Glorious Decay

In Commander, Glorious Decay punches above its cost: the format is full of expensive threats with inflated power or loyalty relative to their mana value, and two mana at instant speed makes this a live answer most of the game. In competitive 1v1 formats like Modern and Legacy, the condition is a liability — efficient threats like Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer and Orcish Bowmasters have low power relative to their cost, and dedicated removal suites rarely need to compromise. Standard and Pioneer are the sweet spot outside Commander, where the curve is slower and the targets are more cooperative. In Pauper, black already has access to efficient unconditional removal at common, so Glorious Decay competes in a crowded lane.