(Marvo, Deep OperativeMarvo, Deep Operative | Art by John Tedrick)
"Oops, All Planeswalkers!"
Welcome to Too-Specific Top 10, where if there isn’t a category to rank our pet card at the top of, we’ll just make one up! (Did you know that Agent Frank HorriganAgent Frank Horrigan is the only two-color commander that Proliferates upon entering the battlefield without having to pay an extra cost?)
More than five years ago, in the days leading up to the release of War of the Spark, I went a bit nuts with some predictions about what we would get. In that article, I framed it all via color identity, and which color combinations were deep enough in planeswalkers that we could do an "Oops, All Planeswalkers" deck.
Well, it's 2024. Since War of the Spark, we've gotten 139 new planeswalkers. While that number hasn't quite gotten us to the levels of a playable monocolor deck entirely made up of lands and planeswalkers, it has gotten us to the point where you can do it in two-color. The only question is, if you were to do such a ridiculous thing, what would be the best commanders for it in each color?
Top 100 Two-Color Planeswalker Commanders
All in all, this is a simple, if silly, premise. Here's my only issue: I can't find a single way to do it based on data. There aren't enough options in most colors to just go with the commanders that directly mention planeswalkers or are planeswalkers themselves. You can go the route of counters, but almost all of them mention +1/+1 counters specifically, rather than allowing for you to do anything with the loyalty counters of planeswalkers. Not only that, but then you leave out commanders that fit well with the Superfriends strategy, either by referencing things like noncreature spellsnoncreature spells, preventing attacks on your planeswalkerspreventing attacks on your planeswalkers, or any number of other corner casesany number of other corner cases.
So, I'm going to do something I've never done in the history of Too-Specific Top 10: Use my opinion.
Criteria: Whatever I feel like, I guess.
On second thought, that's too far a bridge for me. Instead, how about we take one step away from the data, and then we'll inch right back to it.
Criteria: With a preconstructed, opinion-based list of 10 commanders per two-color combination, we will then rank each based on their commander score.
All right, I'm a little more comfortable now. Daunted by the list of a few thousand commanders I'm about to go through to form an opinion, but comfortable. Let's take a look!
10.
- Azorius (): The Eighth DoctorThe Eighth Doctor & Peri BrownPeri Brown (2 Total Decks)
- Orzhov (): Abdel Adrian, Gorion's WardAbdel Adrian, Gorion's Ward & Cultist of the AbsoluteCultist of the Absolute (48)
- Boros (): Livaan, Cultist of TiamatLivaan, Cultist of Tiamat & Flaming FistFlaming Fist (35)
- Selesnya (): Lulu, Loyal HollyphantLulu, Loyal Hollyphant & Cloakwood HermitCloakwood Hermit (137)
- Dimir (): Tevesh Szat, Doom of FoolsTevesh Szat, Doom of Fools & Esior, Wardwing FamiliarEsior, Wardwing Familiar (70)
- Izzet (): The Tenth DoctorThe Tenth Doctor & Adric, Mathematical GeniusAdric, Mathematical Genius (15)
- Simic (): The Fourth DoctorThe Fourth Doctor & Adric, Mathematical GeniusAdric, Mathematical Genius (1)
- Rakdos (): Legate Lanius, Caesar's AceLegate Lanius, Caesar's Ace (129)
- Golgari (): Gilanra, Caller of WirewoodGilanra, Caller of Wirewood & Nadier, Agent of the DuskenelNadier, Agent of the Duskenel (24)
- Gruul (): Kodama of the East TreeKodama of the East Tree & Dargo, the ShipwreckerDargo, the Shipwrecker (82)
A little caveat here up front: With the amount of cards we're about to be talking about, there is absolutely no way we're going to be able to discuss them all. So, with that in mind, let's hit the highlights, and move on!
Our number 10 slot, across the color combinations, has one thing in common: Tons of partner commanders. Which is no great surprise. Partner commanders are unwieldy, complicated, and have so many different combinations that it takes a lot for them to rise to the top of the pile as far as play numbers. With that said, there are some absolute diamonds in the rough that we never would have seen with our normal EDHREC score rankings, so let's take advantage!
While usually used for combos, Abdel AdrianAbdel Adrian makes for a heck of a Superfriends commander. With planeswalkers in play as you play him, you can stick all of them under him, then find a way to have him leave the battlefield to bring them all back fresh and able to use their loyalty abilities once again. Shockingly, however, out of the 76 planeswalkers available in Orzhov, only five of them have sacrifice abilities, only two of which are readily accessible and beneficial. With that in mind, Cultist of the AbsoluteCultist of the Absolute provides a ready-made way to have Abdel come down, grab a bunch of planeswalkers who have already used their loyalty abilities, make some soldiers, and then sacrifice himself during your upkeep to bring all the planeswalkers back. It's not as good as getting them back in the same turn, mind you, but it does protect them from others attacking them!
If there's one thing we know about planeswalkers, it's that they tend toward the expensive side. While that is certainly going to make life more difficult for the "Oops, All Planeswalkers" strategy, it can also be a boon with Livaan, Cultist of TiamatLivaan, Cultist of Tiamat. Throw in some double strike with Flaming FistFlaming Fist, and you'll have a commander that is threatening to one-shot people!
While AdricAdric is one of the least popular Doctor's Companions (a genre that is already not popular to begin with), when it comes to planeswalkers, he really shines. Being able to copy an ultimate can spell game over all on its own, not to mention some of the more impactful regular loyalty abilities, too. Combine that with his ability to also copy the abilities of Doctors like The Tenth DoctorThe Tenth Doctor, or any of the others we'll see further up this list, and you start to get an idea of just how impactful he can be as a Superfriends "companion".
9.
- Azorius (): The Second DoctorThe Second Doctor & Adric, Mathematical GeniusAdric, Mathematical Genius (13 Total Decks)
- Orzhov (): Elder Arthur MaxsonElder Arthur Maxson (98)
- Boros (): Ertha Jo, Frontier MentorErtha Jo, Frontier Mentor (240)
- Selesnya (): Kodama of the East TreeKodama of the East Tree & Yoshimaru, Ever FaithfulYoshimaru, Ever Faithful (181)
- Dimir (): The Mouth of SauronThe Mouth of Sauron (120)
- Izzet (): Livaan, Cultist of TiamatLivaan, Cultist of Tiamat & Sword Coast SailorSword Coast Sailor (193)
- Simic (): The Sixth DoctorThe Sixth Doctor & Susan ForemanSusan Foreman (23)
- Rakdos (): Baeloth Barrityl, EntertainerBaeloth Barrityl, Entertainer & Agent of the Shadow ThievesAgent of the Shadow Thieves (186)
- Golgari (): Erinis, Gloom StalkerErinis, Gloom Stalker & Agent of the Shadow ThievesAgent of the Shadow Thieves (64)
- Gruul (): Alena, Kessig TrapperAlena, Kessig Trapper & Gilanra, Caller of WirewoodGilanra, Caller of Wirewood (114)
Paired up with Adric, Mathematical GeniusAdric, Mathematical Genius yet again, The Second DoctorThe Second Doctor provides protection for your planeswalkers on a level we just haven't seen yet. It'll be hard enough for portions of the table to say no to getting a free card to not be able to attack you, but two cards? The table will just have to find an entire way to kill your stuff than combat, period.
Ertha Jo, Frontier MentorErtha Jo, Frontier Mentor doesn't even seem like a planeswalker commander, at first glance. Out of the 85 planeswalkers in Boros, however, more than two-thirds of them have abilities that can be copied by this little Kor Advisor. Combine that with her bringing an extra blocker with her, and I would actually put her in the running for one of the best Superfriends commanders out there.
Two of the most important things for Superfriends decks are being able to protect your planeswalkers, and ramp. With a one-mana commander you can get out early who will just get bigger and bigger with every planeswalker and legendary land you play, protection is taken care of. The ramp piece will also take care of itself a little bit in green, what with all the Nissa's and the like, but once you get up to Kodama of the East TreeKodama of the East Tree mana, things should really take off. For those of you who haven't played with Kodama before, note that its ability doesn't say anything about nonland, meaning that if you play a land, it lets you play yet another land from your hand. Combine that with also getting another planeswalker whenever you play a planeswalker, and you're likely to have an empty hand and a scary board state almost immediately, not to mention a probable 21/21 YoshimaruYoshimaru.
Did I mention that ramp was one of the most important pieces in a Superfriends deck? Well, how about having a mana dork in the command zone that you can play down in the early turns before you start getting planeswalkers down? Throw in double your planeswalkers once you get The Sixth DoctorThe Sixth Doctor down, and this little Doctor-Companion combo will be one of the absolute strongest ways you can play "Oops, All Planeswalkers!"
8.
- Azorius (): Lavinia of the TenthLavinia of the Tenth (269 Total Decks)
- Orzhov (): Tevesh Szat, Doom of FoolsTevesh Szat, Doom of Fools & Yoshimaru, Ever FaithfulYoshimaru, Ever Faithful (120)
- Boros (): Baird, Argivian RecruiterBaird, Argivian Recruiter (311)
- Selesnya (): Finneas, Ace ArcherFinneas, Ace Archer (347)
- Dimir (): The Master, MesmeristThe Master, Mesmerist (150)
- Izzet (): Vhal, Candlekeep ResearcherVhal, Candlekeep Researcher & Passionate ArchaeologistPassionate Archaeologist (256)
- Simic (): Gilanra, Caller of WirewoodGilanra, Caller of Wirewood & Kydele, Chosen of KruphixKydele, Chosen of Kruphix (30)
- Rakdos (): Vial Smasher the FierceVial Smasher the Fierce & Jeska, Thrice RebornJeska, Thrice Reborn (214)
- Golgari (): Storrev, Devkarin LichStorrev, Devkarin Lich (202)
- Gruul (): Tana, the BloodsowerTana, the Bloodsower & Jeska, Thrice RebornJeska, Thrice Reborn (181)
It probably won't come as a shock to find out that almost every Selesnya planeswalker there is cares about either +1/+1 counters or tokens in some fashion. So, take a cheap commandercheap commander you can get down to protect your planeswalkers early, alongside a bunch of planeswalkers that make tokens and then make those tokens bigger, combined with that same commander then making said tokens even bigger and then drawing cards off of it? You've got a hell of a stew going there, if you ask me.
If you really go for the true "Oops, All Planeswalkers", rather than just your average Superfriends deck, then ramp is going to be your main problem. With that in mind, why not try out two commanders that both will get your planeswalkers down a bit early? From there, it won't be hard to have the planeswalkers themselves draw you some cards to keep the ball rolling. I hear Simic is pretty good at that sort of thing.
LivaanLivaan is all well and good, but wouldn't you rather just be doing that damage for casting huge planeswalkers right to people's faces? Vial Smasher the FierceVial Smasher the Fierce can accomodate, while Jeska, Thrice RebornJeska, Thrice Reborn comes down early to protect your other planeswalkers, then comes down late to finish off a table that's been taking Vial Smasher damage the whole game. No durdling for this Superfriends brew!
7.
- Azorius (): Genku, Future ShaperGenku, Future Shaper (470 Total Decks)
- Orzhov (): Lae'zel, Vlaakith's ChampionLae'zel, Vlaakith's Champion & Agent of the Shadow ThievesAgent of the Shadow Thieves (123)
- Boros (): Tori D'Avenant, Fury RiderTori D'Avenant, Fury Rider (316)
- Selesnya (): Jaheira, Friend of the ForestJaheira, Friend of the Forest & Inspiring LeaderInspiring Leader (692)
- Dimir (): Rona, Disciple of GixRona, Disciple of Gix (201)
- Izzet (): Bilbo, Retired BurglarBilbo, Retired Burglar (367)
- Simic (): Erinis, Gloom StalkerErinis, Gloom Stalker & Sword Coast SailorSword Coast Sailor (87)
- Rakdos (): Tevesh Szat, Doom of FoolsTevesh Szat, Doom of Fools & Jeska, Thrice RebornJeska, Thrice Reborn (357)
- Golgari (): Tevesh Szat, Doom of FoolsTevesh Szat, Doom of Fools & Kodama of the East TreeKodama of the East Tree (231)
- Gruul (): Jaheira, Friend of the ForestJaheira, Friend of the Forest & Guild ArtisanGuild Artisan (287)
There was never any question that Lae'zelLae'zel was always going to be one of the best Superfriends commanders, but having Agent of the Shadow ThievesAgent of the Shadow Thieves as a Background to let the +1/+1 counters run rampant in addition to the loyalty counters really packs a punch.
While I wouldn't call this the best Superfriends combination out there, there is something to be said about a deck that's able to do "the thing", and ulting Tevesh Szat, Doom of FoolsTevesh Szat, Doom of Fools into three Kodama of the East TreeKodama of the East Tree triggers is quite "the thing", if I do say so myself.
While Gruul might not be the best color combination for token planeswalkers, it's not the worst, either. Just to make sure that JaheiraJaheira is providing ludicrous amounts of mana, however, [le]Guild Artisan[/el] can step in as a commander Background to ensure that we're getting ramp throughout. And the fact that those Treasures will tap for without having to sacrifice themselves? Well, that's just gravy, baby.
6.
- Azorius (): Gwafa Hazid, ProfiteerGwafa Hazid, Profiteer (485 Total Decks)
- Orzhov (): Moira and TesharMoira and Teshar (389)
- Boros (): Mila, Crafty CompanionMila, Crafty Companion (671)
- Selesnya (): Queen Allenal of RuadachQueen Allenal of Ruadach (1086)
- Dimir (): Basim Ibn IshaqBasim Ibn Ishaq (414)
- Izzet (): Red Death, ShipwreckerRed Death, Shipwrecker (595)
- Simic (): Troyan, Gutsy ExplorerTroyan, Gutsy Explorer (346)
- Rakdos (): Karazikar, the Eye TyrantKarazikar, the Eye Tyrant (1047)
- Golgari (): Jaheira, Friend of the ForestJaheira, Friend of the Forest & Agent of the Iron ThroneAgent of the Iron Throne (459)
- Gruul (): Radha, Heir to KeldRadha, Heir to Keld (695)
It took a minute, but we finally got to our first commander that was purposefully designed with planeswalkers in mind! Mila, Crafty CompanionMila, Crafty Companion comes built-in with protection and/or "Proliferate" for your planeswalkers, which is nothing to scoff at. Which is good, because if you do go the "Oops, All Planeswalkers" route, then it's going to be a requirement that you scoff at the do-nothing Lukka, Wayward BonderLukka, Wayward Bonder. Don't worry, he deserves it.
With planeswalkers coming down late, I cannot overemphasize how important it is that your Superfriends commanders come down early. Basim Ibn IshaqBasim Ibn Ishaq does just that as a two-mana commander, and will most likely start drawing you cards immediately as you start into your three- and four-mana Dimir planeswalkers. And if you think this all seems a bit underwhelming, I would suggest you scroll back up and look at all the Dimir commander options we've looked at so far. Blue and black are easily the worst options when it comes to Superfriends leaders, so just having an early blocker and late game threat looks pretty good at this point!
I've mentioned ramp a half dozen times now, but almost all of those opportunities have felt more like Commander's SphereCommander's Sphere than Arcane SignetArcane Signet. Enter Red Death, ShipwreckerRed Death, Shipwrecker, who can tap for whenever you feel like it, and protect your planeswalkers with Goad while it's at it! Oh, and did I mention there's five Izzet planeswalkers that can untap him?
5.
- Azorius (): Stenn, Paranoid PartisanStenn, Paranoid Partisan (707 Total Decks)
- Orzhov (): Neyam Shai MuradNeyam Shai Murad (405)
- Boros (): Ajani, Nacatl PariahAjani, Nacatl Pariah (675)
- Selesnya (): Mirri, Weatherlight DuelistMirri, Weatherlight Duelist (1284)
- Dimir (): Vren, the RelentlessVren, the Relentless (1169)
- Izzet (): Will KenrithWill Kenrith & Rowan KenrithRowan Kenrith (883)
- Simic (): Roalesk, Apex HybridRoalesk, Apex Hybrid (634)
- Rakdos (): Zoyowa Lava-TongueZoyowa Lava-Tongue (1201)
- Golgari (): Grist, Voracious LarvaGrist, Voracious Larva (619)
- Gruul (): Grand Warlord RadhaGrand Warlord Radha (832)
Planeswalker MedallionMedallion in the command zone that protects itself? Don't mind if I do!
I briefly considered covering Storrev, Devkarin LichStorrev, Devkarin Lich, but why rant about how good it is to get planeswalkers back to your hand from your graveyard when there's a better option in Orzhovbetter option in Orzhov that will get them back to the battlefield? Sure, sure, it'll be the worst planeswalker you have in there, but it's still likely that if it's in the graveyard, someone had good reason to kill it!
Move over, terrible Dimir Superfriends commanders! Vren, the RelentlessVren, the Relentless is here! With black planeswalkers loving to kill creatures, you'll have no lack of good options to feed Vren's Rat colony, which will in turn keep your planeswalkers safe in combat. It's a win-win!
While your usual brew of WillWill & RowanRowan boils down to "you can't let WillWill live, or the game is over", an "Oops, All Planeswalkers" brew would feel a lot friendlier, and should make folks fear the prospect of RowanRowan's ultimate doubling all your planeswalker's activations a lot more. Just don't forget to pack every planeswalker that makes tokens or mana, otherwise you're going to spend a really sad game of playing planeswalkers down just to have them killed in the very next combat!
4.
- Azorius (): Abdel Adrian, Gorion's WardAbdel Adrian, Gorion's Ward & Candlekeep SageCandlekeep Sage (2731 Total Decks)
- Orzhov (): MacCready, Lamplight MayorMacCready, Lamplight Mayor (413)
- Boros (): Agrus Kos, Eternal SoldierAgrus Kos, Eternal Soldier (1212)
- Selesnya (): Bess, Soul NourisherBess, Soul Nourisher (1552)
- Dimir (): Sivitri, Dragon MasterSivitri, Dragon Master (1723)
- Izzet (): Saheeli, the GiftedSaheeli, the Gifted (2058)
- Simic (): Gor Muldrak, AmphinologistGor Muldrak, Amphinologist (810)
- Rakdos (): Mahadi, Emporium MasterMahadi, Emporium Master (1540)
- Golgari (): Agent Frank HorriganAgent Frank Horrigan (780)
- Gruul (): Baeloth Barrityl, EntertainerBaeloth Barrityl, Entertainer & Raised by GiantsRaised by Giants (2087)
Another commander that doesn't seem like it cares about planeswalkers at all at first glance, Gor Muldrak, AmphinologistGor Muldrak, Amphinologist is actually secretly amazing at Superfriends. In all likelihood, when you play him down on turn three, he'll immediately make you another substantial blocker, making for a nice wall other players have to deal with before they can get to your planeswalkers. As for the extra Salamanders you end up throwing out as the game progresses? Well, they'll get pointed other directions, as neither you nor your planeswalkers can be hurt by them!
I've talked about how important ramp is in Superfriends to death, but we haven't until now seen a commander that was really good at it. I haven't counted, but I would imagine there are less than ten red and black planeswalkers that don't kill creatures in some fashion. Which means, once you get MahadiMahadi down on turn three, from then on out you'll be spending your turns playing down a planeswalker, activating it to kill creatures, and then going to your end step to put down Treasures to keep on playing planeswalkers. That kind of nonsense is going to add up quickly!
Now let's be clear: Playing the obvious backgroundthe obvious background with Baeloth Barrityl, EntertainerBaeloth Barrityl, Entertainer is not going to make you friends, at any table. What it will do, however, is protect your planeswalkers from combat at essentially all times, and maybe have you take out a few players with combat damage as your big red planeswalkers wipe the table of all the not 10/10 creatures.
3.
- Azorius (): Will, Scion of PeaceWill, Scion of Peace (3423 Total Decks)
- Orzhov (): Tomik, Wielder of LawTomik, Wielder of Law (593)
- Boros (): Baeloth Barrityl, EntertainerBaeloth Barrityl, Entertainer & Noble HeritageNoble Heritage (1779)
- Selesnya (): Lae'zel, Vlaakith's ChampionLae'zel, Vlaakith's Champion & Master ChefMaster Chef (2086)
- Dimir (): Marvo, Deep OperativeMarvo, Deep Operative (1959)
- Izzet (): Malcolm, Keen-Eyed NavigatorMalcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator & Breeches, Brazen PlundererBreeches, Brazen Plunderer (3427)
- Simic (): Tamiyo, Inquisitive StudentTamiyo, Inquisitive Student (1167)
- Rakdos (): The Infamous CruelclawThe Infamous Cruelclaw (1828)
- Golgari (): Hazel of the RootbloomHazel of the Rootbloom (1592)
- Gruul (): Roxanne, Starfall SavantRoxanne, Starfall Savant (2937)
We did it, folks. We finally found the niche in which Will, Scion of PeaceWill, Scion of Peace is better than his sister, Rowan, Scion of WarRowan, Scion of War. Don't get me wrong, you could still force a RowanRowan Superfriends deck, but there actually aren't that many Rakdos planeswalkers that have you losing life or dealing damage to yourself. Over in Azorius, however, there are tons of planeswalkers that have you gain life. Combine that with Will making for a better blocker than Rowan, and it's really not hard to see why he's superior, at least in this exact instance.
Another purpose-built planeswalker commander, Tomik, Wielder of LawTomik, Wielder of Law will get easier to recast as you go, with Affinity for Planeswalkers helping out with his commander tax. On top of that, three life and a card is a heck of a rattlesnake when it comes to attacking into your planeswalkers, enough of one that it's doubtful the average table will be able to wade through the politics of the table and do the correct thing of attacking into them anyway. Bully!
While I think we'll all still agree at the end of this list that Dimir is the weakest Superfriends color combination, I can still comfortably say that Marvo, Deep OperativeMarvo, Deep Operative is the best of the available options. With the average cost of planeswalkers being so high, you're almost guaranteed to win the majority of your Clashes, which will in turn have you playing huge planeswalkers for free. Combine that with his huge 1/8 Octopus booty (I know, I know, it's actually a reference to his arms) that will allow you to block in a pinch or keep him alive through most attacks for his triggers, and you really can't do better than this little Octopus Rogue for Dimir planeswalkers.
Rakdos is not a color combination known for its ramp, but card advantage it can do. Therefore, if you can keep The Infamous CruelclawThe Infamous Cruelclaw on the board, you should have no trouble routinely slamming down huge planeswalkers for the low, low cost of a single card from your hand. What's not to like?
2.
- Azorius (): ElminsterElminster (4449 Total Decks)
- Orzhov (): Sorin of House MarkovSorin of House Markov (1471)
- Boros (): Taii Wakeen, Perfect ShotTaii Wakeen, Perfect Shot & Zirda, the DawnwakerZirda, the Dawnwaker (1815)
- Selesnya (): Sovereign Okinec AhauSovereign Okinec Ahau (2980)
- Dimir (): Rona, Herald of InvasionRona, Herald of Invasion (1975)
- Izzet (): Neera, Wild MageNeera, Wild Mage (4357)
- Simic (): Pir, Imaginative RascalPir, Imaginative Rascal & Toothy, Imaginary FriendToothy, Imaginary Friend (2726)
- Rakdos (): Kardur, DoomscourgeKardur, Doomscourge (4379)
- Golgari (): Carth the LionCarth the Lion (3188)
- Gruul (): Minsc & Boo, Timeless HeroesMinsc & Boo, Timeless Heroes (5862)
As prevoiusly discussed, Selesnya's planeswalkers are all about tokens and +1/+1 counters, for the most part. Sovereign Okinec AhauSovereign Okinec Ahau, then, will just kick things into overdrive whenever he attacks, allowing your tokens (and himself) to grow to ludicrous heights.
Lae'zel, Vlaakith's ChampionLae'zel, Vlaakith's Champion appearing on this list twice already gives you a decent idea of just how good Pir, Imaginative RascalPir, Imaginative Rascal is going to be for your average Superfriends deck, but not a single background combination Lae'zel can be hooked up with holds a candle to Toothy, Imaginary FriendToothy, Imaginary Friend. Even without Pir in play, Toothy can grow to ludicrous sizes, and any means of him leaving the battlefield will result in a full new grip for you. With him also making a great blocker, it'll be a miracle in this deck if you don't get several ultimates to try and win the game with.
The only purpose-built Superfriends commander in Golgari, Carth the LionCarth the Lion already has a full platter of planeswalker decks out there. With him giving an extra loyalty counter to all of your planeswalkers with every activation, and drawing more planeswalkers besides, you're not going to do better in this color combination. With that said, there are definitely more interesting brews that are possible in Golgari, so if this is what you're looking for, make sure to peruse the rest of the list before just reflex settling for this guy.
1.
- Azorius (): Brago, King EternalBrago, King Eternal (7823 Total Decks)
- Orzhov (): Kambal, Profiteering MayorKambal, Profiteering Mayor (1969)
- Boros (): Nelly Borca, Impulsive AccuserNelly Borca, Impulsive Accuser (2249)
- Selesnya (): Gluntch, the BestowerGluntch, the Bestower (4303)
- Dimir (): Tasha, the Witch QueenTasha, the Witch Queen (5324)
- Izzet (): Ovika, Enigma GoliathOvika, Enigma Goliath (5089)
- Simic (): Imoti, Celebrant of BountyImoti, Celebrant of Bounty (4151)
- Rakdos (): Juri, Master of the RevueJuri, Master of the Revue (5020)
- Golgari (): Grist, the Hunger TideGrist, the Hunger Tide & Umori, the CollectorUmori, the Collector (5465)
- Gruul (): Etali, Primal ConquerorEtali, Primal Conqueror (7273)
While having a seven-mana commander in an "Oops, All Planeswalkers" brew is more than a little problematic, Ovika, Enigma GoliathOvika, Enigma Goliath is well worth the wait. With the expensive cost of planeswalkers, you'll be drowning in hasty Phyrexian Goblin tokens, and her "Ward , pay 3 life" makes the prospect of removing her feel distant, as well. In short, if you can last long enough in the game to get her down, the likelihood of you winning in the next few turns is high.
With a "planeswalker" in the command zone of your "Oops, All Planeswalkers" build, Umori, the CollectorUmori, the Collector comes along for free as a Companion. Which is a great boon, because in all likelihood, despite the fun of playing a planeswalker at the head of your planeswalkers deck, Umori is probably the better "commander" of the two. As a 4/5, it will be an excellent blocker to keep your planeswalkers alive, and will make them all cost one less along the way. While there's no doubt that Grist's Insect tokens and removal will also come in handy along the way, I personally would probably start just about every game by paying my to put Umori in my hand on turn three, rather than playing out a Grist that is likely to just make a 1/1 and then die in the second round of combat. But that's just me!
Another seven mana commander, which as stated with OvikaOvika, is a bit of a risk. With that said, in Gruul, you're much more likely to be throwing down Etali, Primal ConquerorEtali, Primal Conqueror a couple turns earlier on the back of various green and red planeswalkers that will ramp you along the way. Even better, with all the value Etali's enter trigger is likely to grab you, it's likely that you'll also be flipping it over into a Blightsteel ColossusBlightsteel Colossus the very next turn.
Honorable Mentions
Even after going through 100 planeswalkers, there are so many more that didn't make my lists that I just have to highlight a few... So why not make it 110, and do one more per color combination?
Azorius
RasputinRasputin's problematic nature of giving your opponents creatures to attack your planeswalkers with ultimately got him kicked off the top ten for Azorius, but honestly, it's not really that bad. If you play him down on turn three, he enters with three counters, and you can untap and put down a Knight that should dissuade any Goblins being thrown your way. That then leaves you two more counters to ramp with, in colors that are not well known for doing that. Something to consider.
Other contenders: Yoshimaru, Ever FaithfulYoshimaru, Ever Faithful & Brinelin, the Moon KrakenBrinelin, the Moon Kraken, Ith, High ArcanistIth, High Arcanist, and Harbin, Vanguard AviatorHarbin, Vanguard Aviator.
Orzhov
Superfriends decks are notorious for spinning their wheels, but Denethor, Ruling StewardDenethor, Ruling Steward's sac ability is going to be a great late-game boon for finishing players off, all while his big butt and handy Soldiers are going to assist in keeping your planeswalkers alive throughout the early game.
Other Contenders: Aron, Benalia's RuinAron, Benalia's Ruin, Thalisse, Reverent MediumThalisse, Reverent Medium, Lotho, Corrupt ShirriffLotho, Corrupt Shirriff, Carmen, Cruel SkymarcherCarmen, Cruel Skymarcher, Krav, the UnredeemedKrav, the Unredeemed & Regna, the RedeemerRegna, the Redeemer, Nadier, Agent of the DuskenelNadier, Agent of the Duskenel Prava of the Steel LegionPrava of the Steel Legion, and Shaile, Dean of RadianceShaile, Dean of Radiance.
Boros
While YoshimaruYoshimaru showed up repeatedly throughout our various lists, this pairing was one that I was sad to not have the room for in the surprisingly deep stable of Boros Superfriends commanders. Playing down both your commanders on turn one feels really good in a deck that you know isn't really going to do anything until at least turn three, as does having blockers available to keep your planeswalkers alive. Combine that with the high likelihood of combat-oriented planeswalkers making Rograkh into a force to be reckoned with while Yoshimaru already is, and there's a lot to be said for this unassuming combination.
Other Contenders: Lae'zel, Vlaakith's ChampionLae'zel, Vlaakith's Champion & Guild ArtisanGuild Artisan, Neyali, Suns' VanguardNeyali, Suns' Vanguard, Commander Liara PortyrCommander Liara Portyr, Arbaaz MirArbaaz Mir, The War DoctorThe War Doctor & Ryan SinclairRyan Sinclair, Quintorius, LoremasterQuintorius, Loremaster, Craig Boone, Novac GuardCraig Boone, Novac Guard, Commander MustardCommander Mustard, Captain Rex NebulaCaptain Rex Nebula, and Ellyn Harbreeze, BusybodyEllyn Harbreeze, Busybody & Street UrchinStreet Urchin.
Selesnya
I felt like I was constantly trying to find a way to get Ellyn Harbreeze, BusybodyEllyn Harbreeze, Busybody involved in these lists, and none of them quite made it. With that said, her Selesnya teamup with Cloakwood HermitCloakwood Hermit is easily her living her best life, problematic as it may be. Honestly, she would have made the list, except Selesnya isn't good at killing tokens on command, and card draw isn't one of the things that Superfriends decks actually tend to need.
Other Contenders: Kutzil, Malamet ExemplarKutzil, Malamet Exemplar, Prava of the Steel LegionPrava of the Steel Legion & Cloakwood HermitCloakwood Hermit, Wilson, Refined GrizzlyWilson, Refined Grizzly & Noble HeritageNoble Heritage, Erinis, Gloom StalkerErinis, Gloom Stalker & Flaming FistFlaming Fist, Arwen, Mortal QueenArwen, Mortal Queen, Slurrk, All-IngestingSlurrk, All-Ingesting & Yoshimaru, Ever FaithfulYoshimaru, Ever Faithful, Ellyn Harbreeze, BusybodyEllyn Harbreeze, Busybody & Cloakwood HermitCloakwood Hermit, Aragorn, Company LeaderAragorn, Company Leader, Byrke, Long Ear of the LawByrke, Long Ear of the Law,Rhys the RedeemedRhys the Redeemed, Trelasarra, Moon DancerTrelasarra, Moon Dancer, Kudo, King Among BearsKudo, King Among Bears, Gilanra, Caller of WirewoodGilanra, Caller of Wirewood & Sidar Kondo of JamuraaSidar Kondo of Jamuraa, Captain SisayCaptain Sisay, and Cadira, Caller of the SmallCadira, Caller of the Small
Dimir
Dimir was the only color combination where I had to go through the list of available commanders twice, because the options were so bad. With that said, if you wanted to go another route than Marvo, Deep OperativeMarvo, Deep Operative, which I do not suggest, then you could look to Burakos, Party LeaderBurakos, Party Leader. There are only two planeswalkers in the color combo that will get you a token Party member, but that doesn't change the fact that he'll be able to swing in for a single Treasure unimpeded every turn with the aid of Sword Coast SailorSword Coast Sailor.
Other Contenders: Lazav, Familiar StrangerLazav, Familiar Stranger
Izzet
It's hard to find battlecruiser games anymore, but if you can, I actually do suggest Jhoira of the GhituJhoira of the Ghitu as your "Oops, All Planeswalkers" commander. While there will still be some who will assume you're trying to JokulhaupsJokulhaups the table out like old school Jhoira, there's not many better comebacks to them voicing that concern that showing them a deck entirely full of planeswalkers.
Other Contenders: The Locust GodThe Locust God, Niv-Mizzet, the FiremindNiv-Mizzet, the Firemind, Ghyrson Starn, KelermorphGhyrson Starn, Kelermorph, Baeloth Barrityl, EntertainerBaeloth Barrityl, Entertainer & Candlekeep SageCandlekeep Sage, Kraum, Ludevic's OpusKraum, Ludevic's Opus & Jeska, Thrice RebornJeska, Thrice Reborn, Yusri, Fortune's FlameYusri, Fortune's Flame, Bria, Riptide RogueBria, Riptide Rogue, Edgin, Larcenous LutenistEdgin, Larcenous Lutenist, and Jhoira, Weatherlight CaptainJhoira, Weatherlight Captain.
Simic
Interested Simic brewers were probably surprised not to see Ezuri, Stalker of SpheresEzuri, Stalker of Spheres in the top ten, and I was surprised not to be putting him there. Ultimately, however, the issue is there aren't many planeswalkers that Proliferate, and having a commander that does so only once at seven mana isn't exactly blowing me away. All in all, however, you could do worse, even if I still think Roalesk, Apex HybridRoalesk, Apex Hybrid and Agent Frank HorriganAgent Frank Horrigan are the better Proliferate options. And for those of you remembering the existence of Brimaz, Blight of OreskosBrimaz, Blight of Oreskos, give yourself a cookie! Just don't build him as "Oops, All Planeswalkers", because then you'll never get any tokens to activate his Proliferate ability.
Other Contenders: Jaheira, Friend of the ForestJaheira, Friend of the Forest & Candlekeep SageCandlekeep Sage, Uro, Titan of Nature's WrathUro, Titan of Nature's Wrath, Rashmi, Eternities CrafterRashmi, Eternities Crafter, Kruphix, God of HorizonsKruphix, God of Horizons, Zegana, Utopian SpeakerZegana, Utopian Speaker, Alaundo the SeerAlaundo the Seer, Kodama of the East TreeKodama of the East Tree & Brinelin, the Moon KrakenBrinelin, the Moon Kraken, Adrix and Nev, TwincastersAdrix and Nev, Twincasters, Elrond of the White CouncilElrond of the White Council, Radagast, Wizard of WildsRadagast, Wizard of Wilds, and Arixmethes, Slumbering IsleArixmethes, Slumbering Isle.
Rakdos
Tibalt in disguiseTibalt in disguise was actually the very first commander I added to the Rakdos list, so it was a surprise for him not to make it. Ultimately, however, if you wanted a planeswalker deck with a planeswalker at the helm, Tevesh SzatTevesh Szat and JeskaJeska are the better option. Which is not to say that Valki is any slouch. He comes down early to be a blocker, pays a bit of mana to probably become an even better blocker with his theft/copy ability, and then comes back in the late game as a very relevant planeswalker that can provide crucial card draw and removal. He's no slouch!
Other Contenders: Rakdos, the ShowstopperRakdos, the Showstopper, Ob Nixilis, Captive KingpinOb Nixilis, Captive Kingpin, Kellogg, Dangerous MindKellogg, Dangerous Mind, Hidetsugu, Devouring ChaosHidetsugu, Devouring Chaos, Kamber, the PlundererKamber, the Plunderer & Laurine, the DiversionLaurine, the Diversion, Livaan, Cultist of TiamatLivaan, Cultist of Tiamat & Agent of the Shadow ThievesAgent of the Shadow Thieves, Nadier, Agent of the DuskenelNadier, Agent of the Duskenel & Popular EntertainerPopular Entertainer, The Scorpion GodThe Scorpion God, Sauron, the Lidless EyeSauron, the Lidless Eye, Tymaret, the Murder KingTymaret, the Murder King, Rowan, Scion of WarRowan, Scion of War, and Prosper, Tome-BoundProsper, Tome-Bound.
Golgari
To be clear, I do not actually endorse playing Sarulf, Realm EaterSarulf, Realm Eater, in any capacity. Which is not to say it wouldn't make a heck of a Superfriends commander. Just don't be surprised if the prospect of losing friends comes up if you actually put this monstrosity at the head of a deck.
Other Contenders: Mazirek, Kraul Death PriestMazirek, Kraul Death Priest, Shadowheart, Dark JusticiarShadowheart, Dark Justiciar & Cloakwood HermitCloakwood Hermit, Sméagol, Helpful GuideSméagol, Helpful Guide, Reyhan, Last of the AbzanReyhan, Last of the Abzan & Slurrk, All-IngestingSlurrk, All-Ingesting, Valentin, Dean of the VeinValentin, Dean of the Vein, Belbe, Corrupted ObserverBelbe, Corrupted Observer, Grismold, the DreadsowerGrismold, the Dreadsower, Umori, the CollectorUmori, the Collector, Nath of the Gilt-LeafNath of the Gilt-Leaf, Izoni, Center of the WebIzoni, Center of the Web, Beledros WitherbloomBeledros Witherbloom, and Vraska, the SilencerVraska, the Silencer.
Gruul
While I think the prospect of having a bunch of leftover mana in a Superfriends deck is anything but realistic, the prospect of having a single mana left over because you happened to want to cast a five mana planeswalker on a turn where you had six mana seems very realistic. With that in mind, having another commander that can block and turn said leftover mana into removal seems well worth the prospect, especially since it's coming attached to another commander that can provide said leftover mana.
Other Contenders: Mina and Denn, WildbornMina and Denn, Wildborn, Klauth, Unrivaled AncientKlauth, Unrivaled Ancient, Faldorn, Dread Wolf HeraldFaldorn, Dread Wolf Herald, Jolene, the Plunder QueenJolene, the Plunder Queen, Jeska, Thrice RebornJeska, Thrice Reborn & Slurrk, All-IngestingSlurrk, All-Ingesting, Erinis, Gloom StalkerErinis, Gloom Stalker & Popular EntertainerPopular Entertainer, Svella, Ice ShaperSvella, Ice Shaper, Livaan, Cultist of TiamatLivaan, Cultist of Tiamat & Hardy OutlanderHardy Outlander, Rulik Mons, Warren ChiefRulik Mons, Warren Chief, Jolene, Plundering PugilistJolene, Plundering Pugilist, Hugs, Grisly GuardianHugs, Grisly Guardian, Phylath, World SculptorPhylath, World Sculptor, Ruby, Daring TrackerRuby, Daring Tracker, Ulasht, the Hate SeedUlasht, the Hate Seed, and Halsin, Emerald ArchdruidHalsin, Emerald Archdruid & Guild ArtisanGuild Artisan.
Nuts and Bolts
There always seems to be a bit of interest in how these lists are made (this seems like a good time to stress once again that they are based on EDHREC score, NOT my personal opinion…), and people are often surprised that I’m not using any special data or .json from EDHREC, but rather just muddling my way through with some Scryfall knowledge! For your enjoyment/research, here is this week’s Scryfall search.
What Do You Think?
While I love this idea, I do wonder whether or not we've moved past the time for it. No matter the color combination, "Oops, All Planeswalkers" is going to be a slow proposition, and with even the precons of today's meta threatening to win on turn six, that might just be a losing proposition as well. Or is it?
And finally, what is your favorite two-color planeswalker commander? Have you ever built a deck entirely made out of planeswalkers? How did it go?
Let us know in the comments, and we'll see you at the table filled with your friends. Super!
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