Mendicant Core, Guidelight (Commander) - Core Artifacts

Background image for Is Optimization Ruining Commander Deck Building?
Cas Hinds
Sep 29, 2025
Is Optimization Ruining Commander Deck Building?
Some people in the Commander community talk about deck optimization leading to homogeneity, and how this ruins Commander. Let's discuss.
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Hide on the Ceiling
3.8%inclusion1 decks26 decks
2%synergy
Iron Spider, Stark Upgrade
2.0%inclusion1 decks49 decks
1%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Voyager Quickwelder
76%inclusion78 decks102 decks
67%synergy
Muraganda Raceway
72%inclusion74 decks103 decks
65%synergy
Foundry Inspector
76%inclusion78 decks103 decks
62%synergy
Thopter Spy Network
68%inclusion70 decks103 decks
57%synergy
Voyage Home
66%inclusion68 decks103 decks
57%synergy
Seat of the Synod
72%inclusion74 decks103 decks
57%synergy
Etherium Sculptor
71%inclusion73 decks103 decks
56%synergy
Thought Monitor
62%inclusion64 decks103 decks
54%synergy
Organic Extinction
63%inclusion65 decks103 decks
54%synergy
Sai, Master Thopterist
62%inclusion64 decks103 decks
51%synergy
Top Cards
Dispatch
60%inclusion62 decks103 decks
47%synergy
Kappa Cannoneer
57%inclusion59 decks103 decks
50%synergy
Solemn Simulacrum
53%inclusion55 decks103 decks
28%synergy
Bronze Guardian
53%inclusion55 decks103 decks
48%synergy
Padeem, Consul of Innovation
50%inclusion51 decks103 decks
39%synergy
Swords to Plowshares
50%inclusion51 decks103 decks
-21%synergy
Thoughtcast
50%inclusion51 decks103 decks
40%synergy
Master of Etherium
49%inclusion50 decks103 decks
42%synergy
Nesting Bot
49%inclusion50 decks103 decks
46%synergy
Vnwxt, Verbose Host
47%inclusion48 decks103 decks
42%synergy
Creatures
Diversion Unit
45%inclusion46 decks103 decks
42%synergy
Ornithopter of Paradise
44%inclusion45 decks103 decks
32%synergy
Guidelight Synergist
43%inclusion44 decks102 decks
41%synergy
Steel Overseer
43%inclusion44 decks103 decks
39%synergy
Losheel, Clockwork Scholar
42%inclusion43 decks103 decks
37%synergy
Research Thief
41%inclusion42 decks103 decks
36%synergy
Gold-Forged Thopteryx
38%inclusion39 decks103 decks
28%synergy
Gingerbrute
37%inclusion38 decks103 decks
35%synergy
K-9, Mark I
37%inclusion38 decks103 decks
35%synergy
Riptide Gearhulk
36%inclusion37 decks103 decks
27%synergy
Emry, Lurker of the Loch
32%inclusion33 decks103 decks
20%synergy
Phyrexian Metamorph
30%inclusion31 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Stridehangar Automaton
29%inclusion30 decks103 decks
26%synergy
Sharding Sphinx
28%inclusion29 decks103 decks
26%synergy
Guidelight Optimizer
27%inclusion28 decks102 decks
26%synergy
Illustrious Wanderglyph
27%inclusion28 decks103 decks
23%synergy
Jhoira's Familiar
27%inclusion28 decks103 decks
23%synergy
Silver Myr
26%inclusion27 decks103 decks
17%synergy
Swooping Lookout
25%inclusion26 decks103 decks
24%synergy
Silver Raven
25%inclusion26 decks103 decks
24%synergy
Cephalopod Sentry
25%inclusion26 decks103 decks
24%synergy
Cyberdrive Awakener
24%inclusion25 decks103 decks
15%synergy
Oltec Matterweaver
24%inclusion25 decks103 decks
22%synergy
Urza, Prince of Kroog
24%inclusion25 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Cyberman Patrol
23%inclusion24 decks103 decks
22%synergy
Skrelv, Defector Mite
23%inclusion24 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Chief of the Foundry
23%inclusion24 decks103 decks
22%synergy
Artificer's Assistant
22%inclusion23 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Gold Myr
22%inclusion23 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Shimmer Myr
22%inclusion23 decks103 decks
17%synergy
Memory Guardian
22%inclusion22 decks102 decks
20%synergy
Whirler Rogue
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
16%synergy
Forensic Gadgeteer
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
17%synergy
Myr Battlesphere
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
18%synergy
Ethersworn Sphinx
20%inclusion21 decks103 decks
19%synergy
Hope of Ghirapur
19%inclusion20 decks103 decks
18%synergy
Vedalken Archmage
19%inclusion20 decks103 decks
16%synergy
Esper Sentinel
17%inclusion18 decks103 decks
-5%synergy
Network Disruptor
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
16%synergy
Scrap Trawler
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Digsite Engineer
16%inclusion16 decks103 decks
13%synergy
The Reality Chip
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Angel of the Ruins
14%inclusion14 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Myr Retriever
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Ethersworn Canonist
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Steelswarm Operator
11%inclusion6 decks54 decks
10%synergy
Scrawling Crawler
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Palladium Myr
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Steel Seraph
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Cybermen Squadron
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Instants
Path to Exile
34%inclusion35 decks103 decks
-19%synergy
Counterspell
34%inclusion35 decks103 decks
-20%synergy
Generous Gift
31%inclusion32 decks103 decks
-3%synergy
Dovin's Veto
25%inclusion26 decks103 decks
-11%synergy
Negate
25%inclusion26 decks103 decks
-3%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
24%inclusion25 decks103 decks
0%synergy
Desynchronization
24%inclusion25 decks103 decks
20%synergy
Arcane Denial
17%inclusion18 decks103 decks
-8%synergy
Stroke of Midnight
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
-2%synergy
Reality Heist
14%inclusion14 decks103 decks
13%synergy
Spectral Interference
12%inclusion12 decks101 decks
11%synergy
Blacksmith's Skill
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Thirst for Knowledge
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Sink into Stupor
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
-1%synergy
Bounce Off
11%inclusion11 decks102 decks
10%synergy
Dawn's Truce
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Disenchant
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Spell Pierce
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Disruption Protocol
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Reality Shift
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Masterful Replication
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Access Denied
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Razorgrass Ambush
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Stoic Rebuttal
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
No More Lies
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Frantic Search
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
-6%synergy
Three Steps Ahead
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Machine Over Matter
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Swan Song
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
-11%synergy
Unbreakable Formation
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Scour for Scrap
5.8%inclusion3 decks52 decks
3%synergy
Sorceries
Dance of the Manse
24%inclusion25 decks103 decks
17%synergy
March of Progress
19%inclusion20 decks103 decks
18%synergy
Tune Up
14%inclusion14 decks103 decks
12%synergy
Fabricate
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Brilliant Restoration
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Supreme Verdict
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
-18%synergy
Austere Command
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
-5%synergy
One with the Machine
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Enter the Enigma
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Sevinne's Reclamation
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Stock Up
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Collision Course
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Reverse Engineer
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Spectacular Pileup
5.9%inclusion6 decks102 decks
5%synergy
Time Wipe
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
-8%synergy
Open the Vaults
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Season of Weaving
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Redress Fate
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Salvation Engine
41%inclusion42 decks102 decks
34%synergy
Racers' Scoreboard
41%inclusion42 decks103 decks
38%synergy
Guidelight Pathmaker
40%inclusion41 decks103 decks
35%synergy
Sculpting Steel
35%inclusion36 decks103 decks
30%synergy
Mystic Forge
31%inclusion32 decks103 decks
25%synergy
Uthros Research Craft
30%inclusion16 decks54 decks
26%synergy
Nettlecyst
29%inclusion30 decks103 decks
26%synergy
Thousand Moons Smithy
29%inclusion30 decks103 decks
24%synergy
Bident of Thassa
29%inclusion30 decks103 decks
19%synergy
Lightning Greaves
27%inclusion28 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Adaptive Omnitool
27%inclusion28 decks103 decks
24%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
24%inclusion25 decks103 decks
-1%synergy
Perilous Snare
23%inclusion24 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Repurposing Bay
22%inclusion23 decks103 decks
18%synergy
Cloud Key
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
17%synergy
Thopter Fabricator
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
17%synergy
Simulacrum Synthesizer
20%inclusion21 decks103 decks
16%synergy
Hulldrifter
19%inclusion20 decks103 decks
18%synergy
Shorikai, Genesis Engine
17%inclusion18 decks103 decks
13%synergy
Unwinding Clock
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Manifold Key
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Twinning Staff
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
12%synergy
Brotherhood Vertibird
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Voyager Glidecar
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
12%synergy
Worldwalker Helm
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Aether Syphon
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Mechtitan Core
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Winged Boots
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Guidelight Matrix
11%inclusion11 decks101 decks
10%synergy
Soul-Guide Lantern
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Brotherhood Regalia
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Skullclamp
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Insight Engine
9.3%inclusion5 decks54 decks
8%synergy
Smuggler's Copter
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Imposter Mech
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
0%synergy
Unidentified Hovership
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Mirrorworks
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Portal to Phyrexia
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Assimilation Aegis
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Celestial Armor
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Valor's Flagship
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Retrofitter Foundry
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Alacrian Armory
6.9%inclusion7 decks102 decks
6%synergy
The Indomitable
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Encroaching Mycosynth
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Weatherlight
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Darksteel Forge
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Dusk Rose Reliquary
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Possession Engine
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Rover Blades
5.9%inclusion6 decks101 decks
5%synergy
Enchantments
Efficient Construction
30%inclusion31 decks103 decks
27%synergy
Mechanized Production
26%inclusion27 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Tempered Steel
20%inclusion21 decks103 decks
18%synergy
Unstoppable Plan
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Artificer Class
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
10%synergy
All That Glitters
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Mirrodin Besieged
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Propaganda
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
-17%synergy
Caretaker's Talent
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Ghostly Prison
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
-18%synergy
Moonlit Meditation
5.6%inclusion3 decks54 decks
3%synergy
Utility Lands
Ancient Den
63%inclusion65 decks103 decks
49%synergy
Darksteel Citadel
54%inclusion56 decks103 decks
44%synergy
Amonkhet Raceway
51%inclusion53 decks103 decks
46%synergy
Academy Ruins
37%inclusion38 decks103 decks
25%synergy
Buried Ruin
32%inclusion33 decks103 decks
24%synergy
Avishkar Raceway
32%inclusion33 decks103 decks
29%synergy
Rogue's Passage
31%inclusion32 decks103 decks
17%synergy
Archway of Innovation
29%inclusion30 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Reliquary Tower
23%inclusion24 decks103 decks
-25%synergy
Inventors' Fair
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Reef Roads
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
13%synergy
Treasure Vault
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
12%synergy
Uthros, Titanic Godcore
15%inclusion8 decks55 decks
9%synergy
Monumental Henge
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Country Roads
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Fomori Vault
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
-2%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
-10%synergy
Sunscorched Desert
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Adagia, Windswept Bastion
7.4%inclusion4 decks54 decks
4%synergy
Urza's Saga
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
-5%synergy
Temple of the False God
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
-2%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
86%inclusion89 decks103 decks
-1%synergy
Arcane Signet
75%inclusion77 decks103 decks
-9%synergy
Azorius Signet
49%inclusion50 decks103 decks
-11%synergy
Talisman of Progress
46%inclusion47 decks103 decks
-4%synergy
Mind Stone
26%inclusion27 decks103 decks
-2%synergy
Thought Vessel
24%inclusion25 decks103 decks
-18%synergy
Thran Dynamo
19%inclusion20 decks103 decks
12%synergy
Commander's Sphere
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
0%synergy
Fellwar Stone
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
-13%synergy
Starting Column
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
15%synergy
Fabrication Foundry
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Sonic Screwdriver
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Crystal Skull, Isu Spyglass
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Worn Powerstone
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
7%synergy
The Mightstone and Weakstone
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Midnight Clock
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Hedron Archive
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
6%synergy
White Auracite
6.9%inclusion5 decks72 decks
5%synergy
Everflowing Chalice
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Sky Diamond
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
-3%synergy
Endurance Bobblehead
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Strength Bobblehead
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Luck Bobblehead
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Marble Diamond
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
-2%synergy
Cargo Ship
6.0%inclusion4 decks67 decks
4%synergy
Intelligence Bobblehead
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Agility Bobblehead
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Cultivator's Caravan
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Lands
Island
99%inclusion102 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Plains
99%inclusion102 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Command Tower
82%inclusion84 decks103 decks
-4%synergy
Razortide Bridge
67%inclusion69 decks103 decks
53%synergy
Glacial Fortress
60%inclusion62 decks103 decks
0%synergy
Prairie Stream
53%inclusion55 decks103 decks
-13%synergy
Adarkar Wastes
48%inclusion49 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Port Town
44%inclusion45 decks103 decks
-4%synergy
Skycloud Expanse
38%inclusion39 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Spire of Industry
33%inclusion34 decks103 decks
24%synergy
Azorius Chancery
31%inclusion32 decks103 decks
-7%synergy
Lonely Arroyo
31%inclusion32 decks103 decks
27%synergy
Exotic Orchard
29%inclusion30 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Temple of Enlightenment
29%inclusion30 decks103 decks
-10%synergy
Tranquil Cove
27%inclusion28 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Deserted Beach
27%inclusion28 decks103 decks
-11%synergy
Hallowed Fountain
27%inclusion28 decks103 decks
-19%synergy
Floodfarm Verge
27%inclusion28 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Sea of Clouds
23%inclusion24 decks103 decks
-17%synergy
Mystic Gate
22%inclusion23 decks103 decks
0%synergy
Seachrome Coast
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Flooded Strand
20%inclusion21 decks103 decks
-10%synergy
Evolving Wilds
19%inclusion20 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Irrigated Farmland
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
-7%synergy
Hengegate Pathway
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
-6%synergy
Terramorphic Expanse
14%inclusion14 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Power Depot
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Sink into Stupor
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
-1%synergy
Meticulous Archive
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
-6%synergy
Path of Ancestry
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
-3%synergy
The Mycosynth Gardens
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Azorius Guildgate
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Nimbus Maze
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
-13%synergy
Myriad Landscape
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
-9%synergy
Razorgrass Ambush
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Witch Enchanter
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
-4%synergy
Idyllic Beachfront
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
-1%synergy
Scene of the Crime
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy