Overview:

This Esper (WUB) deck helmed by Hashaton, Scarab's Fist combines reanimator synergies with a discard-token subtheme and a robust control/stax package. The primary strategy leverages Hashaton's ability to convert discarded creatures into 4/4 Zombies while utilizing reanimation spells like Reanimate and Phyrexian Reclamation to cheat out game-ending threats like Archon of Cruelty and Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur. A secondary Thassa's Oracle combo with Leveler/Peer into the Abyss provides an alternate wincon. The deck features strong interaction and stax elements (Drannith Magistrate, Grand Arbiter Augustin IV) to disrupt opponents while executing its game plan.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (T1-3): Deploy mana rocks (Sol Ring, Chrome Mox) and discard outlets (Putrid Imp, Skirge Familiar). Use Entomb/Vampiric Tutor to set up graveyard targets.
2. Midgame Value (T4-6): Activate Hashaton's ability with discarded creatures to build a Zombie army. Reanimate key threats like Archfiend of Ifnir (synergizing with discard) or Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite. Deploy stax pieces like Drana and Linvala to lock opponents.
3. Win Conditions:
   • Combat: Overwhelm with 4/4 Zombies enhanced by Elesh Norn or Akroma's Will.
   • Combo: Resolve Thassa's Oracle after Leveler (exiling library) or Peer into the Abyss (drawing out).
   • Value Grind: Archon of Cruelty/Gray Merchant of Asphodel life drain paired with Bloodletter of Aclazotz for double damage.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands and early ramp/discard outlets.
• Prioritize Entomb/Vampiric Tutor + reanimation spell.
• Ensure blue sources for counterspells if expecting interaction.

Key Tips:

• Use The Underworld Cookbook as both discard outlet and recursion engine.
• Teferi, Time Raveler protects combo turns by limiting opponent interaction.
• Phyrexian Reclamation recovers combo pieces removed to grave.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Graveyard hate (Rest in Peace, Leyline of the Void) cripples reanimator/discard synergies.
• Anti-token strategies (Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines, Cursed Totem) nullify Hashaton's value.

Moderate

• Countermagic targeting key combo pieces (Oracle/Leveler) can disrupt wins.
• Fast aggro decks can pressure life total before stax/reanimation stabilizes.

Minor

• Limited artifact/enchantment removal beyond Despark/Angel of the Ruins.
• High mana value threats can lead to awkward draws without sufficient ramp.

Most Important Cards:

• Thassa's Oracle (Primary combo wincon)
• Leveler (Combo enabler with Oracle)
• Reanimate (Cheat out game-ending threats)
• Archon of Cruelty (Recurring value engine)
• Peer into the Abyss (Alternative combo draw/damage)
• Grand Arbiter Augustin IV (Stax/ramp hybrid)
• Force of Will (Free interaction for combo protection)
• Entomb (Precision graveyard setup)
• Teferi's Protection (Boardwipe immunity)
• Phyrexian Reclamation (Graveyard recursion engine)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 8/10
Can threaten T4-5 wins via Oracle combo or reanimated Archon, accelerated by fast mana and tutors.

Resilience: 6/10
Multiple recursion engines and free counterspells provide recovery, but graveyard reliance creates fragility.

Consistency: 7/10
Strong tutor density and card draw (Rhystic Study, The One Ring) enable reliable access to combo pieces.

Interaction: 9/10
Premium counterspells (Force of Will, Fierce Guardianship), targeted removal, and stax effects disrupt opponents effectively.

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at cEDH-adjacent speeds with T4-5 win potential through protected combos and efficient reanimation, but its critical vulnerability to graveyard hate and reliance on 2-card combos without full redundancy place it just below top-tier viability. The robust interaction suite and hybrid stax elements elevate its resilience in slower metas.

Power level: 7.5 - 8.0