Squirreled Away Upgrade Guide: A Comprehensive Plan
Embark on a journey to enhance your Bloomburrow Squirreled Away deck! This guide details strategic improvements, focusing on maximizing squirrel synergy and addressing inherent weaknesses.
We’ll explore key card upgrades, ramp options, and Steam Deck optimization, ensuring a potent and enjoyable Commander experience. Prepare to unleash the acorn gang’s full potential!
The Squirreled Away precon from Bloomburrow presents a unique Golgari (Black/Green) Commander experience centered around generating and leveraging Squirrel tokens. Led by Hazel, The Odd Acorn Gang, the deck aims to overwhelm opponents with a growing army of these furry creatures. However, the stock deck, while fun, possesses notable areas for improvement.
Its core strategy revolves around transforming non-Squirrel tokens into Squirrels, primarily through the powerful Maskwood Nexus. This reliance highlights a key weakness: the deck’s effectiveness is directly tied to the quantity and type of tokens it produces. The initial build includes other token types like Pests and Insects, which are less than ideal for maximizing Hazel’s synergies.
This upgrade guide will delve into optimizing the deck’s token generation, bolstering its ramp capabilities, and adding essential card draw and removal to create a more consistent and competitive Commander build. We will explore budget-friendly and advanced upgrade paths, ensuring a tailored approach for every player.
II. Core Strengths and Weaknesses
Squirreled Away’s primary strength lies in its explosive potential for token generation, particularly once Maskwood Nexus enters the battlefield. Hazel, The Odd Acorn Gang, provides a consistent engine for creating Squirrels, and cards like Chatterfang can rapidly multiply their numbers. The deck excels at overwhelming opponents with a wide board presence, leveraging go-wide strategies.
However, significant weaknesses hinder its consistency. The deck’s dependence on transforming tokens means non-Squirrel tokens dilute its effectiveness. A lack of robust ramp can lead to falling behind in the early game, and insufficient card draw often results in running out of steam. Removal options are limited, making it vulnerable to problematic permanents.
Furthermore, Hazel’s ability is specifically tied to Squirrels; other token types offer minimal value. Addressing these shortcomings through targeted upgrades is crucial for unlocking the deck’s full potential and transforming it into a formidable Commander force.
III. Commander Focus: Hazel, The Odd Acorn Gang
Hazel, The Odd Acorn Gang, is the heart of this strategy, consistently generating Squirrel tokens with each creature played. Her ability to create a growing army is the deck’s core engine, but understanding her limitations is key to successful upgrades. Maximizing the number of creatures entering the battlefield is paramount to maximizing Hazel’s output and overwhelming opponents.
However, Hazel’s effectiveness is directly tied to the presence of Squirrels. Tokens of other types, like Pests or Insects, don’t trigger her ability, highlighting a critical need for token type consistency. Upgrades should prioritize cards that either create Squirrels directly or efficiently transform existing tokens into the desired type.
Ultimately, building around Hazel means embracing a creature-heavy strategy and focusing on synergistic effects that amplify her token-generating prowess.
III.A. Hazel’s Synergies with Squirrel Tokens
Hazel’s power truly shines when surrounded by a swarm of Squirrels. Cards like Maskwood Nexus are pivotal, transforming all tokens into Squirrels, instantly boosting the deck’s synergy and resolving its primary flaw – reliance on a specific token type. This ensures every creature entering the battlefield triggers Hazel’s ability, creating exponential growth.
Beyond transformation, cards that directly benefit from a high Squirrel count are essential. Consider effects that scale with the number of creatures you control, offering substantial advantages in both offense and defense. The more Squirrels, the more potent your board presence becomes, overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers.
Focusing on these synergies unlocks Hazel’s full potential, turning a simple token generator into a formidable Commander.
III.B. Addressing Hazel’s Token Specificity
Hazel, The Odd Acorn Gang, excels with Squirrels, but struggles with other token types. The deck’s initial design produces Pest, Insect, and Raccoon tokens, diminishing Hazel’s effectiveness. A core upgrade strategy involves minimizing these less-desirable tokens and maximizing Squirrel generation.
Maskwood Nexus is crucial, converting all tokens into Squirrels, but proactive token source selection is also vital. Prioritize cards that only create Squirrels, or those with modal abilities allowing Squirrel selection. Consider phasing out or replacing cards generating unwanted token types.
Rootcast Apprenticeship offers a clever solution, copying existing Squirrel tokens and further solidifying the deck’s focused strategy. Addressing this specificity is paramount to unlocking the deck’s true power.
IV. Key Cards to Prioritize for Upgrades
Several cards significantly amplify the Squirreled Away deck’s potential. Focusing upgrades on these will yield the most substantial improvements. Maskwood Nexus stands out as a transformative addition, converting all tokens into Squirrels, directly enhancing synergy with Hazel and other key cards.
Rootcast Apprenticeship is another high-priority upgrade. Its modal ability allows for both Squirrel token duplication and artifact control, providing versatility. Beyond these, cards that directly generate Squirrels, or offer substantial ramp and card draw, are essential.
Prioritize cards that streamline the Squirrel theme, minimizing reliance on less-effective token types. Strategic upgrades will unlock the deck’s full capabilities.
IV.A. Maskwood Nexus: The Squirrel Transformation Engine
Maskwood Nexus is arguably the single most impactful upgrade for the Squirreled Away deck. Its core function – transforming all tokens into Squirrels – directly addresses the deck’s primary weakness: reliance on suboptimal token types. Hazel, Chatterfang, and the overall strategy thrive on a critical mass of Squirrels, and Nexus delivers precisely that.
This enchantment doesn’t just convert existing tokens; it ensures future tokens also contribute to the synergistic core. The deck’s power scales exponentially with the number of Squirrels, making Nexus a cornerstone for any serious upgrade path. It’s a game-changer, elevating the deck from good to truly potent.
Investing in Nexus is investing in the deck’s identity.
IV.B. Rootcast Apprenticeship: Token Duplication and Value
Rootcast Apprenticeship is a remarkably versatile modal spell, offering significant value beyond simply creating more Squirrels. While duplicating Squirrel tokens is its primary function within this deck, amplifying the impact of token generators, its secondary mode provides crucial utility. The ability to exile an opponent’s artifact and place +1/+1 counters on your creatures offers much-needed interaction and board presence.
This flexibility makes Apprenticeship a strong inclusion, even in scenarios where token duplication isn’t optimal. It’s a card that consistently delivers value, adapting to the game state. Its potential extends beyond the Squirreled Away archetype, hinting at broader Commander applicability.
It’s a powerful, adaptable upgrade.
V. Token Generation Enhancement
The core strategy of the Squirreled Away deck revolves around overwhelming opponents with a critical mass of Squirrel tokens. Therefore, enhancing token generation is paramount. Prioritize cards that directly create Squirrels, maximizing synergy with Hazel, The Odd Acorn Gang, and Maskwood Nexus. Increasing the sheer number of tokens available is the most direct path to victory.
However, cautiously explore alternative token sources. While Hazel thrives on Squirrels, diversifying slightly can provide resilience. Be mindful that non-Squirrel tokens diminish the effectiveness of key synergies. Focus on converting those tokens into Squirrels whenever possible. The goal isn’t just more tokens, but more Squirrel tokens.
V.A. Increasing Squirrel Token Count
Directly boosting Squirrel token production is the most impactful upgrade path. Cards like Chatterfang, Squirrel General, are essential, providing repeatable token generation. Explore options that create multiple Squirrels at once, accelerating your board state. Consider cards that trigger upon creature entering the battlefield, synergizing with your token strategy.
Rootcast Apprenticeship stands out as a powerful modal spell, capable of both creating Squirrel tokens and copying existing ones. This provides flexibility and value. Prioritize spells and abilities that scale with your token count, turning a small advantage into an overwhelming force. Remember, the more Squirrels, the better Squirreled Away performs!
V.B. Exploring Alternative Token Sources (with caution)
While Squirrels are paramount, diversifying token sources can offer utility, but requires careful consideration. Hazel, The Odd Acorn Gang, thrives on Squirrels, so non-Squirrel tokens diminish synergy. However, cards generating any tokens can be temporarily valuable, especially if followed by a Maskwood Nexus transformation.
Be selective; prioritize sources easily converted to Squirrels. Avoid tokens like Pests, Insects, or Raccoons that offer little benefit. Focus on temporary token generation that fuels Hazel’s abilities before conversion. Remember, the goal isn’t simply more tokens, but more Squirrels. Strategic inclusion of adaptable token sources can enhance flexibility without compromising the deck’s core identity.
VI. Ramp and Mana Acceleration
Squirreled Away, while potent, benefits significantly from accelerated mana development. Consistent access to more mana allows for earlier deployment of key cards like Maskwood Nexus and Rootcast Apprenticeship, amplifying their impact. Prioritize ramp spells and artifacts that provide immediate mana boosts, enabling faster engine building.
Consider Golgari staples like Cultivate, Kodama’s Reach, and Three Visits. Artifacts such as Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and Talismans are also excellent additions. Focus on ramp that doesn’t dilute the Squirrel theme. Efficient mana acceleration is crucial for overwhelming opponents and consistently executing your game plan, turning a strong deck into a truly formidable force.
VII. Card Draw and Filtering
Maintaining momentum in Squirreled Away requires consistent card flow. The deck can sometimes stumble without access to crucial pieces, so bolstering card draw and filtering is paramount. Prioritize options that efficiently cycle through your deck, finding key synergy enablers like additional token generators and interaction.
Consider cards like Harmonize, Rishkar’s Expertise, and Skullclamp to replenish your hand. Green offers excellent filtering with options like Explore and Farseek. Black provides discard-based draw like Sign in Blood. Efficient card draw ensures you consistently hit your land drops and access the spells needed to overwhelm opponents with a relentless tide of Squirrels, maximizing the deck’s potential.
VIII. Removal and Control Options
While overwhelming opponents with Squirrels is the primary strategy, Squirreled Away benefits from targeted removal and control elements. The deck can struggle against established board states or problematic permanents. Incorporating answers to these threats is crucial for consistent success.
Prioritize versatile removal like Beast Within and Krosan Grip, capable of handling a wide range of threats. Golgari colors offer access to efficient spot removal and graveyard disruption. Consider cards like Assassin’s Trophy and Golgari Charm. Board wipes, such as Damnation, can reset unfavorable situations. Strategic removal ensures your Squirrel army isn’t easily dismantled, allowing you to maintain control and dictate the pace of the game.
IX. Synergistic Artifacts
Artifacts can significantly amplify Squirreled Away’s capabilities, providing both utility and synergistic effects with the Squirrel theme. Beyond simply supporting the strategy, these additions can unlock new layers of power and resilience.
Consider artifacts that generate tokens, like Sai, Master Thopterist (though not Squirrels, they add board presence). Cards like Doubling Season exponentially increase token production when combined with Hazel’s abilities. Exploration of artifact-based ramp, such as Sol Ring and Arcane Signet, accelerates mana development. Furthermore, artifacts offering protection or utility, like Swiftfoot Boots or Commander’s Sphere, bolster the deck’s consistency. Prioritize artifacts that either directly support token generation or enhance the overall board state, maximizing the deck’s potential.
X. Lands and Mana Base Improvements
A stable mana base is crucial for consistently casting spells and activating abilities in Squirreled Away. Upgrading beyond the basic lands included in the precon is paramount for reliable performance.
Prioritize dual lands that tap for both green and black, such as Overgrown Tomb or Llanowar Wastes, to ensure color fixing. Fetch lands, like Wooded Foothills, improve consistency by thinning the deck and finding appropriate lands. Consider utility lands like Command Tower or Exotic Orchard for additional mana fixing. Budget options include Gruul Turf and Golgari Rot Farm. Increasing the total land count to around 37-38 lands is recommended. A well-tuned mana base allows for smoother gameplay and maximizes the deck’s potential to execute its strategy consistently.
XI. Steam Deck Optimization
Playing Squirreled Away on the Steam Deck requires specific adjustments for optimal performance. Initially rated as “Playable,” recent updates have significantly improved compatibility, potentially leading to “Verified” status.
The key improvement involves new graphics options implemented by the developers, providing a default configuration tailored for the Steam Deck’s hardware. Previously, manual configuration was necessary, hindering the user experience. Lowering resolution scaling and texture quality can boost frame rates. Disabling demanding visual effects is also beneficial. Ensure the game is running at a stable 30-40 FPS for a smooth experience. These tweaks allow players to enjoy the deck’s synergistic gameplay on the go, maximizing portability and fun.
XII. Budget Upgrade Paths
Enhancing Squirreled Away doesn’t necessitate exorbitant spending. Several affordable upgrades significantly boost the deck’s power. Prioritize Rootcast Apprenticeship, a versatile modal spell offering token duplication and value, costing under $2. Focus on inexpensive squirrel generators like Squirrel Backpacker or Chittersprout.
Adding ramp spells like Rampant Growth or Cultivate (under $1 each) accelerates mana development. Consider budget-friendly card draw options like Sign in Blood. Prioritize acquiring a Maskwood Nexus as soon as feasible, as it’s central to the deck’s strategy. These incremental improvements, costing under $50, dramatically improve consistency and synergy without breaking the bank, making a competitive Squirreled Away deck accessible to all.
XIII. Advanced Upgrade Strategies
For seasoned players, maximizing Squirreled Away involves intricate synergies. Explore cards that benefit from a high token count, like Overrun effects for a decisive alpha strike. Consider adding recursion to recover key pieces, such as Eternal Witness. Invest in protection spells to safeguard Hazel, The Odd Acorn Gang.
Delve into stax pieces that hinder opponents while minimally impacting your squirrel swarm. Experiment with cards that turn lands into creatures, further bolstering your board presence. Optimize your mana base with fetch lands and dual lands for consistent color fixing. These advanced strategies demand careful deckbuilding and piloting, transforming Squirreled Away into a formidable Commander force.
XIV. Potential Commander Alternatives
While Hazel, The Odd Acorn Gang is central, alternative commanders can reshape Squirreled Away; Consider Yisan, the Wanderer Bard, tutoring for squirrels and synergistic creatures. Prossh, Skyraider of Kher offers explosive token generation, though less focused on squirrels specifically. Tatyova, Benthic Druid provides ramp and card draw, supporting a token-heavy strategy.
Each alternative shifts the deck’s focus. Yisan emphasizes value and control, Prossh leans into aggression, and Tatyova prioritizes resource advantage. These options require significant retooling, adjusting card choices to align with the new commander’s strengths. Experimentation reveals unique playstyles, broadening Squirreled Away’s strategic depth.
XV. Decklist Example: Upgraded Squirreled Away
Here’s a sample decklist showcasing key upgrades: (Commander: Hazel, The Odd Acorn Gang). Creatures: 25 (including Squirrel token generators like Chatterfang, Squirrel Sovereign). Artifacts: 15 (Maskwood Nexus, various token doublers). Enchantments: 8 (Synergistic auras). Instants/Sorceries: 22 (Rootcast Apprenticeship, removal, ramp). Lands: 30 (optimized mana base).
Key additions: Doubling Season, Parallel Lives, and several more squirrel-specific cards. Removal includes Beast Within and Krosan Grip. Ramp features Cultivate and Kodama’s Reach. This list prioritizes token generation, synergy, and resilience. Adjust land counts based on your meta. Remember to tailor the list to your budget and playstyle, continually refining it for optimal performance.
XVI. Conclusion: Maximizing the Squirreled Away Potential
The Squirreled Away deck, post-upgrade, transforms into a formidable force. Focusing on squirrel synergy—through cards like Maskwood Nexus and Rootcast Apprenticeship—unlocks its true potential. Prioritizing token generation and efficient ramp accelerates your game plan, overwhelming opponents with a relentless swarm.
Remember, consistency is key. A refined mana base and strategic card draw ensure you consistently hit your crucial spells. Steam Deck optimization further enhances accessibility. This isn’t merely about flooding the board; it’s about leveraging the unique strengths of Hazel and her acorn gang. Embrace the squirrel theme, adapt to your meta, and enjoy the rewarding experience of a truly upgraded Squirreled Away deck!