So, what's everyone thinking about Stardust Extractor at the moment? Anyone changed their mind?
FWIW, I have four particular considerations in mind that build on top of each other, all of which were not answerable before the buff:
1) What is the actual value (i.e. power) within Shadow Era of a 3cc cantrip ally?
Most cards can be balanced "on paper" compared to others that have already demonstrated their value within this game. But, before 2.91, there wasn't a 3cc cantrip ally (see footnote regarding Bloodpack Shaman, if you disagree), so there was no precedent to help guide the decision. It really needed to be seen in action on a wide scale. I think it's fair to say that's been achieved now!
Without wanting to derail this thread, you might recall a similar situation happened with Rampant Kyrgon where there was no 2-attack haste ally before at 3cc, so that value within Shadow Era needed to be established. He ended up being nerfed to a more appropriate value level and still sees wide use.
2) If we think a 3cc cantrip ally is a good thing and fair value, should it be accompanied by such stats and abilities?
This is heavily tied into how much of the cost of the card should be attributed to the cantrip, compared to the rest of what it does for you. It heavily depends on the first question.
3) Assuming a 3cc cantrip ally with all the stats and abilities of Stardust Extractor is not overpowered/undercosted, should the Elemental class be the place where it starts off in the game? Does it fit their intended style of play and the weaknesses they should have?
4) Regardless of the class of the ally, and assuming the stats and abilities are all balanced for the cost, does a 3cc cantrip ally skew the metagame too much in favor of the aggro archetype?
Whilst the metagame will adapt, will it be adapting in a way that limits archetypes? We saw how 2cc CoF helped fuel aggro decks a bit too aggressively (CoF Lance was at 57% win-rate at high levels and 10% popularity), which led to it being moved up to 3cc instead. But this is a 3cc cantrip (like CoF) that also leaves behind an ally (2/4 steadfast ally with a useful ability) which seems quite aligned with aggro too.
Footnote regarding Bloodpack Shaman: Yes, this is a pseudo-cantrip 2cc ally, but it usually will not cantrip on T2 and maybe will on T3 (but you most likely already played and lost a card for that to happen) and it has been given the weakest body possible (1HP) and the cantrip is conditional on running your deck in a way very much aligned with that class's style of play.
I look forward to some more productive constructive discussion!
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