Not counting several expansions of Hearthstone. Classic was great when it was one of the main expansions. (Only because there were little amounts of cards.) Dr. Boom and War Golem aren't comparable at all. Merely because their rarity is lowest and highest respectively. Conclusion is. Yes. Classic has grown obsolete. But if everything was great and good? Then there would be 500 archetypes for every class and you would never be able to guess what you're playing against again. Now at least, you have a general idea what to do against.. As example Galakrond Shaman.
Wise words. My oppinion (for years now): Blizzard should restructure Basic and Classic sets completely, to the point where they erase those sets entirely. Many players pointed out that Hearthstone should have something like MtGs Core Sets (or whatever they are called nowadays) - a set that is overhauled each Hearthstone year with mostly 'reprints' but some new cards exclusive to that set. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you. And @Solem: Keep up your marvelous work!
ah, how i sometimes long for the days when harvest golem, senjin and yeti were considered good....those days also had wallet warrior, pre-nerf combo rogue and handlock, grain of salt i suppose
Agreed this was a nostalgic time. They should release "classic hearthstone" now that classic WoW was so successful! I would definitely play some classic HS.
Goldshire Footman is a decent card for early builds of Taunt Warrior and Odd Paladin before you're able to get better options. However, I've also seen him recently used as a tech card in the new Buff/Necrium Apothecary Rogue instead of Sunfury Protector. It is certainly trumped by other cards, but I've still seen it played in F2P decks that got lucky pulls from packs. Bloodfen Raptor starts seeing play again in F2P Hunter lists that crop up at the end of an expansion lifecycle. It's a decent beast option with competitive stats, which makes it ideal for F2P Hunter lists, but can certainly be quickly replaced for better options. River Crocolisk also sees play in the F2P Hunter lists, but not as often as Bloodfen. I will say the F2P Hunter lists aren't really what F2P players are building, but rather what P2W players use to demonstrate that you don't need an expensive collection in order to win. Early in new expansions, and overall in Wild, these decks rarely ever work, but for new players getting into the game after the meta has staled and all the other players have left to play different games/are waiting for the new expansion to be released, it feels like an ideal deck. I don't think Frostwolf Grunt has ever seen play as early Hearthstone didn't see this taunt minion as being competitive and there are plenty of better options. I can agree with you here. Silverback Patriarch sees play in Taunt builds every once in awhile, due to its high health and 1 attack. I've seen it used in cheaper builds in Taunt Quest Warrior, Armagedillo Taunt Warrior and some unoptimized builds of Embiggen/Recruit Druid. I would certainly recommend better options, but for people starting out, this works as a stopgap until you can get more cards in your collection. Ironfur Grizzly sees some play in that F2P Hunter list, but isn't in ever list as Hunters would rather play Eaglehorn Bow or Animal Companion on 3. I've actually seen Ironfur Grizzly used as a stopgap in unoptimized builds of Recruit Druid (before they get the 4 mana 3/6 taunt) and some Armagedillo Warriors, however the latter may be more for memes than actual options. Warsong Commander needs to remain in the game as a reminder of just how much Blizzard/Team5 can murder a card, and I would fight to my dying breath before I'd allow you or anyone else remove this card from the game. We should ensure that we do not forget the past, so that we do not repeat it in the future. RIP Warsong Commander, know that we will not forget your sacrifice. Booty Bay Bodyguard sees a lot of play in Arena. It shouldn't be in any constructed list (wild or standard), but removing it from the game seems a bit foolish as it serves as the baseline for a 5 mana minion with taunt. That said, I have seen some utilization in unoptimized builds of recruit decks, and ultimately serves as a lesson about stats for new players. I personally still use Guardian of Kings as a starting point in Healadin builds and the recent Pure Paladin list. I quickly replace him with better options, but he still tends to be a decent option in Arena as a catch up card in a top-deck situation. I would prefer better options, but when Guardian of Kings shows up in low tier buckets with other bad commons, I see him as a welcome relief. He is definitely trumped by Amber Dragon, but for players just starting out, he can serve as a nice stopgap to climb out of rank 25 and start earning gold to buy either packs from newer expansions, or arena tickets. Turn 7 is kind of a nebulous turn for Paladin, so he isn't a bad option, there are just better options. War Golem is bad, but again I saw him used occasionally in unoptimized builds of Star Aligner decks, and is a decent option in Arena as a late game threat. If not for War Golem, how can we balance what is actually overpowered on Turn 7? I wouldn't recommend anyone ever playing War Golem in any deck, but instead use it as a conjecture for selecting cards for your decks. (e.g. if a late game card in your deck could feasibly be replaced with War Golem, then that card might be the reason your deck is bad/losing.) Ironbark Protector shows up in F2P Druid Lists ALL THE TIME. I have still seen this card being played regularly in Rank 20 in both Wild and Standard. I don't understand the reasoning, as there are tons of better options, but it still pretty consistently shows up. This card is also really good in Arena as a difficult to deal with late game minion and fulfils the same standard as War Golem, but actually sees play. I've also seen it used in Jungle Giants decks and some diehard Even Druid lists. I wouldn't say this card is bad, but it can certainly be better. Zayle, Shadow Cloak is a bad card, but Whizbang could certainly be moved to Classic. I don't think any Legendary should exist in Basic as it completely defeats the purpose of the game, which is the discovery of better options and optimizing your builds as you play. If Whizbang was added to Basic, why would new players play anything else other than Whizbang? You could argue the same for Classic, but at least there you need to either open him from packs, or craft him before you can use him. It would require a bit of effort to unlock, and would allow new players both a way to learn the game and a goal to work towards. A reward of sorts for their hard work. I think that a Legendary in the basic set that is openly available to everyone on starting the game wouldn't draw new people into the game, but instead stale the game considerable faster than it already is. New players wouldn't be willing to experiment with new decks, or learn how the game is played, when they could just use Whizbang. And older players would feel like it wouldn't be necessary to buy new expansions, as Whizbang would allow them to play those decks anyway.
I think cards like river crocolisk are important thought to have some cards in the game that demonstrate the base statline in hearthstone for new players.
Some solutions to make them playable: 1. Make really good cards that refer to specific basic cards in some way. 2. Make more minion types and synergies (ex: Orc, Goblin, Golem, etc) 3. Increase the stats by a point or 2 (7/7 to 8/8) 4. Make cards that synergize with minions with no abilities (vanilla tribal). 5. Create incentives for classes to use neutral minions with abilities their class cards don't have. (Ex: beasts in Warlock) 6- Make sure that at least standard doesn't have a strictly better neutral option of a basic card. Nerf new card or buff basic card accordingly. Those are my thoughts. That said, I think it's important for players to learn that they are excellent cards because trash cards exist to compare them to. These trash cards can also become pick options in Arena, making decision making much easier sometimes.
already recorded, will be done editing soon and it should be live for tomorrow. Will be similar to the "Which Wild Pack to buy" video and I think I go over every card
@@mustafakhan940 It's funny you say that because my 3 free packs, gave me a kronx(golden) and alexstrasza, the queen both in the same pack. Right after that, I bought 15 packs and got malygos(golden) and a death wing. Overall, Descent of the dragons is my best expansion in terms of luck compared to the other ones because I quit hearthstone for that very reason.
I like the idea of going over those cards with a rework. Giving River Croc stealth is a good idea in particular, as it would be underwater before it attacks.
what most people seem to not notice: there have to be bad cards that nobody plays,:for any transformation effects where there are bad outcomes (like getting a 8 mana 1/1), but these cards could be situational good (like a 1 mana 1/2 with taunt which prevents attacking face). also some cards are bad for themselves but can be good in some cases (like beast synergy).
I think the basic set still has some value for random effects like conjurers calling and puzzlebox of Yogg because vanilla minions often have better stats than newer minions with powerful battle types effects...
For Bloodfen Raptor you can even look at the "The Grand Tournament" expansion since there they introduced "King's Elekk" to the game. It's a 2 mana 3/2 Beast for Hunter with the cardtext: "Battlecry: Reveal a minion in each deck. If yours costs more, draw it."
Completely agree. Nobody would ever run neutral basic cards unless they're memeing, same thing with a lot of classic set cards. Hope blizz would consider some buffs *someday*, because it's actually really sad that so many cards in the card game are being completely useless. Thank you for the great video and keep up the good work, Solem!
The other day I was talking with my brother about how bad the basic and classic package needs some massive reworks and buffs specially because it would help newer and returning players.
Of course the Basic deck can't compete with "newer" Decks but I think it is a good way to learn the Basics when you are a beginner. With those simple cards you won't get overwhelmed by fancy effects like the newer cards have when you are just beginning to play the game. For some people the game seems very confusing and complicated at first. So the Basic Deck helps you to focus on the game mechanics when you are just starting out. But you are right, the gap between old and new cards is ridiculous and sometimes it seems like the developers forgot about the older cards.
A neat follow-up video would be adding/giving better effects to basic/classic minions that need them. (i.e. Core Hound could use a dual damage effect to complement it's two heads, maybe "Battlecry: Deal 3 damage to 2 random minions." similar to Twin Tyrant.)
In my hunter deck, I use bloodfen all the time as a potential turn 2 or aggressive turn 1 with coin. This is if I don’t draw my better early cards first but there have been cases where I’ve won with my bloodfen. I’ve even gotten it up to 11 attack and swept a couple times. And I did take out my grizzly but there have been times it has actually saved me early and late game, it all depends on what the opponent has to counter, and whether or not you have other minions out to use the effects of some cards.
@MrAnthonyCJ yes it still but better common cards are Injured Tolvir,Mana wyrm and Savage striker would be better examples because use right are way better then that card
@MrAnthonyCJ my point is if going compare cards you should compared guards of Equal value and Equal coast Examples he give basically try compare 10 Mana coasting minion of rare quality to 10 Mana legendary of course better quality is better Basic set cards are common rareity so if want prove them bad you need to do so of rarity of the card Ever way he right basic cards are bad since there a lot better choices just saying what he choose to prove it will hold more water if he use equal rarity
@MrAnthonyCJ my examples line up as well Injured Tolvir 3 coast minion 2/5 (2/3 when played) Mana wrath 1/3 but if play it going use a spell so (2/3 at lowest play) And he say minions who do something better than minions who do nothing and rarity play in how useful a card is power wise like your not going see rare,epic or a legendary minion that does nothing
Jarrod A But at the same time you can’t value rarity over quality of the basic or classic set for that matter. The current set should always be better than the natural basic cards, which is true, by adding a diverse set of cards and a higher level of power it creates the meta. But when the power level gets pushed too high, to the point where the current set is leagues ahead, then they become totally useless. Regardless of rarity of other cards, the pool that decks are made from get much shorter. Using rarity as an excuse to push the power of a card because completely null and void when the only other cards they CAN be compared to are the other cards in the set. And that’s the issue. The basic set can’t not be compared to the current state of the game and using rarity as an excuse to learn the basics isn’t good enough when new players can’t play the game because of the power level of the current set being too strong and they don’t have the gold or dust to make a good deck and want to continue to play. The incentive is not there. Period. Maybe it’s not there now, but unless they fix the problem, which it is a problem with every card based games with diverse metas, they won’t have that steady flow of new player and they fall out. Not that Hearthstone is all that diverse, their “balanced” basic and classic set determine what decks are played... right? (That was rhetorical if you couldn’t tell, sorry; unfortunately sarcasm doesn’t have a font)
I can only agree with the video. I like the style of hearthstone, but having a recent acount simply means my only chance of winning a game is by praying the opponent doesn't have anything near a descent of dragons deck
The base cards introduce new mecahnics like taunt without overwhelming the player if options or get scared if an opponent plays something you dont understand. It smooths out the learning curve and you get 'better' at the game simply by collecting cards because the cards are better
I mostly agree, but i think class specific cards should be, as a handful are, a tiny bit more powerful to compensate for their exclusivity - they can only be played with agency in that class. Of course, excluding discover and other similar effects where there is little choice to be made.
I feel like mage has had a huge issue with class identity that no one talks about. It has elements of control, of freeze, of burn, but it never gets given enough support for any one identity to show through
It's funny because I actually run Felstalker in my discard warlock deck. I'm sure mine isn't quite as good as it can possibly get, but a little non specific discard can be nice to have from time to time. It might not be great for general play, but a turn 2 4/3 that procs my quest and potentially a card in my hand isn't half bad.
I think the simplest solution would be to just make most of the TGT cards basic. For the most part TGT was really just a set designed to expand upon the basic set. Maybe tweak some stats or abilities on some of the REALLY bad cards like Silverback/Crocolisk, but I think a few of the cards like Yeti are fine where they're at.
I think the basic sets needs to look basic. It's a set every player can use anytime (so 5 years ago or 5 years in the future) to learn the basics of the game. It's true they are bad compared to the cards we now have, but I think they provide a good base for new players to learn the mechanics of the game such as trading minions, going face, card advantage and mana curve. After they have learned that, then it's time to put those better cards in their deck to improve and learn the more advanced mechanics.
Hoang Bui Which means the solution is to buff the stats, that is if they intend to power creep the card effects in each expansion. If new players lose too much, they are discouraged from playing, any top meta deck is no competition and getting started with the amount of gold and dust is hard. What’s the incentive to playing when they can’t change the result? The basic set needs to get buffed to compete with the changing meta. There’s not a way to stop power creep, meaning you can’t stop a changing meta, this is to attract players with new mixes of cards, you want loyal players of the game for it to even function, finally resulting in a need to revamp the cards to attract more players. That’s just microeconomics
Interesting video but it has 3 big problems : 1)The class cards are most of the times stronger than neutral cards so don't compare them 2)When you try to compare a set you have to do all of it. It's really unfair to give examples of only underpower stated minions (pack fillers). You can do that for every set. For example I can say that the new expansion (decent if dragins), which is arguable one of the strongest expansion in general, has a card named Chromatic egg (5 mana 0/3 neterual deathratle hatch into a discovered dragon) that is far worse from bgh or Harrison. 3)how can you say that a set is bad when their are cards that even to this day are core to create a archetype (Leeroy Brawl Flame imp ect)
@@kurtisvandermiller4507 The point is that not every class has a card that would be better than that neutral card. So if you want that "effect" in your deck you get a worse version of it than a class that "specializes" in it.
Summoning one of the 2 mana beasts of a lackey feels alright. They are just fodder cards, so players can learn the game with simple cards than move on to complex things. Its easy to learn with the basic set, and you face other noobs when you start a new account. Its good for the learning curve.
I don't think anyone would agree that it'd be good for the learning curve of Mario Tennis if it forced people to start by playing Pong, but that's basically what Hearthstone does.
@@hi-i-am-atan I liked the HS learning curve. Its perfect. It doesnt drown you with effects off the bat. Just simple stats and simple effects at first. It gets more complex when you want it to.
At this point in Hearthstone the basic set exists in order to prevent evolve shaman from being the greatest possible deck archetype. EDIT: Of course I'm talking about wild.
Make Warsong Commander similar to the pre-nerf, BUT with a couple of adjustments: "when you PLAY (not summon) a minion with 3 or less attack, give it RUSH (not charge)". Something like that should make it more interesting for new players to try to build a deck around. As for most of the cards that do nothing, just lower the cost, give 1 or 2 more stats, or give a battecry or deathrattle effect (such as, "give +1/+1 to a Beast" or "deal 2 damage") that doesn't involve keywords specific to a particular set. They don't have to become broken, or even good, but just at least somewhat playable.
Blizzard should add basic support cards. Something that rewards you for playing cards with no text, like a quest or maybe an effect that goes off whenever you play a basic minion.
A card I've wanted for a while now is a neutral legendary that gives all "blank" minions in your deck a stat buff. Example: At the start of the game, give all blank minions in your deck +3/+3.
Turn 1 5-5 turn 2 hit for 5 play another 5-5 and a 4-6 turn 3 hit for 14 and play the rest of your hand. Turn 4 lethal 80% of the time. How about we don't do that?
@@trentjordan5984 Fair point, it'd be more fair as +2/+2 buff. I erred on the side of OPness because the power level of hearthstone cards at this point is just bonkers!
As someone who was around back in beta, this is something I think about all the time. The meta was so adorable in retrospect, new players have no idea how good knife juggler or yeti or stormwind champion used to be.
Boar with charge works with topst turvy. Troll battlecry heal is used by zoo lock. 2 drops that draw cards are useful. Battlecry 5 cost that does 3 damage to enemy hero was used in odd mage.
The main problem with the basic set minions is that they put you at a mana/tempo disadvantage. For example ironfur grizzly very often dies to a two mana minion and because it doesnt do anything extra you also lose tempo.
It's important to preface that this video is from a primarily wild player's perspective. Comparing Lich King to Ironbark isn't the most appropriate comparison, when a new player can't even afford a few good standard epics. Cards like Bloodfen Raptor and River Crocolisk are good cards that can be played, just not to as great as an affect as current cards. Something to remember is basic cards aren't strictly meant to be useful. They act as a baseline to help judge newer cards. If basic cards were being played then we'd have a much bigger problem where the new expansions are way too low power and weak to warrant use over tutorial cards. Buffing old cards is also a problem since you don't want powerful evergreen effects. The Classic set is slowly being toned down to an appropriate power level to allow new cards to have the spotlight. Buffing basic and possibly some classic cards would be counterproductive and detrimental to the game's overall health.
I think the problem is that basic cards should just be the "good stats for the cost" type and you never print a card in an expansion that beats it in stats -> instead they have effects. That way you let new player see the stat value/ mana cost distribution. That also near guarantees that there will always be a better option for a deck to choose but those options are guaranteed to be a trade off instead of a flat power increase. I'm only considering neutral minions here since class cards are there for class identity and I don't really have a good solution for those.
@@ruukinen Personally I think it's fine to print good stated cards with good effects in expansions since they're only around for a few years before being shipped off to Wild. I think it also aids newer players more easily identify powerful cards like, " woah this card is a 4 mana 4/5 that restores health? That's insane! ". It's exciting to see big stats and big effects lol
@@oireal7261 Sure it's fine if it's to cement the theme of the expansion, if you want healing to be strong you make that card but the problem is that since there will be a lot of sets even in standard you will eventually end up with every mana cost slot filled with something that is better in every situation and with better stats than the basic cards. I think it would be more interesting for the designers to challenge themselves with inventing better ways to use that power budget instead of increasing it every expansion.
@@ruukinen I feel like we've hit that point now though where "pack filler" cards aren't just a pile of stats anymore. In Scholomance there are only a few cards that are just a keyword and stats. Many commons have interesting effects and unique synergies. When they do print high stats with interesting effects though, it often carries through the card's whole Standard lifespan.
@@oireal7261 Yeah and now that we have reached that point they could at least bring the basic cards to the equal in stats level instead of having them be below the curve vanilla minions against well statted effect minions. Goldshire footman for example could be a 2/2 or a 1/3
My favourite example is stormpike commandor and the angry scorpion. Storm pike 5m 4att 2hp Deal 2 damage Scorpion 4 m 5att 2hp Deal 2 if it kills get stealth
Well, Blizzard nerfed the basic set into the ground. Wild growth, war song commander that used to give charge to all minions, the giants, and many more saw play or defined a class. If they would do anything, then giving the cards new effects would be best. The 1/2 taunt now gains two attack on the opponents turn and is based 0/2. War song gives all minions rush. Blood fin raptor gains attack if the opponent suffered damaged. The ghoul has 0 based attack but gains plus 2 attack whenever a minion dies. Etc.
Guardian of kings is in my shivrallah deck because i use that card where you reveal a card from the deck and deal damage equal to the cost. It's ok to draw as well and regain health as i also run those 4/4 guys that turn into 8/8 when 10 health is restored. High mana cost can be useful. If they lowered the mana cost if this card I wouldn't run it anymore. It fits me like a glove!
The basic set is meant to be bad, because Blizz wants to sell more packs. But some basic cards are good in some cases (like Boar in the current DR-Rogue in Standard) or good in nearly every meta (like Swipe and Fireball). You play with the basic cards from rank 50 to 25 and then you have enough cards and dust to build a viable budget decks for the low ranks. So it`s fine at the moment how it works.
Good video but I gotta point out a few things... 1. It is not fair to directly compare neutral cards to class cards, they are not the same thing 2. The purpose of the basic set is to give you an introduction to the game and establish class identity 3. Brand new players would do just fine using these cards for the most part because they will (usually) be going up against new players with similar cards There are some cards in the basic set that it wouldn't hurt to buff, but the cards from basic should never be quite as strong as the cards from the expansions... If they were, expansions would have less impact and the meta would shift less.
I think that the basic set should be like the basic set in TF2. The basic rocket launcher deals average damage with average splash damage BUT all of the other rocket launchers specialise in specific things like the "the direct hit" the direct hit deals much damage but at the trade-off off low splash damage. Most pros use the regular rocket launcher but if the enemy team is playing characters that have much health and don't move much they will switch to the direct hit. I feel like for an example zephrys should be a 2-2 so it Isn't just a better blodfin raptor.
The thing that I hate most about Warsong Commander in its current state is that there are just so few minions with charge in the game, with the majority either being in the basic set, classic set, and in the hall of fame. With there now being more rush minions in the game than charge minions, I think that the commander should also affect rush minions, if nothing else.
This is why all card games eventually become convoluted. They always have to one up the previous cards or no one will be interested. The original meta where these cards would see play was perfect, it was like a chess game with flair. Now it's like who has the most op combo or deck. Dont get me wrong I still play alot, but it would be fun to see a (basic) mode or something along with wild.
I agree so much, I have friends who recently got in the game but we can't even play together because they don't have any good cards, seeing them play bad cards like that makes me wonder how I could keep on playing back when they were the only cards I had because of how weak and boring they are
There is one good argument for keeping those bad minions (in Blizzards mind at least): random card generation. You need bad outcomes to make new cards less broken, like Exotic Mountseller which should summon a Raptor, Patriach or Crokolist now and then. Random taunt generation and random 5- to 8-drop generation should have these bad outcomes as well (like Nethrandamus, Marsh Hydra, Plagued Protodrake, Jandice Barov). Also the discover tag has to be weakend with some bad old spells/minions (Zephrys, Power of creation, Vulpera, Elysiana, etc.). If you buff every card the game moves even more into a direction Solem and we don't want...
the base cards are intentionally bad to get you excited when you get new / better cards it gives a feeling of progression. I don't think anyone at HS designed these cards with top tier in mind or even mid tier. if everything is great then nothing is great. These cards make the legendries seem legendary - if that makes sense
I think the Basic cards shiuld be buffed to include the effects of the other sets. Like the Dr. Boom sets magnetic fusion bit, the lackeys, the echo, ect. It'll improve them abit, but also teach newer players different mechanics
Warsong Commander would be fun to play if charge minions gained +1/+1 while it's out on the field to promote some value trades, a lot of charge minions have wonky health totals, so giving a charge version of Southsea Captian would be reasonable. Tribe tags are powerful sometimes- beast is always relevant, plus sets rotate out, beast is a very powerful aggressive tag because of the basic beast synergy and later sets discounting or buffing beasts in hand or field. The recent set does make smaller minions pretty aggressive or resilient depending on the deck's goal, sure play with stronger cards if you have it, but for a free option, a basic option, learn to mix and match under performing cards to make the best of what you have. There are budget builds and full power builds, but sometimes you still have a nich'e use for even the worst cards, it can get you there sometimes.
So obviously I get that this is absolutely not the case anywhere in the top half of ranked, and I couldn't agree more with your overall point the basic set needs a buff, but Goldshire Footman was actually not that bad as a filler budget card in my experience. Sure it wasn't great, but it was far better than many of the other free options. On turn 1, any minion with 3+ stats is usually good enough to be worth the deckslot for a F2P player if it also isn't a completely dead draw in the late game, and I'd say Goldshire meets that condition. Obviously, you'd prefer a 1-drop that comes with some card generation or something, but taunt isn't bad when you can't get that. It's the cheapest option for keeping something alive an extra turn, being the only 1 mana *Taunt* in the game aside from the Warrior exclusive 2/1 in wild (correct me if I'm wrong.), and the fact it at least satisfies some kind of niche puts it above any of the other options on this list.
Yea that's the problem. Goldshire footman is actually something that most f2p players will use for 90% of their games just because of how long it takes to grind out even half decent cards f2p. It would be really cool if we could have viable ways for f2p players to compete in ranked. As a pay to win player myself I feel like even I would massively benefit from the game becoming much less of a time sink for f2p players. It's very hard to find a good variety of people to play at higher levels in ranked or even just for the game itself to be taken seriously in the TCG community when the cost is so high for digital only cards that you don't even get a physical print of....
Ironbark Protector used to see alot of play in older ramp druid decks. Of course cards are weak now compared to all the other cards ever printed, that's why I think wild is a bad way to look at card balance.
He didn't talk about Bolderfist Ogre, proving he's the strongest minion in the game
Oger
Good stats for cost
Magma Rager says hello.
Bone Saw, not even in all honesty. The powercreep has essentially made cards without effects worthless if they do not have the stat-line of a card that costs 1 higher. Well, unless you evolve into it but that doesn't count.
@@drpeppy635 god oger is hot.
Silverback Patriarch on turn 3 perfectly counters Restless Mummy on 4
It's big brain time
Haha dude Ur awesome 😂😂👍
no it doesnt, it cant even kill the mummy wym
@@jovanong1177 restless mummy is a 3 2 reborn and silverback is a 1 4. The 1 attack means that the restless mummy can only attack once because it doesnt die and respawn and the 4 health means that the Silverback doesn't even die. So you attack into it once and it's still up and you can't attack again.
@@flimpeenflarmpoon1353 if both my restless mummies died killing this silverback patriarch i would consider that value for my opponent, i rather my restless mummy be left at 1 health and his be left at one health instead of throwing both my mummies to kill a patriach
Create a problem
Sell a solution.
Gustavo Duffman Fascism 101
Best comment
Gustavo Duffman dude you realt Said it
Sounds like iphone/apple
Removed the handphone jack, sell cables for it
Capitalism 101
He talks shit about gold shire footman but forgets that your opponent is legally obligated to concede upon seeing this lad
I still don't get why he had it in his deck or why the streamer conceded. If the guy is dumb enough to run the Footman in high ranks, show him that what he's doing is wrong!
lmfao
Guess he wasnt ready for action
@Joey Turkey I agree
@Joey Turkey Why? Goldshire Footman means an easy win. It is a waste if you concede!
oh no. Oh. No. You're giving them ideas. You're pointing on their mistakes.
They'll nerf spells and weapons now, you know?
Rorre change to rush lmao
Twisting Nether: 8 mana ask a minion to maybe die if it's okay for them, politely.
Twisting Nether: Destroy 4 random Minions.
"why don't give River Crocolisk stealth?"
that's a Gilblin Stalker with beast tag
-> power creep
@Johnerino Wickerino Kripperino i guest arcane servant has some shaman synergies
@@yorickvlt1021 Yeah, like ruining the elemental pool for menacing nimbus.
If that's what you think power creep is in hearthstone then yes you are correct but it is still infinitely better than giving more stats to new minions or broken effects
Not if there are cards that can destroy beasts. And there is.
665 likes? I'm gonna *ruin* this man whole career. Im gonna like tha comment
The amount of times my King Krush finisher was ruined by a Goldshire Footman...
Elliott Pascoe too true my friend. Too true.
"ready for action"
Yea they should make it a 0/0 taunt
I am glad you didn’t include TAS DINGO!!
Gamescrn it’s because he’s the best card in the game
His solid
4 mana 3/5 taunt is approaching playable.
0IIIIII make sure blizzard doesnt see this, they might make a 4/5 taunt
Ryniano they printed something like that I think. Idk if you’re joking
Yeah, but Sen'jin Shieldmasta the best card in the game
T A Z D I N G O
That phrase will invoke fear in their hearts
YA HA HA MON
Unironically a good card.
Random 2 Mana priest spell can counter 4 mana card
I started back in 2015 and I can't even imagine being a new player starting with the basic set going against the cards we have now.
IT was rough even back then. Now, literal pay to win.
Welp new players have to suck it up till they earn enough gold to get better cards
Well I abandoned the game two years ago. It's a shame that I can't give another person my cool cards. :(
@@piratacachimbero Those cards are now worthless lol
@@sincord1 top tier meme cards for top tier meme decks
You know what Is stronger than Warsong?
Its
That
Freaking
River Crocolisk.
yeah, because beast tag is more valuable than warsong effect.
And It's one mana cheaper lol?
adas princ omg i love maplestory
What the f do you mean, Anh Ky Nguyen?
@@rorre1650 Beast tag and -1 mana is ABSOLUTELY worth Warsong's garbage effect.
And they removed Ragnaros and Sylvanas. 2 unarguably good classic cards.
Sadly nobody cares at Blizzard. Kripp has yelled at then a bunch of times, with no result.
They dont care because they need to sell new packs from newest expansion. If they make basic/classic set viable (soon our Twilight Drake will go to hall of fame , RIP :( ) no one will buy new packs with equally powerful cards as in the newest expansions. This is straight forward economy politic for many card games including Magic The Gathering. Magic is famous with extreme power creep over the years.
Ben Brode actually replied to Kripp. His answers were pretty reasonable.
@@Lcsmu Ben Brode got the heck outta dodge when he saw how things were going at Blizz.
The base set is meant to be an introduction to the game, with simple mechanics to give you an idea of how to play. With passing of time it's normal that 5 years old ideas get surpassed when you take in account the game natural limitations, like: 1 to 10 mana, 0 to a reasonable 12ish attack(for most cards), same with health, 7 max minions on allied board, only 2 (deck starting) copies, the fact that decimals are not used and many others factors. Bottom line, the base set was meant to become obsolete at some point and by logic more and more for every expansion that goes by, even in power level as one can only do so much within the borders that the game possibilities offer. Also, some comparisons were not really fair, as class cards are not really meant to be compared on a 1:1 ratio with neutral or other class cards, like for instance, we know how warrior gets a bonus when it comes to taunt mechanics, that priest minions get healthy life total, the abundance of divine shields in paladin and so forth, just to name a few examples. With that said, i'd rather not pass for someone just pointing out stuff to make you look bad,, i actually liked the video! Keep up the good work.
TheAccuso I liked your comment. Would like again
Great comment, totally agree. Hearthstone is starting to remind me of Magic the gathering. In my opinion they didn’t check the power creep as new sets came out and ended up wrecking the game. I hope hearthstone doesn’t follow that path, you’ve gotta have a limit at some point or the game becomes stupid
"5 year old ideas get surpassed" I mean, I think "bigger number" doesnt exactly qualify as a new idea, but maybe that's just me
@@Thatowlzguy maybe if you read extensively you would have noticed how much the limitation of "numbers" is stressed and plays a big part when trying to introduce new ideas without overshadowing preexistent cards, wich normally happens.
For what i gather from your comment you seem to belive that cards with simple mechanics are bound to become useless. Thats the whole point of the video, they are basic in concept but thats not why they are bad, value-wise they dont make sense.
Forget basic cards even classic cards suck.... They took most good cards away and put in garbage.....
Funny thing. The only legendaries i ever dropped from packs were Ragnaros and Sylvanas.
And then a couple months later both got put down by blizzard.
@@Sonlirain of course why would casuals need good cards at all??
I’ll have you know the classic set contains the most powerful card in the whole game, Al’ Akir the Windlord
Because if you had permanent good card, you wouldn't give blizzard that much money
@@danieldancza6171 bullshit, have you seen the power creep? You can't build even a decent deck with classic and basic cards.
Comparing Neutral to Class cards and Neutrals to Legendaries might be too disingenuous.
Class cards always get a special effect benefitting the class' identity. You can make a solid claim about how crappy basic Neutral cards are by comparing them to newer expansion Neutral cards.
I love the idea of buffing basic set stats. I think that would be the perfect fix for newbies!
The problem here is that the good cards of the basic set are being put together with the bad ones and being compared to the best cards of other sets...
For example saying that the argent commander is bad compared to the new 5/3 rush divine shield dragon of the new expansion is just denying the fact that the card is already good and playable. The 3/2 best is also a decent card and the 8/8 taunt is an awesome minion to put in your deck when starting the game.
I think the main idea of this video is to put some more strength in the basic set so the cards would be as strong or stronger than some of the new cards. This would just make hearthstone less entertaining.
When I started the game I was enjoying my pack opening because every card was at least as strong as the few one I already had. The basic set card are being replaced with your new card through your progression in the game.
In addition to that having a stronger basic set would just mean that the decks would be less various, using always the same cards from expansion to expansion, year to year.
To me there are some cards of the basic set that might be buffed like the 1/4 taunt or the 5/4 for 6 mana that heal your hero but it should not be as strong as the new cards, otherwise opening packs would just be less entertaining, and it is a big part of a card game.
You are part of the problem.
Back View :’(
@@rdsasuke1 The truth is, Collectible card games need bad cards.
@@UrzaWeatherlight Nah it's a mathematical guarantee that a card game is going to have bad cards, as long as you print more cards than can be put into a deck I.e 30 in this case.
I always thought it stupid and greedy that the “free” cards are literally unplayable.
In other games like Gwent, you start with a few epics and cards that actually see play. They don’t print bad cards on purpose just so say “hey we gave you _some_ free cards!”
It’s gross and even worse is the fact Blizzard won’t change their design.
"free cards" in Hearthstone do see play: think about truesilver champion, consacration, swipe, Savage Roar, tracking, animal companion and so many more. It's Just te basic neutral cards that suck
@@alessandrodebonis4888 And the video points that out, spells see play, but the minions don't.
BOULDERFIST OGRE
*oger
Me have good stats for mana cost
Peppermint you’re actually wrong it’s ogre
jacob francis no it’s actually oger
Aiden Wilkson no it’s not. Show your proof.
Silverback Patriarch gang wya
You can't cast dire frenzy on stonehill defender.
Chip James really
@@imchipjames Cant give tar creeper charge with tundra rhino🤷♀️
silverback matriarch > silverback patriarch
turn 1, innervate, coin, silverback patriarch, emote, GG
The solution for the basic set is to keep some of the minions with "weak" statlines (river croc/chillwind yeti) because they establish a baseline for new players to look at and go "oh this is how much stats a 4 drop /should/ have." We have some really outdated cards that didn't work to set this example, like 7 Mana 7/7 compared to Dr boom. Basic neutral cards probably need to have an extra 1 health across the board and they would be more in line with current cards while not becoming too powerful that the eclipse anything in standard right now.
I think the most insulting thing for me about the basic set is that they usually have the better/non cartoony art styles and also are the most connected to the lore, yet they are the weakest :/
Ah yes, this crocodile and gorilla is much more important than Tirion or The Lich King
@@addamazeing Basic/Classic are both very connected to the lore since they both came out with the game, you know what I meant, don't have to nitpick. Also I'd much rather see warrior using Warsong commanders or frostwolf grunts instead of flunkies. If only they had better effects that fit any archetypes.
Pretty sure all the basic cards take their art directly from the old WOW tcg. So that's probably why they feel so artistically different from the other sets
@@addamazeing B A S I C S E T
@@darkrager872
Yep, basic set
The only way those card could be relevant in the future is adding a sort of 'archetype' that plays with those basic minions. Like a 'Battlecry: Destroy a minions, summon 2 basic minions with cost 4 or less'.
Something like that. Yugioh played this idea frequently, and the result is pretty funny. They realized that old monsters are useless (aka non effect monsters) so they introduced archetypes that sinergyzes with those monsters, like 'Draw 2 normal monsters from your deck' 'Give a normal monster +X/+X' etc.
So in the end, give those basic monsters the same threat as lackeys, adding some card that plays with them, summon them, buffing them, searching them, etc.
The support for normal monsters is amazing, pair that with something like Skill drain and you're ready to screw them over
B-but how would Bli$$ard (TM) sell packs when basic and classic cards can see play?
You realize that classic isn't free
And it has one of the most nerfed cards
You know that there is not a single deck without basic and classic cards because they are the core of the game
@@ranges787 classic yes but basic set was only frostwolf warlord on odd pally that was played like 2 years ago i can't think of another example rn
@@nicoavlz347 you know there are basic spells that are included in like every deck
Comparing neutral cards with class cards is not fair
Владимир exactly what I was thinking
Yeah but he also compares class cards with superior neutral cards
Quicksand Elemental > Bloodfen Raptor
2 mana 3/2 with battlecry giving your opponent's minions -2 attack for the turn, making trading into them much more reasonably viable. Neutral with a strong effect... never sees play. Lol
Still, the difference in power is *huge* . Like, c'mon, the point still stands.
Didnt know faceless corruptor was a class card
When he compare it with booty bay bodyguard
I feel like this video lacks the context that these cards were released in. While I agree a lot of the classic set has become obsolete at this point, there were YEARS of separation of these cards with minor pushes in power to get them to where they are today. An argument for the classic set as it is being it was made to be simple to some degree to help new players understand and learn the game. Yes, card games are fairly widespread but we can't discount people who don't have that background.
Comparing silverback patriarch to fierce monkey ignores that one is a neutral card and one is a class card. Class cards are usually stronger than their neutral counterparts everything else being equal. The same holds true for the war golem/Dr. Boom comparison with regards to their rarity common/legendary. It can be pushed because of that difference.
Warsong commander has been butchered, no argument there. BUT it was made that way because it was BROKEN beforehand. I am glad charge has been begun to be phased out for rush. That's a personal gripe since I like control more than aggro, but even with the opposite philosophy, the old version of this card did too much. Molten giants that got cheaper when you took damage, 2 mana brewmasters to bounce them back to your hand to be played again at likely 0 mana that then got charge and could attack AGAIN on the same turn. I vividly remember one game as priest where I stole 2 shield blocks from a warrior at full health. I died from 40->0 (30 hp and 10 armor) from the enemy having nothing on board at the start of the turn. That is toxic game design. They TRIED to do a softer nerf but the combo was just redone in a different form with raging wargens. I agree warsong commander deserves better than it's current state but it's proved a hard card to balance and I feel like the team has moved on at this point.
Guardian of kings...yeah, he needs some love. I want control paladin to be a thing but it struggles sometimes. To be fair, the comparison you make with watcher just happened in the recent set, so maybe they'll give him some love in the new year updates, who knows but this whole set is rather large in power level compared to others.
You're very correct in the essay you've typed. Classic is a little obsolete. Back in the days the classic cards were still good. But with every other card game (that I've played), the more that gets added to the game, the weaker the older sets seem to get. Not counting several expansions of Hearthstone.
Classic was great when it was one of the main expansions. (Only because there were little amounts of cards.)
Dr. Boom and War Golem aren't comparable at all. Merely because their rarity is lowest and highest respectively.
Conclusion is. Yes. Classic has grown obsolete. But if everything was great and good? Then there would be 500 archetypes for every class and you would never be able to guess what you're playing against again. Now at least, you have a general idea what to do against.. As example Galakrond Shaman.
Warsong commander should just give cards rush
Wise words.
My oppinion (for years now): Blizzard should restructure Basic and Classic sets completely, to the point where they erase those sets entirely. Many players pointed out that Hearthstone should have something like MtGs Core Sets (or whatever they are called nowadays) - a set that is overhauled each Hearthstone year with mostly 'reprints' but some new cards exclusive to that set.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you. And @Solem: Keep up your marvelous work!
Congrats, you got core
4:57 I mean of course the Monkey is better he is armed and the Patriarch not.
ah, how i sometimes long for the days when harvest golem, senjin and yeti were considered good....those days also had wallet warrior, pre-nerf combo rogue and handlock, grain of salt i suppose
Agreed this was a nostalgic time. They should release "classic hearthstone" now that classic WoW was so successful! I would definitely play some classic HS.
Vanilla minions were always destined to be bad after a few sets, no matter how you print them. It happens with every card game.
I still play senjing shieldmasta, than again I started playing yesterday.
@@thatsawesomelol that aged well
but solem goldshire footman is a powerful card legend has it that just when it came on board people conceded dont believe me ask savjz
So ready for action
You forgot the memest 5/1 for 3
That one is bad in a good way
you what
he is good for the cost, just like my boy boulderist ogre
@@LignumVerus holy shit you just blew my fucking mind
Magma rager was okay with that paladin card who gave to 1 health minions a divine shield.
Goldshire Footman is a decent card for early builds of Taunt Warrior and Odd Paladin before you're able to get better options. However, I've also seen him recently used as a tech card in the new Buff/Necrium Apothecary Rogue instead of Sunfury Protector. It is certainly trumped by other cards, but I've still seen it played in F2P decks that got lucky pulls from packs.
Bloodfen Raptor starts seeing play again in F2P Hunter lists that crop up at the end of an expansion lifecycle. It's a decent beast option with competitive stats, which makes it ideal for F2P Hunter lists, but can certainly be quickly replaced for better options.
River Crocolisk also sees play in the F2P Hunter lists, but not as often as Bloodfen. I will say the F2P Hunter lists aren't really what F2P players are building, but rather what P2W players use to demonstrate that you don't need an expensive collection in order to win. Early in new expansions, and overall in Wild, these decks rarely ever work, but for new players getting into the game after the meta has staled and all the other players have left to play different games/are waiting for the new expansion to be released, it feels like an ideal deck.
I don't think Frostwolf Grunt has ever seen play as early Hearthstone didn't see this taunt minion as being competitive and there are plenty of better options. I can agree with you here.
Silverback Patriarch sees play in Taunt builds every once in awhile, due to its high health and 1 attack. I've seen it used in cheaper builds in Taunt Quest Warrior, Armagedillo Taunt Warrior and some unoptimized builds of Embiggen/Recruit Druid. I would certainly recommend better options, but for people starting out, this works as a stopgap until you can get more cards in your collection.
Ironfur Grizzly sees some play in that F2P Hunter list, but isn't in ever list as Hunters would rather play Eaglehorn Bow or Animal Companion on 3. I've actually seen Ironfur Grizzly used as a stopgap in unoptimized builds of Recruit Druid (before they get the 4 mana 3/6 taunt) and some Armagedillo Warriors, however the latter may be more for memes than actual options.
Warsong Commander needs to remain in the game as a reminder of just how much Blizzard/Team5 can murder a card, and I would fight to my dying breath before I'd allow you or anyone else remove this card from the game. We should ensure that we do not forget the past, so that we do not repeat it in the future. RIP Warsong Commander, know that we will not forget your sacrifice.
Booty Bay Bodyguard sees a lot of play in Arena. It shouldn't be in any constructed list (wild or standard), but removing it from the game seems a bit foolish as it serves as the baseline for a 5 mana minion with taunt. That said, I have seen some utilization in unoptimized builds of recruit decks, and ultimately serves as a lesson about stats for new players.
I personally still use Guardian of Kings as a starting point in Healadin builds and the recent Pure Paladin list. I quickly replace him with better options, but he still tends to be a decent option in Arena as a catch up card in a top-deck situation. I would prefer better options, but when Guardian of Kings shows up in low tier buckets with other bad commons, I see him as a welcome relief. He is definitely trumped by Amber Dragon, but for players just starting out, he can serve as a nice stopgap to climb out of rank 25 and start earning gold to buy either packs from newer expansions, or arena tickets. Turn 7 is kind of a nebulous turn for Paladin, so he isn't a bad option, there are just better options.
War Golem is bad, but again I saw him used occasionally in unoptimized builds of Star Aligner decks, and is a decent option in Arena as a late game threat. If not for War Golem, how can we balance what is actually overpowered on Turn 7? I wouldn't recommend anyone ever playing War Golem in any deck, but instead use it as a conjecture for selecting cards for your decks. (e.g. if a late game card in your deck could feasibly be replaced with War Golem, then that card might be the reason your deck is bad/losing.)
Ironbark Protector shows up in F2P Druid Lists ALL THE TIME. I have still seen this card being played regularly in Rank 20 in both Wild and Standard. I don't understand the reasoning, as there are tons of better options, but it still pretty consistently shows up. This card is also really good in Arena as a difficult to deal with late game minion and fulfils the same standard as War Golem, but actually sees play. I've also seen it used in Jungle Giants decks and some diehard Even Druid lists. I wouldn't say this card is bad, but it can certainly be better.
Zayle, Shadow Cloak is a bad card, but Whizbang could certainly be moved to Classic. I don't think any Legendary should exist in Basic as it completely defeats the purpose of the game, which is the discovery of better options and optimizing your builds as you play. If Whizbang was added to Basic, why would new players play anything else other than Whizbang? You could argue the same for Classic, but at least there you need to either open him from packs, or craft him before you can use him. It would require a bit of effort to unlock, and would allow new players both a way to learn the game and a goal to work towards. A reward of sorts for their hard work. I think that a Legendary in the basic set that is openly available to everyone on starting the game wouldn't draw new people into the game, but instead stale the game considerable faster than it already is. New players wouldn't be willing to experiment with new decks, or learn how the game is played, when they could just use Whizbang. And older players would feel like it wouldn't be necessary to buy new expansions, as Whizbang would allow them to play those decks anyway.
I think cards like river crocolisk are important thought to have some cards in the game that demonstrate the base statline in hearthstone for new players.
Well, clearly I need to put Silverback Patriarch in my next Hobgoblin deck.
Remember hobgoblin! That card was so nice!
It's almost as if removing the good cards from basic+classic and then releasing better versions of what is left makes it a joke
Personally, I feel that they should make the Classic set the easiest to obtain while the players can focus their gold spending on the expansions.
Some solutions to make them playable:
1. Make really good cards that refer to specific basic cards in some way.
2. Make more minion types and synergies (ex: Orc, Goblin, Golem, etc)
3. Increase the stats by a point or 2 (7/7 to 8/8)
4. Make cards that synergize with minions with no abilities (vanilla tribal).
5. Create incentives for classes to use neutral minions with abilities their class cards don't have. (Ex: beasts in Warlock)
6- Make sure that at least standard doesn't have a strictly better neutral option of a basic card. Nerf new card or buff basic card accordingly.
Those are my thoughts. That said, I think it's important for players to learn that they are excellent cards because trash cards exist to compare them to. These trash cards can also become pick options in Arena, making decision making much easier sometimes.
You dont really face tier 1 decks when first starting out right now. The whole "rank 50" system actually makes basic cards relevant for a while.
6:40 "Booty boy... bodybuilder" LMAO
Hi Solem! Can you make a video about the best cards to craft from Descent of Dragons for Wild, please? Thanks in advance.
The whole expansion lul . It op
For Legendaries, I'd say just Kronx and Alexstraxa are the most important
already recorded, will be done editing soon and it should be live for tomorrow. Will be similar to the "Which Wild Pack to buy" video and I think I go over every card
@@Solemhs thanks for your good work! Looking forward to see it! Cheers;)!
@@mustafakhan940 It's funny you say that because my 3 free packs, gave me a kronx(golden) and alexstrasza, the queen both in the same pack. Right after that, I bought 15 packs and got malygos(golden) and a death wing.
Overall, Descent of the dragons is my best expansion in terms of luck compared to the other ones because I quit hearthstone for that very reason.
I like the idea of going over those cards with a rework. Giving River Croc stealth is a good idea in particular, as it would be underwater before it attacks.
I once legitimately put Goldshire footman into my Taunt warrior deck. Helps completing the quest a turn faster.
what most people seem to not notice: there have to be bad cards that nobody plays,:for any transformation effects where there are bad outcomes (like getting a 8 mana 1/1), but these cards could be situational good (like a 1 mana 1/2 with taunt which prevents attacking face). also some cards are bad for themselves but can be good in some cases (like beast synergy).
I think the basic set still has some value for random effects like conjurers calling and puzzlebox of Yogg because vanilla minions often have better stats than newer minions with powerful battle types effects...
For Bloodfen Raptor you can even look at the "The Grand Tournament" expansion since there they introduced "King's Elekk" to the game. It's a 2 mana 3/2 Beast for Hunter with the cardtext: "Battlecry: Reveal a minion in each deck. If yours costs more, draw it."
"Whoever choose this effect should be fired".
Well, i'm pretty sure they were the first in the list in the lay off list this year.
4:56 alright, guys. You know what we gotta do.
Time to build that Hobgoblin Goldshire Footman Silverback Patriarch Paladin deck.
FOR THE LIGHT!!!
Completely agree. Nobody would ever run neutral basic cards unless they're memeing, same thing with a lot of classic set cards. Hope blizz would consider some buffs *someday*, because it's actually really sad that so many cards in the card game are being completely useless. Thank you for the great video and keep up the good work, Solem!
The other day I was talking with my brother about how bad the basic and classic package needs some massive reworks and buffs specially because it would help newer and returning players.
In YuGiOh there are really strong effect cards that only activate if you've got a monster with no text, maybe that could work in HS?
Choc Ice in magic there is also a card that buffs all creatures with no text
@@ikahekathesnake4233 Kobolds Storm second plan :D
Some of this card can be usefull with the discovery mecanic like cheap taunt minion
Situational at best.
If you remove/buff them you still have on average better options since these are literally some of the worst cards in the game.
Of course the Basic deck can't compete with "newer" Decks but I think it is a good way to learn the Basics when you are a beginner. With those simple cards you won't get overwhelmed by fancy effects like the newer cards have when you are just beginning to play the game. For some people the game seems very confusing and complicated at first. So the Basic Deck helps you to focus on the game mechanics when you are just starting out. But you are right, the gap between old and new cards is ridiculous and sometimes it seems like the developers forgot about the older cards.
Of all of the basic cards, none have been so throughly humilated as Silverback Patriack lol.
A neat follow-up video would be adding/giving better effects to basic/classic minions that need them. (i.e. Core Hound could use a dual damage effect to complement it's two heads, maybe "Battlecry: Deal 3 damage to 2 random minions." similar to Twin Tyrant.)
Used that ironbark protector a lot..
I don't have Leroy or Zilliax, so Reckless Rocketeer fits into my Anubisath Deathrattle deck like a glove
In my hunter deck, I use bloodfen all the time as a potential turn 2 or aggressive turn 1 with coin. This is if I don’t draw my better early cards first but there have been cases where I’ve won with my bloodfen. I’ve even gotten it up to 11 attack and swept a couple times. And I did take out my grizzly but there have been times it has actually saved me early and late game, it all depends on what the opponent has to counter, and whether or not you have other minions out to use the effects of some cards.
8:38, 9:08 I know what u meant but .... classic card won't be never equalled to legendary!
River crocolisk is bad but don't need fake it be bad by comparing a Normal (count basic as normal) 2 Mana 2/3 to three 2 Mana 2/3 rares
@MrAnthonyCJ yes it still but better common cards are Injured Tolvir,Mana wyrm and Savage striker would be better examples because use right are way better then that card
@MrAnthonyCJ my point is if going compare cards you should compared guards of Equal value and Equal coast
Examples he give basically try compare 10 Mana coasting minion of rare quality to 10 Mana legendary of course better quality is better
Basic set cards are common rareity so if want prove them bad you need to do so of rarity of the card
Ever way he right basic cards are bad since there a lot better choices just saying what he choose to prove it will hold more water if he use equal rarity
@MrAnthonyCJ my examples line up as well
Injured Tolvir 3 coast minion 2/5 (2/3 when played)
Mana wrath 1/3 but if play it going use a spell so (2/3 at lowest play)
And he say minions who do something better than minions who do nothing and rarity play in how useful a card is power wise like your not going see rare,epic or a legendary minion that does nothing
I think I'm having a stroke reading Jarrod's comments. English?
Jarrod A But at the same time you can’t value rarity over quality of the basic or classic set for that matter. The current set should always be better than the natural basic cards, which is true, by adding a diverse set of cards and a higher level of power it creates the meta. But when the power level gets pushed too high, to the point where the current set is leagues ahead, then they become totally useless. Regardless of rarity of other cards, the pool that decks are made from get much shorter. Using rarity as an excuse to push the power of a card because completely null and void when the only other cards they CAN be compared to are the other cards in the set. And that’s the issue. The basic set can’t not be compared to the current state of the game and using rarity as an excuse to learn the basics isn’t good enough when new players can’t play the game because of the power level of the current set being too strong and they don’t have the gold or dust to make a good deck and want to continue to play. The incentive is not there. Period. Maybe it’s not there now, but unless they fix the problem, which it is a problem with every card based games with diverse metas, they won’t have that steady flow of new player and they fall out. Not that Hearthstone is all that diverse, their “balanced” basic and classic set determine what decks are played... right? (That was rhetorical if you couldn’t tell, sorry; unfortunately sarcasm doesn’t have a font)
I can only agree with the video. I like the style of hearthstone, but having a recent acount simply means my only chance of winning a game is by praying the opponent doesn't have anything near a descent of dragons deck
The base cards introduce new mecahnics like taunt without overwhelming the player if options or get scared if an opponent plays something you dont understand. It smooths out the learning curve and you get 'better' at the game simply by collecting cards because the cards are better
I mostly agree, but i think class specific cards should be, as a handful are, a tiny bit more powerful to compensate for their exclusivity - they can only be played with agency in that class. Of course, excluding discover and other similar effects where there is little choice to be made.
I feel like mage has had a huge issue with class identity that no one talks about. It has elements of control, of freeze, of burn, but it never gets given enough support for any one identity to show through
It's funny because I actually run Felstalker in my discard warlock deck. I'm sure mine isn't quite as good as it can possibly get, but a little non specific discard can be nice to have from time to time. It might not be great for general play, but a turn 2 4/3 that procs my quest and potentially a card in my hand isn't half bad.
I think the simplest solution would be to just make most of the TGT cards basic. For the most part TGT was really just a set designed to expand upon the basic set. Maybe tweak some stats or abilities on some of the REALLY bad cards like Silverback/Crocolisk, but I think a few of the cards like Yeti are fine where they're at.
I think the basic sets needs to look basic. It's a set every player can use anytime (so 5 years ago or 5 years in the future) to learn the basics of the game. It's true they are bad compared to the cards we now have, but I think they provide a good base for new players to learn the mechanics of the game such as trading minions, going face, card advantage and mana curve. After they have learned that, then it's time to put those better cards in their deck to improve and learn the more advanced mechanics.
Hoang Bui Which means the solution is to buff the stats, that is if they intend to power creep the card effects in each expansion. If new players lose too much, they are discouraged from playing, any top meta deck is no competition and getting started with the amount of gold and dust is hard. What’s the incentive to playing when they can’t change the result? The basic set needs to get buffed to compete with the changing meta. There’s not a way to stop power creep, meaning you can’t stop a changing meta, this is to attract players with new mixes of cards, you want loyal players of the game for it to even function, finally resulting in a need to revamp the cards to attract more players. That’s just microeconomics
"Now that you've learned the basic of the game, give us money to be able to play competitively"
Interesting video but it has 3 big problems :
1)The class cards are most of the times stronger than neutral cards so don't compare them
2)When you try to compare a set you have to do all of it. It's really unfair to give examples of only underpower stated minions (pack fillers). You can do that for every set. For example I can say that the new expansion (decent if dragins), which is arguable one of the strongest expansion in general, has a card named Chromatic egg (5 mana 0/3 neterual deathratle hatch into a discovered dragon) that is far worse from bgh or Harrison.
3)how can you say that a set is bad when their are cards that even to this day are core to create a archetype (Leeroy Brawl Flame imp ect)
Leeroy, Brawl and Imp are not Basic, they are Classic. Video is about cards from basic set.
And I agree with 1st point of your opinion.
@@kurtisvandermiller4507 The point is that not every class has a card that would be better than that neutral card. So if you want that "effect" in your deck you get a worse version of it than a class that "specializes" in it.
Summoning one of the 2 mana beasts of a lackey feels alright. They are just fodder cards, so players can learn the game with simple cards than move on to complex things.
Its easy to learn with the basic set, and you face other noobs when you start a new account. Its good for the learning curve.
I don't think anyone would agree that it'd be good for the learning curve of Mario Tennis if it forced people to start by playing Pong, but that's basically what Hearthstone does.
@@hi-i-am-atan I liked the HS learning curve. Its perfect.
It doesnt drown you with effects off the bat. Just simple stats and simple effects at first.
It gets more complex when you want it to.
At this point in Hearthstone the basic set exists in order to prevent evolve shaman from being the greatest possible deck archetype.
EDIT: Of course I'm talking about wild.
Make Warsong Commander similar to the pre-nerf, BUT with a couple of adjustments: "when you PLAY (not summon) a minion with 3 or less attack, give it RUSH (not charge)". Something like that should make it more interesting for new players to try to build a deck around.
As for most of the cards that do nothing, just lower the cost, give 1 or 2 more stats, or give a battecry or deathrattle effect (such as, "give +1/+1 to a Beast" or "deal 2 damage") that doesn't involve keywords specific to a particular set. They don't have to become broken, or even good, but just at least somewhat playable.
Blizzard should add basic support cards. Something that rewards you for playing cards with no text, like a quest or maybe an effect that goes off whenever you play a basic minion.
A card I've wanted for a while now is a neutral legendary that gives all "blank" minions in your deck a stat buff.
Example: At the start of the game, give all blank minions in your deck +3/+3.
Turn 1 5-5 turn 2 hit for 5 play another 5-5 and a 4-6 turn 3 hit for 14 and play the rest of your hand. Turn 4 lethal 80% of the time.
How about we don't do that?
@@trentjordan5984 Fair point, it'd be more fair as +2/+2 buff. I erred on the side of OPness because the power level of hearthstone cards at this point is just bonkers!
As someone who was around back in beta, this is something I think about all the time. The meta was so adorable in retrospect, new players have no idea how good knife juggler or yeti or stormwind champion used to be.
Guardian of Kings was SOO BADASS. He would scream "Justice" and then "VENGEANCE" in my language. I always used it even knowing how bad it is.
Boar with charge works with topst turvy. Troll battlecry heal is used by zoo lock. 2 drops that draw cards are useful. Battlecry 5 cost that does 3 damage to enemy hero was used in odd mage.
I don't know what kind of odd mage you were playing if you played that...
@@brandondennis5166 it was in every odd standard mage deck bro
The main problem with the basic set minions is that they put you at a mana/tempo disadvantage. For example ironfur grizzly very often dies to a two mana minion and because it doesnt do anything extra you also lose tempo.
It's important to preface that this video is from a primarily wild player's perspective.
Comparing Lich King to Ironbark isn't the most appropriate comparison, when a new player can't even afford a few good standard epics.
Cards like Bloodfen Raptor and River Crocolisk are good cards that can be played, just not to as great as an affect as current cards.
Something to remember is basic cards aren't strictly meant to be useful. They act as a baseline to help judge newer cards. If basic cards were being played then we'd have a much bigger problem where the new expansions are way too low power and weak to warrant use over tutorial cards.
Buffing old cards is also a problem since you don't want powerful evergreen effects. The Classic set is slowly being toned down to an appropriate power level to allow new cards to have the spotlight. Buffing basic and possibly some classic cards would be counterproductive and detrimental to the game's overall health.
I think the problem is that basic cards should just be the "good stats for the cost" type and you never print a card in an expansion that beats it in stats -> instead they have effects. That way you let new player see the stat value/ mana cost distribution. That also near guarantees that there will always be a better option for a deck to choose but those options are guaranteed to be a trade off instead of a flat power increase. I'm only considering neutral minions here since class cards are there for class identity and I don't really have a good solution for those.
@@ruukinen Personally I think it's fine to print good stated cards with good effects in expansions since they're only around for a few years before being shipped off to Wild. I think it also aids newer players more easily identify powerful cards like, " woah this card is a 4 mana 4/5 that restores health? That's insane! ". It's exciting to see big stats and big effects lol
@@oireal7261 Sure it's fine if it's to cement the theme of the expansion, if you want healing to be strong you make that card but the problem is that since there will be a lot of sets even in standard you will eventually end up with every mana cost slot filled with something that is better in every situation and with better stats than the basic cards. I think it would be more interesting for the designers to challenge themselves with inventing better ways to use that power budget instead of increasing it every expansion.
@@ruukinen I feel like we've hit that point now though where "pack filler" cards aren't just a pile of stats anymore. In Scholomance there are only a few cards that are just a keyword and stats. Many commons have interesting effects and unique synergies. When they do print high stats with interesting effects though, it often carries through the card's whole Standard lifespan.
@@oireal7261 Yeah and now that we have reached that point they could at least bring the basic cards to the equal in stats level instead of having them be below the curve vanilla minions against well statted effect minions. Goldshire footman for example could be a 2/2 or a 1/3
You clearly did not play in the era of warsong commander + grim patron. EVERYONE GET IN HERE
ah yes, paying for 700 gold per wing just for 1-2 good cards
PILE ON
@@Peanut_Chaos Don't ignore the fact that it comes with a guaranteed legendary which you usually don't achieve with 7 packs (700 gold)
My favourite example is stormpike commandor and the angry scorpion.
Storm pike 5m 4att 2hp
Deal 2 damage
Scorpion 4 m 5att 2hp
Deal 2 if it kills get stealth
Well, Blizzard nerfed the basic set into the ground. Wild growth, war song commander that used to give charge to all minions, the giants, and many more saw play or defined a class.
If they would do anything, then giving the cards new effects would be best. The 1/2 taunt now gains two attack on the opponents turn and is based 0/2.
War song gives all minions rush.
Blood fin raptor gains attack if the opponent suffered damaged.
The ghoul has 0 based attack but gains plus 2 attack whenever a minion dies.
Etc.
Guardian of kings is in my shivrallah deck because i use that card where you reveal a card from the deck and deal damage equal to the cost. It's ok to draw as well and regain health as i also run those 4/4 guys that turn into 8/8 when 10 health is restored. High mana cost can be useful. If they lowered the mana cost if this card I wouldn't run it anymore. It fits me like a glove!
The basic set is meant to be bad, because Blizz wants to sell more packs. But some basic cards are good in some cases (like Boar in the current DR-Rogue in Standard) or good in nearly every meta (like Swipe and Fireball). You play with the basic cards from rank 50 to 25 and then you have enough cards and dust to build a viable budget decks for the low ranks. So it`s fine at the moment how it works.
You forgot that Warsong commander used to read "your minions have charge." And also it was nerfed because of patron warrior, if anyone remembers that.
"OmegaLUL Commander" I'm fucking dying
Good video but I gotta point out a few things...
1. It is not fair to directly compare neutral cards to class cards, they are not the same thing
2. The purpose of the basic set is to give you an introduction to the game and establish class identity
3. Brand new players would do just fine using these cards for the most part because they will (usually) be going up against new players with similar cards
There are some cards in the basic set that it wouldn't hurt to buff, but the cards from basic should never be quite as strong as the cards from the expansions...
If they were, expansions would have less impact and the meta would shift less.
I think that the basic set should be like the basic set in TF2. The basic rocket launcher deals average damage with average splash damage BUT all of the other rocket launchers specialise in specific things like the "the direct hit" the direct hit deals much damage but at the trade-off off low splash damage. Most pros use the regular rocket launcher but if the enemy team is playing characters that have much health and don't move much they will switch to the direct hit. I feel like for an example zephrys should be a 2-2 so it Isn't just a better blodfin raptor.
I know a player who uses Basic cards all the time. His name is Innholder or Tavernkeeper... I don't remember, something along these lines. :D
The thing that I hate most about Warsong Commander in its current state is that there are just so few minions with charge in the game, with the majority either being in the basic set, classic set, and in the hall of fame. With there now being more rush minions in the game than charge minions, I think that the commander should also affect rush minions, if nothing else.
This is why all card games eventually become convoluted. They always have to one up the previous cards or no one will be interested. The original meta where these cards would see play was perfect, it was like a chess game with flair. Now it's like who has the most op combo or deck. Dont get me wrong I still play alot, but it would be fun to see a (basic) mode or something along with wild.
Warsong commander was nerfed for having a stupidly powerful combo
Gaurdian of kings has a pretty neat sound when you play it though🤷♂️
I agree so much, I have friends who recently got in the game but we can't even play together because they don't have any good cards, seeing them play bad cards like that makes me wonder how I could keep on playing back when they were the only cards I had because of how weak and boring they are
There is one good argument for keeping those bad minions (in Blizzards mind at least): random card generation. You need bad outcomes to make new cards less broken, like Exotic Mountseller which should summon a Raptor, Patriach or Crokolist now and then.
Random taunt generation and random 5- to 8-drop generation should have these bad outcomes as well (like Nethrandamus, Marsh Hydra, Plagued Protodrake, Jandice Barov).
Also the discover tag has to be weakend with some bad old spells/minions (Zephrys, Power of creation, Vulpera, Elysiana, etc.).
If you buff every card the game moves even more into a direction Solem and we don't want...
This is why I quit Hearthstone. The basic set was so frustratingly bad and I wasn't willing to dump money into the game.
the base cards are intentionally bad to get you excited when you get new / better cards it gives a feeling of progression. I don't think anyone at HS designed these cards with top tier in mind or even mid tier. if everything is great then nothing is great. These cards make the legendries seem legendary - if that makes sense
I think the Basic cards shiuld be buffed to include the effects of the other sets.
Like the Dr. Boom sets magnetic fusion bit, the lackeys, the echo, ect.
It'll improve them abit, but also teach newer players different mechanics
You didn't bring up carrion bird and how hard it got nerfed which made it unplayable?
Warsong Commander would be fun to play if charge minions gained +1/+1 while it's out on the field to promote some value trades, a lot of charge minions have wonky health totals, so giving a charge version of Southsea Captian would be reasonable.
Tribe tags are powerful sometimes- beast is always relevant, plus sets rotate out, beast is a very powerful aggressive tag because of the basic beast synergy and later sets discounting or buffing beasts in hand or field.
The recent set does make smaller minions pretty aggressive or resilient depending on the deck's goal, sure play with stronger cards if you have it, but for a free option, a basic option, learn to mix and match under performing cards to make the best of what you have. There are budget builds and full power builds, but sometimes you still have a nich'e use for even the worst cards, it can get you there sometimes.
Love how HS powercreep went.
So obviously I get that this is absolutely not the case anywhere in the top half of ranked, and I couldn't agree more with your overall point the basic set needs a buff, but Goldshire Footman was actually not that bad as a filler budget card in my experience. Sure it wasn't great, but it was far better than many of the other free options. On turn 1, any minion with 3+ stats is usually good enough to be worth the deckslot for a F2P player if it also isn't a completely dead draw in the late game, and I'd say Goldshire meets that condition. Obviously, you'd prefer a 1-drop that comes with some card generation or something, but taunt isn't bad when you can't get that. It's the cheapest option for keeping something alive an extra turn, being the only 1 mana *Taunt* in the game aside from the Warrior exclusive 2/1 in wild (correct me if I'm wrong.), and the fact it at least satisfies some kind of niche puts it above any of the other options on this list.
Yea that's the problem. Goldshire footman is actually something that most f2p players will use for 90% of their games just because of how long it takes to grind out even half decent cards f2p. It would be really cool if we could have viable ways for f2p players to compete in ranked. As a pay to win player myself I feel like even I would massively benefit from the game becoming much less of a time sink for f2p players. It's very hard to find a good variety of people to play at higher levels in ranked or even just for the game itself to be taken seriously in the TCG community when the cost is so high for digital only cards that you don't even get a physical print of....
Ironbark Protector used to see alot of play in older ramp druid decks. Of course cards are weak now compared to all the other cards ever printed, that's why I think wild is a bad way to look at card balance.