Selvala
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[[Selvala, Heart of the Wilds]] represents one of the fastest and most consistent mono-green combo strategies in cEDH. The deck leverages Selvala’s unparalleled mana-generation capabilities and built-in card draw to dominate opponents, often winning as early as turn 3. Through efficient fatties, untap effects, and streamlined combo packages, this deck capitalizes on Selvala’s explosive potential.
This primer will guide you through Selvala’s gameplay strategies, core card choices, combo lines, and piloting techniques to master this unique and powerful deck.
Note that this deck is no longer prominent in the meta as it is outclassed by stronger commanders.
Why Play Selvala?
Strengths
Explosive Mana Generation: Selvala’s ability to tap for absurd amounts of mana enables rapid combo execution.
Consistent Combo Potential: Compact, redundant combos ensure reliable access to game-winning lines.
Resilient Game Plan: Mono-green’s exceptional tutors and recursion facilitate recovery after disruption.
Underrated Threat: Selvala often benefits from "brewer's advantage," as opponents underestimate mono-green decks in cEDH.
Budget-Friendly: Compared to many cEDH options, Selvala offers a powerful strategy at a lower cost.
Weaknesses
Vulnerability to Removal: As a central engine, Selvala is a prime target for removal.
Limited Interaction: Mono-green lacks countermagic and robust stack interaction.
Dependence on Combos: Without Selvala, the deck struggles to execute its primary win conditions.
Weak to Creature and Stax Effects: Cards like [[Cursed Totem]] and [[Rule of Law]] can severely hinder the deck.
Game Plan
Primary Game Plan: Combo and Storm
Selvala generates mana equal to the highest power among creatures on the battlefield, making her a potent centerpiece for combo strategies. The goal is to assemble infinite mana, draw your deck, and execute a game-ending play.
Key Steps to Victory
Generate Infinite Mana: Use untap effects or loops with creatures like [[Temur Sabertooth]], [[Hyrax Tower Scout]], or [[Ashaya, Soul of the Wild]].
Draw Your Deck: Leverage Selvala’s card draw ability or draw outlets like [[Staff of Domination]] and [[Duskwatch Recruiter]].
Execute a Kill Combo: Deploy an infinite mana outlet like [[Finale of Devastation]] or loop creatures and spells to win.
Core Cards
Ramp
Mana Dorks: [[Llanowar Elves]], [[Elvish Mystic]], [[Birds of Paradise]]
Big Mana: [[Priest of Titania]], [[Karametra’s Acolyte]], [[Bloom Tender]]
Enchantment Ramp: [[Wild Growth]], [[Utopia Sprawl]]
Untap Effects
Core Untappers: [[Quirion Ranger]], [[Scryb Ranger]], [[Hyrax Tower Scout]]
Versatile Effects: [[Wirewood Lodge]], [[Legolas’s Quick Reflexes]], [[Emerald Charm]]
Artifacts: [[Staff of Domination]], [[Umbral Mantle]]
Big Mana Enablers
[[Phyrexian Dreadnought]]
[[Relic Golem]]
[[Sheltering Ancient]]
Draw Spells
Mass Draw: [[Regal Force]], [[Momentous Fall]], [[Greater Good]], [[Rishkar’s Expertise]], [[Soul’s Majesty]], [[Return of the Wildspeaker]]
Win Conditions
Combat Damage: [[Finale of Devastation]] to pump creatures for lethal attacks.
Recursive Loops: [[Eternal Witness]] with [[Temur Sabertooth]] or [[Kogla, the Titan Ape]] to recycle spells.
Direct Damage: [[Infectious Bite]] or [[Hornet Sting]] for infinite damage.
Interaction and Protection
[[Force of Vigor]], [[Beast Within]], [[Endurance]], [[Collector Ouphe]]
[[Veil of Summer]], [[Sylvan Safekeeper]], [[Swiftfoot Boots]]
[[Root Maze]], [[Null Rod]], [[Manglehorn]]
Combos
Infinite Mana
Ashaya Line
Pieces: [[Ashaya, Soul of the Wild]], [[Quirion Ranger]] or [[Scryb Ranger]], Selvala.
Line:
Cast Ashaya.
Cast a Ranger. Use its ability to untap Selvala by bouncing itself.
Activate Selvala for mana and recast the Ranger.
Repeat for infinite mana and storm.
Temur Sabertooth Line
Pieces: [[Temur Sabertooth]], [[Hyrax Tower Scout]] (or any untapper), Selvala.
Line:
Cast Scout to untap Selvala.
Bounce the Scout with Sabertooth and recast it.
Repeat for infinite mana.
Staff of Domination Line
Pieces: [[Staff of Domination]], Selvala with a 6-power creature.
Line:
Use Staff to untap Selvala repeatedly.
Draw your deck with Staff’s abilities.
Umbral Mantle Line
Pieces: [[Umbral Mantle]], Selvala.
Line:
Equip Mantle to Selvala.
Use the Mantle to untap Selvala and increase her power.
Repeat for infinite mana and power.
Drawing the Deck
[[Duskwatch Recruiter]]: Finds all creatures in the deck.
[[Staff of Domination]]: Infinite mana enables infinite draws.
[[Greater Good]]: Converts big creatures into massive card advantage.
Win Conditions
Finale of Devastation: Cast with infinite mana to give all creatures massive power and haste.
Eternal Witness Loops: Use [[Temur Sabertooth]] or [[Kogla, the Titan Ape]] to loop removal spells or direct damage effects like [[Infectious Bite]].
Combat Damage: Pump creatures with [[Finale of Devastation]] or overrun with infinite mana loops.
Piloting the Deck
Mulligans
Aggressively mulligan for:
Turn 2 Selvala: Hands with fast mana like [[Wild Growth]] or [[Elvish Mystic]].
Combo Potential: Key pieces like [[Phyrexian Dreadnought]], [[Quirion Ranger]], or tutors.
Interaction: Stax pieces like [[Collector Ouphe]] in slower pods.
Early Game
Ramp aggressively to cast Selvala on turn 2 or 3.
Prioritize untappers or fatties to maximize mana output.
Deploy stax pieces selectively against turbo decks.
Mid Game
Assemble combo pieces while maintaining pressure with large creatures.
Use Selvala’s draw ability to dig for interaction or combo pieces.
Exploit opponents’ windows of vulnerability to go off.
Late Game
Leverage recursion with [[Eternal Witness]] and [[Temur Sabertooth]].
Play around interaction and stax effects to assemble win conditions.
Grind value with [[Ashaya, Soul of the Wild]] and draw engines like [[Regal Force]].
Conclusion
[[Selvala, Heart of the Wilds]] combines explosive mana generation with intricate combo lines to create a deck that is both powerful and rewarding to pilot. While its weaknesses require careful planning and adaptation, its strengths make it a formidable choice in the cEDH meta. With practice, you can harness Selvala’s potential to consistently storm off and secure victory.
References:
Selvala Brostorm
Selvala, Heart of The Cards
