Mendicant Core, Guidelight (Commander) - Expensive Optimized

Mendicant Core, Guidelight
Rank #140
34decks
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
Urza's Saga
88%inclusion30 decks34 decks
77%synergy
Ancient Den
85%inclusion29 decks34 decks
71%synergy
Seat of the Synod
85%inclusion29 decks34 decks
70%synergy
Etherium Sculptor
76%inclusion26 decks34 decks
61%synergy
Muraganda Raceway
68%inclusion23 decks34 decks
61%synergy
Esper Sentinel
82%inclusion28 decks34 decks
60%synergy
Phyrexian Metamorph
68%inclusion23 decks34 decks
58%synergy
Foundry Inspector
71%inclusion24 decks34 decks
56%synergy
Thought Monitor
62%inclusion21 decks34 decks
54%synergy
Mystic Forge
59%inclusion20 decks34 decks
53%synergy
Top Cards
Swords to Plowshares
74%inclusion25 decks34 decks
3%synergy
Cyclonic Rift
65%inclusion22 decks34 decks
41%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
56%inclusion19 decks34 decks
49%synergy
Cloud Key
56%inclusion19 decks34 decks
51%synergy
Emry, Lurker of the Loch
56%inclusion19 decks34 decks
44%synergy
Thoughtcast
53%inclusion18 decks34 decks
43%synergy
Force of Will
53%inclusion18 decks34 decks
44%synergy
Kappa Cannoneer
50%inclusion17 decks34 decks
42%synergy
Sai, Master Thopterist
50%inclusion17 decks34 decks
39%synergy
Voyager Quickwelder
50%inclusion17 decks34 decks
41%synergy
Game Changers
The One Ring
88%inclusion30 decks34 decks
80%synergy
Fierce Guardianship
85%inclusion29 decks34 decks
69%synergy
Enlightened Tutor
82%inclusion28 decks34 decks
64%synergy
Mana Vault
79%inclusion27 decks34 decks
72%synergy
Rhystic Study
76%inclusion26 decks34 decks
51%synergy
Smothering Tithe
76%inclusion26 decks34 decks
50%synergy
Urza, Lord High Artificer
74%inclusion25 decks34 decks
67%synergy
Ancient Tomb
74%inclusion25 decks34 decks
65%synergy
Mishra's Workshop
68%inclusion23 decks34 decks
67%synergy
Mox Diamond
56%inclusion19 decks34 decks
52%synergy
Creatures
Ethersworn Canonist
44%inclusion15 decks34 decks
41%synergy
Bronze Guardian
38%inclusion13 decks34 decks
33%synergy
Illustrious Wanderglyph
35%inclusion12 decks34 decks
31%synergy
The Reality Chip
32%inclusion11 decks34 decks
26%synergy
Scrap Trawler
32%inclusion11 decks34 decks
30%synergy
Master of Etherium
32%inclusion11 decks34 decks
26%synergy
Scrawling Crawler
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
24%synergy
Liberator, Urza's Battlethopter
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
26%synergy
Forensic Gadgeteer
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
25%synergy
Padeem, Consul of Innovation
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
19%synergy
Metalworker
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
26%synergy
Walking Ballista
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
23%synergy
Mm'menon, the Right Hand
25%inclusion1 decks4 decks
23%synergy
Chrome Companion
25%inclusion1 decks4 decks
25%synergy
Cyberdrive Awakener
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
15%synergy
Gold-Forged Thopteryx
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
14%synergy
Spellskite
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
20%synergy
K-9, Mark I
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
22%synergy
Myr Retriever
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
21%synergy
Riptide Gearhulk
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
14%synergy
Gingerbrute
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
19%synergy
Hope of Ghirapur
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
20%synergy
Cyberman Patrol
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
19%synergy
Lodestone Golem
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
20%synergy
Drannith Magistrate
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
13%synergy
Displacer Kitten
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Glaring Fleshraker
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
17%synergy
Skrelv, Defector Mite
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
16%synergy
Grand Abolisher
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Hullbreaker Horror
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
10%synergy
Urza, Lord Protector
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
15%synergy
Blightsteel Colossus
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
16%synergy
Mycosynth Golem
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
17%synergy
Research Thief
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
13%synergy
Ranger-Captain of Eos
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
12%synergy
Solemn Simulacrum
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
-11%synergy
Witch Enchanter
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
2%synergy
Vnwxt, Verbose Host
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
10%synergy
Jhoira's Familiar
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
11%synergy
Junk Diver
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
11%synergy
Thassa's Oracle
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Nesting Bot
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
9%synergy
Stoneforge Mystic
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
10%synergy
Oltec Matterweaver
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
10%synergy
Diversion Unit
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
9%synergy
Stridehangar Automaton
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
9%synergy
Steel Overseer
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Trinket Mage
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Karn, Legacy Reforged
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
10%synergy
Workshop Assistant
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Instants
Teferi's Protection
47%inclusion16 decks34 decks
30%synergy
Swan Song
44%inclusion15 decks34 decks
28%synergy
Dispatch
44%inclusion15 decks34 decks
31%synergy
Mana Drain
44%inclusion15 decks34 decks
28%synergy
Dovin's Veto
38%inclusion13 decks34 decks
2%synergy
Sink into Stupor
38%inclusion13 decks34 decks
26%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
32%inclusion11 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Whir of Invention
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
23%synergy
Force of Negation
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
22%synergy
Counterspell
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
-25%synergy
Flusterstorm
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
25%synergy
Mystical Tutor
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
15%synergy
Pact of Negation
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
25%synergy
Path to Exile
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
-27%synergy
Silence
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
19%synergy
Desynchronization
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
17%synergy
Mindbreak Trap
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
18%synergy
Borne Upon a Wind
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
13%synergy
Generous Gift
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
-19%synergy
Mental Misstep
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Permission Denied
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
6%synergy
Arcane Denial
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
-14%synergy
Dramatic Reversal
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
3%synergy
Dawn's Truce
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
1%synergy
Rapid Hybridization
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
3%synergy
Clever Concealment
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
6%synergy
Brain Freeze
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Pongify
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
-2%synergy
Chain of Vapor
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
4%synergy
Three Steps Ahead
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
2%synergy
Paradoxical Outcome
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Flawless Maneuver
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
0%synergy
Reality Shift
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
-3%synergy
Strix Serenade
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
1%synergy
Stroke of Midnight
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
-10%synergy
Stifle
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Reprieve
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
2%synergy
Flare of Denial
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
4%synergy
Get Lost
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
3%synergy
Metallic Rebuke
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
6%synergy
Akroma's Will
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
0%synergy
Sorceries
Fabricate
44%inclusion15 decks34 decks
33%synergy
Voyage Home
44%inclusion15 decks34 decks
35%synergy
Organic Extinction
35%inclusion12 decks34 decks
27%synergy
Transmute Artifact
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
19%synergy
Dance of the Manse
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
10%synergy
Brilliant Restoration
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
4%synergy
Supreme Verdict
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
-19%synergy
Reshape
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
6%synergy
One with the Machine
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Steelshaper's Gift
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Windfall
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
-7%synergy
Vanquish the Horde
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
1%synergy
Timetwister
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Ponder
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
-5%synergy
Idyllic Tutor
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
1%synergy
Sevinne's Reclamation
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
-1%synergy
Farewell
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
-13%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Sculpting Steel
47%inclusion16 decks34 decks
42%synergy
Unwinding Clock
47%inclusion16 decks34 decks
35%synergy
Simulacrum Synthesizer
44%inclusion15 decks34 decks
39%synergy
Lightning Greaves
38%inclusion13 decks34 decks
18%synergy
Repurposing Bay
35%inclusion12 decks34 decks
31%synergy
Manifold Key
32%inclusion11 decks34 decks
25%synergy
Krark-Clan Ironworks
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
26%synergy
Shadowspear
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
24%synergy
Imposter Mech
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
18%synergy
Uthros Research Craft
25%inclusion1 decks4 decks
21%synergy
Thousand Moons Smithy
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
18%synergy
Shorikai, Genesis Engine
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
19%synergy
Adaptive Omnitool
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
18%synergy
Nettlecyst
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
18%synergy
Aetherflux Reservoir
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
14%synergy
Worldwalker Helm
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
19%synergy
Racers' Scoreboard
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
15%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
-8%synergy
Portable Hole
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
17%synergy
Perilous Snare
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
12%synergy
Ichor Wellspring
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
12%synergy
Grafdigger's Cage
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
11%synergy
Semblance Anvil
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
14%synergy
Guidelight Pathmaker
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
10%synergy
God-Pharaoh's Statue
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Isochron Scepter
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Twinning Staff
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
11%synergy
Salvation Engine
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Winged Boots
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
10%synergy
Mycosynth Lattice
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
11%synergy
Radiant Lotus
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
11%synergy
Sword of Fire and Ice
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Vexing Bauble
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Ashnod's Altar
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
6%synergy
Vedalken Orrery
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Portal to Phyrexia
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Cursed Totem
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
6%synergy
Mishra's Bauble
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Skullclamp
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
0%synergy
Darksteel Forge
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
6%synergy
Spine of Ish Sah
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Aether Spellbomb
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Excalibur, Sword of Eden
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Machinist's Arsenal
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
7%synergy
Buster Sword
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
7%synergy
Phoenix Down
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Moonsilver Key
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
3%synergy
Elsewhere Flask
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
6%synergy
Collector's Cage
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
6%synergy
Whispersilk Cloak
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
3%synergy
Enchantments
Mystic Remora
44%inclusion15 decks34 decks
28%synergy
Thopter Spy Network
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
19%synergy
Blind Obedience
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
19%synergy
Unstoppable Plan
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
23%synergy
Mechanized Production
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
16%synergy
Artificer Class
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
9%synergy
Mirrodin Besieged
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
6%synergy
Anointed Procession
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
4%synergy
Counterbalance
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Copy Artifact
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Trouble in Pairs
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
4%synergy
Deafening Silence
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
4%synergy
Efficient Construction
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
2%synergy
Land Tax
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
-3%synergy
Planeswalkers
Tezzeret, Cruel Captain
50%inclusion3 decks6 decks
47%synergy
Tezzeret the Seeker
32%inclusion11 decks34 decks
28%synergy
Teferi, Time Raveler
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
16%synergy
Ugin, Eye of the Storms
14%inclusion3 decks21 decks
13%synergy
Karn, Scion of Urza
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Karn, the Great Creator
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Narset, Parter of Veils
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
1%synergy
Ugin, the Ineffable
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Utility Lands
Otawara, Soaring City
62%inclusion21 decks34 decks
43%synergy
Archway of Innovation
59%inclusion20 decks34 decks
51%synergy
Darksteel Citadel
59%inclusion20 decks34 decks
48%synergy
Academy Ruins
59%inclusion20 decks34 decks
47%synergy
Inventors' Fair
56%inclusion19 decks34 decks
47%synergy
Uthros, Titanic Godcore
50%inclusion2 decks4 decks
45%synergy
Adagia, Windswept Bastion
50%inclusion2 decks4 decks
46%synergy
Fomori Vault
44%inclusion15 decks34 decks
42%synergy
Amonkhet Raceway
38%inclusion13 decks34 decks
33%synergy
Reliquary Tower
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
-19%synergy
Minamo, School at Water's Edge
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
22%synergy
Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
16%synergy
Treasure Vault
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
24%synergy
Secluded Starforge
25%inclusion1 decks4 decks
24%synergy
Rogue's Passage
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
9%synergy
Buried Ruin
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
16%synergy
Monumental Henge
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
17%synergy
Urza's Tower
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
10%synergy
Urza's Power Plant
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
10%synergy
Urza's Mine
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
10%synergy
Mistrise Village
10%inclusion2 decks20 decks
5%synergy
Wasteland
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Avishkar Raceway
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
6%synergy
Ishgard, the Holy See
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
3%synergy
Sunscorched Desert
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Emergence Zone
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
4%synergy
Ugin's Labyrinth
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
6%synergy
Urza's Workshop
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
94%inclusion32 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Arcane Signet
91%inclusion31 decks34 decks
7%synergy
Mox Opal
85%inclusion29 decks34 decks
79%synergy
Mox Amber
74%inclusion25 decks34 decks
69%synergy
Lotus Petal
62%inclusion21 decks34 decks
56%synergy
Talisman of Progress
62%inclusion21 decks34 decks
12%synergy
Azorius Signet
56%inclusion19 decks34 decks
-4%synergy
Grim Monolith
47%inclusion16 decks34 decks
44%synergy
Fellwar Stone
32%inclusion11 decks34 decks
3%synergy
Chrome Mox
32%inclusion11 decks34 decks
27%synergy
The Mightstone and Weakstone
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
24%synergy
Thought Vessel
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
-19%synergy
Thran Dynamo
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
16%synergy
Basalt Monolith
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
13%synergy
Crystal Skull, Isu Spyglass
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
14%synergy
Mind Stone
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
-10%synergy
The Aetherspark
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
13%synergy
Sonic Screwdriver
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
12%synergy
Lion's Eye Diamond
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
11%synergy
Midnight Clock
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
3%synergy
Cargo Ship
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
7%synergy
Commander's Sphere
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
-8%synergy
Fabrication Foundry
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Pristine Talisman
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
3%synergy
Golden Egg
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Hedron Archive
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
3%synergy
Coveted Jewel
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
3%synergy
Gilded Lotus
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
0%synergy
Chromatic Star
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Everflowing Chalice
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
1%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
4%synergy
Lands
Command Tower
91%inclusion31 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Island
88%inclusion30 decks34 decks
-7%synergy
Hallowed Fountain
88%inclusion30 decks34 decks
42%synergy
Tundra
85%inclusion29 decks34 decks
73%synergy
Plains
85%inclusion29 decks34 decks
-9%synergy
Flooded Strand
76%inclusion26 decks34 decks
46%synergy
Razortide Bridge
59%inclusion20 decks34 decks
44%synergy
Sea of Clouds
59%inclusion20 decks34 decks
18%synergy
Meticulous Archive
56%inclusion19 decks34 decks
38%synergy
Adarkar Wastes
56%inclusion19 decks34 decks
15%synergy
Misty Rainforest
56%inclusion19 decks34 decks
48%synergy
Scalding Tarn
44%inclusion15 decks34 decks
37%synergy
Floodfarm Verge
41%inclusion14 decks34 decks
15%synergy
Polluted Delta
41%inclusion14 decks34 decks
33%synergy
Marsh Flats
41%inclusion14 decks34 decks
34%synergy
Spire of Industry
38%inclusion13 decks34 decks
29%synergy
Sink into Stupor
38%inclusion13 decks34 decks
26%synergy
Arid Mesa
38%inclusion13 decks34 decks
32%synergy
Glacial Fortress
32%inclusion11 decks34 decks
-28%synergy
Windswept Heath
29%inclusion10 decks34 decks
22%synergy
Hengegate Pathway
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
6%synergy
Skycloud Expanse
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
-9%synergy
Mystic Gate
26%inclusion9 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Nimbus Maze
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
1%synergy
The Mycosynth Gardens
24%inclusion8 decks34 decks
20%synergy
Prairie Stream
21%inclusion7 decks34 decks
-46%synergy
Deserted Beach
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
-21%synergy
City of Brass
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
13%synergy
Mana Confluence
18%inclusion6 decks34 decks
14%synergy
Port Town
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
-33%synergy
Prismatic Vista
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
9%synergy
Witch Enchanter
15%inclusion5 decks34 decks
2%synergy
Azorius Chancery
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
-26%synergy
Gemstone Caverns
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
8%synergy
Exotic Orchard
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
-16%synergy
Urza's Cave
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
10%synergy
Temple of Enlightenment
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
-27%synergy
Seachrome Coast
12%inclusion4 decks34 decks
-2%synergy
Snow-Covered Island
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
3%synergy
Lonely Arroyo
8.8%inclusion3 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Fabled Passage
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
-2%synergy
Reflecting Pool
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
2%synergy
Abstergo Entertainment
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
5%synergy
Irrigated Farmland
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
-16%synergy
Plaza of Heroes
5.9%inclusion2 decks34 decks
4%synergy