good commanders mtg

3 min read 11-01-2025

Magic: The Gathering's Commander format is all about building unique, powerful decks around legendary creatures. Finding the right commander is crucial for a fun and successful experience. This guide will explore what makes a good Commander and highlight some top choices across various strategies. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new player, you'll find inspiration here for your next Commander deck.

What Makes a Good Commander?

A "good" Commander isn't simply the most powerful creature; it's one that synergizes well with your deck's strategy and provides enjoyable gameplay. Several key factors contribute to a commander's effectiveness:

1. Strong Synergies:

A powerful Commander often has abilities that directly support the chosen strategy. Does your deck focus on artifacts? Choose a commander that benefits from or generates artifacts. Similarly, a tribal deck thrives with a commander who boosts creatures of that tribe.

2. Mana Cost and Color Identity:

The commander's mana cost impacts how quickly you can cast it. A high mana cost might mean a slow start. The color identity dictates which cards you can include in your deck, shaping your strategic options.

3. Impactful Abilities:

The Commander's abilities should directly impact the game. This could involve generating card advantage, controlling the board, or dealing significant damage. Abilities that offer multiple effects or can trigger repeatedly are especially valuable.

4. Fun Factor:

Ultimately, the best commander is one you enjoy playing. Pick a commander whose abilities and playstyle excite you. This ensures your Commander experience remains engaging and fun over many games.

Top Commanders by Strategy

Here are some excellent Commanders categorized by their typical playstyle:

Aggressive Commanders:

Zurgo Helmsmasher (Red/White): Zurgo is a classic aggressive commander. His ability to deal extra combat damage makes him incredibly effective in fast-paced, aggressive decks.
Krenko, Mob Boss (Red): This Goblin leader excels at creating massive hordes of Goblin tokens, overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers.
Athreos, God of Passage (Black/White): Athreos leverages the graveyard, repeatedly bringing back powerful creatures to attack with.

Control Commanders:

Grand Arbiter Augustin IV (White/Blue): Augustin IV excels at disrupting opponents' strategies, controlling tempo, and winning through superior card advantage.
Zur the Enchanter (White/Blue): With access to powerful enchantments, Zur can significantly impact the game through both offense and defense.
Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools (Black/Red): This chaotic commander lets you leverage opponents' discarded cards, creating unexpected threats and controlling the board.

Combo Commanders:

Derevi, Empyrial Tactician (White/Blue/Green): Derevi allows for infinite mana combos, enabling powerful plays and overwhelming victory conditions.
Thrasios, Triton Hero / Tymna the Weaver (Blue/Green / Blue/Black): This dynamic duo provides excellent card draw and mana ramp, facilitating powerful combo strategies.
Kess, Dissident Mage (Blue/Black): This commander enables powerful spell loops and repetitive game-altering plays.

Value Commanders:

Rhys the Redeemed (Green/White): Rhys's ability to create tokens and ramp mana offers consistent value and significant board presence.
Oloro, Ageless Ascetic (White/Blue): Oloro excels at gaining life, creating a resilient base from which to control and disrupt opponents.
Esper Sentinel (White/Blue/Black): This commander helps control your opponent's mana and provides a sturdy foundation for value-oriented gameplay.

Building Your Deck

Once you’ve selected your commander, you need to construct a deck that complements its abilities. Consider these elements:

Ramp: Cards that accelerate your mana production are crucial for playing powerful cards quickly.
Card Draw: Drawing extra cards helps you find the key pieces you need to win the game.
Removal: Cards to remove problematic creatures or permanents are necessary to control the board.
Win Conditions: These are the ways you will achieve victory, often aligning with your commander's abilities and deck strategy.

Remember, building a Commander deck is an iterative process. Experiment, adjust, and have fun refining your strategy!

Conclusion

Selecting a good Commander is pivotal for a satisfying MTG Commander experience. By considering the factors discussed above and exploring the many amazing Commanders available, you can create a deck that's both powerful and enjoyable to play. Start building your deck today, and let the games begin!