Explorer Abzan Humans by Raphael Levy
Creature (32)
Instant (4)
Land (24)
Abzan Humans is one of the more powerful tribal decks you can play in Explorer. If you’re looking to run over your opponent with Thalia’s Lieutenant in conjunction with Adeline, Resplendent Cathar, Abzan Humans is your deck.
This version isn’t the simple white/green version we know from Historic. It splashes black for General Kudro of Drannith and Kitesail Freebooter out of the sideboard. The General not only pumps your team, but it can blow up big creatures and interact with the opponent’s graveyard – a strong all-rounder. Kitesail Freebooter is useful versus combo and control decks and effectively works as a Duress on a stick.
Another unusual inclusion is Werewolf Pack Leader. I had to read twice, too. Indeed the double-green two-drop is a Human in addition to being a Werewolf. Are you concerned if you’re actually able to consistently cast double-white, double-green and black cards? These three inclusions are made possible by the two tribal lands – Unclaimed Territory and Secluded Courtyard, untapped lands that provide every color for our Humans.
Last, but not least, I want to highlight the new card from Streets of New Capenna making an appearance – Extraction Specialist. Extraction Specialist can return your Thalia’s Lieutenant and Luminarch Aspirant. Sure, they are pacified, but their abilities still work and they will pump your team without attacking or blocking. I could see going up on the numbers here because it’s quite good against RB Midrange when they’re trying to one-for-one your creatures.
Abzan Humans is looking to be the best Collected Company Deck in the format. Credit for the list goes to Hall of Famer Raphael Levy. Outside of his list, Elite Spellbinder and Katilda, Dawnhart Prime are notable exclusions that I would be curious to try.
