Baylen, the HaymakerBaylen, the Haymaker | Isshin, Two Heavens as OneIsshin, Two Heavens as One | Obeka, Splitter of SecondsObeka, Splitter of Seconds | Art by Ryan Pancoast

Today we're going over the top 40 three-colored commanders on EDHREC*, and talking about why these cards have become so popular. There's a bunch of Commander classics on this list, but we've got some surprises in store too.

In case you missed them, here are the lists for the two-colored and monocolored commanders.

Let's get going, and see what's going on in this list!

*At time of writing

#40. Galadriel, Light of ValinorGaladriel, Light of Valinor

Decks: 14,252 | Rank: 84

First up on our list, we've got a Lord of the Rings scene box card. Galadriel is a classic Bant () commander, providing mana, card advantage, and +1/+1 counters. While she is somewhat generic, each of her abilities does something worthwhile.

This color combination also has easy access to repeatable token generators, meaning we can consistently make use of all three of her abilities.

Beyond her obvious power, I'd be willing to bet that her release alongside the popular LTR cards has bolstered her popularity.

12/15/25 Editor's Note: Between the time of writing and publishing, both Hearthhull, the WorldseedHearthhull, the Worldseed and Fire Lord AzulaFire Lord Azula have passed Galadriel in popularity, ranking #80 and #85, respectively. Galadriel has dropped to 86.

#39. Alela, Artful ProvocateurAlela, Artful Provocateur

Decks: 14,396 | Rank: 83

A classic commander, Alela first came to us in Throne of Eldraine. That's more than six years ago! Alela allows pilots to be creative and gives them access to three awesome colors.

This commander is generic enough to get support in almost every set that gets printed. Recent cards like Air Nomad LegacyAir Nomad Legacy and soon-to-released cards like Bitterbloom BearerBitterbloom Bearer are near perfect fits for Alela, and I expect that she'll only get more popular as time goes on.

#38. Marneus CalgarMarneus Calgar

Decks: 14,479 | Rank: 80

First printed in the Warhammer Commander precons, Marneus has become a standout card across all levels of play. He can tie together casual token decks with some incidental card draw, and even draw huge bursts of cards for cEDH pilots who run him alongside Amphibian DownpourAmphibian Downpour.

This card wasn't super appreciated when it first released, but Commander players have clearly noticed Marneus' potential.

#37. Queen MarchesaQueen Marchesa

Decks: 15,373 | Rank: 76

Released nearly 10 years ago in Conspiracy: Take the Crown, Marchesa introduces one of the best multiplayer mechanics that Magic has to offer. The monarchy isn't overly complicated, but it encourages players to actually hit each other instead of durdling around on each of their turns.

Marchesa has been seen on two other cards (Marchesa, the Black RoseMarchesa, the Black Rose and Marchesa, Dealer of DeathMarchesa, Dealer of Death), but this one is easily my favorite.

#36. Urza, Chief ArtificerUrza, Chief Artificer

Decks: 15,920 | Rank: 72

The leader of a 2022 preconstructed deck named around him, this version of Urza makes what the kids these days would refer to as "Karnstructs." Reducing his own commander tax, giving evasion to all of our artifact creatures, and making progressively larger beaters, this Chief Artificer is pretty strong.

If I were looking for a competitive artifact deck, I'd likely turn to Urza, Lord High ArtificerUrza, Lord High Artificer. But, for my Bracket-4-and-below needs, this version of Urza seems ideal.

#35. Cloud, Ex-SOLDIERCloud, Ex-SOLDIER

Decks: 16,117 | Rank: 70

The leader of one of this year's Final Fantasy precons, this version of Cloud takes after Dogmeat, Ever LoyalDogmeat, Ever Loyal as the latest Naya Equipment commander. Cloud auto-equips something when he enters, and can produce mana and card advantage when he attacks.

Plus, Cloud gives us access to the best Equipment synergies in Commander with and in his color identity.

#34. Zaxara, the ExemplaryZaxara, the Exemplary

Decks: 16,391 | Rank: 67

This five-year old Hydra is part of an infamous infinite combo with Freed from the RealFreed from the Real. While it's certainly possible to build a deck around this commander without that infinite combo, the Aura is in about 40% of lists on EDHREC.

Putting that combo aside, this is a neat spell deck that provides some beefy creatures for us to use in combat. It's certainly a fun card, in spite of its reputation for going infinite quite early in the game.

#33. Sidar Jabari of ZhalfirSidar Jabari of Zhalfir

Decks: 16,525 | Rank: 64

While I'm generally pretty skeptical of eminence abilities, I think this 2023 commander was designed pretty well. It has a relatively stringent requirement compared to some other eminence abilities (attacking with a Knight), and a somewhat muted payoff too (getting to loot once). But when Sidar is actually on the battlefield, we get to use the cards we had in our graveyard as reanimation targets.

It's a straightforward game plan and it doesn't feel as oppressive as, for example, Edgar MarkovEdgar Markov.

#32. Kefka, Court MageKefka, Court Mage

Decks: 16,813 | Rank: 61

Prior to the release of Spider-Man (and Norman OsbornNorman Osborn), I was convinced that Kefka would be this year's Grixis king. It feels like we see so many interesting commanders in this color combination, it's hard to pick just one.

Kefka is, of course, a super strong card advantage engine in the command zone. He's even seen some cEDH play, but seems to fit best in high power casual decks.

#31. Xyris, the Writhing StormXyris, the Writhing Storm

Decks: 16,913 | Rank: 60

This Snake Leviathan was first printed over five years ago, and shares space with Nekusar, the MindrazerNekusar, the Mindrazer as top commander for players looking to run every Wheel in their collection. Xyris certainly feels "more friendly" than his ghoulish counterpart, but he's no slouch. Anybody who's played against this commander can tell you that it's no joke.

For those of you in the same corner of Magic YouTube content that I'm in, you'll also recognize Xyris as the leader of Buffs by Hans.

#30. Henzie "Toolbox" TorreHenzie "Toolbox" Torre

Decks: 16,935 | Rank: 59

Henzie, printed all the way back in Streets of New Capenna, is extremely strong. Casting, quickly attacking with, and then sacrificing a bunch of big Jund creatures is a great game plan, of course. But once Henzie hits the battlefield, opponents are encouraged to keep it there. Every time we recast Henzie, he gives a larger discount on our blitzed spells. It's tempting to just kill this Devil on sight, but that only makes him better when he's inevitably recast.

Plus, with extraordinary colorless creatures like Sire of Seven DeathsSire of Seven Deaths now available, it's not a good idea to get rid of Henzie multiple times.

#29. Glarb, Calamity's AugurGlarb, Calamity's Augur

Decks: 16,987 | Rank: 58

"His Moistness," as this Bloomburrow Frog Wizard Noble is often called, is a fantastic commander. He works well with competitive staples like Force of WillForce of Will and Deadly RollickDeadly Rollick, letting us cast them off the top of our library. Plus, he can crack a DoomsdayDoomsday pile all by himself alongside cards like No One Left BehindNo One Left Behind and Thassa's OracleThassa's Oracle.

Glarb leads my cEDH deck. While he's not the greatest option out there, I really enjoy playing games with the Frog!

#28. Atla Palani, Nest TenderAtla Palani, Nest Tender

Decks: 17,363 | Rank: 55

Atla Palani came to us in Commander 2019, and has been turning Eggs into Dinos ever since. Like some other popular Naya commanders, she cheats out big creatures when we complete her mini game. In this case, the mini game is cracking a few Eggs.

I'm reminded of cards like Gishath, Sun's AvatarGishath, Sun's Avatar and Mayael the AnimaMayael the Anima, even though Atla does put a slightly different spin on things.

#27. Oloro, Ageless AsceticOloro, Ageless Ascetic

Decks: 17,453 | Rank: 53

Oloro has stood the test of time. He released in Commander 2013, sporting my dream physique and a sort of "pre-eminence version of eminence." Commander players love their life gain, and this Commander enables all the best lifegain synergies while also providing some sweet card advantage if we've got extra mana.

I do hope that we get to see another version of Oloro printed soon, but I won't be getting my hopes up with the amount of Universes Beyond product we're seeing over the next few years.

#26. Obeka, Splitter of SecondsObeka, Splitter of Seconds

Decks: 17,799 | Rank: 51

Interestingly, the 2024 version of Obeka made the list over Obeka, Brute ChronologistObeka, Brute Chronologist. This Obeka is a really interesting design, letting us re-use our upkeep triggers multiple times per turn. Whether it's something as simple as drawing multiple cards with a single copy of Phyrexian ArenaPhyrexian Arena or something as unique as copying multiple spells with Wildfire DevilsWildfire Devils, Obeka lets us do some nasty stuff.

#25. Korvold, Fae-Cursed KingKorvold, Fae-Cursed King

Decks: 18,012 | Rank: 49

From our first trip to Eldraine, Korvold is one of Commander's boogeymen. This Dragon is a payoff for one of the best things to do with a Golgari+ color identity in Commander: Aristocrats.

I've built five or six different Korvold lists, some with a focus on Sagas, some with a focus on lands, and some just trying to maximize the commander's effectiveness. Each of these decks was fearsome, and the common denominator is obvious.

#24. Flubs, the FoolFlubs, the Fool

Decks: 18,401 | Rank: 47

Flubs! I love this goofy, silly commander. As the Buy-A-Box Promo from Bloomburrow, Flubs wasn't necessarily destined for greatness. But, much like Nexus of FateNexus of Fate, this box topper turned into a crazy popular card.

There's a million ways to build Flubs, and he's even fringe-playable at Bracket 5 tables. I'm just here for the card art.

#23. Hashaton, Scarab's FistHashaton, Scarab's Fist

Decks:18,962 | Rank: 43

Aetherdrift certainly wasn't the most loved set that released this year, but it gave us some fantastic cards. I distinctly remember Hashaton and Ketramose, the New DawnKetramose, the New Dawn getting the most hype.

It turns out that Hashaton wasn't the format breaking monster that some folks expected it to be, but this Zombie Wizard has settled in nicely as another Esper reanimation option.

#22. Caesar, Legion's EmperorCaesar, Legion's Emperor

Decks:19,226 | Rank: 41

I've been informed by Fallout fans that this card's name isn't pronounced like the Roman ruler, which is confusing. What's not confusing, though, is his popularity. Caesar provides basically everything a Mardu token deck could want, all for the low cost of .

Hail, Caesar!

#21. Rin and Seri, InseparableRin and Seri, Inseparable

Decks:19,674 | Rank: 38

Rin and Seri, first printed in 2021, are cute! But that cuteness belies an absolute powerhouse of a commander. In a well-constructed list, Rin and Seri gracefully combine two creature types while allowing us access to some powerful, repeatable, and easily accessible removal.

This Dog Cat also works at the helm of a lower power theme deck, focused on including all the cuddliest beasts our format has to offer. I imagine most decks lie somewhere in between those two extremes.

#20. Voja, Jaws of the ConclaveVoja, Jaws of the Conclave

Decks:20,045 | Rank: 35

When Murders at Karlov Manor released, the collective Commander community erupted over Voja. It's got a supercharged ability that works well with Elves, one of Magic's best creature types, and it's got ward . Seeing a commander that does so much for just while also protecting itself from removal was pretty scary for a lot of people.

Voja's a great leader for those looking for a fresh take on Elves in high-powered Commander games, which gives the Wolf a nice niche.

#19. Mr. House, President and CEOMr. House, President and CEO

Decks:20,013 | Rank: 36

The house always wins. Mr. House became even more popular than the face commander of the Hail Caesar precon he was printed in. That's pretty remarkable, and it's likely because Mr. House provides Commander players with an outlet for their dice-rolling needs. Before he was released, there weren't very many good dice-rolling theme commanders available.

Mr. House is best when he's removed from that preconstructed deck and given his own spot to shine, and that's exactly what many pilots have done.

#18. The NecrobloomThe Necrobloom

Decks:20,513 | Rank: 33

I'll admit that I fully lost my mind when I saw Plant in Modern Horizons 3 spoiler season. It makes every land into Dakmor SalvageDakmor Salvage? It's a better copy of Field of the DeadField of the Dead? On a 2/7 body with a color combination that gives access to all the best land synergies in the game? This card is bonkers.

I'm surprised that The Necrobloom didn't rank in the top 10 of this list. It has some classic effects that Commander players love on a creature with a big butt. Granted, it's likely somewhat difficult to actually play, but I expected it to rank higher here.

#17. Arcades, the StrategistArcades, the Strategist

Decks:20,673 | Rank: 30

Arcades, printed in Core set 2019, at first seemed to be a nice way to tie together some relatively unsynergistic Walls. As more and more cards have been printed, though, Arcades has found his footing as a staple of Commander.

From Wingmantle ChaplainWingmantle Chaplain to Arbor AdherentArbor Adherent to Fecund GreenshellFecund Greenshell, Arcades has only gotten more toys.

#16. Animar, Soul of ElementsAnimar, Soul of Elements

Decks:20,673 | Rank: 29

Much like Oloro, Animar is an oldie but a goodie. First printed nearly 15 years ago, this Elemental is an icon of Commander. It enables infinite combos with cards like Ancestral StatueAncestral Statue, lets players cast Eldrazi for free, and generally ensures games are over with quickly.

I don't think Animar will ever leave the top 40; it's just too dang good.

#15. Frodo, Adventurous HobbitFrodo, Adventurous Hobbit & Sam, Loyal AttendantSam, Loyal Attendant

Decks:20,748 | Rank: 28

Our first and only partner pair on this list, Sam and Frodo led an Abzan precon from the Lord of the Rings product line. These two are popular for a few reasons: 1) The crossover in Magic and Lord of the Rings' fanbases is quite high 2) Commander players love life gain 3) These cards are just plain good.

Without any of those three, I sincerely doubt that Sam and Frodo would have landed at #15.

#14. Teval, the Balanced ScaleTeval, the Balanced Scale

Decks:21,621 | Rank: 27

This version of Teval, who led a precon in Tarkir: Dragonstorm, is a classic Sultai graveyard commander. She mills cards, returns lands to the board, and even makes 2/2 tokens. This Spirit Dragon just does a lot, allowing for the rest of the deck to be filled with enablers to let this Tormod, the DesecratorTormod, the Desecrator style commander do its thing.

#13. Muldrotha, the GravetideMuldrotha, the Gravetide

Decks:21,254 | Rank: 26

Another classic graveyard commander, Muldrotha comes to us from Dominaria. She lets us recur basically anything we want from the graveyard, which can lead to some silly loops with cards like WastelandWasteland and Sakura-Tribe ElderSakura-Tribe Elder.

While this Elemental Avatar isn't necessarily the most exciting choice for a reanimation commander, her strength is undeniable.

#12. Gishath, Sun's AvatarGishath, Sun's Avatar

Decks:21,568 | Rank: 25

This Dino was first printed in original Ixalan, and has cemented its spot in the heart of Timmys everywhere. Once you get enough mana to cast this Dino, you're rewarded with even more Dinosaurs.

It's a straightforward Naya big mana deck, but the random nature of Gishath's attack trigger can keep this deck feeling fresh game after game.

#11. Baylen, the HaymakerBaylen, the Haymaker

Decks:22,350 | Rank: 20

Baylen, printed in Bloomburrow, is the bomb. They provide mana, card advantage, and can even be a Voltron threat as the game drags on. It's rare to see a commander that carries so much value for just three mana, which is likely why players have been so drawn to this Rabbit Warrior.

#10. Ms. BumbleflowerMs. Bumbleflower

Decks:23,629 | Rank: 18

Leading a precon from Bloomburrow, Ms. Bumbleflower has potential to lead decks from Bracket 1 all the way up to Bracket 4. All-in Group Hug decks can use her in a more friendly way, while higher power lists can use her as a powerful card advantage engine.

Ms. Bumbleflower is one of the best preconstructed deck face commander designs I've seen in a while.

#9. Isshin, Two Heavens as OneIsshin, Two Heavens as One

Decks:24,780 | Rank: 17

Isshin, from our return to Kamigawa a few years ago, leads some straightforward lists. Pilots want to attack, attack again, and then maybe attack one more time for good measure. Isshin has always been strong, but has gotten some great tools like Voice of VictoryVoice of Victory recently to make the strategy even more appealing.

#8. Nekusar, the MindrazerNekusar, the Mindrazer

Decks:25,563 | Rank: 16

Another boogeyman of the format, Nekusar was first printed in 2013's Commander product. He turns any card advantage our opponents get into pain, fundamentally altering the course of the game when he's on the board.

He's a kill-on-sight threat, and he's only the second most popular Grixis commander on this list.

#7. Miirym, Sentinel WyrmMiirym, Sentinel Wyrm

Decks:25,804 | Rank: 15

You know what Commander players love? Dragons. You know what else they love? Copying their spells. This commander, from our crossover with Baldur's Gate, combines so much of what Commander players love on a 6/6, flying body with ward .

There's not much more you can ask for.

#6. The Wise MothmanThe Wise Mothman

Decks:26,403 | Rank: 14

This is the third or fourth time I've written about The Wise Mothman for EDHREC, which should give you a hint to its popularity. This Fallout commander riffs on traditional mill strategies in a genuinely interesting way. Rad is a cool way to translate Fallout mechanics into Magic, and it creates a more enjoyable play experience than most mill mechanics do.

I like the way Wizards designed this card, and really hope they bring that same ingenuity to future Universes Beyond products.

#5. Y'shtola, Night's BlessedY'shtola, Night's Blessed

Decks:26,753 | Rank: 12

Y'Shtola was one of the first cards spoiled from the Final Fantasy products, and she's also the most popular commander from that beloved release. She provides a Spellslinger payoff in the command zone, while also enabling lifegain synergies.

Plus, for players who want to bring her to higher-power games, her abilities also trigger off of cards like Snuff OutSnuff Out.

#4. Pantlaza, Sun-FavoredPantlaza, Sun-Favored

Decks:29,999 | Rank: 7

From our more recent return to Ixalan, we finally found a commander to dethrone Gishath. Both commanders randomly grab Dinosaurs from the top of the deck, but Pantlaza is guaranteed to find us a creature with its ability. Pantlaza's status as a precon face commander, its association with one of Magic's most popular creature types, and its recency have all contributed to its #4 placement on this list.

#3. Sauron, the Dark LordSauron, the Dark Lord

Decks:30,002 | Rank: 6

The villain of an iconic franchise. A set of flavorful and powerful abilities. These are the biggest reasons that this version of Sauron has become so popular. Amassing Orcs every single time an opponent casts a spell is a frankly ridiculous ability, especially because this commander's ward cost means it basically has hexproof.

While tracking the Ring's temptations is a somewhat tedious game mechanic, Sauron's cool abilities outweigh that small drawback. Also worth noting, Sauron is the most popular Universes Beyond commander of all time (though Y'shtola's coming for that crown).

#2. Kaalia of the VastKaalia of the Vast

Decks:32,029 | Rank: 5

Also printed as part of the Commander 2011 product, Kaalia transparently does what so many other commanders try to emulate: She cheats out big, scary creatures without paying their mana cost. Plus, Kaalia lets those creatures immediately attack our opponents. This means we get any relevant combat damage triggers they may have, while also being able to attack with them again on following turns.

Kaalia pilots want to get their commander on the battlefield quickly (using mana rocks, fast mana, and rituals), protect her from opposing removal (using cards like Lightning GreavesLightning Greaves and Not Dead After AllNot Dead After All), and then cruise to an easy victory with a board full of monsters.

#1. Edgar MarkovEdgar Markov

Decks:39,969 | Rank: 2

Edgar is the first commander that players think of when eminence is brought up. Anytime we cast a Vampire spell, we get to make a 1/1 Vampire creature token. For a creature type like this, which makes good use of disposable creatures (see: Blood ArtistBlood Artist and Viscera SeerViscera Seer) and spreads +1/+1 counters around easily (see Drana, Liberator of MalakirDrana, Liberator of Malakir and Cordial VampireCordial Vampire), those 1/1 tokens are a huge advantage.

Most Edgar pilots don't even need to cast their commander to make good use of its abilities, meaning they get a permanent buff to their game plan just for having him in the command zone. This deck will only get stronger as more Vampires get printed in future Magic sets.