<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lorehold, the Historian|SOS|284" href="#" target="_blank">Lorehold, the Historian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://raymondswanland.com/magic-the-gathering-gallery">Raymond Swanland</a></em></p>
<p>Hey nerds! We're a little over halfway through the year, and we've also been introduced to 525 new commanders. Which is crazy to think about, since we only had 484 in all of 2025.</p>
<p>But the release cadence isn't what I'm here to talk about. Instead, I want to showcase ten commanders I've had the most fun playing with and/or against so far. If your favorite commander doesn't make this list, don't worry. It just means I haven't had the pleasure of seeing it in the wild. Without further ado, let's get into it!</p>
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<h3>Number 10: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Michelangelo, the Heart" href="#" target="_blank">Michelangelo, the Heart</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Michelangelo, the Heart"></div></div>
<p>While I'm not a fan of the five-color commander for this deck, the character select commanders can be interesting. Michelangelo incentivizes combat, even if it's with a single creature, to generate value. And frankly, I'm all for speeding up games.</p>
<p>What's great is you don't need to partner it with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Leonardo, the Balance" href="#" target="_blank">Leonardo, the Balance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, even if that was the partner I played the most against. In fact, I'd be inclined to partner him with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Raphael, the Muscle" href="#" target="_blank">Raphael, the Muscle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to lean into creature combat.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/michaelangelo-the-heart-leonardo-the-balance-tmnt-deck-tech">Deck Tech</a> by <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/cooper-gottfried">Cooper Gottfried</a></p>
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<h3>Number 9: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Splinter, Radical Rat" href="#" target="_blank">Splinter, Radical Rat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Splinter, Radical Rat"></div></div>
<p>Ninjas are a beloved creature type that I'm glad has a new commander to build around. No shade to my <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow" href="#" target="_blank">Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> fans, but that deck, even on a budget, is quite mean.</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong, this deck is powerful, but not in the same way as Yuriko. Instead of dealing tons of damage to everyone, it chips away at your life while drawing cards from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ingenious Infiltrator" href="#" target="_blank">Ingenious Infiltrator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and stealing spells with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fallen Shinobi" href="#" target="_blank">Fallen Shinobi</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Also, Yuriko is great in the 99.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/splinter-radical-rat-the-new-true-ninja-commander">Deck Tech</a> by <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/kurohitsuki">Kurohitsuki</a></p>
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<h3>Number 8: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ashling, the Limitless" href="#" target="_blank">Ashling, the Limitless</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ashling, the Limitless"></div></div>
<p>Ashling surprised me, despite being the generic five-color commander for <em>Lorwyn Eclipsed</em>. Turns out, I love value, and Ashling is an incredible value engine. This deck shows how much precons have improved over the years.</p>
<p>The mana base could be a bit faster, but given the abundance of cheap dual lands, it gives you something to upgrade. I always felt like I could interact with the deck in a meaningful way, without just removing the commander, which is great. And despite being five colors, it plays more like a Temur deck with a very small splash.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/all-the-value-with-ashling-the-limitless-commander-deck-tech">Deck Tech</a> by <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/bennie-smith">Bennie Smith</a></p>
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<h3>Number 7: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Witherbloom, the Balancer" href="#" target="_blank">Witherbloom, the Balancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Witherbloom, the Balancer"></div></div>
<p>The reason <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sprout Swarm" href="#" target="_blank">Sprout Swarm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> jumped from a bulk rare into a few bucks. Even without Sprout Swarm, this deck has been a blast to play. I quickly threw a deck together with cards I had lying around, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pest Infestation" href="#" target="_blank">Pest Infestation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gelatinous Genesis" href="#" target="_blank">Gelatinous Genesis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chatterstorm" href="#" target="_blank">Chatterstorm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>It worked way better than expected and is something I'm looking forward to tweaking over the next year or so. The tension between creatures and noncreature spells is an interesting deckbuilding puzzle. I might even try a creatureless vision of the deck, just to see if it can work.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/witherbloom-the-balancer-spellslinger-go-wide-on-a-budget">Budget Deck Tech</a> by <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/tyler-bucks">Tyler Bucks</a></p>
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<h3>Number 6: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dina, Essence Brewer" href="#" target="_blank">Dina, Essence Brewer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dina, Essence Brewer"></div></div>
<p>In my <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/how-fun-are-the-secrets-of-strixhaven-commanders"><em>Secrets of Strixhaven </em>Fun Ranking</a>, Dina landed solidly in the Fun tier. She's straightforward, which is what you want from a face commander. I also mentioned I couldn't wait for someone to sacrifice a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jumbo Cactuar" href="#" target="_blank">Jumbo Cactuar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Well, it happened, and it was as glorious as I thought it would be. Granted, it was to knock me out of the game, but worth it.</p>
<p>I'm glad Wizards of the Coast is toning down the power of commanders by adding a once-each-turn clause to them. In this case, I've found it changes how you want to build the deck and play. You use it as a way to generate value over time, instead of actively trying to combo to draw your entire deck.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/a-new-commander-brew-with-dina-essence-brewer">Deck Tech</a> by <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/cooper-gottfried">Cooper Gottfried</a></p>
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<h3>Number 5: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Muddle, the Ever-Changing" href="#" target="_blank">Muddle, the Ever-Changing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Muddle, the Ever-Changing"></div></div>
<p>I picked up the <em>Secrets of Strixhaven </em>precon on a whim and it hasn't disappointed. I tried Muddle at the helm a few times, but decided that this cute lovable otter needed a home of its own. While I'm still tweaking the deck, the few times I've played it has been a blast. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pyrogoyf" href="#" target="_blank">Pyrogoyf</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has done work in that deck, dealing tons of damage when it enters. And nothing quite beats the feeling of drawing four cards off a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mulldrifter" href="#" target="_blank">Mulldrifter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>I've been considering adding <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sundial of the Infinite" href="#" target="_blank">Sundial of the Infinite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but going <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Discontinuity" href="#" target="_blank">Discontinuity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Time Stop" href="#" target="_blank">Time Stop</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as budget and flavor options.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/myriad-possibilities-with-muddle-the-ever-changing-in-commander">Deck Tech</a> by <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/nicholas-lucchesi">Nicholas Lucchesi</a></p>
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<h3>Number 4: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quintorius, History Chaser" href="#" target="_blank">Quintorius, History Chaser</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Quintorius, History Chaser"></div></div>
<p>I love when a deck does a graveyard shuffle like this, moving cards in and out for value. Quintorius has been a menace in my playgroup, requiring multiple people to shut it down effectively. And even then, it can have some crazy comebacks.</p>
<p>It turns out having a static ability that generates blockers is pretty dang good. It also comes down and can minus four right away. The first time I played against Quintorius, I didn't think, and killed it. Well, my opponent just recast Quintorius, pumped his board, and killed me. Lesson learned there. If you ever see one sitting across from you, make sure to respect it accordingly.</p>
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<h3>Number 3: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rootha, Mastering the Moment" href="#" target="_blank">Rootha, Mastering the Moment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rootha, Mastering the Moment"></div></div>
<p>At first glance, I was much lower on Rootha. It read like a pretty basic spells deck that had a meddling payoff. But after a few failed attempts at putting Muddle at the helm, I decided to give her a try. Turns out I was just wrong. Instead of playing as a storm deck, she wants you to cast one or two big spells.</p>
<p>As much as I love my dumb <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/cheerios">Egg combo decks</a>, having an easy deck to pilot with decision points is a great way to end the night. The first win I managed to snag on the deck involved casting multiple <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Twinflame" href="#" target="_blank">Twinflame</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Redoubled Stormsinger" href="#" target="_blank">Redoubled Stormsinger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> out. I was certain I was dead, but a surprise 50+ damage got me across the finish line.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/mastering-the-moment-with-rootha-in-commander">Deck Tech</a> by <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/owain-roberts">Owain Roberts</a></p>
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<h3>Number 2: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silverquill, the Disputant" href="#" target="_blank">Silverquill, the Disputant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Silverquill, the Disputant"></div></div>
<p>Now if you're looking for a degenerate storm deck, well look no further. I built a creatureless storm deck that can do some nutty things. And my friend built a more traditional deck, and crushes our playgroup regularly.</p>
<p>It can go from 0 to 100 in a single turn, presenting a middling board and suddenly has 20+ tokens, or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Exsanguinate" href="#" target="_blank">Exsanguinate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s for 20 twice. Silverquill can draw more than its fair share of cards, so you don't feel the need for tutors.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/silverquill-the-disputant-creature-less-storm-deck">Deck Tech</a> by <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/benjamin-levin">Ben Levin</a></p>
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<h3>Number 1: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lorehold, the Historian" href="#" target="_blank">Lorehold, the Historian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lorehold, the Historian"></div></div>
<p>Coming in at number one, is Lorehold, the Historian. It did win me a Sealed game at prerelease, but it also hasn't quite won me a Commander game yet. Despite not winning, I always have a blast playing it and I've had no complaints from my playgroup...yet. I did have my <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Storm Herd" href="#" target="_blank">Storm Herd</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> copied from my graveyard thanks to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Impulsivity" href="#" target="_blank">Impulsivity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Actually that happened twice. Back to back. Against two different decks.</p>
<p>But in spite of that small setback, I still find myself going back to the deck again and again. And at the time of writing, my wife pulled a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Monument to Endurance" href="#" target="_blank">Monument to Endurance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which I'm excited to add.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/lorehold-the-historian-boros-miracles-on-a-budget">Budget Deck Tech</a> by <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/tyler-bucks">Tyler Bucks</a></p>
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<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>You probably noticed quite a bit of <em>Secrets of Strixhaven</em> on this list and not as much <em>Marvel</em>. For me, Strixhaven has been the strongest set of the year. Many of the <em>Marvel</em> commanders feel rather parasitic in that they only care about cards in those sets. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I tend to enjoy sets like that less.</p>
<p>I'd love to hear what your favorite commander of 2026 has been so far! And make sure to check out the latest <em>Marvel </em><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/marvel-super-heroes-mtg-commander-deck-techs">deck techs from many of our talented authors</a>.</p>
<p>Also, if you want more <em>Magic</em> content like this, subscribe to <a href="http://YouTube.com/@BRBMTG">BathroomBrewsMTG</a> over on YouTube. Alrighty nerds, I'll see you in the next one!</p>


lorehold the historian

Top 10 Most Fun Commanders of 2026...So Far