Zaffai and the TempestsZaffai and the Tempests | Art by Olivier Bernard

Now that Secrets of Strixhaven has hit your local game stores, it's become apparent that the Elder Dragons have stolen the spotlight. While I know a lot of players out there would love to see Witherbloom, the BalancerWitherbloom, the Balancer or Lorehold, the HistorianLorehold, the Historian peeking out at the back of their booster pack, allow me to point a spotlight towards a different legend that people may be overlooking.

Zaffai and the TempestsZaffai and the Tempests might have a high mana cost, but the effect they bring to the stage is worth it for creating some epic moments during a game.

So, join me Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks, as I cover a budget deck that you can pick up for about $45 (using TCGPlayer pricing) that'll be sure to bring the house down.

What Does Zaffai and the TempestsZaffai and the Tempests Bring to the Table?

This deck feels like a return to the early days of Commander, where big splashy spells ruled the format. These are exactly the kind of cards that Zaffai and the TempestsZaffai and the Tempests loves to see. Once this ensemble resolves, they allow you to cast an instant or sorcery from your hand for free.

This is an incredibly powerful effect, but it does come at a steep cost. Since it costs seven mana to get this band to come on stage, we'll want to ensure they can put on the best show possible.

This deck's ideal performance is all centered around casting nine impactful spells. To pull that off, we're dedicating 35 slots to card draw and ramp. So, while we build up our mana advantage, we're also drawing through the deck in order to have a big spell in hand by the time the band's on stage.

With that being said, let's get this show on the road by looking at exactly what you'll need in order to blow the roof of your next game night.

The Repertoire of Zaffai and the TempestsZaffai and the Tempests

We'll kick things off with the most important part of this deck: the big, showstopping spells.

The Showstoppers

These are the nine cards that everything else is building to. Turn after turn, you're picking up the tempo in order to hit the table with an impactful crescendo by the time Zaffai and the TempestsZaffai and the Tempests come the stage.

Here are some of the first cards I thought of when I read this commander. Casting a spell like Apex of PowerApex of Power or Soulfire EruptionSoulfire Eruption offers you a huge effect right when they resolve, helping you change the game.

I particularly like Hit the Mother LodeHit the Mother Lode for its ability to cast most of the other spells in the deck, ensuring that you'll make an impact whether you're cheating on cost, or filling the board with Treasures.

Another way to warp the game in your favor is by taking what your opponents have built, and utilizing it for yourself. Blatant ThieveryBlatant Thievery and Subjugate the HobbitsSubjugate the Hobbits lets you pull some permanents to your side of the board, while Clone LegionClone Legion lets you make a copy of someone's entire team - basically, showing that whatever you can do, I can do better.

Some additional ways to take over the game are Hunted by The FamilyHunted by The Family, which can nullify some threats or offer you an additional way to copy your opponents' hard work. Magma OpusMagma Opus gives you a whole lot of value on one card, while Beacon of TomorrowsBeacon of Tomorrows is a budget friendly extra turn spell that shuffles itself into your library to be found all over again.

Rockin' Mana Ramp

The first phase for making this deck work is by adding more mana to your board. Midnight ClockMidnight Clock ramps you, and could even draw you back up to seven in order to find those big splashy cards. Hedron ArchiveHedron Archive offers mana advantage, as well as two cards when you need them, while Stormcatch MentorStormcatch Mentor lowers the costs of the other supporting spells in this list.

As previously mentioned, there's so much ramp in this list that you could cast some of those high-priced spells for their full cost if it comes down to it.

Crowd Pleasing Card Advantage

You're going to need to dig for your showstoppers, which is exactly what cards like OptOpt and Expressive IterationExpressive Iteration do for you: digging deep into your deck, for a low cost.

Archmage of RunesArchmage of Runes draws you cards whenever you cast instants and sorceries, while lowering how much you pay for them, which ensures you're finding what you need faster than the table is ready for.

Backstage Security

Protecting your game plan is an important part of keeping this deck as consistent as possible. FoilFoil is a budget way to counter a spell for free, which can save you if someone is looking to counter Zaffai and the TempestsZaffai and the Tempests.

MiscastMiscast is a cheap way to guard your commander, since all you need to do is hold up one mana before you try to resolve the leader of the deck. Supreme WillSupreme Will is another option for protection, or just a way to dig deeper into your library if you're searching for another one of your expensive payoffs.

Zaffai and the Tempests Commander Deck List

My Final Thoughts on Zaffai and the TempestsZaffai and the Tempests

This commander truly takes me back to those early days of the format, where you could play the biggest and splashiest spells that didn't fit in your Standard decks. While this list may feel like it's a little all or nothing, that just fits right in with the rock 'n roll mindset: go big or go home!

If you'd like to see more budget content from me, you check out my other articles here on EDHREC. Which includes additional deck techs, as well as my recent edition of Bulk Up, where I cover the best commons and uncommons from Secrets of Strixhaven. Also, you can check out my YouTube channel The Pillow Fort, where I continue my mission to make Magic more accessible for everyone.