Would you rather ...

[Mattao19]

Have Fetches without shocks

Or

Shocks without fetches

(Also no Alpha lands either)

[Thetrufflehunter]

Shocks. I'll just run my {evolving wilds} instead of fetches

[Mattao19]

Exactly (sorry trying to prove a point) wouldn't fetches be worthless w/o shocks??? So why are fetches so expensive!!!?!!!

[imthelolrus]

There was a point when the original shocks were 20+ and Zendikar fetches were 8$. They have never reprinted fetches outside of those judge promos. Supply isn't keeping up with demand. Not to meantion most decks will need 8 fetches and only 3-5 shock lands so there is less demand for shocks. There are exceptions to this of course, my Bogle list runs 4 shocks and 6 fetches, but that's because it's a two color deck. Also, fetches thin your deck and shocks do not.

[Mikefrompluto]

Exactly (sorry trying to prove a point) wouldn't fetches be worthless w/o shocks??? So why are fetches so expensive!!!?!!!

Because you get max value from {evolving wilds} by cracking it on your opponent's turn and untapping the fetched land on your untap phase. With fetches, you can play it your turn, crack it for what you need, and have it enter untapped.

[Mattao19]

I guess. I'm sorry I'm trying to get into modern and it's frustrating lol student on a slim budget!!

[Mikefrompluto]

I guess. I'm sorry I'm trying to get into modern and it's frustrating lol student on a slim budget!!

I mean you can still get into modern without getting fetches at first. Yeah it helps having them but they aren't a must. If you're in the game of Magic for the long haul, there's nothing wrong with slowly building up to the expensive staples.

[Mattao19]

I guess. I'm sorry I'm trying to get into modern and it's frustrating lol student on a slim budget!!

I mean you can still get into modern without getting fetches at first. Yeah it helps having them but they aren't a must. If you're in the game of Magic for the long haul, there's nothing wrong with slowly building up to the expensive staples.

True but I'm building a 3 colour deck lol looks like I'm going shock and buddy lands!!!

On the topic of lands I'm going to have some basics in case of path and was wondering, is there any downside to running snow lands? They still are basic and they look cool to me lol

[Kaleo42]

Shocks any day. I played when only fetches were legal and it gave an unfair advantage to a small portion of the format and kept games much shorter. It was basically over by turn four every game because if the control deck was still alive then it meant they won.

[Agrus Kos, Enforcer of Truth]

See, but a couple of months ago I tried making this point and everyone was all, "fetches are still better". At least people are now coming to their senses!

I guess. I'm sorry I'm trying to get into modern and it's frustrating lol student on a slim budget!!

Same here bud...

[Kaleo42]

Fetches are better duals hands down. Deck thinning and mana gixxing for a single life is absurd.

[NyghtHawk]

See, but a couple of months ago I tried making this point and everyone was all, "fetches are still better". At least people are now coming to their senses!

I guess. I'm sorry I'm trying to get into modern and it's frustrating lol student on a slim budget!!

Same here bud...

Fetches still are better.

[Vileo]

Shocks are expensive because they can be fetched with fetch lands.
Fetch lands are expensive because brainstorm and shocks.

[Mlerner12]

Fetches are better duals hands down. Deck thinning and mana gixxing for a single life is absurd.

Agreed. I would much rather be as to
-Shuffle my deck
-Get a land untapped on my opp turn
-Thin my deck
For one life than

-Get a land on my turn untapped
For two life.

[rarehuntertay]

Fetches may be better, but if you are just getting into the format, I would pick up the needed staples for your colors first, then work on the more expensive stuff such as fetches. I had the same conundrum when I started. "Do I get the 8 shocks for my R/G zoo deck, or for the same price, build a decent, fun to play Merfolk deck?" I chose the Merfolk... For my zoo, all i need now are the Guides, the fetches, and the goyfs... in that order lol
But bottom line is, do what you think is best for you