Mendicant Core, Guidelight (Commander) - 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
Lady Octopus, Inspired Inventor
11%inclusion6 decks55 decks
9%synergy
Iron Spider, Stark Upgrade
4.9%inclusion4 decks82 decks
4%synergy
The Mechanist, Aerial Artisan
4.2%inclusion1 decks24 decks
3%synergy
Hide on the Ceiling
3.6%inclusion2 decks55 decks
1%synergy
Sun-Spider, Nimble Webber
1.9%inclusion1 decks54 decks
0%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Muraganda Raceway
76%inclusion148 decks195 decks
69%synergy
Seat of the Synod
83%inclusion162 decks195 decks
68%synergy
Voyager Quickwelder
70%inclusion136 decks193 decks
62%synergy
Ancient Den
75%inclusion146 decks195 decks
61%synergy
Voyage Home
66%inclusion129 decks195 decks
58%synergy
Etherium Sculptor
72%inclusion141 decks195 decks
57%synergy
Foundry Inspector
71%inclusion139 decks195 decks
57%synergy
Kappa Cannoneer
64%inclusion125 decks195 decks
56%synergy
Sai, Master Thopterist
67%inclusion131 decks195 decks
56%synergy
Thopter Spy Network
65%inclusion127 decks195 decks
55%synergy
Top Cards
Swords to Plowshares
62%inclusion120 decks195 decks
-8%synergy
Organic Extinction
61%inclusion118 decks195 decks
52%synergy
Padeem, Consul of Innovation
56%inclusion110 decks195 decks
46%synergy
Solemn Simulacrum
55%inclusion107 decks195 decks
29%synergy
Thought Monitor
55%inclusion107 decks195 decks
47%synergy
Dispatch
53%inclusion103 decks195 decks
40%synergy
Bronze Guardian
53%inclusion103 decks195 decks
47%synergy
Thoughtcast
53%inclusion103 decks195 decks
43%synergy
Illustrious Wanderglyph
46%inclusion90 decks195 decks
42%synergy
Simulacrum Synthesizer
46%inclusion90 decks195 decks
41%synergy
Game Changers
Enlightened Tutor
24%inclusion46 decks195 decks
6%synergy
Smothering Tithe
20%inclusion39 decks195 decks
-6%synergy
Cyclonic Rift
18%inclusion35 decks195 decks
-5%synergy
Rhystic Study
15%inclusion29 decks195 decks
-10%synergy
Teferi's Protection
11%inclusion22 decks195 decks
-5%synergy
The One Ring
11%inclusion21 decks195 decks
2%synergy
Fierce Guardianship
11%inclusion21 decks195 decks
-5%synergy
Mana Vault
6.7%inclusion13 decks195 decks
0%synergy
Ancient Tomb
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
-2%synergy
Creatures
Master of Etherium
45%inclusion87 decks195 decks
38%synergy
Stridehangar Automaton
45%inclusion87 decks195 decks
42%synergy
Losheel, Clockwork Scholar
45%inclusion87 decks195 decks
40%synergy
Riptide Gearhulk
44%inclusion86 decks195 decks
35%synergy
Urza, Lord High Artificer
42%inclusion82 decks195 decks
36%synergy
Emry, Lurker of the Loch
42%inclusion81 decks195 decks
30%synergy
Esper Sentinel
41%inclusion80 decks195 decks
19%synergy
Steel Overseer
39%inclusion77 decks195 decks
36%synergy
Ornithopter of Paradise
38%inclusion74 decks195 decks
27%synergy
Vnwxt, Verbose Host
37%inclusion73 decks195 decks
33%synergy
Cyberdrive Awakener
36%inclusion71 decks195 decks
28%synergy
Oltec Matterweaver
36%inclusion71 decks195 decks
34%synergy
Phyrexian Metamorph
36%inclusion70 decks195 decks
27%synergy
Gingerbrute
35%inclusion68 decks195 decks
33%synergy
Gold-Forged Thopteryx
31%inclusion61 decks195 decks
21%synergy
Research Thief
31%inclusion60 decks195 decks
26%synergy
Forensic Gadgeteer
30%inclusion58 decks195 decks
26%synergy
Guidelight Synergist
30%inclusion57 decks193 decks
27%synergy
K-9, Mark I
29%inclusion57 decks195 decks
27%synergy
Nesting Bot
29%inclusion57 decks195 decks
26%synergy
Diversion Unit
25%inclusion48 decks195 decks
22%synergy
Digsite Engineer
24%inclusion47 decks195 decks
22%synergy
Sharding Sphinx
24%inclusion47 decks195 decks
22%synergy
Vedalken Archmage
22%inclusion43 decks195 decks
19%synergy
Scrap Trawler
22%inclusion42 decks195 decks
19%synergy
Jhoira's Familiar
22%inclusion42 decks195 decks
18%synergy
Shimmer Myr
22%inclusion42 decks195 decks
16%synergy
Skrelv, Defector Mite
21%inclusion41 decks195 decks
19%synergy
Myr Battlesphere
21%inclusion41 decks195 decks
18%synergy
Ethersworn Sphinx
21%inclusion41 decks195 decks
20%synergy
Cyberman Patrol
21%inclusion40 decks195 decks
19%synergy
Scrawling Crawler
20%inclusion39 decks195 decks
14%synergy
Whirler Rogue
19%inclusion38 decks195 decks
14%synergy
Artificer's Assistant
19%inclusion37 decks195 decks
17%synergy
Ethersworn Canonist
18%inclusion36 decks195 decks
16%synergy
Silver Myr
17%inclusion34 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Liberator, Urza's Battlethopter
17%inclusion34 decks195 decks
14%synergy
Chief of the Foundry
17%inclusion33 decks195 decks
15%synergy
Urza, Prince of Kroog
17%inclusion33 decks195 decks
14%synergy
Gold Myr
17%inclusion33 decks195 decks
8%synergy
Urza, Lord Protector
17%inclusion33 decks195 decks
14%synergy
Silver Raven
16%inclusion32 decks195 decks
15%synergy
Guidelight Optimizer
16%inclusion31 decks193 decks
14%synergy
Memory Guardian
16%inclusion31 decks193 decks
15%synergy
Hope of Ghirapur
16%inclusion31 decks195 decks
15%synergy
Cybermen Squadron
16%inclusion31 decks195 decks
15%synergy
Master Transmuter
15%inclusion30 decks195 decks
13%synergy
Wurmcoil Engine
15%inclusion29 decks195 decks
13%synergy
The Reality Chip
15%inclusion29 decks195 decks
8%synergy
Myr Retriever
14%inclusion28 decks195 decks
12%synergy
Instants
Path to Exile
42%inclusion82 decks195 decks
-11%synergy
Counterspell
40%inclusion78 decks195 decks
-14%synergy
Desynchronization
31%inclusion60 decks195 decks
27%synergy
Dovin's Veto
30%inclusion58 decks195 decks
-7%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
24%inclusion47 decks195 decks
-1%synergy
Generous Gift
19%inclusion37 decks195 decks
-14%synergy
Negate
17%inclusion33 decks195 decks
-11%synergy
Arcane Denial
17%inclusion33 decks195 decks
-9%synergy
Stroke of Midnight
16%inclusion32 decks195 decks
0%synergy
Swan Song
16%inclusion31 decks195 decks
-1%synergy
Sink into Stupor
15%inclusion30 decks195 decks
3%synergy
Scour for Scrap
15%inclusion13 decks85 decks
12%synergy
Access Denied
15%inclusion29 decks195 decks
12%synergy
Whir of Invention
14%inclusion28 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Dawn's Truce
13%inclusion26 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Mana Drain
12%inclusion24 decks195 decks
-3%synergy
Masterful Replication
12%inclusion23 decks195 decks
11%synergy
Three Steps Ahead
10%inclusion20 decks195 decks
7%synergy
Reality Heist
10%inclusion20 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Thirst for Knowledge
10%inclusion20 decks195 decks
8%synergy
Spell Pierce
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
2%synergy
Disruption Protocol
5.6%inclusion11 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Reality Shift
5.6%inclusion11 decks195 decks
-3%synergy
Officious Interrogation
5.6%inclusion11 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Spectral Interference
5.2%inclusion10 decks193 decks
4%synergy
Bounce Off
5.2%inclusion10 decks193 decks
4%synergy
Sorceries
Fabricate
33%inclusion64 decks195 decks
22%synergy
March of Progress
23%inclusion44 decks195 decks
21%synergy
Dance of the Manse
18%inclusion36 decks195 decks
11%synergy
Supreme Verdict
15%inclusion29 decks195 decks
-13%synergy
Brilliant Restoration
14%inclusion27 decks195 decks
9%synergy
One with the Machine
13%inclusion26 decks195 decks
12%synergy
Season of Weaving
12%inclusion23 decks195 decks
10%synergy
Stock Up
11%inclusion21 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Austere Command
8.2%inclusion16 decks195 decks
-7%synergy
Enter the Enigma
7.7%inclusion15 decks195 decks
6%synergy
Tune Up
7.2%inclusion14 decks195 decks
6%synergy
Farewell
6.7%inclusion13 decks195 decks
-12%synergy
Redress Fate
6.7%inclusion13 decks195 decks
6%synergy
Slip Through Space
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Sevinne's Reclamation
5.1%inclusion10 decks195 decks
-1%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Mystic Forge
41%inclusion80 decks195 decks
35%synergy
Thousand Moons Smithy
41%inclusion79 decks195 decks
35%synergy
Sculpting Steel
38%inclusion74 decks195 decks
33%synergy
Salvation Engine
33%inclusion63 decks193 decks
26%synergy
Unwinding Clock
31%inclusion61 decks195 decks
20%synergy
Uthros Research Craft
30%inclusion27 decks89 decks
27%synergy
Repurposing Bay
30%inclusion59 decks195 decks
26%synergy
Adaptive Omnitool
30%inclusion59 decks195 decks
28%synergy
Lightning Greaves
29%inclusion57 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Worldwalker Helm
28%inclusion55 decks195 decks
26%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
26%inclusion50 decks195 decks
0%synergy
Racers' Scoreboard
25%inclusion49 decks195 decks
23%synergy
Guidelight Pathmaker
25%inclusion49 decks195 decks
21%synergy
Cloud Key
24%inclusion46 decks195 decks
19%synergy
Bident of Thassa
22%inclusion43 decks195 decks
12%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
22%inclusion42 decks195 decks
15%synergy
Perilous Snare
21%inclusion40 decks195 decks
18%synergy
Nettlecyst
19%inclusion37 decks195 decks
16%synergy
Thopter Fabricator
18%inclusion36 decks195 decks
14%synergy
Manifold Key
16%inclusion31 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Darksteel Forge
15%inclusion30 decks195 decks
13%synergy
Skullclamp
14%inclusion27 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Shorikai, Genesis Engine
14%inclusion27 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Twinning Staff
13%inclusion25 decks195 decks
12%synergy
Mirrorworks
12%inclusion23 decks195 decks
11%synergy
Portal to Phyrexia
11%inclusion21 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Idol of Oblivion
11%inclusion21 decks195 decks
8%synergy
Wayfarer's Bauble
10%inclusion19 decks195 decks
-2%synergy
Krark-Clan Ironworks
10%inclusion19 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Radiant Lotus
9.2%inclusion18 decks195 decks
8%synergy
Hulldrifter
8.7%inclusion17 decks195 decks
7%synergy
Assimilation Aegis
8.2%inclusion16 decks195 decks
7%synergy
Panharmonicon
8.2%inclusion16 decks195 decks
-2%synergy
Retrofitter Foundry
8.2%inclusion16 decks195 decks
8%synergy
Machinist's Arsenal
7.2%inclusion8 decks111 decks
6%synergy
Mirage Mirror
7.2%inclusion14 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Transmutation Font
7.2%inclusion14 decks195 decks
7%synergy
Cryogen Relic
7.0%inclusion6 decks86 decks
2%synergy
Insight Engine
6.7%inclusion6 decks89 decks
6%synergy
Shadowspear
6.7%inclusion13 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Guidelight Matrix
6.2%inclusion12 decks193 decks
5%synergy
Chimil, the Inner Sun
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Encroaching Mycosynth
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Aether Spellbomb
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Clock of Omens
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Voyager Glidecar
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Thopter Shop
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
6%synergy
Brotherhood Regalia
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Forsaken Monument
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Aether Syphon
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Enchantments
Mechanized Production
38%inclusion75 decks195 decks
33%synergy
Efficient Construction
36%inclusion71 decks195 decks
33%synergy
Artificer Class
17%inclusion33 decks195 decks
14%synergy
Mirrodin Besieged
16%inclusion31 decks195 decks
13%synergy
Unstoppable Plan
15%inclusion30 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Tempered Steel
12%inclusion23 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Moonlit Meditation
12%inclusion10 decks86 decks
9%synergy
All That Glitters
9.2%inclusion18 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Propaganda
8.2%inclusion16 decks195 decks
-17%synergy
Anointed Procession
7.2%inclusion14 decks195 decks
3%synergy
Ghostly Prison
6.7%inclusion13 decks195 decks
-17%synergy
Mystic Remora
6.7%inclusion13 decks195 decks
-10%synergy
Extravagant Replication
5.6%inclusion11 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Lightwheel Enhancements
5.2%inclusion10 decks193 decks
4%synergy
Planeswalkers
Tezzeret, Cruel Captain
17%inclusion17 decks98 decks
15%synergy
Ugin, Eye of the Storms
11%inclusion17 decks157 decks
10%synergy
Tezzeret, Artifice Master
11%inclusion21 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Tezzeret the Seeker
8.7%inclusion17 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Utility Lands
Darksteel Citadel
63%inclusion122 decks195 decks
52%synergy
Archway of Innovation
50%inclusion97 decks195 decks
42%synergy
Amonkhet Raceway
48%inclusion94 decks195 decks
43%synergy
Academy Ruins
42%inclusion82 decks195 decks
30%synergy
Buried Ruin
37%inclusion73 decks195 decks
30%synergy
Rogue's Passage
35%inclusion68 decks195 decks
20%synergy
Inventors' Fair
34%inclusion67 decks195 decks
25%synergy
Reliquary Tower
31%inclusion60 decks195 decks
-18%synergy
Urza's Saga
29%inclusion57 decks195 decks
18%synergy
Avishkar Raceway
29%inclusion57 decks195 decks
26%synergy
Uthros, Titanic Godcore
23%inclusion21 decks90 decks
18%synergy
Treasure Vault
23%inclusion44 decks195 decks
20%synergy
Fomori Vault
18%inclusion35 decks195 decks
15%synergy
Monumental Henge
15%inclusion30 decks195 decks
12%synergy
Urza's Tower
14%inclusion28 decks195 decks
12%synergy
Urza's Mine
14%inclusion28 decks195 decks
12%synergy
Urza's Power Plant
14%inclusion27 decks195 decks
12%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
13%inclusion26 decks195 decks
-6%synergy
Secluded Starforge
9.3%inclusion8 decks86 decks
8%synergy
Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
9.2%inclusion18 decks195 decks
-2%synergy
Adagia, Windswept Bastion
9.0%inclusion8 decks89 decks
5%synergy
Sunscorched Desert
8.7%inclusion17 decks195 decks
8%synergy
Temple of the False God
7.2%inclusion14 decks195 decks
-1%synergy
Country Roads
6.7%inclusion13 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
92%inclusion180 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Arcane Signet
81%inclusion157 decks195 decks
-4%synergy
Talisman of Progress
41%inclusion79 decks195 decks
-9%synergy
Azorius Signet
35%inclusion69 decks195 decks
-24%synergy
Thought Vessel
35%inclusion68 decks195 decks
-8%synergy
Thran Dynamo
28%inclusion55 decks195 decks
20%synergy
Mind Stone
27%inclusion53 decks195 decks
0%synergy
The Mightstone and Weakstone
19%inclusion38 decks195 decks
14%synergy
Crystal Skull, Isu Spyglass
18%inclusion36 decks195 decks
15%synergy
Fellwar Stone
14%inclusion27 decks195 decks
-16%synergy
Midnight Clock
13%inclusion26 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Commander's Sphere
13%inclusion25 decks195 decks
-4%synergy
The Eternity Elevator
11%inclusion10 decks90 decks
10%synergy
Fabrication Foundry
10%inclusion20 decks195 decks
9%synergy
The Aetherspark
10%inclusion20 decks195 decks
9%synergy
Mox Opal
10%inclusion20 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Hedron Archive
10%inclusion19 decks195 decks
7%synergy
Lotus Petal
9.2%inclusion18 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Mox Amber
9.2%inclusion18 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Liquimetal Torque
9.2%inclusion18 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Sonic Screwdriver
9.2%inclusion18 decks195 decks
7%synergy
Starting Column
8.7%inclusion17 decks195 decks
8%synergy
Gilded Lotus
8.2%inclusion16 decks195 decks
2%synergy
Agility Bobblehead
6.7%inclusion13 decks195 decks
6%synergy
Basalt Monolith
6.7%inclusion13 decks195 decks
2%synergy
Everflowing Chalice
5.6%inclusion11 decks195 decks
1%synergy
Machine God's Effigy
5.1%inclusion10 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Perception Bobblehead
5.1%inclusion10 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Lands
Island
99%inclusion193 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Plains
98%inclusion192 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Command Tower
83%inclusion161 decks195 decks
-3%synergy
Razortide Bridge
68%inclusion132 decks195 decks
53%synergy
Glacial Fortress
59%inclusion115 decks195 decks
-2%synergy
Prairie Stream
47%inclusion91 decks195 decks
-20%synergy
Adarkar Wastes
45%inclusion88 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Hallowed Fountain
41%inclusion80 decks195 decks
-5%synergy
Sea of Clouds
37%inclusion73 decks195 decks
-3%synergy
Deserted Beach
33%inclusion65 decks195 decks
-6%synergy
Floodfarm Verge
33%inclusion64 decks195 decks
7%synergy
Skycloud Expanse
32%inclusion63 decks195 decks
-3%synergy
Port Town
32%inclusion62 decks195 decks
-16%synergy
Flooded Strand
30%inclusion58 decks195 decks
-1%synergy
Azorius Chancery
29%inclusion57 decks195 decks
-8%synergy
Temple of Enlightenment
29%inclusion57 decks195 decks
-10%synergy
Spire of Industry
26%inclusion50 decks195 decks
17%synergy
Lonely Arroyo
25%inclusion49 decks195 decks
21%synergy
Exotic Orchard
23%inclusion45 decks195 decks
-5%synergy
Hengegate Pathway
23%inclusion45 decks195 decks
2%synergy
The Mycosynth Gardens
23%inclusion44 decks195 decks
19%synergy
Tranquil Cove
21%inclusion41 decks195 decks
2%synergy
Mystic Gate
18%inclusion36 decks195 decks
-4%synergy
Power Depot
17%inclusion34 decks195 decks
15%synergy
Seachrome Coast
17%inclusion33 decks195 decks
3%synergy
Meticulous Archive
16%inclusion32 decks195 decks
-1%synergy
Evolving Wilds
16%inclusion31 decks195 decks
0%synergy
Sink into Stupor
15%inclusion30 decks195 decks
3%synergy
Irrigated Farmland
14%inclusion27 decks195 decks
-8%synergy
Myriad Landscape
11%inclusion22 decks195 decks
-6%synergy
Terramorphic Expanse
10%inclusion20 decks195 decks
-1%synergy
Tundra
10%inclusion19 decks195 decks
-3%synergy
Nimbus Maze
10%inclusion19 decks195 decks
-13%synergy
Witch Enchanter
8.7%inclusion17 decks195 decks
-4%synergy
Scene of the Crime
8.2%inclusion16 decks195 decks
7%synergy
Path of Ancestry
7.2%inclusion14 decks195 decks
-7%synergy
Azorius Guildgate
6.7%inclusion13 decks195 decks
0%synergy
Urza's Cave
6.2%inclusion12 decks195 decks
4%synergy
Night Market
5.1%inclusion10 decks195 decks
5%synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
5.1%inclusion10 decks195 decks
-2%synergy
Polluted Delta
5.1%inclusion10 decks195 decks
-3%synergy