Arcades, the Strategist (Commander) - Expensive Core

Background image for Fire and Ice: Which Cards Are Hot and Cold for Arcades, the Strategist?
Julia Maddalena
Mar 6, 2026
Fire and Ice: Which Cards Are Hot and Cold for Arcades, the Strategist?
This week on Fire and Ice, we'll see which cards are getting chucked over the wall. What's hot and what's not for Arcades, the Strategist?
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Irma, Part-Time Mutant
3.4%inclusion1 decks29 decks
2%synergy
Continue?
3.4%inclusion1 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Sodden Verdure
2.7%inclusion2 decks73 decks
-1%synergy
Great Forest Druid
2.7%inclusion2 decks73 decks
2%synergy
Bark of Doran
1.4%inclusion1 decks73 decks
1%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Overgrown Battlement
96%inclusion387 decks404 decks
88%synergy
Wall of Denial
91%inclusion369 decks404 decks
84%synergy
Axebane Guardian
91%inclusion367 decks404 decks
83%synergy
Wall of Blossoms
89%inclusion359 decks404 decks
81%synergy
Stalwart Shield-Bearers
87%inclusion351 decks404 decks
80%synergy
Wall of Omens
87%inclusion353 decks404 decks
79%synergy
Sunscape Familiar
85%inclusion344 decks404 decks
78%synergy
Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive
85%inclusion345 decks404 decks
78%synergy
High Alert
82%inclusion330 decks404 decks
75%synergy
The Pride of Hull Clade
81%inclusion328 decks404 decks
75%synergy
Top Cards
Sylvan Caryatid
79%inclusion321 decks404 decks
74%synergy
Crashing Drawbridge
76%inclusion308 decks404 decks
70%synergy
Slaughter the Strong
75%inclusion302 decks404 decks
69%synergy
Assault Formation
72%inclusion289 decks404 decks
66%synergy
Dusk // Dawn
70%inclusion284 decks404 decks
64%synergy
The Walls of Ba Sing Se
70%inclusion93 decks133 decks
64%synergy
Tower Defense
70%inclusion281 decks404 decks
64%synergy
Swords to Plowshares
69%inclusion279 decks404 decks
7%synergy
Wall of Junk
69%inclusion278 decks404 decks
64%synergy
Jeskai Barricade
69%inclusion278 decks404 decks
64%synergy
Game Changers
Aura Shards
21%inclusion84 decks404 decks
14%synergy
Teferi's Protection
17%inclusion69 decks404 decks
2%synergy
Farewell
9.4%inclusion38 decks404 decks
-8%synergy
Creatures
Shield Sphere
69%inclusion277 decks404 decks
65%synergy
Weathered Sentinels
67%inclusion271 decks404 decks
62%synergy
Vine Trellis
65%inclusion264 decks404 decks
60%synergy
Hover Barrier
63%inclusion255 decks404 decks
58%synergy
Wall of Frost
62%inclusion249 decks404 decks
56%synergy
Crystal Barricade
61%inclusion195 decks319 decks
56%synergy
Perimeter Captain
60%inclusion242 decks404 decks
55%synergy
Wall of Tanglecord
59%inclusion237 decks404 decks
54%synergy
Wall of Stolen Identity
57%inclusion230 decks404 decks
53%synergy
Tree of Redemption
53%inclusion216 decks404 decks
49%synergy
Shield-Wall Sentinel
53%inclusion214 decks404 decks
48%synergy
Wall of Roots
52%inclusion211 decks404 decks
48%synergy
Wall of Glare
48%inclusion193 decks404 decks
44%synergy
Walking Bulwark
47%inclusion190 decks404 decks
43%synergy
Wall of Runes
46%inclusion185 decks404 decks
42%synergy
Flumph
46%inclusion184 decks404 decks
42%synergy
Wingmantle Chaplain
44%inclusion178 decks404 decks
40%synergy
Wall of Shards
41%inclusion167 decks404 decks
39%synergy
Angelic Wall
40%inclusion162 decks404 decks
37%synergy
Carven Caryatid
39%inclusion158 decks404 decks
36%synergy
Wall of Mulch
39%inclusion157 decks404 decks
37%synergy
Corrupted Shapeshifter
38%inclusion146 decks382 decks
35%synergy
Drift of Phantasms
38%inclusion152 decks404 decks
34%synergy
Resolute Watchdog
37%inclusion150 decks404 decks
34%synergy
Plagon, Lord of the Beach
36%inclusion114 decks318 decks
34%synergy
Orator of Ojutai
31%inclusion126 decks404 decks
29%synergy
Fortified Rampart
29%inclusion119 decks404 decks
27%synergy
Fog Bank
29%inclusion117 decks404 decks
26%synergy
Towering Titan
28%inclusion114 decks404 decks
25%synergy
Mnemonic Wall
27%inclusion110 decks404 decks
24%synergy
Riptide Turtle
27%inclusion110 decks404 decks
25%synergy
Steel Wall
25%inclusion100 decks404 decks
23%synergy
Wall of Nets
24%inclusion96 decks404 decks
22%synergy
Fecund Greenshell
24%inclusion84 decks357 decks
21%synergy
Suspicious Bookcase
22%inclusion90 decks404 decks
20%synergy
Bedrock Tortoise
21%inclusion84 decks404 decks
19%synergy
Wall of Tears
20%inclusion82 decks404 decks
19%synergy
Jungle Barrier
20%inclusion82 decks404 decks
18%synergy
Glacial Wall
20%inclusion81 decks404 decks
18%synergy
Rigo, Streetwise Mentor
19%inclusion78 decks404 decks
18%synergy
Gatecreeper Vine
19%inclusion77 decks404 decks
17%synergy
Sidar Kondo of Jamuraa
19%inclusion76 decks404 decks
17%synergy
Sokrates, Athenian Teacher
18%inclusion66 decks372 decks
15%synergy
Rampart Architect
16%inclusion36 decks225 decks
15%synergy
Guard Gomazoa
16%inclusion63 decks404 decks
14%synergy
Wall of Hope
16%inclusion63 decks404 decks
15%synergy
Towering Viewpoint
15%inclusion55 decks372 decks
13%synergy
Wall of Essence
14%inclusion57 decks404 decks
13%synergy
Wall of Kelp
13%inclusion52 decks404 decks
12%synergy
Traproot Kami
13%inclusion51 decks404 decks
12%synergy
Instants
Heroic Intervention
53%inclusion216 decks404 decks
23%synergy
Eerie Interlude
50%inclusion204 decks404 decks
45%synergy
Path to Exile
50%inclusion203 decks404 decks
2%synergy
Counterspell
46%inclusion187 decks404 decks
9%synergy
Akroma's Will
43%inclusion172 decks404 decks
35%synergy
Beast Within
39%inclusion158 decks404 decks
12%synergy
Generous Gift
33%inclusion132 decks404 decks
7%synergy
Dovin's Veto
28%inclusion115 decks404 decks
12%synergy
Flawless Maneuver
24%inclusion96 decks404 decks
16%synergy
Bar the Door
24%inclusion96 decks404 decks
21%synergy
Ghostway
22%inclusion88 decks404 decks
20%synergy
Negate
19%inclusion78 decks404 decks
5%synergy
Swan Song
16%inclusion65 decks404 decks
0%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
15%inclusion59 decks404 decks
-12%synergy
Arcane Denial
14%inclusion56 decks404 decks
-3%synergy
Mana Drain
14%inclusion56 decks404 decks
4%synergy
Nature's Claim
10%inclusion40 decks404 decks
5%synergy
Sink into Stupor
8.9%inclusion34 decks380 decks
2%synergy
Stroke of Midnight
8.7%inclusion35 decks404 decks
0%synergy
Growth Spiral
8.2%inclusion33 decks404 decks
-6%synergy
Eladamri's Call
8.2%inclusion33 decks404 decks
-2%synergy
Solidarity
8.2%inclusion33 decks404 decks
7%synergy
Bant Charm
7.2%inclusion29 decks404 decks
1%synergy
Dawn's Truce
6.6%inclusion24 decks361 decks
-4%synergy
Krosan Grip
6.4%inclusion26 decks404 decks
4%synergy
Unbreakable Formation
5.9%inclusion24 decks404 decks
3%synergy
Ephemerate
5.2%inclusion21 decks404 decks
-1%synergy
Sorceries
Fell the Mighty
56%inclusion225 decks404 decks
51%synergy
Farseek
50%inclusion203 decks404 decks
6%synergy
Nature's Lore
42%inclusion170 decks404 decks
15%synergy
Cultivate
38%inclusion152 decks404 decks
0%synergy
Three Visits
37%inclusion148 decks404 decks
11%synergy
Wave of Reckoning
36%inclusion145 decks404 decks
34%synergy
Last March of the Ents
34%inclusion138 decks404 decks
31%synergy
Rampant Growth
32%inclusion128 decks404 decks
6%synergy
Expel the Interlopers
30%inclusion121 decks404 decks
27%synergy
The Battle of Bywater
22%inclusion90 decks404 decks
20%synergy
Kodama's Reach
21%inclusion84 decks404 decks
2%synergy
Retribution of the Meek
19%inclusion77 decks404 decks
18%synergy
Bala Ged Recovery
14%inclusion56 decks404 decks
8%synergy
Destined Confrontation
14%inclusion18 decks133 decks
12%synergy
Raise the Past
13%inclusion42 decks315 decks
12%synergy
Triumph of the Hordes
13%inclusion51 decks404 decks
11%synergy
Reunion of the House
7.1%inclusion16 decks225 decks
6%synergy
Austere Command
6.9%inclusion28 decks404 decks
-2%synergy
Return to the Ranks
5.9%inclusion24 decks404 decks
5%synergy
Ascend from Avernus
5.9%inclusion24 decks404 decks
4%synergy
Sea Gate Restoration
5.2%inclusion21 decks404 decks
3%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Meekstone
63%inclusion255 decks404 decks
59%synergy
Rammas Echor, Ancient Shield
59%inclusion237 decks404 decks
54%synergy
Lightning Greaves
51%inclusion207 decks404 decks
32%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
40%inclusion163 decks404 decks
12%synergy
Panharmonicon
17%inclusion69 decks404 decks
10%synergy
Slagwurm Armor
14%inclusion55 decks404 decks
12%synergy
Colfenor's Urn
10%inclusion41 decks404 decks
9%synergy
Robe of Stars
6.9%inclusion28 decks404 decks
5%synergy
Enchantments
Brave the Sands
54%inclusion220 decks404 decks
49%synergy
Stoneskin
40%inclusion160 decks404 decks
36%synergy
Guardian Project
24%inclusion95 decks404 decks
16%synergy
Angelic Chorus
21%inclusion83 decks404 decks
18%synergy
Primal Rage
15%inclusion61 decks404 decks
13%synergy
Unnatural Growth
14%inclusion55 decks404 decks
11%synergy
Angelic Shield
11%inclusion44 decks404 decks
10%synergy
Vault 75: Middle School
11%inclusion43 decks404 decks
10%synergy
Teferi's Ageless Insight
10%inclusion40 decks404 decks
4%synergy
Rolling Stones
10%inclusion40 decks404 decks
9%synergy
Restricted Office // Lecture Hall
9.2%inclusion31 decks336 decks
8%synergy
Spidersilk Armor
8.9%inclusion36 decks404 decks
8%synergy
Serra's Blessing
8.4%inclusion34 decks404 decks
8%synergy
Assemble the Players
8.2%inclusion33 decks404 decks
7%synergy
Aluren
8.2%inclusion33 decks404 decks
7%synergy
Ghostly Prison
7.4%inclusion30 decks404 decks
-3%synergy
Propaganda
7.4%inclusion30 decks404 decks
-4%synergy
The Birth of Meletis
6.9%inclusion28 decks404 decks
6%synergy
Court of Ardenvale
6.9%inclusion28 decks404 decks
6%synergy
Smile at Death
6.0%inclusion15 decks250 decks
5%synergy
Mystic Remora
5.2%inclusion21 decks404 decks
-6%synergy
True Conviction
5.2%inclusion21 decks404 decks
4%synergy
Planeswalkers
Huatli, the Sun's Heart
19%inclusion77 decks404 decks
17%synergy
Teyo, Geometric Tactician
17%inclusion70 decks404 decks
16%synergy
Teyo, the Shieldmage
16%inclusion66 decks404 decks
14%synergy
Utility Lands
Reliquary Tower
55%inclusion224 decks404 decks
12%synergy
Boseiju, Who Endures
33%inclusion133 decks404 decks
14%synergy
Access Tunnel
32%inclusion129 decks404 decks
29%synergy
Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth
29%inclusion118 decks404 decks
14%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
24%inclusion98 decks404 decks
10%synergy
Rogue's Passage
17%inclusion69 decks404 decks
3%synergy
Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
10%inclusion39 decks404 decks
5%synergy
Three Tree City
9.1%inclusion33 decks364 decks
3%synergy
Command Beacon
8.2%inclusion33 decks404 decks
6%synergy
Alchemist's Refuge
7.4%inclusion30 decks404 decks
1%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
78%inclusion316 decks404 decks
-3%synergy
Arcane Signet
75%inclusion301 decks404 decks
3%synergy
Thought Vessel
22%inclusion90 decks404 decks
2%synergy
Selesnya Signet
14%inclusion55 decks404 decks
6%synergy
Azorius Signet
13%inclusion51 decks404 decks
3%synergy
Simic Signet
12%inclusion50 decks404 decks
2%synergy
Fellwar Stone
12%inclusion48 decks404 decks
-2%synergy
Talisman of Unity
8.9%inclusion36 decks404 decks
-1%synergy
Talisman of Curiosity
8.4%inclusion34 decks404 decks
-2%synergy
Talisman of Progress
8.2%inclusion33 decks404 decks
-2%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
7.9%inclusion32 decks404 decks
1%synergy
Decanter of Endless Water
6.7%inclusion27 decks404 decks
2%synergy
Commander's Sphere
5.4%inclusion22 decks404 decks
-1%synergy
Lands
Command Tower
96%inclusion387 decks404 decks
5%synergy
Plains
95%inclusion384 decks404 decks
2%synergy
Forest
94%inclusion380 decks404 decks
0%synergy
Island
93%inclusion375 decks404 decks
-1%synergy
Hallowed Fountain
82%inclusion333 decks404 decks
39%synergy
Temple Garden
80%inclusion325 decks404 decks
37%synergy
Breeding Pool
80%inclusion323 decks404 decks
35%synergy
Spara's Headquarters
78%inclusion317 decks404 decks
38%synergy
Flooded Strand
68%inclusion276 decks404 decks
36%synergy
Windswept Heath
67%inclusion272 decks404 decks
34%synergy
Bountiful Promenade
67%inclusion271 decks404 decks
37%synergy
Misty Rainforest
67%inclusion270 decks404 decks
37%synergy
Sea of Clouds
66%inclusion267 decks404 decks
36%synergy
Rejuvenating Springs
66%inclusion266 decks404 decks
31%synergy
Exotic Orchard
50%inclusion202 decks404 decks
-7%synergy
Seaside Citadel
49%inclusion196 decks404 decks
-4%synergy
Sunpetal Grove
46%inclusion184 decks404 decks
3%synergy
Hinterland Harbor
45%inclusion183 decks404 decks
-3%synergy
Glacial Fortress
44%inclusion178 decks404 decks
-2%synergy
Tropical Island
39%inclusion157 decks404 decks
26%synergy
Tundra
38%inclusion153 decks404 decks
25%synergy
Savannah
38%inclusion153 decks404 decks
25%synergy
Overgrown Farmland
36%inclusion144 decks404 decks
13%synergy
Deserted Beach
36%inclusion144 decks404 decks
15%synergy
Dreamroot Cascade
33%inclusion132 decks404 decks
6%synergy
Yavimaya Coast
29%inclusion117 decks404 decks
-2%synergy
Brushland
28%inclusion115 decks404 decks
1%synergy
Prairie Stream
28%inclusion114 decks404 decks
-18%synergy
Adarkar Wastes
28%inclusion112 decks404 decks
3%synergy
Canopy Vista
26%inclusion107 decks404 decks
-20%synergy
Lush Portico
21%inclusion85 decks404 decks
11%synergy
Branchloft Pathway
20%inclusion79 decks404 decks
13%synergy
Meticulous Archive
19%inclusion76 decks404 decks
10%synergy
Hedge Maze
18%inclusion73 decks404 decks
7%synergy
Barkchannel Pathway
17%inclusion69 decks404 decks
11%synergy
Flooded Grove
16%inclusion65 decks404 decks
-6%synergy
Hushwood Verge
16%inclusion53 decks337 decks
6%synergy
Urban Retreat
16%inclusion24 decks153 decks
6%synergy
Hengegate Pathway
16%inclusion63 decks404 decks
10%synergy
Floodfarm Verge
15%inclusion51 decks337 decks
7%synergy
Fabled Passage
15%inclusion60 decks404 decks
4%synergy
Wooded Bastion
15%inclusion59 decks404 decks
11%synergy
Mystic Gate
14%inclusion58 decks404 decks
10%synergy
Prismatic Vista
14%inclusion57 decks404 decks
10%synergy
Tranquil Landscape
14%inclusion53 decks377 decks
-2%synergy
Bala Ged Recovery
14%inclusion56 decks404 decks
8%synergy
Reflecting Pool
12%inclusion50 decks404 decks
7%synergy
Wooded Foothills
12%inclusion50 decks404 decks
5%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
11%inclusion46 decks404 decks
4%synergy
Marsh Flats
11%inclusion46 decks404 decks
5%synergy