Mendicant Core, Guidelight (Commander) - Core Tokens

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
Voyager Quickwelder
89%inclusion25 decks28 decks
80%synergy
Muraganda Raceway
75%inclusion21 decks28 decks
68%synergy
Voyage Home
75%inclusion21 decks28 decks
66%synergy
Thopter Spy Network
75%inclusion21 decks28 decks
65%synergy
Etherium Sculptor
71%inclusion20 decks28 decks
56%synergy
Foundry Inspector
68%inclusion19 decks28 decks
54%synergy
Thought Monitor
61%inclusion17 decks28 decks
53%synergy
Seat of the Synod
68%inclusion19 decks28 decks
53%synergy
Diversion Unit
54%inclusion15 decks28 decks
51%synergy
Steel Overseer
54%inclusion15 decks28 decks
50%synergy
Top Cards
Solemn Simulacrum
61%inclusion17 decks28 decks
35%synergy
Sai, Master Thopterist
61%inclusion17 decks28 decks
50%synergy
Kappa Cannoneer
57%inclusion16 decks28 decks
49%synergy
Swords to Plowshares
57%inclusion16 decks28 decks
-13%synergy
Organic Extinction
57%inclusion16 decks28 decks
48%synergy
Master of Etherium
54%inclusion15 decks28 decks
47%synergy
Vnwxt, Verbose Host
54%inclusion15 decks28 decks
49%synergy
Thoughtcast
54%inclusion15 decks28 decks
44%synergy
Dispatch
50%inclusion14 decks28 decks
37%synergy
Ornithopter of Paradise
50%inclusion14 decks28 decks
39%synergy
Creatures
Padeem, Consul of Innovation
46%inclusion13 decks28 decks
36%synergy
Nesting Bot
46%inclusion13 decks28 decks
43%synergy
Gold-Forged Thopteryx
46%inclusion13 decks28 decks
37%synergy
Bronze Guardian
43%inclusion12 decks28 decks
37%synergy
Gingerbrute
39%inclusion11 decks28 decks
37%synergy
Stridehangar Automaton
39%inclusion11 decks28 decks
36%synergy
Research Thief
39%inclusion11 decks28 decks
34%synergy
Guidelight Synergist
39%inclusion11 decks28 decks
37%synergy
Riptide Gearhulk
39%inclusion11 decks28 decks
30%synergy
Losheel, Clockwork Scholar
39%inclusion11 decks28 decks
35%synergy
Chief of the Foundry
36%inclusion10 decks28 decks
34%synergy
Artificer's Assistant
36%inclusion10 decks28 decks
34%synergy
Guidelight Optimizer
32%inclusion9 decks28 decks
30%synergy
Whirler Rogue
32%inclusion9 decks28 decks
27%synergy
Sharding Sphinx
32%inclusion9 decks28 decks
30%synergy
Memory Guardian
32%inclusion9 decks28 decks
31%synergy
Cyberman Patrol
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
27%synergy
K-9, Mark I
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
27%synergy
Myr Battlesphere
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
25%synergy
Emry, Lurker of the Loch
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
17%synergy
Swooping Lookout
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
24%synergy
Silver Myr
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
16%synergy
Illustrious Wanderglyph
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
21%synergy
Forensic Gadgeteer
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
21%synergy
Shimmer Myr
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
19%synergy
Cyberdrive Awakener
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Hope of Ghirapur
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
20%synergy
Phyrexian Metamorph
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
12%synergy
Silver Raven
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
20%synergy
Urza, Prince of Kroog
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
18%synergy
Ethersworn Sphinx
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
20%synergy
Gold Myr
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Thopter Assembly
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
18%synergy
Network Disruptor
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
17%synergy
Oltec Matterweaver
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
16%synergy
Jhoira's Familiar
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
14%synergy
Digsite Engineer
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
15%synergy
Scrap Trawler
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
12%synergy
Vedalken Archmage
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
11%synergy
Esper Sentinel
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
-8%synergy
Palladium Myr
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
11%synergy
Steelswarm Operator
14%inclusion2 decks14 decks
13%synergy
Myrsmith
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Threefold Thunderhulk
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Myr Retriever
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
12%synergy
Hangarback Walker
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Cephalopod Sentry
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Duplicant
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Drafna, Founder of Lat-Nam
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Angel of the Ruins
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
8%synergy
Instants
Counterspell
39%inclusion11 decks28 decks
-15%synergy
Negate
36%inclusion10 decks28 decks
7%synergy
Path to Exile
32%inclusion9 decks28 decks
-21%synergy
Dovin's Veto
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
-8%synergy
Generous Gift
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
-5%synergy
Masterful Replication
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
24%synergy
Desynchronization
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
21%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
-3%synergy
Stroke of Midnight
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Spell Pierce
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
18%synergy
Reality Heist
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Blacksmith's Skill
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Arcane Denial
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
-11%synergy
Access Denied
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
8%synergy
Razorgrass Ambush
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
8%synergy
Reality Shift
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
2%synergy
Thirst for Knowledge
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
8%synergy
Metallic Rebuke
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Spectral Interference
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Bounce Off
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
10%synergy
No More Lies
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Spectral Denial
8.0%inclusion2 decks25 decks
8%synergy
Absorb
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
1%synergy
Whir of Invention
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
1%synergy
Frantic Search
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-5%synergy
Refute
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Run Away Together
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Machine Over Matter
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
7%synergy
Dawn's Truce
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-1%synergy
Disruption Protocol
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Cerebral Download
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
7%synergy
Divert Disaster
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
6%synergy
Scour for Scrap
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
4%synergy
Aetherize
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-2%synergy
Swan Song
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-9%synergy
Unbreakable Formation
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
3%synergy
Disenchant
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-2%synergy
Sink into Stupor
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-6%synergy
Sorceries
March of Progress
36%inclusion10 decks28 decks
34%synergy
Dance of the Manse
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
21%synergy
Brilliant Restoration
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
20%synergy
Fabricate
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
7%synergy
Enter the Enigma
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
16%synergy
Supreme Verdict
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
-14%synergy
Reverse Engineer
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
14%synergy
Sevinne's Reclamation
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
4%synergy
Season of Weaving
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
9%synergy
Spectacular Pileup
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Redress Fate
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Ponder
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-4%synergy
Austere Command
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-8%synergy
Slip Through Space
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Time Wipe
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-7%synergy
Reshape
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
5%synergy
One with the Machine
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Tune Up
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Aether Gale
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Suppression Ray
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Artful Dodge
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
7%synergy
Day of Judgment
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Racers' Scoreboard
43%inclusion12 decks28 decks
40%synergy
Salvation Engine
39%inclusion11 decks28 decks
32%synergy
Lightning Greaves
39%inclusion11 decks28 decks
20%synergy
Sculpting Steel
36%inclusion10 decks28 decks
31%synergy
Bident of Thassa
36%inclusion10 decks28 decks
26%synergy
Adaptive Omnitool
32%inclusion9 decks28 decks
29%synergy
Guidelight Pathmaker
32%inclusion9 decks28 decks
28%synergy
Perilous Snare
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
26%synergy
Nettlecyst
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
22%synergy
Thousand Moons Smithy
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
20%synergy
Thopter Fabricator
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
17%synergy
Mystic Forge
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
16%synergy
Unwinding Clock
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Retrofitter Foundry
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
17%synergy
Aether Syphon
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
17%synergy
Simulacrum Synthesizer
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Mirrorworks
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
17%synergy
Repurposing Bay
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Cloud Key
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Manifold Key
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
7%synergy
Leyline Axe
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
14%synergy
Insight Engine
14%inclusion2 decks14 decks
13%synergy
Uthros Research Craft
14%inclusion2 decks14 decks
11%synergy
Guidelight Matrix
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Hulldrifter
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
13%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
-11%synergy
Soul-Guide Lantern
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
8%synergy
Encroaching Mycosynth
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
9%synergy
Portal to Phyrexia
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
9%synergy
Wayfarer's Bauble
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
-1%synergy
Brotherhood Vertibird
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
8%synergy
Twinning Staff
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Ichor Wellspring
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
8%synergy
Trailblazer's Boots
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Skullclamp
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
2%synergy
Panharmonicon
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
1%synergy
Voyager Glidecar
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Worldwalker Helm
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
9%synergy
Winged Boots
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
9%synergy
Brotherhood Regalia
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
9%synergy
Shorikai, Genesis Engine
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Mechtitan Core
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
0%synergy
Pearl Medallion
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
1%synergy
The Everflowing Well
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Moonsilver Key
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Mirror Box
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Smuggler's Copter
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
1%synergy
Aether Spellbomb
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Celestial Armor
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Enchantments
Efficient Construction
39%inclusion11 decks28 decks
36%synergy
Mechanized Production
36%inclusion10 decks28 decks
31%synergy
Tempered Steel
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
22%synergy
Unstoppable Plan
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
12%synergy
Propaganda
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
-6%synergy
Artificer Class
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
11%synergy
Caretaker's Talent
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
11%synergy
Extravagant Replication
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Mirrodin Besieged
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
8%synergy
All That Glitters
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
7%synergy
Ghostly Prison
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
-13%synergy
Reconnaissance Mission
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
0%synergy
Lightwheel Enhancements
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Moonlit Meditation
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
4%synergy
Twinblade Blessing
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Planeswalkers
Ugin, Eye of the Storms
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Tezzeret, Cruel Captain
5.9%inclusion1 decks17 decks
3%synergy
Utility Lands
Ancient Den
61%inclusion17 decks28 decks
47%synergy
Darksteel Citadel
50%inclusion14 decks28 decks
39%synergy
Amonkhet Raceway
46%inclusion13 decks28 decks
41%synergy
Academy Ruins
39%inclusion11 decks28 decks
28%synergy
Buried Ruin
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
21%synergy
Avishkar Raceway
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
26%synergy
Archway of Innovation
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
17%synergy
Rogue's Passage
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Reliquary Tower
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
-31%synergy
Inventors' Fair
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Reef Roads
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
9%synergy
Monumental Henge
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
7%synergy
Country Roads
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
9%synergy
Temple of the False God
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
3%synergy
Foundry of the Consuls
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
7%synergy
Mishra's Factory
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Fomori Vault
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Adagia, Windswept Bastion
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
4%synergy
Secluded Starforge
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
6%synergy
Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-4%synergy
Restless Anchorage
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-1%synergy
Fountainport
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Phyrexia's Core
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
7%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-12%synergy
The Gold Saucer
5.3%inclusion1 decks19 decks
5%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
93%inclusion26 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Arcane Signet
79%inclusion22 decks28 decks
-6%synergy
Azorius Signet
46%inclusion13 decks28 decks
-14%synergy
Talisman of Progress
43%inclusion12 decks28 decks
-7%synergy
Thought Vessel
32%inclusion9 decks28 decks
-11%synergy
Thran Dynamo
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
21%synergy
Mind Stone
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
1%synergy
Commander's Sphere
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
4%synergy
Starting Column
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
17%synergy
Fellwar Stone
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
-15%synergy
Midnight Clock
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Fabrication Foundry
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
9%synergy
White Auracite
10%inclusion2 decks20 decks
8%synergy
Intelligence Bobblehead
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
7%synergy
The Aetherspark
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Endurance Bobblehead
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Charisma Bobblehead
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
7%synergy
The Eternity Elevator
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
6%synergy
Agility Bobblehead
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Crystal Skull, Isu Spyglass
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
3%synergy
Strength Bobblehead
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
7%synergy
Springleaf Drum
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Cultivator's Caravan
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
2%synergy
The Mightstone and Weakstone
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
2%synergy
Sonic Screwdriver
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
4%synergy
Luck Bobblehead
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Skyclave Relic
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Perception Bobblehead
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Cargo Ship
5.3%inclusion1 decks19 decks
3%synergy
Ring of the Lucii
5.3%inclusion1 decks19 decks
4%synergy
Lands
Island
100%inclusion28 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Plains
100%inclusion28 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Command Tower
82%inclusion23 decks28 decks
-4%synergy
Razortide Bridge
61%inclusion17 decks28 decks
46%synergy
Glacial Fortress
54%inclusion15 decks28 decks
-6%synergy
Prairie Stream
46%inclusion13 decks28 decks
-20%synergy
Adarkar Wastes
46%inclusion13 decks28 decks
6%synergy
Port Town
43%inclusion12 decks28 decks
-5%synergy
Tranquil Cove
36%inclusion10 decks28 decks
17%synergy
Skycloud Expanse
36%inclusion10 decks28 decks
0%synergy
Exotic Orchard
32%inclusion9 decks28 decks
4%synergy
Lonely Arroyo
32%inclusion9 decks28 decks
28%synergy
Temple of Enlightenment
32%inclusion9 decks28 decks
-7%synergy
Azorius Chancery
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
-9%synergy
Evolving Wilds
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
12%synergy
Deserted Beach
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
-10%synergy
Spire of Industry
25%inclusion7 decks28 decks
16%synergy
Terramorphic Expanse
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Sea of Clouds
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
-19%synergy
Floodfarm Verge
21%inclusion6 decks28 decks
-4%synergy
Mystic Gate
18%inclusion5 decks28 decks
-4%synergy
Hallowed Fountain
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
-32%synergy
Flooded Strand
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
-16%synergy
Myriad Landscape
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
-7%synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
4%synergy
Razorgrass Ambush
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
8%synergy
Power Depot
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
9%synergy
Seachrome Coast
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
-3%synergy
Azorius Guildgate
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
4%synergy
Meticulous Archive
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
-7%synergy
The Mycosynth Gardens
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
4%synergy
Irrigated Farmland
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-14%synergy
Night Market
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
7%synergy
Sejiri Refuge
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-1%synergy
Path of Ancestry
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-7%synergy
Suppression Ray
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Sink into Stupor
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-6%synergy
Obscura Storefront
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
5%synergy
Crystal Grotto
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
6%synergy