Arcades, the Strategist (Commander) - Expensive Toughness Matters

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
Great Forest Druid
6.3%inclusion1 decks16 decks
6%synergy
Gathering Stone
6.3%inclusion1 decks16 decks
5%synergy
Bark of Doran
6.3%inclusion1 decks16 decks
6%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Overgrown Battlement
95%inclusion507 decks533 decks
88%synergy
Axebane Guardian
93%inclusion494 decks533 decks
85%synergy
Wall of Denial
92%inclusion491 decks533 decks
84%synergy
Sunscape Familiar
88%inclusion470 decks533 decks
81%synergy
Stalwart Shield-Bearers
87%inclusion464 decks533 decks
80%synergy
Wall of Blossoms
84%inclusion450 decks533 decks
77%synergy
The Pride of Hull Clade
82%inclusion437 decks533 decks
76%synergy
Wall of Omens
83%inclusion444 decks533 decks
75%synergy
High Alert
80%inclusion427 decks533 decks
73%synergy
Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive
80%inclusion427 decks533 decks
73%synergy
Top Cards
Sylvan Caryatid
78%inclusion414 decks533 decks
72%synergy
Swords to Plowshares
76%inclusion404 decks533 decks
14%synergy
Crashing Drawbridge
75%inclusion402 decks533 decks
69%synergy
Shield Sphere
70%inclusion372 decks533 decks
66%synergy
Hover Barrier
69%inclusion367 decks533 decks
63%synergy
Crystal Barricade
67%inclusion154 decks229 decks
62%synergy
Weathered Sentinels
66%inclusion352 decks533 decks
61%synergy
Jeskai Barricade
66%inclusion352 decks533 decks
61%synergy
Slaughter the Strong
66%inclusion351 decks533 decks
60%synergy
Wall of Frost
65%inclusion348 decks533 decks
59%synergy
Game Changers
Cyclonic Rift
63%inclusion334 decks533 decks
44%synergy
Rhystic Study
62%inclusion330 decks533 decks
42%synergy
Teferi's Protection
60%inclusion321 decks533 decks
45%synergy
Fierce Guardianship
58%inclusion310 decks533 decks
44%synergy
Aura Shards
44%inclusion236 decks533 decks
37%synergy
Smothering Tithe
41%inclusion217 decks533 decks
25%synergy
Enlightened Tutor
37%inclusion196 decks533 decks
23%synergy
Gaea's Cradle
33%inclusion178 decks533 decks
27%synergy
Worldly Tutor
26%inclusion137 decks533 decks
15%synergy
Ancient Tomb
21%inclusion110 decks533 decks
14%synergy
Creatures
Perimeter Captain
63%inclusion336 decks533 decks
58%synergy
Tree of Redemption
61%inclusion323 decks533 decks
56%synergy
The Walls of Ba Sing Se
60%inclusion15 decks25 decks
55%synergy
Vine Trellis
59%inclusion317 decks533 decks
55%synergy
Wall of Tanglecord
58%inclusion309 decks533 decks
53%synergy
Wall of Stolen Identity
57%inclusion304 decks533 decks
53%synergy
Shield-Wall Sentinel
57%inclusion303 decks533 decks
52%synergy
Wall of Junk
56%inclusion300 decks533 decks
52%synergy
Corrupted Shapeshifter
48%inclusion213 decks446 decks
44%synergy
Wall of Glare
47%inclusion249 decks533 decks
43%synergy
Wall of Runes
46%inclusion246 decks533 decks
42%synergy
Flumph
41%inclusion221 decks533 decks
37%synergy
Wall of Roots
41%inclusion216 decks533 decks
37%synergy
Wingmantle Chaplain
39%inclusion210 decks533 decks
36%synergy
Plagon, Lord of the Beach
39%inclusion87 decks223 decks
37%synergy
Walking Bulwark
38%inclusion204 decks533 decks
35%synergy
Drift of Phantasms
36%inclusion194 decks533 decks
33%synergy
Carven Caryatid
35%inclusion186 decks533 decks
32%synergy
Wall of Shards
35%inclusion185 decks533 decks
32%synergy
Angelic Wall
31%inclusion164 decks533 decks
27%synergy
Wall of Mulch
29%inclusion152 decks533 decks
26%synergy
Riptide Turtle
28%inclusion151 decks533 decks
26%synergy
Towering Titan
28%inclusion148 decks533 decks
25%synergy
Resolute Watchdog
28%inclusion148 decks533 decks
25%synergy
Fortified Rampart
26%inclusion140 decks533 decks
23%synergy
Mnemonic Wall
26%inclusion137 decks533 decks
23%synergy
Fog Bank
25%inclusion135 decks533 decks
22%synergy
Fecund Greenshell
25%inclusion92 decks371 decks
23%synergy
Towering Viewpoint
22%inclusion90 decks411 decks
20%synergy
Steel Wall
22%inclusion116 decks533 decks
20%synergy
Wall of Tears
22%inclusion116 decks533 decks
20%synergy
Wall of Nets
22%inclusion116 decks533 decks
20%synergy
Rune-Sealed Wall
21%inclusion47 decks222 decks
20%synergy
Orator of Ojutai
20%inclusion109 decks533 decks
19%synergy
Bedrock Tortoise
18%inclusion96 decks533 decks
16%synergy
Noble Hierarch
18%inclusion94 decks533 decks
-8%synergy
Sokrates, Athenian Teacher
17%inclusion71 decks413 decks
14%synergy
Rampart Architect
17%inclusion6 decks35 decks
16%synergy
Birds of Paradise
17%inclusion91 decks533 decks
-18%synergy
Glacial Wall
17%inclusion88 decks533 decks
15%synergy
Jungle Barrier
16%inclusion85 decks533 decks
14%synergy
Esper Sentinel
15%inclusion79 decks533 decks
-1%synergy
Charix, the Raging Isle
14%inclusion74 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Sidar Kondo of Jamuraa
13%inclusion71 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Rigo, Streetwise Mentor
13%inclusion69 decks533 decks
11%synergy
Gatecreeper Vine
13%inclusion68 decks533 decks
11%synergy
Guard Gomazoa
12%inclusion64 decks533 decks
11%synergy
Suspicious Bookcase
11%inclusion61 decks533 decks
9%synergy
Wall of Kelp
11%inclusion58 decks533 decks
10%synergy
Zopandrel, Hunger Dominus
11%inclusion56 decks533 decks
9%synergy
Instants
Heroic Intervention
63%inclusion338 decks533 decks
33%synergy
Tower Defense
62%inclusion331 decks533 decks
56%synergy
Path to Exile
50%inclusion269 decks533 decks
2%synergy
Akroma's Will
50%inclusion265 decks533 decks
42%synergy
Counterspell
46%inclusion247 decks533 decks
9%synergy
Mana Drain
44%inclusion233 decks533 decks
34%synergy
Beast Within
42%inclusion224 decks533 decks
15%synergy
Eerie Interlude
36%inclusion194 decks533 decks
30%synergy
Dovin's Veto
29%inclusion152 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Flawless Maneuver
26%inclusion137 decks533 decks
18%synergy
Generous Gift
24%inclusion129 decks533 decks
-1%synergy
Swan Song
23%inclusion123 decks533 decks
7%synergy
Eladamri's Call
18%inclusion94 decks533 decks
7%synergy
Force of Will
16%inclusion87 decks533 decks
10%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
15%inclusion78 decks533 decks
-12%synergy
Ghostway
14%inclusion76 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Mystical Tutor
14%inclusion76 decks533 decks
9%synergy
Bar the Door
14%inclusion75 decks533 decks
11%synergy
Arcane Denial
14%inclusion75 decks533 decks
-3%synergy
Force of Negation
13%inclusion69 decks533 decks
8%synergy
Negate
12%inclusion65 decks533 decks
-2%synergy
Nature's Claim
10%inclusion51 decks533 decks
4%synergy
Stroke of Midnight
8.8%inclusion47 decks533 decks
0%synergy
Growth Spiral
8.3%inclusion44 decks533 decks
-6%synergy
Sink into Stupor
7.1%inclusion31 decks436 decks
1%synergy
Solidarity
5.8%inclusion31 decks533 decks
5%synergy
Auroral Procession
5.7%inclusion2 decks35 decks
4%synergy
Krosan Grip
5.4%inclusion29 decks533 decks
3%synergy
Flusterstorm
5.4%inclusion29 decks533 decks
1%synergy
Brainstorm
5.3%inclusion28 decks533 decks
-3%synergy
Sorceries
Dusk // Dawn
63%inclusion336 decks533 decks
56%synergy
Farseek
50%inclusion266 decks533 decks
6%synergy
Fell the Mighty
44%inclusion236 decks533 decks
39%synergy
Nature's Lore
44%inclusion235 decks533 decks
17%synergy
Three Visits
41%inclusion218 decks533 decks
15%synergy
Last March of the Ents
33%inclusion178 decks533 decks
30%synergy
Cultivate
28%inclusion147 decks533 decks
-10%synergy
Wave of Reckoning
21%inclusion114 decks533 decks
19%synergy
Rampant Growth
19%inclusion103 decks533 decks
-6%synergy
Expel the Interlopers
19%inclusion101 decks533 decks
16%synergy
Kodama's Reach
19%inclusion100 decks533 decks
0%synergy
Triumph of the Hordes
18%inclusion98 decks533 decks
16%synergy
Raise the Past
18%inclusion39 decks222 decks
16%synergy
The Battle of Bywater
17%inclusion88 decks533 decks
15%synergy
Retribution of the Meek
13%inclusion69 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Destined Confrontation
12%inclusion3 decks25 decks
10%synergy
Farewell
11%inclusion61 decks533 decks
-6%synergy
Bala Ged Recovery
8.8%inclusion47 decks533 decks
3%synergy
Skyshroud Claim
7.9%inclusion42 decks533 decks
4%synergy
Finale of Devastation
7.7%inclusion41 decks533 decks
0%synergy
Ascend from Avernus
5.8%inclusion31 decks533 decks
4%synergy
Austere Command
5.4%inclusion29 decks533 decks
-4%synergy
Green Sun's Zenith
5.3%inclusion28 decks533 decks
1%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Meekstone
64%inclusion343 decks533 decks
60%synergy
Rammas Echor, Ancient Shield
56%inclusion296 decks533 decks
51%synergy
Lightning Greaves
53%inclusion283 decks533 decks
34%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
32%inclusion170 decks533 decks
4%synergy
Slagwurm Armor
13%inclusion71 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Panharmonicon
13%inclusion67 decks533 decks
5%synergy
The One Ring
11%inclusion58 decks533 decks
5%synergy
Colfenor's Urn
7.9%inclusion42 decks533 decks
7%synergy
Robe of Stars
6.8%inclusion36 decks533 decks
5%synergy
Cloudstone Curio
5.4%inclusion29 decks533 decks
4%synergy
Enchantments
Assault Formation
65%inclusion346 decks533 decks
59%synergy
Brave the Sands
56%inclusion301 decks533 decks
51%synergy
Stoneskin
41%inclusion216 decks533 decks
37%synergy
Guardian Project
20%inclusion106 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Primal Rage
16%inclusion87 decks533 decks
15%synergy
Angelic Chorus
16%inclusion86 decks533 decks
14%synergy
Mystic Remora
15%inclusion80 decks533 decks
4%synergy
Sylvan Library
15%inclusion79 decks533 decks
9%synergy
Unnatural Growth
14%inclusion77 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Smile at Death
14%inclusion5 decks36 decks
13%synergy
Propaganda
11%inclusion61 decks533 decks
0%synergy
Ghostly Prison
11%inclusion60 decks533 decks
1%synergy
Restricted Office // Lecture Hall
10%inclusion30 decks287 decks
9%synergy
Assemble the Players
8.4%inclusion45 decks533 decks
7%synergy
Teferi's Ageless Insight
8.4%inclusion45 decks533 decks
2%synergy
Vault 75: Middle School
8.4%inclusion45 decks533 decks
8%synergy
Angelic Shield
8.1%inclusion43 decks533 decks
7%synergy
Aluren
7.5%inclusion40 decks533 decks
6%synergy
Rolling Stones
7.5%inclusion40 decks533 decks
7%synergy
Spidersilk Armor
7.5%inclusion40 decks533 decks
7%synergy
Freed from the Real
6.6%inclusion35 decks533 decks
3%synergy
Serra's Blessing
6.2%inclusion33 decks533 decks
5%synergy
Court of Ardenvale
6.2%inclusion33 decks533 decks
6%synergy
True Conviction
6.2%inclusion33 decks533 decks
5%synergy
Concordant Crossroads
5.8%inclusion31 decks533 decks
3%synergy
Exploration
5.6%inclusion30 decks533 decks
1%synergy
Mirari's Wake
5.6%inclusion30 decks533 decks
0%synergy
The Birth of Meletis
5.1%inclusion27 decks533 decks
4%synergy
Planeswalkers
Huatli, the Sun's Heart
16%inclusion86 decks533 decks
14%synergy
Teyo, Geometric Tactician
15%inclusion81 decks533 decks
14%synergy
Teyo, the Shieldmage
12%inclusion63 decks533 decks
10%synergy
Utility Lands
Reliquary Tower
63%inclusion335 decks533 decks
19%synergy
Boseiju, Who Endures
55%inclusion295 decks533 decks
37%synergy
Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth
45%inclusion238 decks533 decks
29%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
35%inclusion186 decks533 decks
20%synergy
Access Tunnel
24%inclusion127 decks533 decks
21%synergy
Rogue's Passage
14%inclusion77 decks533 decks
1%synergy
Three Tree City
14%inclusion54 decks385 decks
8%synergy
Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
12%inclusion64 decks533 decks
8%synergy
Mistrise Village
11%inclusion4 decks35 decks
5%synergy
Urza's Saga
11%inclusion58 decks533 decks
7%synergy
Alchemist's Refuge
9.4%inclusion50 decks533 decks
3%synergy
Command Beacon
8.1%inclusion43 decks533 decks
6%synergy
Temple of the False God
6.6%inclusion35 decks533 decks
-2%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
92%inclusion491 decks533 decks
11%synergy
Arcane Signet
83%inclusion442 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Thought Vessel
24%inclusion126 decks533 decks
4%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
16%inclusion86 decks533 decks
10%synergy
Mana Crypt
15%inclusion82 decks533 decks
14%synergy
Azorius Signet
15%inclusion79 decks533 decks
5%synergy
Selesnya Signet
13%inclusion70 decks533 decks
6%synergy
Fellwar Stone
13%inclusion70 decks533 decks
-1%synergy
Simic Signet
12%inclusion65 decks533 decks
2%synergy
Talisman of Curiosity
12%inclusion63 decks533 decks
1%synergy
Talisman of Unity
12%inclusion63 decks533 decks
2%synergy
Mox Diamond
12%inclusion62 decks533 decks
8%synergy
Talisman of Progress
11%inclusion58 decks533 decks
0%synergy
Chrome Mox
10%inclusion55 decks533 decks
6%synergy
Decanter of Endless Water
10%inclusion52 decks533 decks
5%synergy
Mana Vault
6.4%inclusion34 decks533 decks
3%synergy
Commander's Sphere
5.3%inclusion28 decks533 decks
-1%synergy
Lands
Command Tower
95%inclusion505 decks533 decks
4%synergy
Savannah
93%inclusion498 decks533 decks
81%synergy
Tropical Island
93%inclusion498 decks533 decks
81%synergy
Tundra
93%inclusion496 decks533 decks
81%synergy
Plains
89%inclusion475 decks533 decks
-4%synergy
Breeding Pool
89%inclusion474 decks533 decks
44%synergy
Temple Garden
89%inclusion474 decks533 decks
45%synergy
Forest
89%inclusion473 decks533 decks
-5%synergy
Island
88%inclusion470 decks533 decks
-5%synergy
Hallowed Fountain
88%inclusion469 decks533 decks
44%synergy
Flooded Strand
81%inclusion432 decks533 decks
49%synergy
Windswept Heath
80%inclusion429 decks533 decks
48%synergy
Misty Rainforest
80%inclusion428 decks533 decks
50%synergy
Spara's Headquarters
72%inclusion382 decks533 decks
32%synergy
Bountiful Promenade
70%inclusion373 decks533 decks
40%synergy
Sea of Clouds
69%inclusion367 decks533 decks
39%synergy
Rejuvenating Springs
68%inclusion362 decks533 decks
33%synergy
Exotic Orchard
47%inclusion248 decks533 decks
-10%synergy
Sunpetal Grove
43%inclusion230 decks533 decks
0%synergy
Hinterland Harbor
42%inclusion225 decks533 decks
-6%synergy
Seaside Citadel
42%inclusion223 decks533 decks
-10%synergy
Glacial Fortress
41%inclusion218 decks533 decks
-6%synergy
Overgrown Farmland
35%inclusion185 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Deserted Beach
32%inclusion172 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Dreamroot Cascade
27%inclusion144 decks533 decks
1%synergy
Mana Confluence
22%inclusion117 decks533 decks
14%synergy
City of Brass
22%inclusion115 decks533 decks
13%synergy
Floodfarm Verge
20%inclusion59 decks294 decks
11%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
19%inclusion101 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Prismatic Vista
19%inclusion99 decks533 decks
14%synergy
Reflecting Pool
19%inclusion99 decks533 decks
13%synergy
Yavimaya Coast
18%inclusion98 decks533 decks
-12%synergy
Marsh Flats
18%inclusion95 decks533 decks
12%synergy
Scalding Tarn
17%inclusion92 decks533 decks
10%synergy
Brushland
17%inclusion90 decks533 decks
-11%synergy
Polluted Delta
17%inclusion90 decks533 decks
9%synergy
Arid Mesa
17%inclusion88 decks533 decks
11%synergy
Adarkar Wastes
16%inclusion84 decks533 decks
-9%synergy
Hushwood Verge
16%inclusion46 decks294 decks
6%synergy
Wooded Foothills
16%inclusion83 decks533 decks
8%synergy
Prairie Stream
15%inclusion81 decks533 decks
-31%synergy
Branchloft Pathway
15%inclusion80 decks533 decks
9%synergy
Urban Retreat
15%inclusion4 decks27 decks
5%synergy
Hengegate Pathway
15%inclusion78 decks533 decks
9%synergy
Cavern of Souls
14%inclusion76 decks533 decks
10%synergy
Barkchannel Pathway
14%inclusion75 decks533 decks
8%synergy
Canopy Vista
14%inclusion75 decks533 decks
-32%synergy
Lush Portico
14%inclusion72 decks533 decks
3%synergy
Hedge Maze
12%inclusion66 decks533 decks
2%synergy
Meticulous Archive
12%inclusion64 decks533 decks
3%synergy