Mastering Aerial Formation: Unlocking Its Full Potential in Modern Magic: The Gathering

Aerial Formation is a powerful instant spell that grants any number of target creatures +1/+1 and flying, making them more formidable on the battlefield. Its Strive mechanic adds complexity to its interactions but also increases its potential impact.

Detailed Card Mechanics and Interactions

Aerial Formation is an instant spell with a unique twist: it has a Strive cost that scales with the number of targets beyond the first. This means that if you're casting Aerial Formation as your only target, the cost remains at {1}{U}. However, if you're targeting multiple creatures, the cost increases by two mana for each additional target. For example, if you're targeting three creatures, the spell will cost {3}{U} to cast.

Once cast, Aerial Formation applies its ability to any number of target creatures, granting them +1/+1 and flying until the end of turn. This can greatly enhance a creature's survivability and mobility, making it more effective in combat.

One key interaction to note is that Aerial Formation only affects creatures with flying, as specified in its ability text. However, this doesn't mean you can't use Aerial Formation on non-flying creatures if your opponent has no way to interact with them (e.g., removal). In such cases, the +1/+1 boost and temporary gain of flying can still provide significant benefits.

Strategic Uses, Combos, and Synergies

Aerial Formation is an excellent tool for increasing the strength of a board presence or turning the tide of combat in your favor. Here are some strategic uses:

• Board presence: Use Aerial Formation to create a swarm of small, flying creatures that can quickly overwhelm your opponent's defenses.
• Combat tricks: Pair Aerial Formation with other instant spells or token generators to create complex and difficult-to-predict combinations.
• Flying monsters: Focus on building an army of flying creatures to take advantage of Aerial Formation's benefits.

Aerial Formation also synergizes well with other spells that grant or gain flying, such as Archangel of Thune, Gideon Jura, and various enchantments like Doom Blade.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

In modern Magic: The Gathering formats, Aerial Formation is most commonly played in:

• Jeskai Control: This archetype focuses on disrupting the opponent's board presence with removal spells like Doom Blade while generating flying tokens with cards like Archangel of Thune. Aerial Formation can be used to accelerate these effects.
• Simic Ramp: Simic decks often build around ramping into powerful flying creatures. Cards like Witch's Charm, Flooded Strand, and various flying enchantments complement Aerial Formation's ability to generate an army of small, flying creatures.

Aerial Formation can also be used in other formats and archetypes, such as aggressive tribal decks or controlling combo pieces.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

The viability of Aerial Formation depends on the format and metagame. In modern Standard and Modern formats, it is considered a mid-to-high power card, with some restrictions due to its high mana cost.

In Constructed play, Aerial Formation is most commonly played in decks that prioritize flying creatures or board control. Its Strive mechanic makes it a more challenging spell to cast and can be difficult for opponents to anticipate.

In Limited formats like Draft and Sealed, Aerial Formation can be a key discovery piece due to its high potential impact on the board.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

• Strive costs: The Strive cost of Aerial Formation is resolved at the time of casting, not when the spell resolves. This means that if you're casting Aerial Formation as your only target, the {2}{U} cost will be paid immediately.
• Flying creatures: Only creatures with flying are affected by Aerial Formation. If a creature doesn't have flying, it won't gain +1/+1 and fly.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Aerial Formation's art depicts an ancient, winged creature standing atop a rocky outcropping, surrounded by the remnants of an ancient war. The card's flavor text is inspired by the idea of a powerful, magical formation that can be summoned to aid in battle.

The card was released in 2015 as part of the "Journey into Nyx" set and has since become a staple of many competitive decks.

Conclusion Summary

In conclusion, Aerial Formation is a complex and powerful spell with a unique Strive mechanic. It can greatly enhance a board presence or turn the tide of combat in your favor. When building decks around this card, it's essential to consider its interactions with other flying creatures and controlling spells. In modern formats, Aerial Formation is considered a mid-to-high power card, but its viability depends on the metagame and deck archetype.

By mastering the intricacies of Aerial Formation, players can unlock new strategies for dominating the battlefield and gaining an edge in competitive Magic: The Gathering play.

Advanced Techniques and Strategies

Some advanced techniques to consider when playing with Aerial Formation include:

• Combining Aerial Formation with other instant spells: Pairing Aerial Formation with other instant spells like Lightning Bolt or Path to Exile can create complex combinations that can be difficult for opponents to anticipate.
• Using Aerial Formation as a tempo swing: Aerial Formation can be used to accelerate a board presence or turn the tide of combat in your favor, making it an excellent tool for tempo swings.
• Pairing Aerial Formation with other flying creatures: Building an army of flying creatures and using Aerial Formation to enhance their abilities can create a powerful and formidable board presence.

By mastering these advanced techniques and strategies, players can unlock the full potential of Aerial Formation and take their Magic: The Gathering game to the next level.