I'll analyze the Pauper Conflict archetype's card patterns over the last month.
Yes, the Conflict archetype shows a clear combo-based pattern centered around artifact sacrifice loops. The core engine runs Myr Retriever, Ashnod's Altar, and Golden Egg (all at 31% presence, appearing as 4-ofs in builds that run them), combined with Cauldron Familiar for a repeatable sacrifice combo. This is supported by Clockwork Fox and artifact payoffs like Refurbished Familiar and Fanatical Offering.
The deck splits into two main variants: an artifact-heavy build using artifact lands (Seat of the Synod, Vault of Whispers, Mistvault Bridge) with Thoughtcast and Counterspell for control elements, and a Golgari/Sultai midrange build using Khalni Garden (50% presence), Lembas (44%), and Malevolent Rumble (38%) as food and token generators. Both leverage sacrifice synergies, but the green builds add creature-based value while the artifact builds are more all-in on the combo.
The sideboard reflects defensive positioning: Weather the Storm (44%) for burn matchups, Hydroblast (38%) for red removal, and multiple graveyard hate options (Nihil Spellbomb, Relic of Progenitus). The 45% winrate suggests the archetype is viable but not dominant in the current meta.
Sources:
Data from 9 tournaments: 78% Melee, 22% MTGO.
https://melee.gg/Decklist/View/243bb470-dbab-44c6-b103-b3e200ea8156
https://www.mtgo.com/decklist/pauper-challenge-32-2026-01-2412830645
https://melee.gg/Decklist/View/1f98b016-e7cd-48f3-9bf3-b3d80177e69a