Ramp in a Helga Deck
https://manabox.app/decks/AZsKnBdXduiWmZW9j4N3GQ
So, I've been brewing Helga for a while now... been trying to optimize the mana curve / ramp to allow playing Helga on turn 2 as much as possible... I've included Elvish Spirit Guide (intend on adding Lotus Petal), Birds of Paradise, Delighted Halfling, Noble Hierarch, Avacyn Pilgrim, Wild Growth, Sakura-Tribe Scout, and Skyshroud Ranger. I also have Fyndhorn Elves, Utopia Sprawl and Arbor Elf... These last three are where I'm unsure.
I am torn between including Fyndhorn Elves (and its other copies Llanowar Elves and Elvish Mystic), and/or including the forest-specific ramp spells Arbor Elf and Utopia Sprawl. On one hand, the forest-specific ones can more consistently get me the colors I need (if I have a forest), but they also only work on forests, of which there aren't so many that I feel confident always having one. On the other hand, the green only dorks (i.e. llanowar elves), if played using a land that can only tap for green (a basic forest, or one of the pathways), are essentially useless on turn 2. This is why I swapped two of them for Skyshroud Ranger and Sakura-Tribe Scout, as, despite going down 1 card to use them, they can be used to play an extra land on turn 2, and thus can theoretically work in the instances that Llanowar Elves would not.
Essentially, my question is: Besides adding Lotus Petal, what do you think would be the optimal ramp package to get Helga out on turn 2? (Also, I'm aware my land base could be a little better, mainly missing Misty Rainforest)
Posted Jan 14, 2026, 3:06 AM UTC