<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anointed Procession" href="#" target="_blank">Anointed Procession</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://victoradameart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Victor Adame Minguez</a></em></p>
<p>It seems like <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/tokens" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tokens</a> are everywhere these days in Commander. From <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Treasure|TFDN|23" href="#" target="_blank">Treasure</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clue" href="#" target="_blank">Clue</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mutagen" href="#" target="_blank">Mutagen</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we've got a lot to keep track of. There are lots of ways to maximize the power of these temporary game pieces, and this EDHREC Guide will show you exactly how to do so.</p>


https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tokens-textless.png

<p>Tokens are permanents created by spells and abilities. Unlike most other permanents, though, they're not cast from any zone and cease existing when they leave the battlefield.</p>
<p>While tokens can technically be any sort of permanent, they're most commonly creatures. In a typical game of Commander, you might see a 3/3 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elephant|TLCC|12" href="#" target="_blank">Elephant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> creature token created by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Generous Gift" href="#" target="_blank">Generous Gift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, two <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Treasure|TFDN|23" href="#" target="_blank">Treasure</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> artifact tokens created by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="An Offer You Can&#039;t Refuse" href="#" target="_blank">An Offer You Can&#039;t Refuse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or maybe even a 1/1 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fish" href="#" target="_blank">Fish</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> creature token created by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Into the Flood Maw" href="#" target="_blank">Into the Flood Maw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Generous Gift"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="An Offer You Can&#039;t Refuse"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Into the Flood Maw"></div></div>
<p>But not all tokens are attached to interactive spells. There's also a whole host of cards that can make creature tokens appear on our side of the board, often in large numbers. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Resolute Reinforcements" href="#" target="_blank">Resolute Reinforcements</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, for example, enters the battlefield with a friend! Other cards, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bitterblossom" href="#" target="_blank">Bitterblossom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> may make us multiple creature tokens over the course of a game, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clone Legion" href="#" target="_blank">Clone Legion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> may create a huge army of tokens all in one go.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Resolute Reinforcements"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bitterblossom"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Clone Legion"></div></div>


<p>While every color makes tokens, some colors can use them better than others. <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> and <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> tend to be best at maximizing the power of tokens. <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, and <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-b" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> can do some interesting things with tokens too, but don't stack up quite as well.</p>
<h3>White</h3>
<p>White has a lot of effects that allow us to double the amount of tokens we create, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anointed Procession" href="#" target="_blank">Anointed Procession</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ocelot Pride" href="#" target="_blank">Ocelot Pride</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>This color also provides card advantage (<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Caretaker&#039;s Talent" href="#" target="_blank">Caretaker&#039;s Talent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>) and other benefits (<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rosie Cotton of South Lane" href="#" target="_blank">Rosie Cotton of South Lane</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>) when we make tokens.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Anointed Procession"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Caretaker&#039;s Talent"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rosie Cotton of South Lane"></div></div>
<p>All told, <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> cards play extremely well with this strategy.</p>
<h3>Green</h3>
<p>Green can also double the number of tokens we put onto the battlefield, with cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Doubling Season" href="#" target="_blank">Doubling Season</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Second Harvest" href="#" target="_blank">Second Harvest</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. But, unlike white, green lets us make a ton of mana with our creature tokens. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jaheira, Friend of the Forest" href="#" target="_blank">Jaheira, Friend of the Forest</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> turns each of our tokens into a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Moss Diamond" href="#" target="_blank">Moss Diamond</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, accelerating us to huge plays turn after turn.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Doubling Season"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Second Harvest"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jaheira, Friend of the Forest"></div></div>
<p>Same goes for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Enduring Vitality" href="#" target="_blank">Enduring Vitality</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, assuming that we're mostly making use of creature tokens.</p>
<h3>Red</h3>
<p>Red has more unique payoffs for creature tokens. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Determined Iteration" href="#" target="_blank">Determined Iteration</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Echoing Assault" href="#" target="_blank">Echoing Assault</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can make one particularly scary creature token per turn.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Determined Iteration"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Echoing Assault"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Battle Hymn"></div></div>
<p>There's a few other interesting cards that <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> gives access to, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Battle Hymn" href="#" target="_blank">Battle Hymn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stadium Headliner" href="#" target="_blank">Stadium Headliner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that become stronger with a board full of creature tokens.</p>
<h3>Blue</h3>
<p>Much like <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, there's a small number of <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> cards that do some powerful things with tokens. My favorites are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Worldwalker Helm" href="#" target="_blank">Worldwalker Helm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/artifacts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Artifact</a> decks and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Poppet Stitcher" href="#" target="_blank">Poppet Stitcher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/spellslinger" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spellslinger</a> decks.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Worldwalker Helm"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Poppet Stitcher"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Junk Winder"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Junk Winder" href="#" target="_blank">Junk Winder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a nice all-purpose tool, too.</p>
<h3>Black</h3>
<p>Most of the token-related cards that <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-b" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> gives access to are focused on causing our opponents to lose life. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirkwood Bats" href="#" target="_blank">Mirkwood Bats</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nadier&#039;s Nightblade" href="#" target="_blank">Nadier&#039;s Nightblade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are fantastic examples, and can easily end games if they're left unchecked.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mirkwood Bats"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nadier&#039;s Nightblade"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blood Artist"></div></div>
<p>There isn't much else going on for tokens in this color, but creature tokens can make nice fodder for a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blood Artist" href="#" target="_blank">Blood Artist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>-style effect.</p>


<p>Now that we know what each color can do with tokens, let's choose a deck to build. This should serve as a good example of what a mid-power, <a href="https://edhrec.com/guides/edhrec-guide-to-commander-brackets">Bracket 2</a> tokens deck could look like (leaving out <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers">Game Changers</a> and most tutors).</p>
<p>There's no single correct way to build a deck for this theme, and my goal with this guide is to show off as many cool cards for a creature token-centric build as possible.</p>
<p>With that said, let's choose a commander. We've established that <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> and <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> are the best colors for tokens, but we know that there's some fun stuff happening with other colors too. I want our commander to provide consistent value, while also driving our game plan forward once we've saturated the board with an army of small creatures.</p>
<p>I've settled on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rin and Seri, Inseparable" href="#" target="_blank">Rin and Seri, Inseparable</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a Naya (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) commander that wants to combine the powers of Cats and Dogs! This legendary creature is as cute as it is powerful, and I think it'll be a fantastic leader for our list.</p>
<h3>What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rin and Seri, Inseparable" href="#" target="_blank">Rin and Seri, Inseparable</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Do?</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rin and Seri, Inseparable"></div></div>
<p>For <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, Rin and Seri is a 4/4 Dog Cat. When we cast a Dog spell, they make us a 1/1 Cat creature token. Similarly, when we cast a Cat spell, they make us a 1/1 Dog creature token.</p>
<p>Then, for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> and <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-tap" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, we get to hit any target for an amount of damage equal to the number of Dogs we control while gaining life equal to the number of Cats we control.</p>


<p>All token decks need, as you might guess, a way to fill the board with temporary game pieces. For a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krenko, Mob Boss" href="#" target="_blank">Krenko, Mob Boss</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck, we may need to tap our commander a few times. For an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Edgar Markov" href="#" target="_blank">Edgar Markov</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck, we may need to cast Vampires. But, for our Rin and Seri deck, we need to cast Cats and Dogs. And lots of them.</p>
<p>Over <em>Magic</em>'s 30+ year history we've seen a lot of powerful household pets, so we're certainly not starved for options.</p>
<p>Among the best cards in this deck are <a href="https://mtg.wiki/page/Shapeshifter#Changelings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">changelings</a>, creatures that count as every creature type at all points in the game. When we cast these spells, we get to make both a Cat token and a Dog token. They also count for both parts of our commander's activated ability!</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mutable Explorer" href="#" target="_blank">Mutable Explorer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a new card from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/ecl" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Lorwyn Eclipsed</em></a>, a changeling that makes us a token version of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mutavault" href="#" target="_blank">Mutavault</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> when it hits the board. Two changelings for the price of one would already be good, but this Shapeshifter also puts us ahead by one mana!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mutable Explorer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Realmwalker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Universal Automaton"></div></div>
<p>I'm also a big fan of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Realmwalker" href="#" target="_blank">Realmwalker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as it gives us access to 20+ creatures from the top of our library if we choose Cats as it enters the battlefield.</p>
<p>Various cheap changelings, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Universal Automaton" href="#" target="_blank">Universal Automaton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> round out our Cat-Dog cadre.</p>
<p>With all the creature tokens we'll be making, anthems (cards that buff up all of our creatures' power and toughness or give them abilities) are particularly strong. I'm a big fan of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skyhunter Strike Force" href="#" target="_blank">Skyhunter Strike Force</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which routinely gives each of our creatures +3/+3 every single combat. For just <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, it's hard to ask for more from a Cat.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skyhunter Strike Force"></div></div>
<p>For just <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> more, we can cast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jazal Goldmane" href="#" target="_blank">Jazal Goldmane</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Once we've got enough mana to activate this feline's ability, we can turn a board of mid-size creatures into a board of game-ending threats. Jazal becomes effective with as few as five creatures on board, but can easily become lethal with 10 or more creatures out.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jazal Goldmane"></div></div>
<p>I spoke earlier about token doublers, and how powerful they are. While making twice as many tokens as we usually would is pretty strong, most cards in this category don't provide much utility beyond simply making extra tokens. That's why I love <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ocelot Pride" href="#" target="_blank">Ocelot Pride</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elspeth, Storm Slayer" href="#" target="_blank">Elspeth, Storm Slayer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in this list: they provide value beyond doubling.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ocelot Pride"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elspeth, Storm Slayer"></div></div>
<p>If we gain life, Ocelot Pride can make us a 1/1 Cat token. We can do that easily with our commander's activated ability! On the other hand, Elspeth acts as repeatable removal and can provide our creature tokens with a power boost and some evasiveness to punch through and end games effectively.</p>
<p>While I've still found space for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Parallel Lives" href="#" target="_blank">Parallel Lives</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and the like, I'd certainly reach for the Cat and the planeswalker first.</p>


<p>Our focus on Cats and Dogs has led us to cards that other token decks may not play. These cards really shine in a Rin and Seri deck, so I wanted to spotlight them before showing off our deck list.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Prowling Serpopard"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ainok Strike Leader"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Prava of the Steel Legion"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prowling Serpopard" href="#" target="_blank">Prowling Serpopard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a funny looking creature that protects all of our creature spells on the stack. For a Bracket 2 deck like this, warding off counterspells may not come up super often. But, occasionally, this Cat Snake will really help us dodge those pesky blue players' counterspells.</p>
<p>Speaking of protection, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ainok Strike Leader" href="#" target="_blank">Ainok Strike Leader</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> just so happens to be a Dog (that appears to be riding a cat). This creature makes extra 1/1 Goblin tokens and can save all of our creature tokens from a board wipe. The Cats and Dogs that Rin and Seri make are extremely valuable, due to our commander's ability to turn them into direct damage, so preserving them is a high priority.</p>
<p>There's also <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prava of the Steel Legion" href="#" target="_blank">Prava of the Steel Legion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, an anthem that makes our creature tokens survive combat more easily. A +1/+4 boost to toughness is unique, and quite neat. Her <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-3" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> activated ability is a nice way to spend excess mana, too.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Feline Sovereign"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Qasali Slingers"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ajani, Nacatl Pariah"></div></div>
<p>Some more specific typal synergies bolster this deck's 99, too. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Feline Sovereign" href="#" target="_blank">Feline Sovereign</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can easily dispatch any problematic artifacts or enchantments, just like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Qasali Slingers" href="#" target="_blank">Qasali Slingers</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>And if we want a super-powered planeswalker, we can turn to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ajani, Nacatl Pariah" href="#" target="_blank">Ajani, Nacatl Pariah</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s transformed side. He provides an anthem, direct damage to any target, and even a one-sided board wipe!</p>
<p>Finally, I wanted to shout out <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Court of Embereth" href="#" target="_blank">Court of Embereth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card does so much for just <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Court of Embereth"></div></div>
<p>First, it introduces the <a href="https://mtg.wiki/page/Monarch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monarchy</a>. This is a super fun mechanic for low- and mid-power Commander, encouraging all players to hit each other and speed up the game.</p>
<p>With the number of creature t0kens that we'll be creating, we've got a decent likelihood of holding onto the crown for at least one turn cycle. If we do so, we get to take a big chunk out of each opponents' life total. Even if we don't hold onto the monarchy, we're still happy to see the game move a bit faster than it normally would.</p>
<p>This deck is low to the ground, and we want to start killing other players as soon as possible.</p>


<p>There are some fantastic ways to get value from tokens in other colors, though. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anhelo, the Painter" href="#" target="_blank">Anhelo, the Painter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> takes <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-b" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>'s ability to sacrifice creatures for value, and combines it with <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>'s ability to cast instants and sorceries efficiently.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Anhelo, the Painter"></div></div>
<p>This Vampire Assassin comes to us from the <a href="https://edhrec.com/precon/maestros-massacre" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Maestros Massacre</em></a> preconstructed deck from <em>Streets of New Capenna</em>, and has been on my to-brew list for a while. He gets to play some super cool new cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Timeline Culler" href="#" target="_blank">Timeline Culler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> alongside classics like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mizzix&#039;s Mastery" href="#" target="_blank">Mizzix&#039;s Mastery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, creating an awesome play experience.</p>
<p>I also want to shout out <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Peregrin Took" href="#" target="_blank">Peregrin Took</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a mono-<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> commander that goes infinite with a few other cards.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Peregrin Took"></div></div>
<p>His color identity gives us access to some of the best creature token synergies available to Commander players, and I think Pippin deserves to lead more of his own decks. He sees a good bit of play as a combo piece in other token-focused decks, but I want this Halfling Citizen to have his own time in the spotlight.</p>
<p>Other <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Food" href="#" target="_blank">Food</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> synergies like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Syr Ginger, the Meal Ender" href="#" target="_blank">Syr Ginger, the Meal Ender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Cabbage Merchant" href="#" target="_blank">The Cabbage Merchant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can round out a solid 99.</p>


Tokens in Commander

EDHREC Guide to Tokens in Commander

<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Dog Token (From Murders at Karlov Manor)| Art by <a href="https://alayna.net/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alayna Danner</a></em></p>
<p>Hello and welcome to a special article dedicated to our canine friends! It was recently International Dog Day, so to celebrate our best friends, I've decided to go through all of the Dog and Dog-adjacent commanders, in-universe and beyond it.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dog|ttdc|3"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dog|sld|1516"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dog|tmkm|1"></div></div>
<p>I was originally going to do a decklist for our adorable puppers, but there just isn't enough support for them at the time of writing. Unfortunately, our best bet would've been to make a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rin and Seri, Inseparable" href="#" target="_blank">Rin and Seri, Inseparable</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck, but that also meant running Dogs and Cats together (no hate for felines, they'll have their day) when this deck should be about Dogs.</p>
<p>It also meant running those hideous pretenders called changelings. Ewww.</p>
<h3>Dogs and Cats Living Together</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rin and Seri, Inseparable"></div></div>
<p>We start off with the aforementioned Rin and Seri, perhaps the go-to for Dog commanders at time of writing. Unfortunately, most lists using this commander tend to lean harder into the Cat support. Secondly, and worse, changelings become unavoidable, as we'll get both tokens from Rin and Seri instead of one.</p>
<p>For all we know, changelings could be <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Uncle Istvan|drk|54" href="#" target="_blank">Uncle Istvan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s in disguise. The tap ability on this commander will rarely be relevant, too.</p>
<p>On the contrary, this isn't to say that we could flip the script and focus the commander on Dogs. But, to have a solid shot at the deck performing well, the Cat support is necessary. On another note, we gain access to most of the best Dogs in the game by going Naya colors. It's a trait that will come up at least once or twice more.</p>
<h3>Second to the Top</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jinnie Fay, Jetmir&#039;s Second"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dog|tsnc|10"></div></div>
<p>Still within Naya colors, Jinnie is less a Dog commander, let alone a Cat commander, but a tokens deck. The idea is to swarm the board with tokens, then converting them into Dogs (or Cats), each with their own benefits.</p>
<p>On theme with today's article would be <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Release the Dogs" href="#" target="_blank">Release the Dogs</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Cards like that will produce something stronger than a 1/1. Even better if we're running some anthem effects. Of course, like with Rin and Seri, we can run all the Dogs we like. However, what's the point when we're turning the tokens we make into Dogs or Cats?</p>
<p>This is what I meant in the introduction by "Dog-adjacent." Commanders that aren't Dogs themselves, but support them in some way. Jinnie is the biggest stretch we'll see in this article, mainly off the back of all the tokens we'll be making. If she gets removed, then it's going to feel awkward to have a bunch of Plant or Goblin tokens in a deck that would rather have Dogs or Cats.</p>
<h3>ZOINKS!</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sophia, Dogged Detective"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tiny|tmkc|21"></div></div>
<p>Taking a break from Naya for a moment, we have a commander option who's more closely tied to Dogs as a theme. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sophia, Dogged Detective" href="#" target="_blank">Sophia, Dogged Detective</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will create a legendary Dog named <del>Scooby Doo</del> Tiny. From there, we're buffing up the Dogs we control by sacrificing artifact tokens, so expect to run a lot of cards that make Food or Clue tokens.</p>
<p>Dogs that can either investigate or make Food tokens, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Floodhound" href="#" target="_blank">Floodhound</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, are at their prime here. We can also get both tokens if our Dogs hit a player during combat, so giving them trample or some form of evasion will allow us to make them stronger more frequently.</p>
<p>As for the Dog count, it's considerably lower than if we were to add red. There aren't as many Dogs in blue as in red, but blue is also a major color for Clue tokens, so that makes things even.</p>
<p>There's also a variety of +1/+1 counter support in these colors, including the conveniently printed <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Generous Pup" href="#" target="_blank">Generous Pup</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. However, fewer Dogs being in the deck also might allow for more Istvans...I mean changelings.</p>
<h3>Howls From the Underworld</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kroxa and Kunoros"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kunoros, Hound of Athreos"></div></div>
<p>A double whammy! Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kroxa and Kunoros" href="#" target="_blank">Kroxa and Kunoros</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is not a Dog deck, but a reanimator list. We want to fill our graveyard, then exile cards from there to bring big threats back. However, that price is steep, and this is on a six-cost commander, so don't expect to rely on this card heavily.</p>
<p>One of the best doggos to run with Kroxa and Kunoros is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Enduring Courage" href="#" target="_blank">Enduring Courage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. While this ghastly pupper may not work with our commander, per se, it can do its work on creatures we reanimate before combat.</p>
<p>As for Kunoros's earlier iteration, he's better served in the 99 of decks that can run him. That said, he hoses graveyard decks in a way other than exiling graveyards. This, complimented with a few relevant keywords and a cheap casting cost, makes him a good choice. Provided, of course, we're at least running white and black.</p>
<h3>Here, Fetch!</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Haldan, Avid Arcanist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pako, Arcane Retriever"></div></div>
<p>Again, not so much about Dogs in general, but the game plan is very much centered on one. Pako will grow huge quickly, and Haldan allows us to cast the spells that his best friend brought back. That said, Pako leans more on the expensive side, so the goodest boy will need some protection to ensure he can keep fetching those noncreature cards.</p>
<p>We also need our deck to be more centered on said noncreature cards, so we can cast our own spells, too. Ideally, we want to ruff our opponents up with commander damage while keeping Haldan around to use everyone's stuff. Ramp is also important here so we can cast our commanders (and exiled noncreature cards) reliably.</p>
<h3>Amassing a Junk Pile</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dogmeat, Ever Loyal"></div></div>
<p>Ok, ok. Last Naya legend for this article, I promise. Only this time, we want to go the commander damage route. Even <a href="https://edhrec.com/precon/scrappy-survivors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the precon he was featured in</a> pushes us in that direction.</p>
<p>As the sole Universes Beyond card in the list, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dogmeat, Ever Loyal" href="#" target="_blank">Dogmeat, Ever Loyal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does a lot of work, letting us dig and recur cards on entry. The Junk tokens are quite valuable, too, as we can cash them in to dig deeper into our deck.</p>
<p>That precon also came with some key support pieces, and it's honestly a really good starting point for our own take on the commander. No wonder he's a constant companion within the <em>Fallout </em>franchise.</p>
<h3>On Fields of Flowers</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rinoa Heartilly"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Angelo|tfin|19"></div></div>
<p>A new and recent favorite card of mine, I covered Rinoa Heartilly <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/building-a-selesnya-tokens-commander-deck-with-rinoa-heartilly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a while ago</a>, but under a different pretext. Here, we're in two thirds of the colors we need for Dog support, and it's something we could do with Rinoa.</p>
<p>Losing red does sting this build a bit because we lose some key pieces for Dogs like the aforementioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Enduring Courage" href="#" target="_blank">Enduring Courage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tesak, Judith&#039;s Hellhound" href="#" target="_blank">Tesak, Judith&#039;s Hellhound</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Ideally, we want to load up the board with tokens, then use Rinoa's attack trigger to have a creature steamroll an opponent, one at a time.</p>
<p>Another way is to put her in the 99 of a Jinnie Fay deck, so you get red back, make Dog tokens, and use said tokens for the attack trigger. Though, there's no harm in losing red if you can offset the Dog support that we lose.</p>
<h3>The Best of the Rest</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Phelia, Exuberant Shepherd"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mowu, Loyal Companion"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful"></div></div>
<p>There's more than these three for this section, but they're the more popular options. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful" href="#" target="_blank">Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can partner up with others who have the mechanic, often being paired with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar" href="#" target="_blank">Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh" href="#" target="_blank">Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Speaking of partner mechanics, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="K-9, Mark I" href="#" target="_blank">K-9, Mark I</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can partner up with one of the Doctors to protect them or any other legendary creatures we're running. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phelia, Exuberant Shepherd" href="#" target="_blank">Phelia, Exuberant Shepherd</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does work in blink decks, provided she keeps attacking. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mowu, Loyal Companion" href="#" target="_blank">Mowu, Loyal Companion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> grows big very quickly, and his decks will opt for the commander damage route, like with Dogmeat.</p>
<p>For the sake of brevity, I won't be exhuastive, and that's coming from someone who perhaps dug a little too deep at this point.</p>
<h2>An Homage to (One Of) Our Favorite Companions</h2>
<p>I covered as much ground as I could, and there's some I definitely missed. But now, I turn to you, the reader: Who's your favorite Dog commander? Favorite Dog cards, perhaps (One of mine is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Alpine Watchdog" href="#" target="_blank">Alpine Watchdog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>)?</p>
<p>In any case, I hope I've done our favorite four-legged friends enough justice, seeing as they've been at our side since time immemorial. They give so much to us in exchange for us looking after them.</p>
<p>Alas, I better stop before I get too emotional and teary-eyed, and look instead to the future. Tune back into my series, <em>Beyond the Multiverse</em>, where we may learn to bend some metal.</p>


rin and seri

EDHREC Guide to Tokens in Commander

The Dog Commanders of Magic