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
5.9%inclusion1 decks17 decks
5%synergy
Gathering Stone
5.9%inclusion1 decks17 decks
5%synergy
Bark of Doran
5.9%inclusion1 decks17 decks
6%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Overgrown Battlement
95%inclusion502 decks527 decks
88%synergy
Axebane Guardian
93%inclusion489 decks527 decks
85%synergy
Wall of Denial
92%inclusion486 decks527 decks
85%synergy
Sunscape Familiar
88%inclusion464 decks527 decks
81%synergy
Stalwart Shield-Bearers
87%inclusion460 decks527 decks
81%synergy
Wall of Blossoms
84%inclusion445 decks527 decks
77%synergy
The Pride of Hull Clade
82%inclusion434 decks527 decks
76%synergy
Wall of Omens
83%inclusion439 decks527 decks
75%synergy
Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive
80%inclusion424 decks527 decks
73%synergy
High Alert
80%inclusion421 decks527 decks
73%synergy
Top Cards
Sylvan Caryatid
78%inclusion411 decks527 decks
72%synergy
Swords to Plowshares
76%inclusion401 decks527 decks
14%synergy
Crashing Drawbridge
76%inclusion399 decks527 decks
69%synergy
Shield Sphere
69%inclusion366 decks527 decks
66%synergy
Hover Barrier
69%inclusion361 decks527 decks
63%synergy
Crystal Barricade
67%inclusion155 decks230 decks
62%synergy
Jeskai Barricade
66%inclusion350 decks527 decks
61%synergy
Slaughter the Strong
66%inclusion349 decks527 decks
60%synergy
Weathered Sentinels
66%inclusion346 decks527 decks
61%synergy
Wall of Frost
65%inclusion344 decks527 decks
59%synergy
Game Changers
Cyclonic Rift
63%inclusion331 decks527 decks
44%synergy
Rhystic Study
62%inclusion326 decks527 decks
42%synergy
Teferi's Protection
61%inclusion319 decks527 decks
46%synergy
Fierce Guardianship
59%inclusion309 decks527 decks
44%synergy
Aura Shards
44%inclusion231 decks527 decks
37%synergy
Smothering Tithe
40%inclusion213 decks527 decks
24%synergy
Enlightened Tutor
37%inclusion193 decks527 decks
23%synergy
Gaea's Cradle
33%inclusion172 decks527 decks
27%synergy
Worldly Tutor
26%inclusion136 decks527 decks
15%synergy
Ancient Tomb
20%inclusion108 decks527 decks
14%synergy
Creatures
Perimeter Captain
63%inclusion334 decks527 decks
58%synergy
Tree of Redemption
61%inclusion319 decks527 decks
56%synergy
Vine Trellis
60%inclusion314 decks527 decks
55%synergy
Wall of Tanglecord
58%inclusion305 decks527 decks
53%synergy
The Walls of Ba Sing Se
58%inclusion15 decks26 decks
52%synergy
Shield-Wall Sentinel
57%inclusion300 decks527 decks
52%synergy
Wall of Stolen Identity
57%inclusion300 decks527 decks
53%synergy
Wall of Junk
56%inclusion296 decks527 decks
51%synergy
Corrupted Shapeshifter
48%inclusion215 decks445 decks
45%synergy
Wall of Glare
46%inclusion244 decks527 decks
43%synergy
Wall of Runes
46%inclusion242 decks527 decks
42%synergy
Flumph
42%inclusion219 decks527 decks
38%synergy
Wall of Roots
41%inclusion214 decks527 decks
37%synergy
Plagon, Lord of the Beach
39%inclusion88 decks224 decks
37%synergy
Wingmantle Chaplain
39%inclusion207 decks527 decks
36%synergy
Walking Bulwark
39%inclusion204 decks527 decks
35%synergy
Drift of Phantasms
37%inclusion193 decks527 decks
33%synergy
Wall of Shards
35%inclusion183 decks527 decks
32%synergy
Carven Caryatid
35%inclusion182 decks527 decks
31%synergy
Angelic Wall
31%inclusion162 decks527 decks
27%synergy
Wall of Mulch
28%inclusion149 decks527 decks
26%synergy
Riptide Turtle
28%inclusion149 decks527 decks
26%synergy
Towering Titan
28%inclusion147 decks527 decks
25%synergy
Resolute Watchdog
28%inclusion146 decks527 decks
25%synergy
Fortified Rampart
26%inclusion139 decks527 decks
23%synergy
Mnemonic Wall
25%inclusion134 decks527 decks
23%synergy
Fog Bank
25%inclusion133 decks527 decks
22%synergy
Fecund Greenshell
25%inclusion92 decks372 decks
23%synergy
Towering Viewpoint
22%inclusion90 decks411 decks
20%synergy
Steel Wall
22%inclusion115 decks527 decks
20%synergy
Wall of Tears
22%inclusion115 decks527 decks
20%synergy
Wall of Nets
22%inclusion115 decks527 decks
20%synergy
Rune-Sealed Wall
21%inclusion47 decks223 decks
20%synergy
Orator of Ojutai
21%inclusion109 decks527 decks
19%synergy
Bedrock Tortoise
18%inclusion97 decks527 decks
16%synergy
Noble Hierarch
18%inclusion94 decks527 decks
-8%synergy
Sokrates, Athenian Teacher
17%inclusion72 decks413 decks
14%synergy
Birds of Paradise
17%inclusion90 decks527 decks
-18%synergy
Rampart Architect
17%inclusion6 decks36 decks
15%synergy
Glacial Wall
16%inclusion86 decks527 decks
14%synergy
Jungle Barrier
16%inclusion84 decks527 decks
14%synergy
Esper Sentinel
15%inclusion79 decks527 decks
0%synergy
Charix, the Raging Isle
14%inclusion73 decks527 decks
12%synergy
Sidar Kondo of Jamuraa
13%inclusion71 decks527 decks
12%synergy
Rigo, Streetwise Mentor
13%inclusion69 decks527 decks
12%synergy
Gatecreeper Vine
13%inclusion67 decks527 decks
11%synergy
Guard Gomazoa
12%inclusion63 decks527 decks
10%synergy
Suspicious Bookcase
12%inclusion63 decks527 decks
10%synergy
Wall of Kelp
11%inclusion56 decks527 decks
10%synergy
Zopandrel, Hunger Dominus
10%inclusion55 decks527 decks
8%synergy
Instants
Heroic Intervention
64%inclusion335 decks527 decks
33%synergy
Tower Defense
62%inclusion327 decks527 decks
56%synergy
Path to Exile
51%inclusion267 decks527 decks
3%synergy
Akroma's Will
50%inclusion261 decks527 decks
42%synergy
Counterspell
46%inclusion243 decks527 decks
9%synergy
Mana Drain
43%inclusion229 decks527 decks
34%synergy
Beast Within
42%inclusion221 decks527 decks
15%synergy
Eerie Interlude
36%inclusion192 decks527 decks
31%synergy
Dovin's Veto
28%inclusion149 decks527 decks
12%synergy
Flawless Maneuver
26%inclusion137 decks527 decks
19%synergy
Generous Gift
24%inclusion126 decks527 decks
-2%synergy
Swan Song
23%inclusion123 decks527 decks
7%synergy
Eladamri's Call
18%inclusion93 decks527 decks
7%synergy
Force of Will
17%inclusion87 decks527 decks
10%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
15%inclusion77 decks527 decks
-12%synergy
Ghostway
14%inclusion76 decks527 decks
12%synergy
Mystical Tutor
14%inclusion76 decks527 decks
9%synergy
Arcane Denial
14%inclusion74 decks527 decks
-3%synergy
Bar the Door
14%inclusion72 decks527 decks
11%synergy
Force of Negation
13%inclusion69 decks527 decks
8%synergy
Negate
12%inclusion63 decks527 decks
-2%synergy
Nature's Claim
9.5%inclusion50 decks527 decks
4%synergy
Stroke of Midnight
8.7%inclusion46 decks527 decks
0%synergy
Growth Spiral
8.3%inclusion44 decks527 decks
-5%synergy
Sink into Stupor
7.1%inclusion31 decks435 decks
1%synergy
Solidarity
5.7%inclusion30 decks527 decks
5%synergy
Auroral Procession
5.6%inclusion2 decks36 decks
4%synergy
Krosan Grip
5.5%inclusion29 decks527 decks
3%synergy
Flusterstorm
5.5%inclusion29 decks527 decks
1%synergy
Brainstorm
5.3%inclusion28 decks527 decks
-3%synergy
Sorceries
Dusk // Dawn
63%inclusion333 decks527 decks
56%synergy
Farseek
50%inclusion264 decks527 decks
6%synergy
Fell the Mighty
44%inclusion234 decks527 decks
39%synergy
Nature's Lore
44%inclusion234 decks527 decks
17%synergy
Three Visits
41%inclusion218 decks527 decks
16%synergy
Last March of the Ents
33%inclusion176 decks527 decks
30%synergy
Cultivate
27%inclusion144 decks527 decks
-11%synergy
Wave of Reckoning
21%inclusion112 decks527 decks
19%synergy
Rampant Growth
20%inclusion103 decks527 decks
-6%synergy
Kodama's Reach
19%inclusion100 decks527 decks
0%synergy
Expel the Interlopers
19%inclusion98 decks527 decks
16%synergy
Triumph of the Hordes
18%inclusion97 decks527 decks
16%synergy
Raise the Past
17%inclusion39 decks223 decks
16%synergy
The Battle of Bywater
17%inclusion87 decks527 decks
15%synergy
Retribution of the Meek
13%inclusion68 decks527 decks
12%synergy
Farewell
12%inclusion63 decks527 decks
-5%synergy
Destined Confrontation
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
10%synergy
Bala Ged Recovery
9.1%inclusion48 decks527 decks
3%synergy
Skyshroud Claim
8.0%inclusion42 decks527 decks
4%synergy
Finale of Devastation
7.8%inclusion41 decks527 decks
0%synergy
Ascend from Avernus
6.1%inclusion32 decks527 decks
4%synergy
Austere Command
5.5%inclusion29 decks527 decks
-4%synergy
Green Sun's Zenith
5.3%inclusion28 decks527 decks
1%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Meekstone
65%inclusion340 decks527 decks
60%synergy
Rammas Echor, Ancient Shield
56%inclusion294 decks527 decks
51%synergy
Lightning Greaves
53%inclusion281 decks527 decks
34%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
32%inclusion168 decks527 decks
4%synergy
Slagwurm Armor
13%inclusion70 decks527 decks
12%synergy
Panharmonicon
12%inclusion64 decks527 decks
5%synergy
The One Ring
11%inclusion58 decks527 decks
5%synergy
Colfenor's Urn
7.4%inclusion39 decks527 decks
7%synergy
Robe of Stars
6.6%inclusion35 decks527 decks
5%synergy
Cloudstone Curio
5.5%inclusion29 decks527 decks
4%synergy
Enchantments
Assault Formation
65%inclusion343 decks527 decks
59%synergy
Brave the Sands
57%inclusion298 decks527 decks
52%synergy
Stoneskin
40%inclusion213 decks527 decks
37%synergy
Guardian Project
20%inclusion106 decks527 decks
13%synergy
Primal Rage
17%inclusion87 decks527 decks
15%synergy
Angelic Chorus
16%inclusion86 decks527 decks
14%synergy
Mystic Remora
15%inclusion79 decks527 decks
4%synergy
Sylvan Library
15%inclusion77 decks527 decks
9%synergy
Unnatural Growth
14%inclusion76 decks527 decks
12%synergy
Smile at Death
14%inclusion5 decks37 decks
13%synergy
Propaganda
12%inclusion61 decks527 decks
0%synergy
Ghostly Prison
11%inclusion60 decks527 decks
1%synergy
Restricted Office // Lecture Hall
10%inclusion30 decks288 decks
9%synergy
Assemble the Players
8.5%inclusion45 decks527 decks
7%synergy
Vault 75: Middle School
8.5%inclusion45 decks527 decks
8%synergy
Teferi's Ageless Insight
8.3%inclusion44 decks527 decks
2%synergy
Angelic Shield
7.8%inclusion41 decks527 decks
7%synergy
Aluren
7.6%inclusion40 decks527 decks
6%synergy
Rolling Stones
7.6%inclusion40 decks527 decks
7%synergy
Spidersilk Armor
7.6%inclusion40 decks527 decks
7%synergy
Freed from the Real
6.6%inclusion35 decks527 decks
3%synergy
True Conviction
6.3%inclusion33 decks527 decks
5%synergy
Court of Ardenvale
5.9%inclusion31 decks527 decks
5%synergy
Concordant Crossroads
5.9%inclusion31 decks527 decks
3%synergy
Exploration
5.7%inclusion30 decks527 decks
1%synergy
Serra's Blessing
5.7%inclusion30 decks527 decks
5%synergy
Mirari's Wake
5.7%inclusion30 decks527 decks
0%synergy
Planeswalkers
Huatli, the Sun's Heart
17%inclusion87 decks527 decks
14%synergy
Teyo, Geometric Tactician
15%inclusion80 decks527 decks
14%synergy
Teyo, the Shieldmage
12%inclusion62 decks527 decks
10%synergy
Utility Lands
Reliquary Tower
63%inclusion332 decks527 decks
19%synergy
Boseiju, Who Endures
56%inclusion295 decks527 decks
37%synergy
Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth
44%inclusion233 decks527 decks
29%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
35%inclusion185 decks527 decks
20%synergy
Access Tunnel
24%inclusion126 decks527 decks
21%synergy
Three Tree City
14%inclusion54 decks385 decks
8%synergy
Rogue's Passage
14%inclusion72 decks527 decks
0%synergy
Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
12%inclusion64 decks527 decks
8%synergy
Mistrise Village
11%inclusion4 decks36 decks
5%synergy
Urza's Saga
11%inclusion58 decks527 decks
8%synergy
Alchemist's Refuge
9.5%inclusion50 decks527 decks
3%synergy
Command Beacon
8.2%inclusion43 decks527 decks
6%synergy
Temple of the False God
6.1%inclusion32 decks527 decks
-3%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
92%inclusion485 decks527 decks
11%synergy
Arcane Signet
83%inclusion436 decks527 decks
11%synergy
Thought Vessel
24%inclusion124 decks527 decks
4%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
16%inclusion83 decks527 decks
9%synergy
Mana Crypt
15%inclusion80 decks527 decks
14%synergy
Azorius Signet
15%inclusion77 decks527 decks
5%synergy
Fellwar Stone
13%inclusion70 decks527 decks
-1%synergy
Selesnya Signet
13%inclusion68 decks527 decks
6%synergy
Simic Signet
12%inclusion64 decks527 decks
2%synergy
Talisman of Unity
12%inclusion63 decks527 decks
2%synergy
Talisman of Curiosity
12%inclusion62 decks527 decks
1%synergy
Mox Diamond
12%inclusion61 decks527 decks
8%synergy
Talisman of Progress
11%inclusion58 decks527 decks
1%synergy
Chrome Mox
10%inclusion55 decks527 decks
6%synergy
Decanter of Endless Water
10%inclusion51 decks527 decks
5%synergy
Mana Vault
6.5%inclusion34 decks527 decks
3%synergy
Commander's Sphere
5.1%inclusion27 decks527 decks
-1%synergy
Lands
Command Tower
95%inclusion499 decks527 decks
4%synergy
Tropical Island
94%inclusion496 decks527 decks
81%synergy
Savannah
94%inclusion495 decks527 decks
81%synergy
Tundra
94%inclusion494 decks527 decks
81%synergy
Breeding Pool
90%inclusion472 decks527 decks
45%synergy
Temple Garden
89%inclusion470 decks527 decks
45%synergy
Plains
89%inclusion469 decks527 decks
-4%synergy
Forest
89%inclusion467 decks527 decks
-5%synergy
Hallowed Fountain
88%inclusion465 decks527 decks
45%synergy
Island
88%inclusion464 decks527 decks
-6%synergy
Flooded Strand
82%inclusion430 decks527 decks
49%synergy
Windswept Heath
81%inclusion426 decks527 decks
48%synergy
Misty Rainforest
81%inclusion425 decks527 decks
51%synergy
Spara's Headquarters
72%inclusion379 decks527 decks
32%synergy
Bountiful Promenade
70%inclusion370 decks527 decks
40%synergy
Sea of Clouds
69%inclusion366 decks527 decks
40%synergy
Rejuvenating Springs
68%inclusion359 decks527 decks
33%synergy
Exotic Orchard
47%inclusion248 decks527 decks
-10%synergy
Sunpetal Grove
43%inclusion227 decks527 decks
0%synergy
Hinterland Harbor
42%inclusion222 decks527 decks
-6%synergy
Seaside Citadel
42%inclusion220 decks527 decks
-10%synergy
Glacial Fortress
41%inclusion214 decks527 decks
-6%synergy
Overgrown Farmland
35%inclusion183 decks527 decks
12%synergy
Deserted Beach
32%inclusion170 decks527 decks
12%synergy
Dreamroot Cascade
27%inclusion143 decks527 decks
1%synergy
Mana Confluence
22%inclusion117 decks527 decks
14%synergy
City of Brass
22%inclusion115 decks527 decks
13%synergy
Floodfarm Verge
20%inclusion60 decks295 decks
12%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
19%inclusion100 decks527 decks
12%synergy
Prismatic Vista
19%inclusion98 decks527 decks
14%synergy
Reflecting Pool
19%inclusion98 decks527 decks
13%synergy
Yavimaya Coast
18%inclusion97 decks527 decks
-12%synergy
Marsh Flats
18%inclusion93 decks527 decks
12%synergy
Scalding Tarn
17%inclusion91 decks527 decks
10%synergy
Brushland
17%inclusion89 decks527 decks
-11%synergy
Polluted Delta
17%inclusion89 decks527 decks
9%synergy
Arid Mesa
17%inclusion87 decks527 decks
11%synergy
Hushwood Verge
16%inclusion47 decks295 decks
6%synergy
Adarkar Wastes
16%inclusion83 decks527 decks
-9%synergy
Wooded Foothills
16%inclusion82 decks527 decks
8%synergy
Prairie Stream
15%inclusion80 decks527 decks
-31%synergy
Branchloft Pathway
15%inclusion77 decks527 decks
8%synergy
Cavern of Souls
14%inclusion76 decks527 decks
10%synergy
Urban Retreat
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Hengegate Pathway
14%inclusion75 decks527 decks
9%synergy
Canopy Vista
14%inclusion74 decks527 decks
-32%synergy
Barkchannel Pathway
14%inclusion73 decks527 decks
8%synergy
Lush Portico
13%inclusion71 decks527 decks
3%synergy
Hedge Maze
12%inclusion65 decks527 decks
2%synergy
Meticulous Archive
12%inclusion63 decks527 decks
3%synergy