Mendicant Core, Guidelight (Commander) - Core Vehicles

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
Amonkhet Raceway
81%inclusion17 decks21 decks
76%synergy
Muraganda Raceway
76%inclusion16 decks21 decks
70%synergy
Guidelight Pathmaker
67%inclusion14 decks21 decks
62%synergy
Voyager Quickwelder
70%inclusion14 decks20 decks
61%synergy
Avishkar Raceway
62%inclusion13 decks21 decks
59%synergy
Racers' Scoreboard
57%inclusion12 decks21 decks
55%synergy
Guidelight Synergist
55%inclusion11 decks20 decks
53%synergy
Thopter Spy Network
62%inclusion13 decks21 decks
52%synergy
Seat of the Synod
67%inclusion14 decks21 decks
51%synergy
Reef Roads
52%inclusion11 decks21 decks
51%synergy
Top Cards
Voyage Home
57%inclusion12 decks21 decks
49%synergy
Sai, Master Thopterist
52%inclusion11 decks21 decks
41%synergy
Vnwxt, Verbose Host
52%inclusion11 decks21 decks
48%synergy
Etherium Sculptor
52%inclusion11 decks21 decks
37%synergy
Swords to Plowshares
52%inclusion11 decks21 decks
-18%synergy
Path to Exile
52%inclusion11 decks21 decks
-1%synergy
Foundry Inspector
48%inclusion10 decks21 decks
34%synergy
Hulldrifter
48%inclusion10 decks21 decks
46%synergy
Shorikai, Genesis Engine
48%inclusion10 decks21 decks
43%synergy
Salvation Engine
45%inclusion9 decks20 decks
38%synergy
Creatures
Solemn Simulacrum
43%inclusion9 decks21 decks
17%synergy
Padeem, Consul of Innovation
43%inclusion9 decks21 decks
33%synergy
Ornithopter of Paradise
43%inclusion9 decks21 decks
31%synergy
Diversion Unit
43%inclusion9 decks21 decks
40%synergy
Nesting Bot
43%inclusion9 decks21 decks
40%synergy
Riptide Gearhulk
43%inclusion9 decks21 decks
34%synergy
Guidelight Optimizer
40%inclusion8 decks20 decks
38%synergy
Kotori, Pilot Prodigy
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
32%synergy
Kappa Cannoneer
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
30%synergy
Mu Yanling, Wind Rider
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
35%synergy
Interface Ace
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
36%synergy
Losheel, Clockwork Scholar
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
34%synergy
Memory Guardian
35%inclusion7 decks20 decks
34%synergy
Steelswarm Operator
30%inclusion3 decks10 decks
29%synergy
Cyberdrive Awakener
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
20%synergy
Whirler Rogue
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
23%synergy
Stridehangar Automaton
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
26%synergy
Steel Overseer
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
25%synergy
Research Thief
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
24%synergy
Sram, Senior Edificer
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
17%synergy
Hotshot Mechanic
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
22%synergy
Vedalken Engineer
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
19%synergy
Mm'menon, the Right Hand
20%inclusion2 decks10 decks
18%synergy
Master of Etherium
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
13%synergy
Phyrexian Metamorph
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
10%synergy
Chief of the Foundry
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
17%synergy
Vedalken Archmage
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
16%synergy
Bronze Guardian
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
14%synergy
Transit Mage
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
17%synergy
Forensic Gadgeteer
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
15%synergy
Shimmer Myr
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
14%synergy
Cephalopod Sentry
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
18%synergy
Scrap Trawler
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
12%synergy
Hope of Ghirapur
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
13%synergy
Darksteel Colossus
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
14%synergy
Scrawling Crawler
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
9%synergy
Cyberman Patrol
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
13%synergy
Artificer's Assistant
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
13%synergy
Silver Myr
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
6%synergy
Urza, Prince of Kroog
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
11%synergy
Ethersworn Sphinx
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
13%synergy
Illustrious Wanderglyph
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
10%synergy
Canyon Vaulter
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
14%synergy
Cybermen Squadron
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
13%synergy
Thought Monitor
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
6%synergy
Gold Myr
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
6%synergy
Gold-Forged Thopteryx
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
4%synergy
Myr Battlesphere
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
11%synergy
Emry, Lurker of the Loch
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
3%synergy
Mechan Assembler
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Instants
Dispatch
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
25%synergy
Spell Pierce
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
25%synergy
Bounce Off
25%inclusion5 decks20 decks
24%synergy
Dovin's Veto
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
-13%synergy
Counterspell
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
-30%synergy
Generous Gift
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
-10%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
-6%synergy
Blacksmith's Skill
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
17%synergy
Arcane Denial
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
-6%synergy
Spectral Interference
15%inclusion3 decks20 decks
14%synergy
Negate
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
-14%synergy
Access Denied
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
11%synergy
Aetherize
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
5%synergy
Thirst for Knowledge
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
12%synergy
Stroke of Midnight
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
-2%synergy
Disenchant
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
6%synergy
Sink into Stupor
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
1%synergy
Frantic Search
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
-2%synergy
Refute
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
7%synergy
Run Away Together
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
7%synergy
Dawn's Truce
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
2%synergy
Armed and Armored
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
6%synergy
Essence Scatter
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
8%synergy
Get Lost
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
7%synergy
Reality Heist
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
8%synergy
Razorgrass Ambush
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
7%synergy
Stoic Rebuttal
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
9%synergy
Opt
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
0%synergy
Slip Out the Back
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
7%synergy
Swan Song
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
-7%synergy
Desynchronization
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
6%synergy
Gallant Strike
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
5%synergy
Ride's End
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
5%synergy
Sorceries
Organic Extinction
43%inclusion9 decks21 decks
34%synergy
Tune Up
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
37%synergy
Thoughtcast
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
19%synergy
Dance of the Manse
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
21%synergy
Spectacular Pileup
20%inclusion4 decks20 decks
19%synergy
Fabricate
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
8%synergy
Collision Course
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
19%synergy
Supreme Verdict
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
-14%synergy
Austere Command
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
-1%synergy
One with the Machine
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
13%synergy
March of Progress
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
12%synergy
Stock Up
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
7%synergy
Time Wipe
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
-5%synergy
Servo Exhibition
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
9%synergy
Preordain
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
0%synergy
Reverse Engineer
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
9%synergy
Stall Out
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
4%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Guidelight Matrix
45%inclusion9 decks20 decks
44%synergy
Valor's Flagship
43%inclusion9 decks21 decks
41%synergy
Mobilizer Mech
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
31%synergy
Thopter Fabricator
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
33%synergy
Perilous Snare
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
36%synergy
Adaptive Omnitool
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
35%synergy
Brotherhood Vertibird
33%inclusion7 decks21 decks
31%synergy
Prodigy's Prototype
33%inclusion7 decks21 decks
27%synergy
Smuggler's Copter
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
23%synergy
Unidentified Hovership
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
26%synergy
Surgehacker Mech
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
23%synergy
Mechtitan Core
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
24%synergy
Imposter Mech
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
20%synergy
Repurposing Bay
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
20%synergy
The Indomitable
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
20%synergy
Deluxe Dragster
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
21%synergy
Voyager Glidecar
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
23%synergy
Lightning Greaves
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
4%synergy
Aether Syphon
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
23%synergy
Peacewalker Colossus
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
17%synergy
Rover Blades
20%inclusion4 decks20 decks
20%synergy
Broadcast Rambler
20%inclusion4 decks20 decks
20%synergy
Alacrian Armory
20%inclusion4 decks20 decks
19%synergy
Uthros Research Craft
20%inclusion2 decks10 decks
17%synergy
Skysovereign, Consul Flagship
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
13%synergy
Nautiloid Ship
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
16%synergy
Aerial Surveyor
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
14%synergy
Possession Engine
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
18%synergy
Midnight Mangler
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
18%synergy
Simulacrum Synthesizer
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
14%synergy
Mighty Servant of Leuk-o
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
12%synergy
Detention Chariot
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
14%synergy
Unwinding Clock
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
3%synergy
Air Response Unit
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
14%synergy
Parhelion II
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
8%synergy
Reaver Titan
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
11%synergy
Manifold Key
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
7%synergy
Weatherlight
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
8%synergy
Panharmonicon
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
4%synergy
Rangers' Refueler
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
14%synergy
Luxurious Locomotive
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
14%synergy
Lifecraft Engine
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
14%synergy
The Prydwen, Steel Flagship
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
12%synergy
Skybox Ferry
10%inclusion2 decks20 decks
10%synergy
Skyseer's Chariot
10%inclusion2 decks20 decks
10%synergy
Insight Engine
10%inclusion1 decks10 decks
9%synergy
The Dominion Bracelet
10%inclusion1 decks10 decks
10%synergy
Synthesizer Labship
10%inclusion1 decks10 decks
10%synergy
Nettlecyst
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
7%synergy
Spotcycle Scouter
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
9%synergy
Enchantments
Mechanized Production
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
19%synergy
Unstoppable Plan
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
18%synergy
Efficient Construction
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
16%synergy
Artificer Class
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
16%synergy
Flood the Engine
10%inclusion2 decks20 decks
10%synergy
Moonlit Meditation
10%inclusion1 decks10 decks
7%synergy
Mirrodin Besieged
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
6%synergy
Born to Drive
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
8%synergy
Roadside Assistance
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
9%synergy
All That Glitters
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
6%synergy
Tempered Steel
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
7%synergy
Propaganda
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
-15%synergy
Lightwheel Enhancements
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
4%synergy
Planeswalkers
Tezzeret the Seeker
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
5%synergy
Tezzeret, Cruel Captain
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
6%synergy
Utility Lands
Ancient Den
48%inclusion10 decks21 decks
33%synergy
Country Roads
48%inclusion10 decks21 decks
46%synergy
Academy Ruins
43%inclusion9 decks21 decks
31%synergy
Archway of Innovation
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
30%synergy
Rogue's Passage
33%inclusion7 decks21 decks
19%synergy
Mech Hangar
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
22%synergy
Darksteel Citadel
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
13%synergy
Treasure Vault
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
16%synergy
Inventors' Fair
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
10%synergy
Reliquary Tower
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
-30%synergy
Monumental Henge
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
16%synergy
Fomori Vault
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
12%synergy
Secluded Starforge
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Uthros, Titanic Godcore
10%inclusion1 decks10 decks
5%synergy
Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
-1%synergy
Drownyard Temple
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
9%synergy
Temple of the False God
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
2%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
-10%synergy
The Gold Saucer
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
9%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
86%inclusion18 decks21 decks
-1%synergy
Arcane Signet
76%inclusion16 decks21 decks
-8%synergy
Azorius Signet
62%inclusion13 decks21 decks
3%synergy
Starting Column
52%inclusion11 decks21 decks
51%synergy
Talisman of Progress
43%inclusion9 decks21 decks
-7%synergy
Commander's Sphere
33%inclusion7 decks21 decks
17%synergy
Cultivator's Caravan
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
24%synergy
Thought Vessel
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
-19%synergy
The Eternity Elevator
20%inclusion2 decks10 decks
19%synergy
Mind Stone
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
-8%synergy
Fabrication Foundry
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
13%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
12%synergy
Fellwar Stone
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
-15%synergy
Thran Dynamo
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
7%synergy
Sky Diamond
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
0%synergy
Heraldic Banner
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
8%synergy
Colossal Plow
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
7%synergy
Stonespeaker Crystal
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
9%synergy
Crystal Skull, Isu Spyglass
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
6%synergy
The Mightstone and Weakstone
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
4%synergy
Ring of the Lucii
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
8%synergy
White Auracite
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
7%synergy
Lands
Island
100%inclusion21 decks21 decks
5%synergy
Plains
100%inclusion21 decks21 decks
5%synergy
Command Tower
71%inclusion15 decks21 decks
-14%synergy
Prairie Stream
57%inclusion12 decks21 decks
-9%synergy
Razortide Bridge
52%inclusion11 decks21 decks
38%synergy
Glacial Fortress
48%inclusion10 decks21 decks
-13%synergy
Adarkar Wastes
48%inclusion10 decks21 decks
6%synergy
Azorius Chancery
43%inclusion9 decks21 decks
5%synergy
Exotic Orchard
43%inclusion9 decks21 decks
15%synergy
Port Town
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
-10%synergy
Spire of Industry
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
29%synergy
Tranquil Cove
38%inclusion8 decks21 decks
19%synergy
Lonely Arroyo
33%inclusion7 decks21 decks
29%synergy
Seachrome Coast
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
14%synergy
Hallowed Fountain
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
-18%synergy
Floodfarm Verge
29%inclusion6 decks21 decks
3%synergy
Power Depot
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
22%synergy
Sea of Clouds
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
-17%synergy
Temple of Enlightenment
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
-15%synergy
Fabled Passage
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
11%synergy
Hengegate Pathway
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
-2%synergy
Skycloud Expanse
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
-16%synergy
Evolving Wilds
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
3%synergy
Meticulous Archive
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
1%synergy
Mystic Gate
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
-3%synergy
Deserted Beach
19%inclusion4 decks21 decks
-20%synergy
Terramorphic Expanse
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
3%synergy
Myriad Landscape
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
-3%synergy
Night Market
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
14%synergy
Sink into Stupor
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
1%synergy
Obscura Storefront
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
12%synergy
Flooded Strand
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
-17%synergy
Abandoned Campground
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
8%synergy
Irrigated Farmland
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
-12%synergy
Razorgrass Ambush
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
7%synergy
Path of Ancestry
10%inclusion2 decks21 decks
-5%synergy