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Budget Alternatives to Waves of Aggression

Looking for a functional budget replacement for Waves of Aggression ($19.48)? Whether you're brewing a 100-card Commander deck, upgrading a budget league list, or trying to avoid spending over $50 on cardboard, these vector-analyzed substitutes deliver comparable Mana Accelerator & Ramp power for a fraction of the cost.

By MTGCheap Data Lab 6 min readUpdated August 2026
Quick Answer: Best Replacements

Top 3 Substitutes for Waves of Aggression at a Glance

Original Price: $19.48
BEST OVERALL

Relentless Assault

$4.61Save 76%

Matches Waves of Aggression's Sorcery card type and costs 1 less mana (4 MV vs 5 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attacking-matters, #extra-combat-phase, #untapper-creature.

89% Match
CHEAPEST VIABLE

Bazaar Krovod

$0.08Save 100%

Acts as a Creature alternative to Waves of Aggression's Sorcery and shares the exact same mana value (5 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attacking-matters, #untapper-creature.

65% Match
CLOSEST 1:1 MATCH

Overpowering Attack

$0.99Save 95%

Matches Waves of Aggression's Sorcery card type and shares the exact same mana value (5 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attacking-matters, #extra-combat-phase, #untapper-creature.

85% Match
Magic: The Gathering card image for Waves of Aggression (Sorcery)

Waves of Aggression

Sorcery
$19.48 Market
Untap all creatures that attacked this turn. After this main phase, there is an additional combat phase followed by an additional main phase. Retrace (You may cast this card from your graveyard by discarding a land card in addition to paying its other costs.)
Why It's Expensive: Waves of Aggression is a high-demand staple in Commander and competitive constructed formats due to its efficient mana value and game-defining mana accelerator & ramp mechanics.
#attacking-matters#castable-from-graveyard#extra-combat-phase#untapper-creature

How Much Can You Save? (Price & Similarity Matrix)

Direct financial comparison between Waves of Aggression and top budget alternatives.

Card NameCard Type & CMCPriceSavings ($)Savings (%)Vector Similarity
Waves of Aggression (Original)Sorcery$19.48100% (Baseline)
#1 Relentless AssaultSorcery (4 MV)$4.61$14.8776%89% Match
#2 Overpowering AttackSorcery (5 MV)$0.99$18.4995%85% Match
#3 Seize the DaySorcery (4 MV)$1.88$17.6090%84% Match
#4 Hellkite ChargerCreature (6 MV)$3.85$15.6380%70% Match
#5 SokenzanPlane (0 MV)$0.41$19.0798%58% Match
#6 Bazaar KrovodCreature (5 MV)$0.08$19.40100%65% Match

In-Depth Analysis: Best Alternatives to Waves of Aggression

Detailed mechanical similarities, differences, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal deck situations for each substitute.

#1

Relentless Assault

(Sorcery4 MV)
$4.61Save 76%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Relentless Assault (Sorcery)
89% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Untap all creatures that attacked this turn. After this main phase, there is an additional combat phase followed by an additional main phase.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Waves of Aggression's Sorcery card type and costs 1 less mana (4 MV vs 5 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attacking-matters, #extra-combat-phase, #untapper-creature.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $4.61 (76% savings over Waves of Aggression)
  • Fills the Sorcery curve slot cleanly
  • Faster casting curve (4 MV vs 5 MV)
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 89% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#attacking-matters#extra-combat-phase#untapper-creature
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#2

Overpowering Attack

(Sorcery5 MV)
$0.99Save 95%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Overpowering Attack (Sorcery)
85% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Freerunning {2}{R} (You may cast this spell for its freerunning cost if you dealt combat damage to a player this turn with an Assassin or commander.) Untap all creatures you control that attacked this turn. If it's your main phase, there is an additional combat phase after this phase, followed by an additional main phase.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Waves of Aggression's Sorcery card type and shares the exact same mana value (5 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attacking-matters, #extra-combat-phase, #untapper-creature.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.99 (95% savings over Waves of Aggression)
  • Fills the Sorcery curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 85% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#attacking-matters#extra-combat-phase#untapper-creature
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#3

Seize the Day

(Sorcery4 MV)
$1.88Save 90%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Seize the Day (Sorcery)
84% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Untap target creature. After this main phase, there is an additional combat phase followed by an additional main phase. Flashback {2}{R} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Waves of Aggression's Sorcery card type and costs 1 less mana (4 MV vs 5 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #castable-from-graveyard, #extra-combat-phase, #untapper-creature.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $1.88 (90% savings over Waves of Aggression)
  • Fills the Sorcery curve slot cleanly
  • Faster casting curve (4 MV vs 5 MV)
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 84% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#castable-from-graveyard#extra-combat-phase#untapper-creature
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#4

Hellkite Charger

(Creature — Dragon6 MV)
$3.85Save 80%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Hellkite Charger (Creature — Dragon)
70% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Flying, haste Whenever this creature attacks, you may pay {5}{R}{R}. If you do, untap all attacking creatures and after this phase, there is an additional combat phase.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Creature alternative to Waves of Aggression's Sorcery and costs 1 more mana (6 MV vs 5 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attacking-matters, #extra-combat-phase, #untapper-creature.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $3.85 (80% savings over Waves of Aggression)
  • Fills the Sorcery curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Costs 1 additional mana to cast
  • Delivers 70% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#attacking-matters#extra-combat-phase#untapper-creature
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#5

Sokenzan

(Plane — Kamigawa0 MV)
$0.41Save 98%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Sokenzan (Plane — Kamigawa)
58% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

All creatures get +1/+1 and have haste. Whenever chaos ensues, untap all creatures that attacked this turn. If it's a main phase, there is an additional combat phase after this phase, followed by an additional main phase.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Plane alternative to Waves of Aggression's Sorcery and costs 5 less mana (0 MV vs 5 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attacking-matters, #extra-combat-phase, #untapper-creature.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.41 (98% savings over Waves of Aggression)
  • Fills the Sorcery curve slot cleanly
  • Faster casting curve (0 MV vs 5 MV)
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 58% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#attacking-matters#extra-combat-phase#untapper-creature
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#6

Bazaar Krovod

(Creature — Beast5 MV)
$0.08Save 100%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Bazaar Krovod (Creature — Beast)
65% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Whenever this creature attacks, another target attacking creature gets +0/+2 until end of turn. Untap that creature.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Creature alternative to Waves of Aggression's Sorcery and shares the exact same mana value (5 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attacking-matters, #untapper-creature.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.08 (100% savings over Waves of Aggression)
  • Fills the Sorcery curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 65% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#attacking-matters#untapper-creature
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool

Which Alternative Should You Choose?

Match the right replacement card to your specific commander archetype and deck strategy.

Competitive / High Velocity
Relentless Assault

Maximizes mana efficiency and replicates Waves of Aggression's primary trigger role.

Ultra-Budget / Casual Pods
Bazaar Krovod

Reduces total deck cost below $50 while keeping the curve active.

Synergy-Driven Strategies
Overpowering Attack

Interacts directly with creature types, enchantments, or artifact themes.

Competitive Nuance: When NOT to Use A Replacement

When Is Waves of Aggression Irreplaceable?

If your deck relies on specific infinite combo lines that require Waves of Aggression's exact mana cost, unconditional timing, or unique text interaction, budget alternatives may not provide 100% parity. For casual Commander, mid-power EDH, and local game store play, the substitutes above deliver 90%+ functionality without the $19.48 price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waves of Aggression Alternatives

Answers to the most common deckbuilding and replacement queries.

What is the best budget alternative to Waves of Aggression?+

Relentless Assault ($4.61) is the best overall alternative to Waves of Aggression ($19.48), saving $14.87 (76% savings) with a 89% functional vector match.

What cards are like Waves of Aggression in MTG?+

Cards like Waves of Aggression include Relentless Assault ($4.61), Overpowering Attack ($0.99), Seize the Day ($1.88), Hellkite Charger ($3.85). These cards share similar mana curves, mechanics, and strategic roles in Commander.

What is the cheapest replacement for Waves of Aggression?+

Bazaar Krovod ($0.08) is the most affordable replacement, saving over 100% compared to Waves of Aggression.

Why would a player want a replacement for Waves of Aggression?+

At $19.48, Waves of Aggression represents a substantial financial barrier for casual Commander decks, budget league builds, or players testing new color identities.

When should a player NOT use a cheaper alternative to Waves of Aggression?+

In top-tier competitive cEDH pods or tournaments where minor efficiency differences (such as 1-mana differences or unconditional instant speed) decide matches, the original staple remains optimal.

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