Grappling Hook vs. Embercleave

jtwood

After a few days of using Grappling Hook, I've come to the conclusion it is better than Embercleave.

In Grappling Hook's favor: It's cheaper. It's not color-restricted. You can take down fliers even if your first creature is not a flier. EDITS: Optional trigger can get a win or save a creature.

In Embercleave's favor: Berserker doesn't care about hexproof (Grappling Hook can't target hexproof creatures). Trample is relevant. EDITS: Creature buff (+2/+2). Better with Narset's 2nd ability. Flying creature with berserker will attack first creature even if it doesn't have flying.

What do you think? What did I omit in this comparison?

ambrosio191

I will normlaly play Embercleave over Grappling Hook

Besides not owning Grappling Hook the only downside I see is it requires an interaction with the screen on each attack.  That alone would be enough for me to not play it.  The +2/+2 from Embercleave is not insignificant, but a trade off for the reduced cost of Grappling Hook.  The one other highly specific situation to pick Embercleave over Grappling Hook is Narset's 2nd ability.  The higher cost of Embercleave is a bonus in that instance. 

Ampersand

I just got Grappling Hook and have yet to test it out. I'll report back after doing so.

jtwood

I will normally play Grappling Hook over Embercleave

"normlaly" in an uneditable field

ugh

madwren

I will normlaly play Embercleave over Grappling Hook

I think Grappling Hook is good, but I prefer having trample since that adds up to a non-neglible amount of extra attacks/damage.  Though, to be honest, I stray away from expensive equipment in general.

Horadrim

I will normally play Grappling Hook over Embercleave

Most play shadowspear and have untargeted removals so I voted for grappling hook precisely on its ability to tag fliers.

Horadrim

I will normally play Grappling Hook over Embercleave

Pennon Blade/Shadowspear/Grappling Hook combo plus Kor Armamentmaster and kor token generators Nahiri2 ftw. Also great combo for Huatli2.

Tezzeret

I will normlaly play Embercleave over Grappling Hook

it just feels good to have ember enter from emry! Plus I'm a sucker for trample!
 I also use it as a 2nd ability pitch with naraet to net 23 mana

jtwood

I will normally play Grappling Hook over Embercleave

New pro in Ember's favor (or con against Grappling Hook): If your first creature has flying, Grappling Hook will only let it attack a creature with flying (and defender)

Barnabes

I will play Embercleave when my goal is fast kill (example: Training Grounds) and Grappling Hook when I have a kill and/or suicide subgoal.