Vibes Academy: Modified Red Starter Deck (Part 1)
Building a Stronger Red Starter Deck in Vibes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Welcome to the first installment of my Red Starter Deck Development Series! In this series, we’ll take the base red starter deck and gradually enhance it as our collection grows. Each video will focus on incremental upgrades, and today’s modifications will allow up to two copies of any common card and one copy of any uncommon card. Future episodes will increase these limits and introduce rare and epic cards.
The purpose of this guide is twofold:
To walk you through my deck-building process.
To provide a framework for improving your red starter deck as you expand your collection.
While your card acquisition order may differ, this guide should help you understand core deck-building principles and strategies.
Decklist: Loffee Red Starter Deck Modified
Loffee Red Starter Deck Modified
Understanding the Red Starter Deck
The red starter deck is a tempo-oriented deck, which means you gain small but consistent card advantages throughout the game. You’re not aiming to play out your entire hand aggressively—instead, you carefully manage your resources to maintain board control.
Card Choices & Modifications
Key Additions
Have an Encore
(x2) – A fantastic common card that provides great value in red decks.Trust Fall
(x1) – Another staple common that synergizes well with Peace Out Penguin.Carnival Penguin
(x2) – A potential addition for late-game strength, though its effectiveness in this deck is uncertain.Again, Again
(x1) – A powerful uncommon that enables some incredible combos with Trust Fall and Peace Out Penguin.
Key Removals
Use Whoopee Cushion
(x4) – Too situational; weak against decks with a mid-range vibe presence.Chubopolis Unleashed
(x1) – High fish cost makes it impractical for a tempo-based strategy.Carnival Penguin
(x1) – Removed in favor of better options.A Drop in Attention
(x3) – While effective in other deck types, its synergy with red tempo is lacking.
Deck Strategy and Gameplay Approach
Mulligan Strategy
Always look for a strong curve of penguins.
Prioritize one-drops, two-drops, and three-drops.
Trust Fall
is essential to keep as an activator for Peace Out Penguin.
Early Game Playstyle
Start with Contemplation Penguin
or Ribbon-Dancing Penguin.Avoid playing Peace Out Penguin
too early—it’s best used reactively.Save Trust Fall
to set up strong trades.
Mid-to-Late Game Plan
Utilize Run-It-Back Penguin
to regain key removal spells.Sunburn a Penguin
for smaller threats, Put on a Show for big ones.If possible, save Screaming Penguin
for a game-winning push.
Match Highlights & Key Takeaways
Game 1: Controlling Yellow
Identifying and removing Extrovert Penguin
immediately was key.Peace Out Penguin
provided a crucial 2-for-1 advantage.The stack management of removal spells ensured optimal timing.
Game 2: The Value of Patience
Playing slow and reactionary led to a strong position.
Trust Fall
into Peace Out Penguin provided massive value.Not a Rod Anymore!
proved useful in retrieving key removal spells.
Game 3: Facing a Green Control Deck
The opponent’s strategy revolved around building a massive board.
Not a Rod Anymore!
was a lifesaver in boosting Screaming Penguin.Despite an optimal play setup, Everybody Stay Clam
disrupted the final game-winning push.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
With these modifications, the red starter deck is now a more consistent and efficient tempo deck. Moving forward, we’ll continue to refine it, introducing rare cards in the next phase of the challenge. Not a Rod Anymore! proved to be a fantastic addition, and further tweaks will likely push this deck to even greater heights.
Stay tuned for the next installment, where we’ll allow four copies of any common card, two uncommons, and introduce our first rare! Until then, keep practicing, refining your plays, and mastering the red tempo playstyle!