Giving "Gifts" With a Zuko, Conflicted Commander Deck

The Over/Under - Predicting the Popularity of Multicolor Avatar Commanders

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Lord Zuko" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Lord Zuko</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yuxingart/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jo Cordisco</a></em></p>
<p>Last week, I teased that I was going to cover one of the three Fire Lords: Azula, Zuko, and Ozai. Seeing the image and the title, you would already figure out who I'm covering: Zuko. I knew I wanted to cover him one day, but I needed to see the rest of the <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tla" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Avatar: The Last Airbender</a> </em>(<em>ATLA</em> going forward) set before I could tackle him.</p>
<p>We now know every card in the set, and its supplements. Armed with that knowledge, let's jump right into this deck tech.</p>
<h2>Zuko Turns Over a New Leaf</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fire Lord Zuko"></div></div>
<p>If I had told you that Toph was my favorite character in the show, that holds true still. In fact, it's a tie between Toph and Zuko (Iroh is second, if you were curious). A large part of why is his backstory. In the beginning, Zuko was bound and determined to capture the Avatar to regain his honor.</p>
<p>Tragically, this began with him speaking out of turn (which he did apologize for, in fairness). His father, Ozai, went full overkill by burning his eye and banishing him, only allowing him to return if he captured Aang. But, after the first season, he began to turn, and Iroh had been guiding him through it. His redemption arc culminated with him joining Team Avatar, fighting a psychotic Azula in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Last Agni Kai" href="#" target="_blank">The Last Agni Kai</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and becoming Fire Lord, ending the war.</p>
<p>Curiously enough, Zuko's firebending ability doesn't matter too much. It's his more flavorful exile-related ability that's the focus (but we are also running a ton of instants and activated abilities for good measure). Zuko also puts a +1/+1 counter on himself, making his firebending ability that much stronger.</p>
<h2>That's a Whole Lotta Firebending</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Big Score|fic|290"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fire Nation Archers"></div></div>
<p>With Zuko generating red mana with firebending, we'll need to find ways to use it before end of combat, when it fizzles out. The most obvious use is to cast stuff at instant speed, like combat tricks. Anything with lots of generic mana in its casting cost can be reduced because of the firebending trigger, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Big Score|fic|290" href="#" target="_blank">Big Score</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Instant speed X-spells are also really good with it, so we'll be sure to pack as many of those as we can.</p>
<p>One of the main reasons I decided to wait until now to do Zuko is because we needed payoffs for firebending. That's where cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Nation Archers" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Nation Archers</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> come in. With that, we have a mana sink that we could pour into, so that red mana doesn't go to waste. What makes things worse is that the number of payoffs we got is small, but that number goes further down once we eliminate the not-so-useful payoffs.</p>
<p>That said, there is another side to Zuko that needs to be said.</p>
<h2>Disbanding the Army</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Secure the Wastes|sld|1748"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Canoptek Scarab Swarm"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sun Warriors"></div></div>
<p>That other side? Tokens! Zuko buffs each creature (including himself) each time something is cast or played from exile. In addition, with how exile decks work, they tend to snowball, and get out of hand quickly. Meaning, the creatures we buff will become lethal threats rapidly. Cards that act like "armies in a can" like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adeline, Resplendent Cathar|fca|1" href="#" target="_blank">Adeline, Resplendent Cathar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> become very important, especially once we get things going. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Canoptek Scarab Swarm" href="#" target="_blank">Canoptek Scarab Swarm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is that, and graveyard hate as well, letting us keep those reanimation decks honest.</p>
<p>Also, cards that make tokens and work with Zuko's firebending ability became all-stars. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Secure the Wastes|sld|1748" href="#" target="_blank">Secure the Wastes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sun Warriors" href="#" target="_blank">Sun Warriors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can unload a bunch of tokens very quickly. The latter is also noteworthy for fueling its own ability, since the amount of red mana we get from firebending is equal to the number of creatures we control.</p>
<p>It goes without saying that we'll need to protect our board. Opponents will see what's going on from miles away, and will act to try and stop us. This is where cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Restoration Magic" href="#" target="_blank">Restoration Magic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Boros Charm|sld|1771" href="#" target="_blank">Boros Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> come in.</p>
<h2>Path From Exile</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Passionate Archaeologist|sld|2220"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Appa, Steadfast Guardian"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Keeper of Secrets"></div></div>
<p>I covered an exile deck <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/gwen-stacy-ghost-spider-commander-deck-tech-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not too long ago</a>, and a lot of what I said there still stands. The only real difference this time is that we're going wide. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Appa, Steadfast Guardian" href="#" target="_blank">Appa, Steadfast Guardian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will save our nonland permanents (and unfortunately resetting the counters we've been accumulating), but he allows us to recast cards from exile.</p>
<p>Sequence things right, and we're going to have a big army all over again, much to our opponents' collective dismay.</p>
<p>Conversely, we can use cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Keeper of Secrets" href="#" target="_blank">Keeper of Secrets</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Passionate Archaeologist|sld|2220" href="#" target="_blank">Passionate Archaeologist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to chip away at our opponents' life totals to soften them up for a death blow. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spider-Verse" href="#" target="_blank">Spider-Verse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will copy any card we cast from exile, giving us more value.</p>
<p>Finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wild Wasteland" href="#" target="_blank">Wild Wasteland</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will skip our draw step, but it will give us to cards to cast from exile each turn.</p>
<h2>Fire Lord Zuko Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Going Universes Beyond-Fire Lord Zuko" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Fire Lord Zuko
[/Commander]
[Instants]
*1 Anguished Unmaking
*1 Bedevil
*1 Big Score
*1 Bituminous Blast
*1 Boros Charm
*1 Clever Concealment
*1 Crush Contraband
*1 Despark
*1 Entrapment Maneuver
*1 Ephemerate
*1 Lightning Bolt
*1 Opera Love Song
*1 Overkill
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Redirect Lightning
*1 Release to Memory
*1 Restoration Magic
*1 Secure the Wastes
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 The Last Agni Kai
*1 Unexpected Windfall
*1 Utter End
[/Instants]
[Creatures]
*1 Adeline, Resplendent Cathar
*1 Appa, Steadfast Guardian
*1 Auron, Venerated Guardian
*1 Canoptek Scarab Swarm
*1 Fire Nation Archers
*1 Gimli of the Glittering Caves
*1 Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor
*1 Keeper of Secrets
*1 Kefka, Dancing Mad
*1 Loyal Apprentice
*1 Murderous Rider // Swift End
*1 Professional Face-Breaker
*1 Strago and Relm
*1 Summon: Esper Valigarmanda
*1 Sun Warriors
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Cleansing Nova
*1 Feed the Swarm
*1 Into the Time Vortex
*1 Lidless Gaze
*1 Light Up the Stage
*1 Night&#039;s Whisper
*1 Ruinous Ultimatum
*1 Throes of Chaos
*1 Toxic Deluge
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Black Market Connections
*1 Descent into Avernus
*1 Passionate Archaeologist
*1 Spider-Verse
*1 The Flux
*1 The Ruinous Powers
*1 Wild Wasteland
[/Enchantments]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Fire Nation Turret
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Talisman of Conviction
*1 Talisman of Hierarchy
*1 Talisman of Indulgence
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
[/Artifacts]
[Lands]
*1 Bojuka Bog
*1 Command Tower
*1 Desolate Mire
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Fetid Heath
*1 Foreboding Ruins
*1 Furycalm Snarl
*1 Graven Cairns
*7 Mountain
*1 Nomad Outpost
*1 Opal Palace
*7 Plains
*1 Rugged Prairie
*1 Shadowblood Ridge
*1 Shineshadow Snarl
*1 Sunscorched Divide
*7 Swamp
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Ending the War</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Descent into Avernus|sld|2176"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fire Nation Turret"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ruinous Ultimatum|fic|329"></div></div>
<p>I wish I had more mass token producers, but we'll take what we can get. This, you might say, is why we'll want to cast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ruinous Ultimatum|fic|329" href="#" target="_blank">Ruinous Ultimatum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> at the right time. It gives us a window with which to deal devastating damage with our beefy tokens, potentially closing out the game. In any case, there's plenty of cards in the deck that are best cast at the right time, like the protection spells.</p>
<p>However, given that Ruinous Ultimatum has a hefty casting cost, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Descent into Avernus|sld|2176" href="#" target="_blank">Descent into Avernus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can give us a lot of ramp, but it also damages each player. So, while it whittles down our opponents' life totals, it also brings us down as well, so proceed with caution.</p>
<p>Lastly, there's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Nation Turret" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Nation Turret</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card will take a while to build up, but anyone who's experienced the power of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherflux Reservoir" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherflux Reservoir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will tell us that it's justified. Fifty red mana is a lofty goal to reach, but getting there likely means that it reads "destroy target player." Unless, of course, we're up against those pesky <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/lifegain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lifegain</a> decks. Then we get even more work cut out for us.</p>
<p>The firebending abilities will help us charge up the turret, but our opponents will try and stop us from reaching 50.</p>
<h2>Multiversal Prosperity</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ashling, Flame Dancer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grand Crescendo"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Norin the Wary"></div></div>
<p>Going into the in-universe card pool doesn't open up too much, but it certainly gives us some better toys. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ashling, Flame Dancer" href="#" target="_blank">Ashling, Flame Dancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> ensures we get to keep what red mana we get from Zuko's firebending ability, allowing us to bypass the combat limitation. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tannuk, Steadfast Second" href="#" target="_blank">Tannuk, Steadfast Second</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives our other creatures haste, and lets us cast them from exile, assuming we warped them in first.</p>
<p>Checking out the expanded card pool also opens us up to a lot more exile options, making us potentially lean harder into it. Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cunning Rhetoric" href="#" target="_blank">Cunning Rhetoric</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a really good pillowfort card, letting us use our opponents' spells to make our board stronger if they attack us. On the other hand, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kami of Celebration" href="#" target="_blank">Kami of Celebration</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> exiles from the top of our library, and buffs our creatures, working in tandem with Zuko.</p>
<p>Lastly, while we don't get to do much to take advantage of the +1/+1 counters we'll be accruing, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dusk Legion Zealot" href="#" target="_blank">Dusk Legion Zealot</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will provide us with a steady stream of card draw, so that we don't run out of gas.</p>
<h2>Peace at Last...</h2>
<p>...or is it? Last year, I did an advent calendar, using packs to count down the days. I intend on doing it again. This time, I'll be covering them here (there's a Commander-related scheme in all of this. Also, it's possible that I'll do this with a 100% in-universe lens), and I'll be covering details on this later on, so I don't stray from the Commander focus.</p>


Fire Lord Zuko Commander Deck Tech

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Aang" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Aang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/mangamie">Fahmi Fauzi</a></em></p>
<p>Even if you're not a fan of the <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tla" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Avatar</em></a> series, our commander for the day should still be pretty familiar to you. Aang is the main protagonist of the show, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Aang" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Aang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> captures when he masters the bending of all four elements.</p>
<p>Drawing a card whenever you bend water, earth, fire, or air is a huge payoff. Plus, if you're able to bend all four in one turn, you're now ready to send Aang into the Avatar state, which takes this deck to a whole new level.</p>
<h2>This Commander Can Save the World</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards side-by-side"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Avatar Aang"></div></div>
<p>This version of Aang loves to see others utilize their bending, so the main goal with the deck is to flood your board with creatures in the early game. Then, once you've built up your team with allies and enemies from the show, you can cast your commander and start pulling in the value while you bend the elements.</p>
<p>When it comes to this list, the main goal is to highlight some of the cards from the set that progresses your strategy forward, while <em>hopefully </em>not breaking your bank.</p>
<p>Plus, I added great budget cards to the 99 from outside the set that'll fit nicely with the mechanics already in the deck, including a solid five-color landbase. So, with all that in mind, let's get started by taking a look at how each element fits into this list!</p>
<h2>Waterbending - Power in Gathering</h2>
<p><em>(While paying a waterbend cost, you can tap your artifacts and creatures to help. Each one pays 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>.)</em></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Waterbending Lesson"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Waterbender Ascension"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope" href="#" target="_blank">Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's an instance of waterbending that works great in two ways for this deck. Of course, you can try to make your creatures as big as possible, however if you activate that ability one creature/land/artifact at a time, you'll draw a card for each one you tap because of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Aang" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Aang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s ability. Now that's a lot of card advantage!</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Waterbending Lesson" href="#" target="_blank">Waterbending Lesson</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Including some standard card draw in this deck is important, just in case Aang isn't on the battlefield. However, if he is on the board, you could draw an additional card after you waterbend with this spell.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Waterbender Ascension" href="#" target="_blank">Waterbender Ascension</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This deck is relatively aggressive, which means that you'll be sending creatures into combat pretty often. With that in mind, you should be getting enough experience counters on this enchantment to start drawing even more cards, while having the option to add evasion to your board.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Earthbending - Awaken Your Manabase</h2>
<p><em>(Target land you control becomes a 0/0 creature with haste that's still a land. Put a number of +1/+1 counters on it equal to the number next to that ability. When it dies or is exiled, return it to the battlefield tapped.)</em></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Haru, Hidden Talent"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dai Li Agents"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Earthbender Ascension"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Haru, Hidden Talent" href="#" target="_blank">Haru, Hidden Talent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Since this creature is only two mana, it'll start your earthbending engine right away. Plus, once Aang is on the board, all it takes to draw some cards is by just deploying more and more Allies.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dai Li Agents" href="#" target="_blank">Dai Li Agents</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Earthbending multiple times when these Agents enter helps with building your land army. On top of that, it adds a way to close out the game if they attack and you have enough creatures with counters on your board.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Earthbender Ascension" href="#" target="_blank">Earthbender Ascension</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This enchantment does it all; not only does it help you earthbend, but it also fetches a basic land onto your board. Then when you build up those four quest counters, you'll buff up a creature and help it trample over your opponent's defenses.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Firebending - Ignite Your Combat</h2>
<p><em>(Whenever a creature with firebending attacks, add <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> equal to the number next to that ability. This mana lasts until end of combat.)</em></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zuko, Exiled Prince"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fire Nation Attacks"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Firebender Ascension"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Exiled Prince" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Exiled Prince</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Sure, this may be the version of Zuko who's hunting down Aang, however, they still work great together in this deck. Firebending 3 is already a powerful effect, especially when you can spend all that mana to gain access to the top card of your library in a pinch.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Nation Attacks" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Nation Attacks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Since Aang draws you cards each time you firebend, getting as many bodies on the board as possible that have that ability ensures you'll be refilling your hand during combat. This spell also has flashback, which means you can recast it later when you're looking for a place to spend all your red firebending mana.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Firebender Ascension" href="#" target="_blank">Firebender Ascension</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This enchantment is an absolute powerhouse in this deck. It brings you a token when it enters, which'll help unlock that second ability pretty quickly. Each time a firebending creature goes into combat, you'll get closer to doubling all your attack triggers.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Airbending - Bounce the Board</h2>
<p><em>(Exile a target. While it's exiled, its owner may cast it for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> rather than its mana cost.)</em></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Appa, Loyal Sky Bison"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Airbending Lesson"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Airbender Ascension"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Appa, Loyal Sky Bison" href="#" target="_blank">Appa, Loyal Sky Bison</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Of course, Aang needs to have Appa close by at all times, which luckily adds some airbending to the deck. Giving a creature flying during combat is helpful, and exiling one of your permanents in order to recast it later will now draw you a card in the process.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Airbending Lesson" href="#" target="_blank">Airbending Lesson</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a great way to weaponize airbending, by temporarily getting rid of someone else's threat in order to progress your own game plan. Since it's an instant, you could cast it during combat in order to utilize some of the mana you make with firebending.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Airbender Ascension" href="#" target="_blank">Airbender Ascension</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This enchantment does a whole lot for only two mana. It airbends something when it enters, while also getting to the point where you could blink a creature at the end of each of your turns.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Cards From Outside the <em>Avatar</em> Set</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Harrow"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Faeburrow Elder"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Harrow" href="#" target="_blank">Harrow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This is already a staple in the format, so its inclusion here shouldn't be too surprising, but it also pairs with earthbending in a very interesting way. If you sacrifice a land that's already been earthbended, it'll come back to the battlefield tapped, which means you won't be down a land once this spell resolves.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faeburrow Elder" href="#" target="_blank">Faeburrow Elder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's one of the best mana dorks in the format, which is luckily still in a comfortable budget range. It's perfect in this list, since <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Aang" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Aang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is four colors, allowing this Treefolk to eventually tap for four mana at a time.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Commune with Lava"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shamanic Revelation"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Commune with Lava" href="#" target="_blank">Commune with Lava</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Since this deck is filled with so many creatures with firebending, having an instant spell like this can be a great outlet for all that red mana. Gaining access to a huge chunk of cards during your combat step could truly take the table by surprise.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shamanic Revelation" href="#" target="_blank">Shamanic Revelation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: One of the deck's main goals is to get as many creatures as possible onto the board, and start bending away. So, having a spell that draws you a card for each member on your team will definitely help you out in the late game.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Become the Avalanche"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Overwhelming Stampede"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Become the Avalanche" href="#" target="_blank">Become the Avalanche</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Not only does this sorcery have a perfect name to fit thematically,it can also close out games. On top of that, this list is filled with several large creatures that'll trigger that draw effect, adding even more upside to the mix.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Overwhelming Stampede" href="#" target="_blank">Overwhelming Stampede</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Sure, this is a great callback to when Aang leads a horde of animals through Ba Sing Se, but it's also just a powerful finisher for your strategy.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Temple of Plenty"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sheltered Thicket"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Temple of Plenty" href="#" target="_blank">Temple of Plenty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: When it comes to earthbending your lands, you might end up losing a few of them during combat. If that's the case, having some of these scry lands in the deck can help get you even more value when they re-enter the battlefield after leaving it.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sheltered Thicket" href="#" target="_blank">Sheltered Thicket</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Yes, having mana fixing is important in a five-color deck like this. However, including some of these cycling lands works well with your firebending creatures. If you don't have anything to use that red mana on during combat, you can always throw these away to draw a new card.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Avatar Aang Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Avatar Aang, Master of Elements - EDHREC Article" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Avatar Aang // Aang, Master of Elements
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Appa, Loyal Sky Bison
*1 Azula, On the Hunt
*1 Badgermole
*1 Beifong&#039;s Bounty Hunters
*1 Boiling Rock Rioter
*1 Bumi, Eclectic Earthbender
*1 Dai Li Agents
*1 Earthbending Student
*1 Earthen Ally
*1 Faeburrow Elder
*1 Fire Sages
*1 Firebending Student
*1 Giant Koi
*1 Haru, Hidden Talent
*1 Katara, Bending Prodigy
*1 Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope
*1 Loyal Fire Sage
*1 North Pole Patrol
*1 Rebellious Captives
*1 Rough Rhino Cavalry
*1 Sun Warriors
*1 Toph, the Blind Bandit
*1 Uncle Iroh
*1 Vindictive Warden
*1 Water Tribe Rallier
*1 Zuko, Exiled Prince
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Avatar&#039;s Wrath
*1 Become the Avalanche
*1 Cracked Earth Technique
*1 Crashing Wave
*1 Cultivate
*1 Earth Rumble
*1 Overwhelming Stampede
*1 Shamanic Revelation
*1 Shared Roots
*1 Waterbending Lesson
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Aang&#039;s Iceberg
*1 Airbender Ascension
*1 Bitter Work
*1 Earthbender Ascension
*1 Firebender Ascension
*1 Solid Ground
*1 Waterbender Ascension
*1 Watery Grasp
[/Enchantments]
[Instants]
*1 Abrade
*1 Airbender&#039;s Reversal
*1 Airbending Lesson
*1 Commune with Lava
*1 Cycle of Renewal
*1 Energybending
*1 Enter the Avatar State
*1 Entish Restoration
*1 Fire Nation Attacks
*1 Harrow
*1 How to Start a Riot
*1 Origin of Metalbending
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Roiling Regrowth
[/Instants]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Bender&#039;s Waterskin
*1 Fellwar Stone
[/Artifacts]
[Lands]
*1 Adarkar Wastes
*1 Battlefield Forge
*1 Brushland
*1 Command Tower
*1 Exotic Orchard
*7 Forest
*1 Frontier Bivouac
*1 Game Trail
*1 Island
*1 Karplusan Forest
*1 Llanowar Wastes
*1 Mossfire Valley
*1 Mountain
*1 Overgrown Farmland
*1 Path of Ancestry
*1 Plains
*1 Promising Vein
*1 Rockfall Vale
*1 Scattered Groves
*1 Seaside Citadel
*1 Sheltered Thicket
*1 Sunpetal Grove
*1 Swamp
*1 Temple of Abandon
*1 Temple of Enlightenment
*1 Temple of Epiphany
*1 Temple of Malady
*1 Temple of Mystery
*1 Temple of Plenty
*1 Temple of Silence
*1 Temple of Triumph
*1 Yavimaya Coast
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>In Closing</h2>
<p>There you have it, a full deck built around <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Aang" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Aang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. When we first saw this card <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/magiccon-las-vegas-preview-panel-edge-of-eternities-and-more" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all those months ago</a>, it was a complete mystery just how powerful it was going to be, since we didn't know what the bending mechanics were going to look like. Now that we've seen the whole set, we now know just how powerful this legend turned out to be.</p>
<p>Aang will truly be a great home for all your favorite cards from the set, so if you open him in one of your packs, it might just be a sign that you should put this list together. Especially since it'll only run you about $20 to buy the cards from outside of the set to assist you with getting the deck in fighting shape!</p>
<p>If you've already ripped through some <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tla" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Avatar</em></a> boosters in the past week, then you should check out my latest edition of <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/best-commons-uncommons-from-avatar-the-last-airbender" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Bulk Up</em></a>. This set is jam packed with great commons and uncommons that'll slot right into your favorite decks; so do yourself a favor and don't let those collect dust if you can help it!</p>


Avatar Aang, Master of Elements Deck Tech - All the Bending, All at Once

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Exiled Prince|TLA|163" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Exiled Prince</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a:%22Nijihayashi%22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nijihayashi</a></em></p>
<p>Friendly greetings and welcome to a Bracket 2 deck tech for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Exiled Prince" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Exiled Prince</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tla" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Avatar: The Last Airbender</em></a>. In the words of Uncle Iroh, "It's time for you to look inward and start asking yourself the big questions. Who are you? And what do you want?"</p>
<p>I'm John Sherwood, and I want to build a combat trick deck. The new firebending mechanic is perfect for casting instants and paying activation costs in the best phase of the turn.</p>
<h2>Firing Back From Exile</h2>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Exiled Prince" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Exiled Prince</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is perfect for Core (Bracket 2). For starters, at four power for four mana, Zuko is playing "fair and balanced" <em>Magic</em>.</p>
<p>Zuko's two abilities support each other, making him a self-contained engine for players who like to turn their commanders sidewise. His abilities enable each other, which frees up space in the deck for more payoffs.</p>
<p>In return for declaring Zuko as an attacker, he produces <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-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>. Firebending 3 is enough to cast 75% of red instant spells. If there's no spells available to cast, then that mana can be used for activated abilities, including Zuko's own ability to pay <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-3" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> for an impulse draw.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zuko, Exiled Prince|TLA|163"></div></div>
<p>Zuko, Exiled Prince is an easy flavor win for the design team. <em>Magic</em>'s take on firebending embraces the proactive nature of the Fire Nation. Meanwhile, Zuko's activated ability showcases his tenacity and improvisation. The play from exile effect may be overplaying the bit, but I'm here for it.</p>
<p>Very few characters could be more red than Zuko before his redemption arc. Hot-tempered, impulsive, and aggressive, the Zuko of <em>Book One: Water</em> is portrayed perfectly on this card. As much as possible, I included flavor-forward cards in the list.</p>
<h2>Firebending Basics</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Coming In Hot"></div></div>
<p>Primarily, quantity and time are the two firebending constraints the deck has to work around. Netting three mana for attacking is nice, but it's easy come, easy go. That mana must be used during combat.</p>
<p>These factors prescribe the most important card choices for a firebending focus. Zuko needs spells and abilities without sorcery timing restrictions.</p>
<p>Additionally, many opponents will have blockers by the time Zuko is ready to attack. The 99 must include cards that help Zuko bypass or remove those pesky blocking creatures. The best options either buff Zuko directly, or aid Zuko indirectly by removing blockers.</p>
<p>In two words: combat tricks.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fateful End"></div></div>
<p>Again, there are over 400 red instants for three mana or less. Thirty-one made the final cut for the list, and most of these are either pump effects, evasion, or removal. Another four cards provide an instant combat trick via Adventures.</p>
<p>Sixteen of the instant spells are mana value two, another ten are mana value one, and can therefore be paired in different ways to multi-spell with Zuko's trigger. Also, nine of the chosen instants come with the added benefit of scrying, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kindled Heroism" href="#" target="_blank">Kindled Heroism</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kindled Heroism"></div></div>
<p>With so many existing fire references in red, it's easy to find flavorful cards for a Zuko deck. However, not all flavor picks are created equal. My favorite combat trick in the deck is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fists of Flame|CMM|223" href="#" target="_blank">Fists of Flame</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. From top to bottom, this card could simply be reskinned for Zuko. The card name calls out some of Zuko's signature moves, and the art might as well be a firebender.</p>
<p>Even the flavor text is nearly perfect:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fists of Flame|CMM|223"></div></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"Fire has always been my most faithful companion." —Jared Carthalion</em></p>
<h2>A Swordsman and a Bender</h2>
<p>For additional fast casting, there's six permanents with flash. Five of these are Equipment that attach when they enter. To be fair, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quick-Draw Dagger" href="#" target="_blank">Quick-Draw Dagger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> isn't winning any games, but it's my homage to Zuko's pearl Earth Kingdom dagger. Hopefully the <em>Avatar</em> set gives us Zuko's dagger on a card, but this one is fine as a substitute.</p>
<p>The heater in this category is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Embercleave" href="#" target="_blank">Embercleave</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. With Embercleave's cost reduction and just two other attackers, Zuko produces enough mana to cast the sword and threaten an opponent with ten commander damage.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Embercleave"></div></div>
<p>Next come the activated abilities. Zuko is a firebender; he can literally exhale fire. So here's four fire breathing enchantments:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crown of Flames" href="#" target="_blank">Crown of Flames</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Draconic Destiny" href="#" target="_blank">Draconic Destiny</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fiery Mantle" href="#" target="_blank">Fiery Mantle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghitu Firebreathing" href="#" target="_blank">Ghitu Firebreathing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p>As long as one of these is in play, there's an easy outlet to turn Zuko's mana into damage. Truthfully, there are more enchantments like these in the available card pool. However, these made the cut because they protect the investment. Red's recursion doesn't cover enchantments. Each of the chosen enchantments has a mechanism to get it back in hand.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghitu Firebreathing"></div></div>
<p>My favorite mana sink in this deck is much more subtle than firebreathing. This enchantment can turn combat on its head. It's one part politics, one part tax, and one part evasion. It's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="War Cadence" href="#" target="_blank">War Cadence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="War Cadence"></div></div>
<p>Politically, this card is a tool to manipulate your opponents into attacking each other. As a tax, it pressures vulnerable players to choose between holding up mana to block, or playing out their own hands. Finally, against any opponent that can't pay the tax, War Cadence guarantees creatures hit players.</p>
<p>Often, mono-red decks struggle to use War Cadence effectively. The card is very mana intensive, which is why it'll always perform in a Zuko deck. Zuko provides the mana to use War Cadence offensively, saving mana from other source for other uses.</p>
<h2><em>"Break His Root" </em>- Iroh</h2>
<p>Let's talk about <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fog" href="#" target="_blank">Fog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I love playing Fog effects in other colors. Fogs are underplayed in Commander, unless I'm the aggro player. When I play red aggro, I enjoy anti-Fog. The words "damage can't be prevented" are music to a red mage's ears.</p>
<p>Not only is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Call In a Professional" href="#" target="_blank">Call In a Professional</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> an anti-Fog, it puts in extra work by disallowing lifegain and burning a target. This card is a multitool, with the potential to be a finisher.</p>
<p>This is also one of my flavor picks. The name of the card reminds me of a couple mercenary moments in <em>Avatar</em>'s first season. One, when Zuko hires the bounty hunter June to track the Katara's scent with her shirshu mount. The other when Admiral Zhao hires pirates to blow up Zuko's ship.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Call In a Professional"></div></div>
<p>There are two facts every combat deck must come to terms with in Commander. First is the higher, combined life totals of the opponents. Three opponents with a combined 120 life is a lot for a creature with four base power. Second is the parity of combat steps. This deck will win by breaking that parity to overcome the disproportionate distribution of life points.</p>
<p>One way to do this is extra combats. There are six extra combat creatures in the deck - not enough for a dedicated extra combat theme, but enough to make regular appearances.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Combat Celebrant"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Balduvian Rage" href="#" target="_blank">Balduvian Rage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another solid finisher. With Zuko's mana alone, it's just +2/0. That's fine in the early game. In the late game, with more resources available, this card can eliminate a player.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Balduvian Rage"></div></div>
<p>In general, this deck is going to win one attack step at a time. It'll be vulnerable to many of the free value engines that run rampant through the format, but that's ok. The theme still matters in Bracket 2.</p>
<p>While it isn't a true Voltron strategy, I feel this deck is too focused on eliminating players to honestly belong in Bracket 1.</p>
<h2>Zuko, Exiled Prince Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Zuko" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Zuko, Exiled Prince
[/Commander]
[Enchantments]
*1 Crown of Flames
*1 Draconic Destiny
*1 Fiery Mantle
*1 Ghitu Firebreathing
*1 Rising of the Day
*1 Tempered in Solitude
*1 Virtue of Courage // Embereth Blaze
*1 War Cadence
[/Enchantments]
[Instants]
*1 Abrade
*1 Balduvian Rage
*1 Blazing Crescendo
*1 Brute Strength
*1 Bulk Up
*1 Calibrated Blast
*1 Call In a Professional
*1 Coming In Hot
*1 Daring Escape
*1 Dreadmaw&#039;s Ire
*1 Fateful End
*1 Fists of Flame
*1 Furious Bellow
*1 Ghostfire
*1 Ghostfire Slice
*1 Heightened Reflexes
*1 Incinerate
*1 Inordinate Rage
*1 Kindled Heroism
*1 Magma Jet
*1 Punishing Fire
*1 Run Amok
*1 Rush of Adrenaline
*1 Samut&#039;s Sprint
*1 Siege Smash
*1 Slaying Fire
*1 Soul&#039;s Fire
*1 Titan&#039;s Strength
*1 Whirling Strike
*1 Wild Slash
*1 You Come to the Gnoll Camp
[/Instants]
[Artifacts]
*1 Coral Sword
*1 Dueling Rapier
*1 Embercleave
*1 Glittering Stockpile
*1 Horizon Stone
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Mirran Banesplitter
*1 Quick-Draw Dagger
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Two-Handed Axe // Sweeping Cleave
[/Artifacts]
[Creatures]
*1 Bloodthirster
*1 Bonecrusher Giant // Stomp
*1 Combat Celebrant
*1 Fire Sages
*1 Karlach, Fury of Avernus
*1 Merchant of the Vale // Haggle
*1 Moraug, Fury of Akoum
*1 Port Razer
*1 Scourge of the Throne
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Cosmotronic Wave
*1 Hazardous Blast
*1 Vandalblast
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*1 Arena of Glory
*1 Blast Zone
*1 Bonders&#039; Enclave
*1 Castle Embereth
*1 Forgotten Cave
*1 Lindblum, Industrial Regency // Mage Siege
*27 Mountain
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Shivan Gorge
*1 Talon Gates of Madara
*1 Terrain Generator
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2><em>"I rise with the sun." </em>- Zuko</h2>
<p>The sun is rising on a set I've been waiting for since the dawn of the Universes Beyond era. At the time of this writing, the <em>Avatar</em> preview stream is tomorrow, and I'm riding a wave of hype. I'm really looking forward to seeing new cards that could improve this list.</p>
<p>Since firebending is a main set mechanic, Zuko is sure to get more support from <em>Magic</em> than he got from most of the Fire Nation. More than anything, this deck needs a mono-red version of Uncle Iroh.</p>
<p>From a gameplay standpoint, this deck will slot neatly into the <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/commander-philosophy-the-brackets-have-updated-do-these-changes-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently updated guidelines</a> for Bracket 2. There's no <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changers</a>, and the incremental game plan will certainly take at least eight turns to execute.</p>
<p>What are you most excited for with <em>Avatar's </em>imminent set release? What obvious picks did I miss for this deck? Is there another direction you would take firebending? Tell me in the comments below.</p>
<h3>More <em>Avatar</em>:</h3>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="f89RLqGmfI"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/suki-kyoshi-warrior-bracket-3-commander-deck-tech/">Suki, Kyoshi Warrior Bracket 3 Commander Deck Tech</a></p></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="dCudo5EC9K"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/building-ally-typal-with-haru-hidden-talent/">Building Ally Typal with Haru, Hidden Talent</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Building Ally Typal with Haru, Hidden Talent&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/building-ally-typal-with-haru-hidden-talent/embed/#?secret=yDKjmCWPH0#?secret=dCudo5EC9K" data-secret="dCudo5EC9K" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="mt1sHE8vfJ"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/avatar-the-last-airbender-preview-season-debut-stream-spoilers/">Avatar: The Last Airbender Preview Season Debut Stream Spoilers</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Avatar: The Last Airbender Preview Season Debut Stream Spoilers&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/avatar-the-last-airbender-preview-season-debut-stream-spoilers/embed/#?secret=waF5cfrZjG#?secret=mt1sHE8vfJ" data-secret="mt1sHE8vfJ" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>


Firebending With Zuko, Exiled Prince - Commander Deck Tech

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Avatar Hunter" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Avatar Hunter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://rafater.artstation.com/">Rafater</a></em></p>
<p><em>Magic</em>'s<em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tla"> Avatar: The Last Airbender</a></em> set may be a few months away, but we've already gotten a glimpse of several powerful commanders it'll bring into the format. One such legend is none other than everyone's favorite honor-driven prince, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Avatar Hunter" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Avatar Hunter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card perfectly captures his character in the early episodes of the series as he sets out with a ship full of Fire Nation soldiers, dead set on finding the Avatar.</p>
<h2>Hey, Zuko Here</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zuko, Avatar Hunter"></div></div>
<p>Hailing from the set's <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tle"><em>Jumpstart</em> product</a>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Avatar Hunter" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Avatar Hunter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be your own personal army in a can. When I read that he creates a creature token whenever you cast a red spell, the main goal of the deck started to become clear: set yourself up for one big turn. If you're able lay low in the early game and then simply deploy a few payoffs before casting your commander, it can make for a mid to late game for the ages.</p>
<p>So, as we look through this deck, you'll notice there's a few ways to obtain incremental advantage in your set up phase, which will lead to big bursts of value when you're ready to go off. I highly recommend playtesting the deck on Archidekt once you're finished with this article to get a true sense of how powerful this strategy can be.</p>
<p>Speaking of power, there's something we need to get out of the way first and foremost...</p>
<h2>The Infinite Combo</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grinning Ignus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Runaway Steam-Kin"></div></div>
<p>Even though this deck is budget-friendly, that doesn't mean it can't contain a <em>nasty</em> two-card combo. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grinning Ignus" href="#" target="_blank">Grinning Ignus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Runaway Steam-Kin" href="#" target="_blank">Runaway Steam-Kin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> interact with each other in a very interesting way. Below is a brief overview of the combo, but you can read more about it <a href="https://edhrec.com/combos/mono-red/411-3101">here on EDHREC.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-25-170949.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-163248" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-25-170949-300x199.png" alt="" width="868" height="576" srcset="https://edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-25-170949-300x199.png 300w, https://edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-25-170949-1024x680.png 1024w, https://edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-25-170949-768x510.png 768w, https://edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-25-170949.png 1185w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px" /></a></p>
<p>As you can see, this interaction will give you infinite Soldier tokens if <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Avatar Hunter" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Avatar Hunter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is on the board. That would squarely put this deck in Bracket (3) Upgraded, since those lists can contain late game two-card infinite combos. However, be sure to bring it up in your pregame discussion so your opponents aren't caught off guard.</p>
<p>This list already runs several cards that would close out the game right away if all the pieces are in place. When this combo is paired with effects that burn the table when creatures enter, you can reduce your opponents' life totals to zero on the spot. Also, if you have any haste-enablers, you can take everyone out with one big attack. Let's take a look at some of those spells now.</p>
<h2>Burn Triggers</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Impact Tremors"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Weftstalker Ardent"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Molten Gatekeeper"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Impact Tremors" href="#" target="_blank">Impact Tremors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: a true Commander all-star, this enchantment is a cheap and efficient way to add damage to every creature that joins your ranks.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Weftstalker Ardent" href="#" target="_blank">Weftstalker Ardent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: new from <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/eoe">Edge of Eternities</a></em>, this creature can spend turn after turn pinging your opponents if you cast it for its regular cost, or you can warp it in for a single turn when you need that burn damage the most.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Molten Gatekeeper" href="#" target="_blank">Molten Gatekeeper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: here's another useful way to lower your foes' life totals, all while having that unearth option to temporarily get it back on the turn you're ready to close out the game.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Haste-Enablers</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mass Hysteria"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Roar of Resistance"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bitter Reunion"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mass Hysteria" href="#" target="_blank">Mass Hysteria</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: a simple and cheap way to add haste to your board, but it comes with a price: the entire table also gets that effect, so be sure to only cast this when you're ready to pop off with your deck.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Roar of Resistance" href="#" target="_blank">Roar of Resistance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: even though this enchantment only gives haste to your tokens, that'll usually be the way you close out games with this list. Plus, it also offers some tricky combat politics with that pump effect, which can even benefit your opponents' creatures if they attack someone else.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bitter Reunion" href="#" target="_blank">Bitter Reunion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: this spell works great in the deck by giving you card selection in the early game and then granting haste to your whole board for only one mana in the late game.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What Makes up the Deck</h2>
<p>Now it's time to focus on the rest of the deck and what makes up the 99. As stated before, the gameplan is to build up a big board of value pieces and then capitalize on it by chaining spells together once your commander is out.</p>
<h2>Mana Advantage</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cursed Mirror"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sunset Strikemaster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zookeeper Mechan"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cursed Mirror" href="#" target="_blank">Cursed Mirror</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: not only is this a ramp spell that triggers your commander, but on the turn you're looking to go off, it can come down as a copy of the best creature on the board to assist you with closing out the game.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunset Strikemaster" href="#" target="_blank">Sunset Strikemaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: this creature fills two whole roles in this deck, providing ramp and even removal all on its own.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zookeeper Mechan" href="#" target="_blank">Zookeeper Mechan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: here's a brand-new mana dork that's a great blocker when you need it and even gives you a way to pump a creature if you really need it... I mean really, really need it, because that ability costs a lot to activate.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mana Geyser"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glittering Stockpile"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Battle Hymn"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mana Geyser" href="#" target="_blank">Mana Geyser</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: when it comes time to close out the game, this spell will be your best friend. The sheer amount of mana this offers will give you all the fuel you need to chain your red spells together.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glittering Stockpile" href="#" target="_blank">Glittering Stockpile</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: this mana rock helps you cast spells as the game goes on, all while growing counters that can be cashed in for a burst of mana during the late game.</li>
<li><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>: if the deck is building out a big board, like I know it can, this spell could offer you a huge chunk of mana to keep your engine rolling when you need it the most.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Card Advantage</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inspired Tinkering"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Snort"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Subira, Tulzidi Caravanner"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inspired Tinkering" href="#" target="_blank">Inspired Tinkering</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: a great mix of a ritual and card advantage, this sorcery is your best friend in the deck. On the turn you pop off, this gives you everything you need.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Snort" href="#" target="_blank">Snort</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: something I consistently noticed while playtesting this deck is that after your deck pops off, you can sometimes be stuck with only a few cards in hand. This wheel effect will help ensure you don't get caught defenseless after a win attempt goes awry.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Subira, Tulzidi Caravanner" href="#" target="_blank">Subira, Tulzidi Caravanner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: not only does this legend offer evasion to your tokens, it also can make for a huge hand refill when all of them swing into your opponents.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dark-Dweller Oracle"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brazen Cannonade"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ecstatic Beauty"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dark-Dweller Oracle" href="#" target="_blank">Dark-Dweller Oracle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: sometimes your Soldier tokens will need to be sacrificed for the cause and get cashed in for card advantage. The Dark-Dweller is a great way to ensure you don't get stuck without action for your gameplan.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brazen Cannonade" href="#" target="_blank">Brazen Cannonade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: since this deck is designed to be pretty aggressive, you're bound to have a lot of big combat steps during your turn. Not only does this make your opponents have tricky blocks, but it also gives you access to an additional card each turn.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ecstatic Beauty" href="#" target="_blank">Ecstatic Beauty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: three mana for the ability to play three new cards is a solid rate. However, in this deck, you can suspend this spell for only one mana and time it out to resolve on the turn you're ready to go off with your commander.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Bursts of Spells</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invoke Calamity"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mizzix&#039;s Mastery"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ignite the Future"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invoke Calamity" href="#" target="_blank">Invoke Calamity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: this is a card I've wanted to build with for a while and this deck is perfect for it. It offers you three spells in one, which means you'll also create three Soldiers with Zuko.</li>
<li><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>: if you cast this sorcery for its normal cost, you'll still get two casts for the price of one. However, if you overload it, that could make for a pretty impactful game-ender.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ignite the Future" href="#" target="_blank">Ignite the Future</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: here's another way to get access to a few cards for a limited amount of time while also having a mode that casts those spells for free if you flash this back.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tricky Includes</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tarnation Vista"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Crown of Flames"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><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>: since this creature has a mana value of zero while still being red, Zuko will make you a Soldier when you cast this Kobold for free.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tarnation Vista" href="#" target="_blank">Tarnation Vista</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: this land is incredible in the list and should be in a lot more mono-colored decks out there. Once you've assembled an army of creatures, it could generate you a huge burst of mana.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crown of Flames" href="#" target="_blank">Crown of Flames</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: while this doesn't go infinite, it can go <em>a lot</em>. For two mana in total, you can cast it and bounce it back to your hand. Repeat that process as many times as you want, and you'll get a Soldier each time.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Full Decklist</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Zuko, Avatar Hunter - EDHREC Article" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Zuko, Avatar Hunter
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Dark-Dweller Oracle
*1 Dragon&#039;s Rage Channeler
*1 Erebor Flamesmith
*1 Firespitter Whelp
*1 Grinning Ignus
*1 Hanweir Garrison
*1 Manaform Hellkite
*1 Molten Gatekeeper
*1 Party Thrasher
*1 Pinnacle Monk // Mystic Peak
*1 Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh
*1 Runaway Steam-Kin
*1 Shock Brigade
*1 Storm-Kiln Artist
*1 Subira, Tulzidi Caravanner
*1 Sunset Strikemaster
*1 Trumpeting Carnosaur
*1 Weftstalker Ardent
*1 Young Pyromancer
*1 Zookeeper Mechan
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Abrade
*1 Ancestors&#039; Aid
*1 Battle Hymn
*1 Big Score
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Commune with Lava
*1 Display of Power
*1 Expedite
*1 Fists of Flame
*1 Invoke Calamity
*1 Opera Love Song
*1 Wild Magic Surge
*1 Zoyowa&#039;s Justice
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Ancestral Anger
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Ecstatic Beauty
*1 Embrace the Unknown
*1 Faithless Looting
*1 Forbidden Friendship
*1 Glimpse the Impossible
*1 Haze of Rage
*1 Ignite the Future
*1 Inspired Tinkering
*1 Insult // Injury
*1 Let the Galaxy Burn
*1 Mana Geyser
*1 Mizzix&#039;s Mastery
*1 Rob the Archives
*1 Snort
*1 Strike It Rich
*1 Warlord&#039;s Fury
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Bitter Reunion
*1 Brazen Cannonade
*1 Crown of Flames
*1 Impact Tremors
*1 Mass Hysteria
*1 Raid Bombardment
*1 Roar of Resistance
*1 Shared Animosity
[/Enchantments]
[Artifacts]
*1 Cursed Mirror
*1 Glittering Stockpile
*1 Sol Ring
[/Artifacts]
[Lands]
*1 Castle Embereth
*1 Conduit Pylons
*1 Den of the Bugbear
*1 Dwarven Mine
*1 Dwarven Ruins
*1 Forgotten Cave
*1 Hanweir Battlements
*1 Hidden Grotto
*1 Hidden Volcano
*1 Isolated Watchtower
*1 Mines of Moria
*1 Smoldering Crater
*1 Spinerock Knoll
*1 Tarnation Vista
*1 War Room
*22 Mountain
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>In Closing</h2>
<p>As you might have gathered from reading my article last week for <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-cabbage-merchant-budget-commander-deck-tech">The Cabbage Merchant</a>, <em>Avatar</em> means a lot to me, and Zuko happens to be my all-time favorite character in the series. I wanted to do him justice with this deck and capture the reckless and bullish nature he had at the start of the show.</p>
<p>At this point in the series, Zuko was so loyal to the Fire Nation that he was willing to burn down cities for a family that sent him into exile and spend his whole life searching for something that could never be found.</p>
<p>As we see more cards from this set, I'm making it my mission to help bridge the gap between <em>Magic</em> players who aren't yet fans of the series and the amazing world from the show. If you want to learn more about Avatar and the meaning behind these cards, check out my <a href="https://youtu.be/af7NlJgLIpA?si=JvORKlvm7CNuCulN">YouTube channel</a> where I made a video on just that topic.</p>


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