Cube Engineers

It’s time for the first Cube Engineers Bonus Episode!

In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites his sister Bella to discuss possible updates to the Unstable Cubicorns battle box. They explore a variety of cards, both new and old, that could match the tone and power level of this low-complexity battle box. Learn how to manage player feedback, address balancing concerns, and keep complexity manageable.

All Aboard!

Show Notes

Unstable Cubicorns Battle Box on Cubecobra and Riptidelab!

The Pack One Slick Ones: Starter Cubes!

Diggy Diggy Hole

The Woobles Crochet Kits

Langrennsfar

Kvikk Lunsj

Cards Discussed

(Cards in Bold were the main topics of discussion)

Ardenvale Tactician

Minecart Daredevil

Rimrock Knight

Friendly Teddy

Ravenous Rats

Miasma Demon

Colossal Dreadmaw

Spirited Companion

Armored Armadillo

Sundial, the Dawn Tyrant

Ancient Crab

Catacomb Crocodile

Expedition Envoy

Detention Chariot

Youthful Knight

Benalish Knight

Dub

Fencing Ace

Titan’s Strength

Shanna, Sissay’s Legacy

Brushwagg

Warbriar Blessing

Kor Skyfisher

Emancipation Angel

Heartfire Immolator

Repel Calamity

Manifold Mouse

Diversion Unit

Stormfront Pegasus

Mabel’s Mettle

Locust Spray

Fanatic of the Harrowing

Immerstrum Raider

Fanatical Firebrand

Admiral Beckett Brass

Goblin Diplomats

Goblin Wizardry

Irreverent Gremlin

Gremlin Tamer

Clamorous Ironclad

Ashcoat Bear

Terrian, World Tyrant

Neighborhood Guardian

Steadfast Unicorn

Owlbear

Ecstatic Electromancer

Pond Prophet

Moonrise Cleric

Tymaret, the Murder King

Patrick Star

Rick, Steadfast Leader

Cactus Preserve

Thanks again to Bella for being a guest on this episode!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites lead developer Mac to discuss the After the End mod for Crusader Kings III! Journey to the 27th Century to explore a neo-feudalistic future of the Americas. Become a patrician in New York, a cowboy on the Great Plains, an administrator in the Empire of Brazil, or even a true Minnesota Viking! Discover cool characters, epic empires, and exotic cultures in a familiar yet new setting.

All Aboard!

Show Notes

After the End Discord Server

After the End Fan Fork Reddit

After the End for Crusader Kings 3 on the Steam Workshop

After the End for Crusader Kings 2 on the Steam Workshop

Pride on the Frontier Writing Contest

Crusader Kings III on Steam (On sale at time of publishing!)

Extra Resources

One Proud Bavarian: Becoming President of the USA in After the End!

Soul Tomato’s CK3 Video Playlist

Koifish Raiding America as the Best Viking in CK3!

Hey It’s Cara: The Best Crusader Kings 3 mod is BACK!

Orthodox Nerd: Mexico in the Post Apocalypse - Mexican Standoff

Tarkusarkusar: How To Reform America- GIGACHAD Story

Characters Mentioned

Includes both the full name of the character and their primary title.

Emperor Pedro X (Brazil)

General del Ejérecito “La Cucaracha” (Altipano)

Lord Thomas Wayne (New York)

High Chieftan Elias Waltney (The Mouse)

Emir Ali “Fabulous He” (Suncoast)

Senator Jeremy Afton (St. George)

Duchess Anastasia “The Heartbreaker” (The Inner Banks)

High Prince Roger Nelson (North Star)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

In this episode, Usman Jamil returns to discuss the new Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering set with TrainmasterGT. What cards are hot? What cards are not? Where is Cecil? Also in this episode: Undertale, Massachussets, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chocobos. Oh so many Chocobos.

All Aboard!

Show Notes

Hej Hej from Sweden: Cube Engineers Episode 18

The Thom Heartmann Program

The Japanese Sakoku

The Pack One Slick Ones Episode 12

Chococraft Minecraft Mod

Communicating our Creations in the Evolving World of Cube Design: Cube Engineers Episode 17

Megalovania by Toby Fox

Gleaming the Cube on the Magic Show

You are a Pirate by Stefán Karl Stefánsson

Sound of Sunshine by Michael Franti and Spearhead

Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter

Massachussets by Ylvis

We are Number One by Stefán Karl Stefánsson

Master of Disguise by Stefán Karl Stefánsson

Cards Discussed

(Bold = Main discussion card).

Ignis Scientia

Tonberry

Sazh’s Chocobo

Garland, Knight of Cornelia

Gogo, Master of Mimicry

Ultima

Umaro, Raging Yeti

Archon of Cruelty

Barrowgoyf

Courser of Kruphix

Lightning Bolt

Lightning Strike

Brimaz, King of Oreskos

Elspeth, Sun’s Champion

Virtue of Loyalty

Stoneforge Mystic

Batterskull

Kaldra Compleat

Goblin Mime

Ticking Mime Bomb

Zack Fair

Maul of the Skyclaves

Cranial Plating

Selfless Spirit

Astrologian’s Planisphere

Alseid of Life’s Bounty

Heirloom Blade

Selfless Savior

Quarsi Revenant

Armor Thrull

Arwyn, Mortal Queen

Yuna’s Whistle

Phyrexian Obliterator

Emrakul, the Aeons Torn

Yuriko, the Tiger’s Shadow

Auroral Procession

Stormchaser’s Talent

Craterhoof Behemoth

Plagon, Lord of the Beach

Sleep Magic

Bind the Monster

Swords to Plowshares

Pacifism

Dog Umbra

Swift Reconfiguration

Summon: Yojimbo

Banishing Slash

Summon: Primal Odin

Summon: Leviathan

Kor Skyfisher

Nurturing Pixie

Sunpearl Kirin

Ambrosia Whiteheart

Cecil, Dark Knight

Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer

Kain, Traitorous Dragoon

Death’s Shadow

The Last Ride

Scourge of the Skyclaves

Cloud, Midgar Mercenary

Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER

Blood Artist

Goblin Piker

Squire

Relic Seeker

Bastion of Rememberance

Commune with the Beavers

Seed of Hope

Ancient Stirrings

Ensoul Artifact

Tough Cookie

Chainsaw

Cori Steel Cutter

The First Iroan Games

Galvanic Blast

Oath of Nissa

Yuffie, Materia Hunter

Thieving Skydiver

Sol Ring

Grim Monolith

Mana Vault

Portal to Phyrexia

Gilded Lotus

Coveted Jewel

Embercleave

Cryptic Coat

Sazh’s Chocobo

Wandering Chocobo

Steppe Lynx

Akoum Hellhound

Sazh Katzroy

Vinelasher Kudzu

The Landscape Cards

Enroaching Dragonstorm

Bloomvine Regent

Opera Love Song

Heartfire Hero

Vivi Ornitier

Cornered by Black Mages

Fleshback Marauder

Black Mage’s Rod

The Final Days

Expressive Iteration

Flame of Anor

Fire // Ice

Twin Bolt

Sublime Epiphany

Repulse

Thanks again to Usman for being the guest for this episode, and to Bella for helping me out with the Intro and Show Notes!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

It’s time for the moment you’ve been waiting for!

In this episode of Cube Engineers, the results of the “A Good Omen” contest are finally revealed! 25 contestants entered cards to compete for an epic prize: a full set of cards with the Omen mechanic, a foil Roiling Dragonstorm, and a signed foil copy of Skirmish Rhino! TrainmasterGT is joined by two guest-hosts: Chris Taylor of Riptidelab fame and the secret celebrity judge Kade Goforth of Recross the Paths! The trio discusses each amazing entry, giving their thoughts before the final deliberations.

Who will take the gold? Who will be eaten by Dragons? Stay tuned to find out!

All Aboard!

Show Notes

Sandara Tang Art (Artstation and Instagram)

TrainmasterGT+Usman’s Tarkir Dragonstorm Cube Review

The Modular Cube

The Pack One Slick Ones: The Bitterness Episode

Recross the Paths

Entries

Tempest Tyrant by Judge Bones//Luckylooter

Broodmate Mentor by Tachyzoite

Homestead Harrier by Henrizzlebear

Awoken Knollspine by TheLameSauce

Heapclanker Hellkite by StrionicAdventurer

Shivan Coastglider by gaytransmulldrifter

Wandering Spirit Dragon by Onderzeeboot

Omen, whose Nomen est Omen by J.mul

Nara, the Blinding Sun by Mycr0ft

Guin Water Wyvern by Alex/Alveric 

Athryxis, the Inexorable by Nanonox

Tyrant of Memory by LadyMapi

Glop of Dragon by TekLazar

Windwing Stormbrood by Auxiliaryotter

Atarka, Apex Reborn by Heavenly Evan

Dragon Ram by Eltangente

Cheshire Dragon by Packcats The System

Jealous Hoarder by Parallel

Menacing Meteorite by Anotak

Dozing Hellkite by Ravnic

Galvanizing Dragon by Kirblinx

Loreweaver Broodling by Margaram

Xerexi Abombination by Trainwreck

Harbinger of the Feast by TabbuneBot

Mausoleum Despot by Mown

Cards Discussed

Dragonstorm

Thought Monitor

Obsidian Charmaw

Dark Ritual

Animate Dead

Fire // Ice

Swords to Plowshares

Shoreline Ranger

Firebolt

Environmental Sciences

Sagu Wildling

Bloomvine Regent

Approach of the Second Sun

Displacer Kitten

Sleep

Marang River Regent

Fossil Find

Tasigur, the Golden Fang

Thermokarst

Assault Formation

Doran, the Siege Tower

Unsubstantiate

Twinmaw Stormbrood

Shiko, Paragon of the Way

Bladewing the Arisen

Sift

Maro

Young Red Dragon

Hall of Storm Giants

Grief

Tangle Wire

Yidaro, Wandering Monster (Bella’s Note: I love himb)

Altanak, Thrice-Called

Shipwreck Dowser

Void Winnower

Demon of Catastrophes

Demanding Dragon

Dragon Fodder

Flame Jab

Worm Harvest

Animate Dead

Chains of Mephistopheles

Siege Rhino

Jace, Wielder of Mysteries

Laboratory Maniac

Fable of the Mirror Breaker

Untethered Express

Inspiring Vantage

Special thanks to Bella for creating the “Cards Noted” section of the Show Notes!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

Hej hej! In this episode, TrainmasterGT discusses his experiences playing at a Final Fantasy prerelease event at Alphaspel/Alphabar in Stockholm, Sweden. Find out what is different about playing Magic in Sweden compared to the United States, and how Magic exists as a global phenomenon through interviews with Swedish Magic Players! Grab your Fika, it’s going to be a wild ride!

Thanks again to everyone who was interviewed for this episode!

Pictured: An Ether drink from Alphabar.

Show Notes:

TrainmasterGT’s 3-0-1 Prerelease Deck (WIP)

Alphaspel and Alphabar

Highball 4K Cube

Unstable Cubicorns Battle Box

Cards Discussed:

Summon: Primal Odin

Vivi Ornitier

Moogle’s Valor

Venat, Heart of Hydaelyn

Kaldheim Swamp

Bad Wolf Beach Island

Esper Origins

Balamb T-Rexaur

Shinra Reinforcements

Seperoth’s Intervention

The Final Days

Gustav’s Favorites: Sin, Spira’s Punishment and Esper Origins

Blazing Bomb

Tonberry

Stuck in Summoner’s Sanctum

Pål’s Favorites: Cloud, Midgar Mercenary and Zenos yae Galvus

Stoneforge Mystic

Summon: Leviathan

Cornered by Black Mages

Dion, Bahamut's Dominant

Relm's Sketching

Phillip’s Favorites: The Crystals and Dion, Bahamut's Dominant

Venser, Shaper Savant

Ice Magic

Squall, SeeD Mercenary

Anton’s Favorites: Vivi Ornitier and Nibelheim Aflame

Abzan Devotee

Jumbo Cactaur

Fling

Special thanks to Bella, Chris, and Usman for helping me with the outro for the episode!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

An Usman episode? That isn’t about a new set!? Impossible! But not today! In this episode, TrainmasterGT and Usman Jamil discuss their history of writing articles about Cube and how their approaches have evolved over time. Learn how Usman and Trainmaster have worked to keep their writings fresh and relevant in the ever-changing world of Cube Design.

All Aboard!

Show Notes

The Cube is Bigger than You

How Heirloom Blade made me a better Cube designer.

Additive Destraction Article

Usman’s first article: Cube Design Theory Part 1

Usman on the Cuberviews Podcast

Mono-Green Artifacts (Frontpage Article // Full Version)

Magic's Corset: The Core Set​

How to Port Constructed Archetypes into Cube

A Trainmaster’s Top 10 Articles: Strixhaven, Modern Horizons 2, and Adventures in the Forgotten Realms!

Usman’s Throne of Eldraine Cube Review (Part 1 +Part 2)

Joe’s Week in Magic Podcast

Highball 4K Cube

The Pack One Slick Ones Podcast

Trainmaster and Usman’s Foundations Article

Usman’s 2010 Cube

Fixing Magic with gaytransmulldrifter

Diggy Diggy Hole + Rave Version

Cards Mentioned

Heirloom Blade

Grafted Wargear

Siege Rhino

Hardened Scales

Metallic Mimic

Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer

Kaldheim Snow Duals

Dreadbore

Terminate

Spell Pierce

Opt

Portent

Miscalculation

Special thanks to Usman Jamil for being the guest for this episode!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

In this episode, TrainmasterGT and Usman invite TheLameSauce to discuss The Modular Cube! Trainmaster and Usman were tasked by the wonderful CubeCon organizers to select a Cube to be featured in the main event of CubeCon 2025! After poring over the options, they picked The Modular Cube and invited its designer to talk about the list on Cube Engineers. The twist: TheLameSauce had no idea their Cube was selected! Learn all about The Modular Cube, and how to build your own!

Remember, submissions for the “A Good Omen” contest close on May 28th! Get your final entries in now!

All Aboard!

Show Notes

A Good Omen Contest

The Modular Cube

CubeCon 2025

MTG Cube Talk Discord Link

The Dynasty Cube

Usman’s Substack

The Pack One Slick Ones Podcast

Cards Discussed

Krark, the Thumbless

Persistent Petitioners

Crow Storm

Special thanks to the CubeCon 2025 organizers for allowing me and Usman to select a Cube for this year's main event and to Bella and Arlo (GayTransMulldrifter) for helping me with this week’s Cold Open!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

A black sun rises over the choked landscape. A world of greed thrives below. Welcome to Pulp Nouveau.

In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites Parker “Landofmordor” LaMascus to discuss Black Sun Cubes, also known as Semi-Desert Cubes. Like Desert Cubes, players in a Black Sun environment are expected to draft some number of their basic lands. Unlike in a Desert Cube, the basics of one color are free for all drafters! Learn what it means to build under a Black Sun, including how to design a mana base, curate the card selection, and more!

Remember, the “A Good Omen” Contest is ongoing! Entries close May 28th!

All Aboard!

Show Notes

Pulp Nouveau on CubeCobra and Riptidelab

Lucky Paper Radio Episode 142: Drafting your Lands with Parker LaMascus

Cuberviews Podcast

Amonkar Desert Cube

The Black Cube

The Devoid Cube

Patrick Chapin’s Investment Article: How To Fix Standard: A Detailed And Surprising Format Comparison

A Good Omen Contest

Cards Mentioned

Dragonstorm

Black Sun’s Zentih

Thoughtseize

Lightning Bolt

Vindicate

Putrefy

Brainstone

Mishra’s Bauble

Scrabbling Claws

Phyrexian Revoker

Bone Splitter

Onslaught Cycling Lands

Environmental Sciences

Combat Courier

Scrapwork Mutt

Deadeye Tracker

Landscape Cycle

Spawn-Gang Commander

Siege Gang Commander

Godless Shrine

Isolated Chapel

Orzhov Basilica

Stalwart Valkyrie

Rip Apart

Battlewing Mystic

Cut // Ribbons

Claim // Fame

Travel Preparations

Tear Asunder

Patrick Star

Bloodlord of Vasgoth

The Scarab God

Cleaving Reaper

Abundant Harvest

Dogged Detective

Professor of Symbology

Bushwack

Swords to Plowshares

Shadowborn Demon

Reduce to Memory

Petrify

Path to Exile

Ponder

Serum Visions

Portent

Brainstorm

Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer

Abundant Maw

Thragtusk

Geist of Saint Traft

Psychic Frog

Splinter Twin

Loxodon Smiter

Giada, Font of Hope

Mad Auntie

Thwart the Grave

Goblin King

Goblin Barrage

Goblin Warrens

War Falcon

Special thanks to Parker LaMascus for being the guest in this episode!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

The past few years have been a tumultuous time for Magic, leading many players to ask the question: can Magic be fixed? In this episode, TrainmasterGT and Arlo (A.K.A. GayTransMulldrifter) attempt to answer that very question. They discuss how recent leadership priorities and audience have influenced both Magic’s game design and release schedule, and what those changes have meant for the game. Can Magic be saved? Stay tuned to find out!

Stick around until the end of the episode for a special surprise!

All Aboard!

Show Notes

GayTransMulldrifter on YouTube

Usman’s Cube Writings & Podcasts (The Pack One Slick Ones)

A Good Omen Contest!

Milo Murphy’s Law

The Nadu Article

Parker Lamascus on “Perishable Backbone Mechanics”

LadyMapi’s Fasting Cube: Gotta Go Fast(ing)!

Terraformers

Cards Mentioned

Sensation Gorger

Zendikar Expeditions (BFZ and OGW)

Ajani, Nacatl Pariah

Fable of the Mirror Breaker

Elvish Visionary

Burglar Rat

Ravenous Rat

Smothering Tithe

Liege of the Tangle

Ursine Monstrosity

Pyrogoyf

Flametongue Kavu

Tarmogoyf

Ghalta and Mavren

Atraxa, Grand Unifier

Leyline of Anticipation

Descend Mechanic(s)

You Are Already Dead

Root Greevil

Ponies: The Galloping

Transformers Collection

Miss Bumbleflower

Jace, the Mind Sculptor ($400 Furbait Edition!)

Room Cards

Omen Cards

Bird Maiden

Gifts Ungiven

Impulsive Pilferer

Armageddon

Parallax Wave

Opalescence

Parallax Tide

Parallax Nexus

Saproling Burst

Chimney Imp

Chimney Goyf

Smokestack

Meditate

Worship

Worship (Amonkhet Invocation)

Omnisciense

Fasting

Lesson Learned

Talk to the Hand

Rush Down

Advantageous Proclamation

Pulling Teeth

Wurm’s Tooth

Tooth of Ramos

Tooth Collector

Fear of Lost Teeth

Fume Spitter

Special thanks to Chris Taylor for providing the outro for this episode (and to Arlo for playing along!)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

Cube Engineers is back on the rails again! In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites Pauper Cube Committee member Omniczech to discuss the history of the official Pauper Cube community and how the committee uses big data. Learn about The Pauper Cube Polling App, Net Promoter Scores (NPS), and how community data is used to update one of the most visible Cubes in the community! It’s time for some good, common fun!

All Aboard!

Show Notes

A Good Omen Contest

The Pauper Cube Website

The Pauper Cube List

The Pauper Cube Official Discord

The Pauper Cube Polling App

The Cube Is Bigger Than You by Usman Jamil

Usman’s $100 Budget Cube

Cards Discussed

Arcanis the Omnipotent

Lightning Bolt

Carnophage

Omen Commons

Sagu Wildling

Sea Snidd

Avishkar Raceway

Syndic of Tithes

Derranged Assistant

Sakura Tribe Elder

Llanowar Elves

Yavimaya Elder

Special thanks to Bella for being this episode’s Cold Open guest!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com