<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom" href="#" target="_blank">Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.gallerygerard.com/the-art-of-justin-gerard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Justin Gerard</a></em></p>
<p>Fan favorite Merfolk Sygg returns in the upcoming set <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/ecl" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Lorwyn Eclipsed</em></a>, as we revisit the much beloved plane in January. What better way to celebrate than by building a brand new Commander deck for him?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards side-by-side"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom"></div></div>
<p>But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's take a look at the freshwater ferryman that'll be leading our 99. As <em>Lorwyn Eclipsed</em> is set in a plane where the very nature of the world changes from day to night, Sygg has two faces which we can transform between to represent him in both Lorwyn and Shadowmoor.</p>
<p>On the front face, Wanderwine Wisdom, we have an unblockable 2/2 Merfolk Wizard that can't be blocked. Whenever Sygg enters or transforms back into his Wanderwine form, we can target any creature we control with a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Curiosity" href="#" target="_blank">Curiosity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> style effect. For the rest of the turn, if they hit an opponent or one of their planeswalkers in combat, we draw ourselves a card.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Curiosity"></div></div>
<p>For this brand new set, transformation doesn't require us to meet any special conditions. Instead it's a repeatable paid ability that triggers at the start of every main phase. If we pay one <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> we'll flip Sygg over to his Wanderbrine side.</p>
<h2>Sygg's Shadow</h2>
<p>Whenever Sygg flips into <span class="edhrecp__link reverse"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom" href="#" target="_blank">Sygg, Wanderbrine Shield</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> we get to suit up one of our creatures with protection from every color. That makes whatever creature we choose with our ability very difficult to interact with.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards reverse"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom"></div></div>
<p>As Sygg's abilities are tied to his transformations, it can make him a little tricky to build around. Most transforming creatures will stay transformed once it's happened. But with this new flipping mechanic from <em>Lorwyn Eclipsed, </em>Sygg can technically flip back and once on every turn. It's similar to Day &amp; Night from the most recent <em>Innistrad</em> sets, but in this case we have much more direct control over the process.</p>
<h2>Making Sure We’re Equipped for Combat</h2>
<p>As Sygg's rather strange ability seems to want us to make something de facto unblockable like himself and swing in for combat damage-tied card advantage, we should build a deck that wants to get stuck into combat. But as Sygg only targets a single creature with his ability, we really want to be focusing on a single attacker.</p>
<p>Luckily, with the protection that Sygg gives us, we'll be able to make sure that our chosen creature gets in for combat damage. What we now need to provide that creature is some buffs so that we can present lethal damage to our opponents, as well as a bevvy of combat damage triggers to make sure we get as much bang for our buck as we can from one big hit.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Geist of Saint Traft"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zethi, Arcane Blademaster"></div></div>
<p>For that reason we're going for a sort of <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/voltron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voltron</a> strategy in which we cram loads of buffs and triggers onto one single creature. And as Sygg will provide our creature with protection from all colors, we want those buffs to be colorless or else the protection will cause them to fall off.</p>
<p>That's why we're taking an Equipment focus with this build! And as Sygg's <em>Shadowmoor</em> self was a sort of swashbuckling sellsword, it makes sense that we'd suit up our swingers with an assortment of swords. Sibilance!</p>
<h2>Sellsword Sells Swords</h2>
<p>For those not aware, the Sword of X and Y cycle is a collection of ten Equipment cards, each one linked to one of the ten color pairs in <em>Magic</em>. They provide the bearer protection from both of those colors and give a +2/+2 buff. That's a pretty good benefit on its own for three mana, but what really makes them sing for our deck is the combat damage triggers they provide.</p>
<p>Whenever a creature deals combat damage to a player whilst equipped with one of these Swords, we get two triggers. One representing each of the two colors on the sword. The <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of Feast and Famine" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of Feast and Famine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, for example, gives us some hand hate against our opponent and allows us to untap all our lands, effectively doubling the resources we have access to each turn.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Feast and Famine"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Fire and Ice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Hearth and Home"></div></div>
<p>The Sword cycle is notoriously powerful, and for good reason. When you load up enough of them onto a creature you'll get a wild amount of value out of just one swing. Not to mention that combined they give a total +20 to your creature's power.</p>
<p>The plan is very simple: We go big, and then we bring it home! We present lethal combat damage attached to creatures that can't be blocked or interacted with.</p>
<p>So how do we make it work?</p>
<h2>Finding Our Weapons</h2>
<p>First up we'll need some card advantage. This plan is all well and good, but what if our swords are still sitting in our deck? Our attacks aren't going to look very impressive.</p>
<p>First of all, we can look to some basic card draw.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sram, Senior Edificer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Puresteel Paladin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shimmer Dragon"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sram, Senior Edificer" href="#" target="_blank">Sram, Senior Edificer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Puresteel Paladin" href="#" target="_blank">Puresteel Paladin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are classics for Equipment decks as they refill our hand whenever our Equipment enters the field. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shimmer Dragon" href="#" target="_blank">Shimmer Dragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> provides some repeatable, instant speed card draw by allowing us to tap two swords for a card. As Equipment doesn't do any tapping on its own, it's effectively free.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stoneforge Mystic"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Starwinder"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Open the Armory"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Starwinder" href="#" target="_blank">Starwinder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a little more top end but will give us crazy card draw after a big swing - not to mention we can warp him in on the cheap on big turns. We can also take advantage of Equipment tutor effects like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stoneforge Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Stoneforge Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to root through our library for the swords we need.</p>
<h2>Suiting Up</h2>
<p>The key feature of Equipment cards is that they trade the Aura's one time use for a repeatable equip cost. But that equip cost can start to rack up once we've got enough Equipment on board. With effects like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brass Squire" href="#" target="_blank">Brass Squire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Codsworth, Handy Helper" href="#" target="_blank">Codsworth, Handy Helper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> we can circumvent the equip costs to keep prices down.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brass Squire"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Codsworth, Handy Helper"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Forge Anew"></div></div>
<p>Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Danitha Capashen, Paragon" href="#" target="_blank">Danitha Capashen, Paragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> however will reduce costs over all. And the fantastic <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forge Anew" href="#" target="_blank">Forge Anew</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will not only provide a one time discount but also allow us to equip our swords at instant speed. That turns them into repeatable protection effects against enemy spells when we need them.</p>
<p>Forge Anew also allows us to recur important Equipment from the graveyard when opponents inevitably try to remove our swords. We need to protect the things that are giving us protection, after all.</p>
<h2>Redundancy for Sygg</h2>
<p>Speaking of protection, it's worth noting that Sygg's effect is a little slow. We only get it once every other turn and we're forced to do it right at the start of our main phase. To make sure we have enough of a wall between us and our opponents' spells, we should plan some backups.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mother of Runes"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pippin, Guard of the Citadel"></div></div>
<p>Luckily we're in white, which gives us a load of options - the premier color for keeping our warriors safe! <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mother of Runes" href="#" target="_blank">Mother of Runes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a staple for this type of effect, giving us instant-speed protection from a single color.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pippin, Guard of the Citadel" href="#" target="_blank">Pippin, Guard of the Citadel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can also provide protection from the card type of our choice. Either something like instants to ignore interaction or just creatures to make us unblockable.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ephemerate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghostly Flicker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archaeomancer"></div></div>
<p>To get around the turns in which Sygg will transform back to his less exciting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Curiosity" href="#" target="_blank">Curiosity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effect, we can take advantage of flickering! Using cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ephemerate" href="#" target="_blank">Ephemerate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> we can have Sygg re-enter the battlefield in our upkeep to give his regular blue effect, then allowing us to transform him to his white side again for the protection.</p>
<p>With cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archaeomancer" href="#" target="_blank">Archaeomancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mnemonic Wall" href="#" target="_blank">Mnemonic Wall</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that effect can become repeatable as we pick back up our flicker spells.</p>
<h2>Finding the Right Attacker</h2>
<p>The only piece left of the puzzle is to find a decent creature to connect with our opponents. For that we want to seek out slippery creatures with great evasive skills or ones that hit extra hard. Creatures like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Geist of Saint Traft" href="#" target="_blank">Geist of Saint Traft</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> who's not only hexproof but rewards us with a free extra attacker with every swing.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wraith, Vicious Vigilante"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Geist of Saint Traft"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wraith, Vicious Vigilante" href="#" target="_blank">Wraith, Vicious Vigilante</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is unblockable even without protection effects, and she's also blessed with double strike, giving us double the damage and double the combat damage triggers from our swords!</p>
<p>The aforementioned Danitha has some great keywords, like lifelink to keep us kicking, and vigilance allowing us to save her as a blocker for our opponents' turns. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer" href="#" target="_blank">Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> however will find us artifacts from the top of our deck.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Danitha Capashen, Paragon"></div></div>
<h2>A List to Start With</h2>
<p>With all those elements combined you could have yourself a pretty powerful Equipment-focused deck. Just be sure to brush up on the rules for protection! As it's a symmetrical effect you can put yourself in some sticky situations in you're not careful.</p>
<p>For example, when Sygg gives multicolored protection to your creature, make sure it doesn't already have protection from white! Otherwise you won't be able to target it.</p>
<p>I've put together a list below that provides a look at how a deck like this might be constructed. Feel free to either put it together yourself or use it as a basis to build up your own Sygg list. Are you excited to play with this brand new version of a classic character? Let me know in the comments below how you're planning to build him!</p>
<h2>Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Sygg Equipment" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom // Sygg, Wanderbrine Shield
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Archaeomancer
*1 Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist
*1 Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer
*1 Brass Squire
*1 Bronze Guardian
*1 Codsworth, Handy Helper
*1 Danitha Capashen, Paragon
*1 Emry, Lurker of the Loch
*1 Esper Sentinel
*1 Etherium Sculptor
*1 Geist of Saint Traft
*1 Halvar, God of Battle // Sword of the Realms
*1 Hydroelectric Specimen // Hydroelectric Laboratory
*1 Leonin Shikari
*1 Mendicant Core, Guidelight
*1 Mnemonic Wall
*1 Mother of Runes
*1 Padeem, Consul of Innovation
*1 Pippin, Guard of the Citadel
*1 Puresteel Paladin
*1 Shimmer Dragon
*1 Silent Arbiter
*1 Sram, Senior Edificer
*1 Starwinder
*1 Stoneforge Mystic
*1 Wraith, Vicious Vigilante
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Azorius Locket
*1 Azorius Signet
*1 Blackblade Reforged
*1 Commander&#039;s Sphere
*1 Excalibur, Sword of Eden
*1 Hedron Archive
*1 Kaldra Compleat
*1 Marble Diamond
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Sky Diamond
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Sword of Body and Mind
*1 Sword of Feast and Famine
*1 Sword of Fire and Ice
*1 Sword of Forge and Frontier
*1 Sword of Hearth and Home
*1 Sword of Light and Shadow
*1 Sword of Once and Future
*1 Sword of Sinew and Steel
*1 Sword of Truth and Justice
*1 Sword of War and Peace
*1 Talisman of Progress
*1 Worn Powerstone
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Aetherize
*1 Arcane Denial
*1 Cloudshift
*1 Counterspell
*1 Cryptic Command
*1 Ephemerate
*1 Ghostly Flicker
*1 Jwari Disruption // Jwari Ruins
*1 Kabira Takedown // Kabira Plateau
*1 Muddle the Mixture
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Razorgrass Ambush // Razorgrass Field
*1 Sejiri Shelter // Sejiri Glacier
*1 Sink into Stupor // Soporific Springs
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Three Steps Ahead
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Lórien Revealed
*1 Ondu Inversion // Ondu Skyruins
*1 Open the Armory
*1 Supreme Verdict
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Forge Anew
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Azorius Chancery
*1 Command Tower
*1 Deserted Beach
*1 Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
*1 Floodfarm Verge
*1 Hallowed Fountain
*6 Island
*1 Maze of Ith
*1 Meticulous Archive
*1 Mistrise Village
*1 Mystic Gate
*1 Otawara, Soaring City
*7 Plains
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Restless Anchorage
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Sea of Clouds
*1 Skycloud Expanse
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h3>Read More:</h3>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="RRr3EIX2xv"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/eirdu-carrier-of-dawn-isilu-carrier-of-twilight-commander-deck/">Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight Commander Deck</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight Commander Deck&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/eirdu-carrier-of-dawn-isilu-carrier-of-twilight-commander-deck/embed/#?secret=1dWzmLNdrg#?secret=RRr3EIX2xv" data-secret="RRr3EIX2xv" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="tC03WtTt5p"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/ashling-rekindled-ashling-rimebound-deck-tech/">Ashling Rekindled // Ashling, Rimebound Deck Tech</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Ashling Rekindled // Ashling, Rimebound Deck Tech&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/ashling-rekindled-ashling-rimebound-deck-tech/embed/#?secret=MyzSOJjuMt#?secret=tC03WtTt5p" data-secret="tC03WtTt5p" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="8flOAJ1H3w"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/everything-revealed-for-2026-in-the-preview-panel-at-magiccon-atlanta/">Everything Revealed for 2026 in the Preview Panel at MagicCon Atlanta</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Everything Revealed for 2026 in the Preview Panel at MagicCon Atlanta&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/everything-revealed-for-2026-in-the-preview-panel-at-magiccon-atlanta/embed/#?secret=XcQu8bR37X#?secret=8flOAJ1H3w" data-secret="8flOAJ1H3w" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>


Sygg Sells Swords! - Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom Commander Deck Tech

The 10 Most Popular Cards From Lorwyn Block

Ashling Rekindled // Ashling, Rimebound Deck Tech

<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Image created by author</em></p>
<p>Last week on our socials (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/edhrec.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bluesky</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/edhrec/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/edhrec1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>) we asked our community what they thought were the best <em>Magic</em> sets of all time. With over 900 responses, below are the results.</p>
<h2>Is <em>Urza's Saga the</em> Best <em>Magic: The Gathering </em>Set of All Time?</h2>
<div id="attachment_163759" style="width: 590px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Best-Magic-Sets-Results-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-163759" class="wp-image-163759" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Best-Magic-Sets-Results-2-240x300.jpg" alt="10 Best Magic Sets of All Time" width="580" height="725" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Best-Magic-Sets-Results-2-240x300.jpg 240w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Best-Magic-Sets-Results-2.jpg 400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-163759" class="wp-caption-text">10 best Magic sets of all time, as chosen by our community</p></div>
<p>The winner, by a huge margin, was <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/usg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Urza's Saga</em></a>, which took almost 10% of the responses. This was a bit surprising, not only because it had more than double the responses of the runners up, but also because the set was released in 1998 - more than 25 years ago - making it older than many <em>Magic </em>players.</p>
<p>Importantly, most of the votes for <em>Saga</em> came from Facebook and Instagram, platforms which tend to skew a bit older than Bluesky.</p>
<p>Many responses to <em>Saga</em> winning could be summed up thusly:</p>
<blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:disdignqic7kl6fwj4usakun/app.bsky.feed.post/3lxurxftitc2o" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreiasinez53u24c22uyufyufdzzziohglyw5rkxgji3yrabawvhroqm" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system">
<p lang="en">I'm assuming most people that voted for this weren't around during Combo Winter.</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:disdignqic7kl6fwj4usakun/post/3lxurxftitc2o?ref_src=embed">[image or embed]</a></p>
<p>— EternalCasual (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:disdignqic7kl6fwj4usakun?ref_src=embed">@eternalcasual.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:disdignqic7kl6fwj4usakun/post/3lxurxftitc2o?ref_src=embed">September 2, 2025 at 1:51 PM</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Several users mentioned <a href="https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Combo_Winter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Combo Winter</a> after seeing these results on our socials, also noting how the set is mostly known for being overpowered, which is apparently why so many people voted for it.</p>
<p>Tied for second place were the first set (<em>Alpha</em>) and <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/isd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Innistrad</em></a>, both with a little over 4% of the responses. This was followed by <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/rav"><em>Ravnica</em></a>, <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/lrw" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Lorwyn</em></a>, and <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tmp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Tempest</em></a> (in 4th, 5th, and 6th place, respectively). <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/blb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Bloomburrow</em></a> and <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/ktk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Khans of Tarkir</em></a> were tied for 7th, and <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/ltr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Lord of the Rings</em></a> and <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/eld" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Throne of Eldraine</em></a> were both tied for 9th place.</p>
<h2>Interesting Data Points</h2>
<ul>
<li>119 different sets were named.</li>
<li>The only Commander precon set that got any votes was <a href="https://edhrec.com/precon#fallout" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fallout.</a></li>
<li>Only two sets from the last five years made the top 10: <em>Bloomburrow </em>and <em>Lord of the Rings</em>.</li>
<li>34 different sets received one vote each</li>
</ul>
<h2>What Do <em>You</em> Think Is the Best <em>Magic </em>Set?</h2>
<p>What do you think about these results? Any surprises? Sets you'd like to see included? Sound off in the comment or join us on our socials.</p>
<h3>Read More:</h3>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="Jbcd7YIoIl"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-joys-of-high-mana-value-commanders/">The Joys of High Mana Value Commanders</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;The Joys of High Mana Value Commanders&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-joys-of-high-mana-value-commanders/embed/#?secret=dtI4RlQE05#?secret=Jbcd7YIoIl" data-secret="Jbcd7YIoIl" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="N0E5HRv871"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-top-5-universes-beyond-set-releases-so-far/">The Top 5 Universes Beyond Set Releases So Far</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;The Top 5 Universes Beyond Set Releases So Far&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-top-5-universes-beyond-set-releases-so-far/embed/#?secret=OKhbGAFDBZ#?secret=N0E5HRv871" data-secret="N0E5HRv871" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="KpMcBvV8T8"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/examining-bloomburrow-one-year-later/">Examining Bloomburrow, One Year Later</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Examining Bloomburrow, One Year Later&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/examining-bloomburrow-one-year-later/embed/#?secret=P2FgoYbkJZ#?secret=KpMcBvV8T8" data-secret="KpMcBvV8T8" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>


The 10 Best Magic Sets, as Chosen by Our Community

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shapesharer" href="#" target="_blank">Shapesharer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CAlan+Pollack%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alan Pollack</a></em></p>
<p>We're going back to Lorwyn! Finally! I'm so excited to revisit the beloved plane and I know I'm not alone.</p>
<p>The Human-less plane with a creature type focus is the home of some of the most beautiful art in <em>Magic</em> and has given us a lot to revisit over the years. The first planeswalkers were printed here and before there was a mythic rarity!</p>
<p>With the return happening in <em>Lorwyn Eclipsed</em> next January, I wanted to discuss the things I hope to see again and the things I hope we skip this time around. Given the infrequency with which we revisit Lorwyn and we're not going back to a block of sets, I'll cover the things I love (and don't) from <em>Lorwyn, Morningtide, Shadowmoor, and Eventide. </em></p>
<h2>Things I Love About <em>Lorwyn</em> and <em>Shadowmoor</em> Blocks</h2>
<h3>Hybrid Mana</h3>
<p>One of my favorite pieces of technology that I very strongly associate with <em>Lorwyn</em> is hybrid mana. I know that it's from OG <em>Ravnica: City of Guilds, </em>but I've always really loved how well hybrid mana works in the <em>Lorwyn/Shadowmoor</em> blocks.</p>
<p>There are so many iconic hybrid cards that I love, like:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swans of Bryn Argoll" href="#" target="_blank">Swans of Bryn Argoll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Batwing Brume" href="#" target="_blank">Batwing Brume</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dire Undercurrents" href="#" target="_blank">Dire Undercurrents</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Memory Plunder" href="#" target="_blank">Memory Plunder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Murderous Redcap" href="#" target="_blank">Murderous Redcap</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kitchen Finks" href="#" target="_blank">Kitchen Finks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fulminator Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Fulminator Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rhys the Redeemed" href="#" target="_blank">Rhys the Redeemed</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dire Undercurrents"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Murderous Redcap"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rhys the Redeemed"></div></div>
<p>My strong association of hybrid mana with this plane comes from all these cards, but more so from some incredible cycles featured across the blocks.</p>
<p>The Liege cycle in <em>Shadowmoor</em> is such an achievement. Interesting and powerful designs that reward you for leaning toward committing to multicolored creatures and spells. While some are much stronger than others, there's no doubt that there's a space for each of these in the right deck.</p>
<p>My personal favorite is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deathbringer Liege" href="#" target="_blank">Deathbringer Liege</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> - a wonderful control piece that turns your <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Felisa, Fang of Silverquill" href="#" target="_blank">Felisa, Fang of Silverquill</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Inklings and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teysa, Opulent Oligarch" href="#" target="_blank">Teysa, Opulent Oligarch</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Spirits into beefier flying threats that gum up the board or threaten to end things.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deathbringer Liege"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Balefire Liege"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Murkfiend Liege"></div></div>
<p>Next to the Lieges, the Demigods are phenomenal creatures that today's design team would pin the legendary supertype to without hesitation. A cycle of Avatars that demand payment in pips of two colors, no matter their combination, these creatures all have interesting abilities and need to be answered.</p>
<p>Finding a place for these is a little more difficult, but there are certainly <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Omnath, Locus of All" href="#" target="_blank">Omnath, Locus of All</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> decks out there slamming the cycle in the 99 as a nostalgia pull.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Godhead of Awe"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deus of Calamity"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dominus of Fealty"></div></div>
<p>Not to mention their accompanying Auras. I always keep an eye on these when new commanders get printed in case there's some synergy to exploit.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Steel of the Godhead"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Helm of the Ghastlord"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fists of the Demigod"></div></div>
<h3>Set Mechanics</h3>
<p>There are a number of mechanics that are quintessentially <em>Lorwyn</em> and <em>Shadowmoor. </em>With some of these mechanics making their way onto more modern cards - for instance, evoke on the <em>Modern Horizons 2 </em>Elementals that warped things in some formats - I expect them to make a return.</p>
<p>Similarly, changeling has been used a few times since. While in the past, it was used to be the glue between all the kindred strategies, I expect it to return as well, but be represented less. Also, shout out to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mistform Ultimus" href="#" target="_blank">Mistform Ultimus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ingot Chewer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mulldrifter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mirror Entity"></div></div>
<p>So what mechanics do we need to touch on?</p>
<p>Clash is a mechanic I'm always excited to see pop up. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Marvo, Deep Operative" href="#" target="_blank">Marvo, Deep Operative</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a very cool commander and adds plenty to decks that can make good use of it. If Marvo is an indication of where <em>WotC</em> design is at with new clash cards, I'd be stoked to see more.</p>
<p>I love a little gamble off the top of people's decks. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Keen Duelist" href="#" target="_blank">Keen Duelist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> feels like an honorary clash card. While there aren't many great clash cards out there, a new batch of them would definitely mean eyes on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sylvan Echoes" href="#" target="_blank">Sylvan Echoes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Could we see a clash legend? Potentially! I'm just hoping for more stuff like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spring Cleaning" href="#" target="_blank">Spring Cleaning</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that can turn a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Disenchant" href="#" target="_blank">Disenchant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> into an asymmetrical enchantment wipe. And <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Woodland Guidance" href="#" target="_blank">Woodland Guidance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can be a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Regrowth" href="#" target="_blank">Regrowth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> with a little cheeky untap to it. Clash is fun! You're rewarded for playing cards with high mana values and the trend lately is that mana values have been going down. It's the perfect time to bring this mechanic back.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spring Cleaning"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Recross the Paths"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pollen Lullaby"></div></div>
<p>My wish list is getting a little long, but it would bring me so much joy to see more wither and persist in <em>Magic. </em>My world for a Jund commander that would make running <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons" href="#" target="_blank">Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Scorpion God" href="#" target="_blank">The Scorpion God</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in the same deck worth it!</p>
<p>The polar opposite to the ever-present +1/+1 counters, -1/-1 counters might mean you need a different set of dice to track things, but they are so fun. As an Aristocrats lover, persist is definitely something I'd love to see come back.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Everlasting Torment"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cauldron of Souls"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cauldron Haze"></div></div>
<p>There are only 13 cards in <em>Magic</em> with conspire. Only two of those are recent; the rest all come from these sets.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wort, the Raidmother" href="#" target="_blank">Wort, the Raidmother</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> isn't as popular as she once was, but you haven't lived until you've conspired <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Battle Hymn" href="#" target="_blank">Battle Hymn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> with a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Twinning Staff" href="#" target="_blank">Twinning Staff</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> out to get a conspired <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Banefire" href="#" target="_blank">Banefire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, ending the game.</p>
<p>I've got a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rassilon, the War President" href="#" target="_blank">Rassilon, the War President</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck that has been really fun. I believe a new conspire legend in a different set of colors would go hard. Would putting conspire on new spells be any fun? Probably! But at this point, I think we're at the point where a legend granting conspire is likely where things are headed.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gleeful Sabotage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Memory Sluice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wort, the Raidmother"></div></div>
<h3>Reprint the Filter Lands</h3>
<p>Look, I'm not going to spend much time here. Bring back the filter lands, <em>WotC</em>! Get 'em in Standard, why not!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mystic Gate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Graven Cairns"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cascade Bluffs"></div></div>
<h3>Can't Forget About the Art</h3>
<p>Some of the coolest art in the game comes from these blocks. The beautifully painted pieces that flesh out the environment and the world, the flowing fantasy, the use of color, shadows and light - ugh! I missed this period of <em>Magic</em> and the thought of opening a box of these cards would make me weep from the art alone. I mean, just singling out Rebecca Guay's 15 cards from these sets would get me there.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bitterblossom"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Enchanted Evening"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Peppersmoke"></div></div>
<p>The world is so rich and evocative and even the teaser images for the upcoming return to <em>Lorwyn </em>assure me that the art department is ready to revisit just as much as we are.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bloom Tender"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Augury Adept"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Painter&#039;s Servant"></div></div>
<h2>Things I Could Leave Behind</h2>
<p>While this plane has given us many cool mechanics and important firsts, it's also given us some mechanics I'd rather let go. Not to mention, the kindred/typal focus isn't my favorite way to go. I think prowl might be the exception for me, but otherwise, I don't really feel a pull from kindred strategies.</p>
<h3>Kinship</h3>
<p>With that in mind, kinship is a mechanic that feels like it's been reworked on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Herald&#039;s Horn" href="#" target="_blank">Herald&#039;s Horn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It feels like a little bit too much of a box, and while I appreciate some restrictions on cards to see how I can make them work, the coolest cards require you to jam them only in the typal decks they belong to and that doesn't scratch an itch for me.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Leaf-Crowned Elder"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Squeaking Pie Grubfellows"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sensation Gorger"></div></div>
<p>I like Faeries plenty, but I don't feel the urge to put together a Faerie deck. I know that's what people like about this set, and <em>Bloomburrow</em> was popular thanks to its focus on critters' creature types, but...eh.</p>
<h3>Champion</h3>
<p>There's a good reason we haven't seen champion come back. It's narrow, it's confusing, and the payoffs are either awful or abusable. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mistbind Clique" href="#" target="_blank">Mistbind Clique</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wanderwine Prophets" href="#" target="_blank">Wanderwine Prophets</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are infamous for infinites in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inalla, Archmage Ritualist" href="#" target="_blank">Inalla, Archmage Ritualist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> decks.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Boggart Mob"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nova Chaser"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Changeling Titan"></div></div>
<p>It would take a really cool design for me to be happy to see this mechanic again and even then, please don't be a cycle, dear lord, please.</p>
<h3>Hideaway</h3>
<p>Probably my most controversial inclusion on the list. I think hideaway just isn't it. We've seen it return already; it's a mini game that's interesting to some players, which is why some of these hideaway lands are included in precons, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mosswort Bridge" href="#" target="_blank">Mosswort Bridge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spinerock Knoll" href="#" target="_blank">Spinerock Knoll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Howltooth Hollow"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shelldock Isle"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Windbrisk Heights"></div></div>
<p>I don't need it back in the set so desperately. Maybe it'd be nice to have playable blue and black lands out of the cycle, but truly, it's not something I'm particularly interested in. I know people like it plenty and we've even seen <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Collector&#039;s Cage" href="#" target="_blank">Collector&#039;s Cage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> do work in 60-card formats, but to me, it's not a marker of what makes <em>Lorwyn</em> feel like the beloved plane it is.</p>
<h2><em>Lorwyn Eclipsed</em></h2>
<p><em>Lorwyn Eclipsed </em>is the first set slated for 2026, and I am thrilled to be back. What stuff from the Lorwyn/Shadowmoor plane are you most excited to see again? Are there any particular characters you hope to see reimagined? Let us know in the comments.</p>


lorwyn

Sygg Sells Swords! - Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom Commander Deck Tech

The 10 Most Popular Cards From Lorwyn Block

Ashling Rekindled // Ashling, Rimebound Deck Tech

The 10 Best Magic Sets, as Chosen by Our Community

What I Hope To See in Lorwyn Eclipsed

Which Magic Planes Should We Revisit Next? Part 2

Which Planes Should We Revisit After the Omenpath Arc? Part 1

Mechanically Minded - Changeling