I think you’re probably right, especially in aggro match ups. As with most rules, there are exceptions. I may have worded that part with little too much finality.

This is true of any combo deck in card games. The deck tries to gain more consistency by balancing card cycle with defensive tools to get the combo in place, but it’s a fine line to walk. The deck has a lot of polarizing match ups that could be contributing to your win rate.

Regarding the quest competition, sometimes you have to rely on the cards you get from Cabalist’s Tome as you’re going in with the Sorcerer’s Apprentices to complete the question (see the second two combo sequences). I found that my win rate increased significantly when I started making use of those in situations where I was out of turns.

Finja is easily one of my favorite cards in the game right now and definitely good in the deck, but I wouldn’t say he’s necessary for the deck.

Justsaiyan even had a list recently that opted to play without him.

http://www.hearthstonetopdecks.com/decks/justsaiyans-kft-midrange-murloc-paladin-druid-counter/

Unlike Quests, most DKs seems to be quite strong (initially at least). Some of the play rates may be skewed due to the recency of the expansion, but statistics seem to indicate most are at least worth consideration for crafting.

As our list indicates, the exception is Valeera and Garrosh, both of which have a negative in deck and played win rate. Jaina also has a negative in deck win rate, but a positive played, likely due to decks being built around her. We’ll monitor the relative power of all Death Knights (and KFT Legendaries), but it seems these two are having trouble finding a spot in competitive play.

I agree. Flexibility is an important factor in card games and Malfurion provides that. Not to mention that it’s already easier for Druids to play high-costs cards, but at 7 mana, Malfruion comes out much earlier than most other DKs.

The Warrior quest was discussed when we were coming up with this guide. The card completely enables a deck archetype that is capable of being powerful. With the sea of Jade Druids right now, it is struggling, but should that die down and we see a return to aggressive strategies it could easily return to form.

I casted a Wild Tournament this past weekend in which one of the players successfully pulled off this combo. It was beautiful.

Wild (usually) shifts a little less during expansion releases. Most of these decks, save for one or two new card upgrades, hold up fairly well in the current season.

From personal experience, the biggest differences can be found in Reno Warlock (which leans more towards Demons with the DK) and Jade Druid (which is substantially stronger in the format than it previously was).

If you find yourself getting overrun by aggro decks, this is probably a good replacement. The swap does give you less value in the late game against slower decks, though.

Personally, I enjoy the challenge of balancing hand and resource management. It’s certainly not an easy deck to play, but it does feel rewarding when you can make it work.

I agree the quest can be a bit of a tough task to accomplish but, at the moment at least, the top decks (Druid and Priest) usually give you plenty of time to get it done. If aggro returns in popularity, it may not find as much success.

I think you’re right. I’m going to try Chillblade Champion in that spot and see how it goes. Both Charge and Lifesteal as insanely valuable when buffed.

Those are good replacements. I’ve been finding Doppelgangsters a bit clunky and probably some of the first cards to cut from the deck. Both cards you added receive buffs very well and do a good job of protecting your Grimestreet Enforcers.

Aggro is a pretty rogue match up. Fortunately, it does really well against Druids (aside from Aggro) and Priests, both of which are very popular right now.

I liked Ghastly Conjurers initially when I was testing, but found them a little slow. I might have to try them some more though, especially if I’m running into more aggressive decks.

Good catch on the sequence! That’s my bad and it’s now been fixed.

I was hesitant about the card myself, but after some testing, it really performed well. Simulacrum works as another piece of the combo by copying Sorcerer’s Apprentice. This gives you a bit of flexibility in assembling the pieces because it can replace either Molten Reflection or the Sorcerer’s themselves.

Without The Curator, Lotus Assassin is strictly better. Unfortunately, as an Epic card, it doesn’t fit the requirements for a budget deck.

This has been corrected. Sorry for the confusion.

That seems pretty reasonable. The Bloodhoofs and Val’kyr Soulclaimers are also cuttable cards.

Direhorn Hatchling would probably be a good starting point. Possibly Val’kyr Soulclaimer as well.

You’re welcome! I’m continuing to do well with this deck myself.