'Hearthstone' guide: Bend nature to your will with the Yogg Token Druid

Welcome to the Hearthstone Meta Update, where you’ll find a review of one of the most powerful or exciting decks in competitive play. Today, we’re looking at Yogg-Saron Token Druid. Learn how to build and play this deck, and be a little more prepared to climb the ladder.

Nature will bend to your will with this potent collection of cards. Whether you feel like one with the spirit of the trees or you just like loads of options in how you dismantle opponents, this is a build worth checking out.

Why it’s good

Token Druid has been one of the top-performing decks in the meta since the very first wing of Karazhan. The goal is to use some signature Druid cards to amass an insurmountable board presence. A few of the newly released cards have given this game style a huge boost in both power and popularity, making it a very common sight on all rungs of the standard Hearthstone ladder.

There’s another variant that you may see on ladder centered on the increased spell damage of Malygos, but ironically enough, the Yogg-Saron version seems to have more consistency in securing wins. Besides, there’s no replacement for the surreal moments Yogg can create. Praise Yogg.

Build the deck

Spell synergy is the name of this game. Several of the minions the Token Druid needs are first summoned through spells, and then further buffed by spells. The deck runs a few critical cards to take advantage. The inclusion of Yogg-Saron is most obvious, but the Violet Teacher and Arcane Giant are also must-haves.

Enable those minions to do their best work with cheap Druid spells such as Innervate and Wild Growth. Wrath, Mulch, Swipe, Feral Rage and Moonglade Portal, which boost the spell-synergy minions while providing removal options. Living Roots, Power of the Wild and Raven Idol have the flexibility to adapt to whatever situation you’re in. Nourish can ramp to a big swing or refill your hand. And keep things interesting in your board state with Soul of the Forest and Wisps of the Old Gods. Tweak your exact spell set as you climb the ladder; just be sure to maintain a steady mana curve as you make tech choices to adjust to the meta.

Round out your mid-game with a Fandral Staghelm, Mire Keeper and Azure Drake. If your build runs several direct damage spells, a Bloodmage Thalnos can also be a good inclusion. Joining Yogg on the higher mana cost, your closing cards might include Cenarius, Malygos or Onyxia. You get instant board presence with the Onyxia or spell damage from Malygos, while Cenarius’ choice mechanic can be especially potent when you’ve got Fandral already in play.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

If your collection is short on legendaries, the Ancient of War or even the Ironbark Protector can also fill the late-game spots. The big taunt minions are especially helpful if you’re facing lots of aggro.

Tips for playing it

The Druid’s ramping mechanics are one of the strongest tools available to that class. Push to find those cards in the mulligan stage; they’ll get you ahead of any deck your opponent might be playing.

From there, it may take some practice to identify the optimal play when you have so many options to choose from. As you face each turn, try to first use the cards that will be least flexible in future situations. Just remember that your focus should be building and maintaining a board advantage over your opponent. Holding too many resources in your hand hoping for a wombo-combo four turns later usually cedes the edge.

Also, learn to identify the biggest potential threat in your enemy’s board. It isn’t necessarily the card with the highest attack value. A mere 2/2 Knife Juggler can be deadly if coupled with Unleash the Hounds or Forbidden Ritual. You’ll want to take out those serious problem minions as quickly as possible to keep your own board healthy.

How to counter it

As with so many decks, Aggro Shaman is often the Achilles’ heel, but it’s not the only one that can stand up against Malfurion. Zoolock or any other very fast and furious build can potentially rush down a victory before the Druid is able to build its momentum.