(Gemhide SliverGemhide Sliver | Art by Alayna Danner)

The Problem with Slivers

Welcome to Too-Specific Top 10, where if there isn’t a category to rank our pet card at the top of, we’ll just make one up! (Did you know that Duke Ulder RavengardDuke Ulder Ravengard is the only commander that can give your Slivers Myriad?)

So, you want to play Slivers, but you keep getting hated off the table before the game even starts. How on earth does this keep happening?

Well... it keeps happening because it's the only thing that can happen. Put simply, every single Sliver commander is kill on sight. From the oldest, Sliver QueenSliver Queen, being a combo machine, to the newest, Sliver GravemotherSliver Gravemother, being too aggro to let stay in play (or in the graveyard), every single Sliver commander is too much of a problem to let live.

Honestly, though, I think that's only half of the problem. The other half is that every single Sliver commander is five-color, meaning that you always get to play the best Slivers in the 99, as well. So, I figure why not be a bit more discreet about our Sliver intentions, and find a nice, less-than-five-color "Sliver" commander?

Top 10 Sliver Copy Commanders

With all legendary Slivers being five-color, we're going to have to do some soul searching about what being a Sliver commander is, in spirit. For me, that starts with the question of "what do Slivers want?"

The only possible answer? More. Slivers want more Slivers, by their very nature. So when it comes to a "Sliver" commander, why not take a look at the commanders that can make not just more Slivers, but more specific Slivers?

Making a copy of your average Sliver just gives you one more Sliver. There are a subset of them, however, that not only would making a copy give you an extra body, it would also give you another copy of their effect. Two Muscle SliverMuscle Slivers, for instance, will give all your Slivers +2/+2, a boon at the most basic level. That's pretty good, but where things really kick off is when you get into Slivers that give triggered abilities, which will now get two instances of said ability every time said trigger happens. Every Sliver that enters while you have two copies of Harmonic SliverHarmonic Sliver in play? Destroy two artifacts or enchantments. Every instance of damage to a Sliver while you have two Spiteful SliverSpiteful Slivers in play? Deal double that back to a player. That's the kind of nonsense that can get out of control, fast.

So, with our gameplan set, why don't we take a look at what our options are?

Criteria: Commanders that can copy or clone nonlegendary, nonartifact, nontoken Slivers or Sliver spells. As is tradition, all results are ordered by EDHREC score, although in this case we will be ranking by commander score.

10. Rionya, Fire DancerRionya, Fire Dancer

(Helms 2,774 Decks, Rank #444; 21,912 Inclusions, 1% of 2,099,563 Decks)

We wanted less colors, and Rionya, Fire DancerRionya, Fire Dancer took us seriously about that. Still, with 23 Slivers in red, it's not like we don't have options to choose from. Some are absolutely back-breaking in multiples, as well.

While the two-deep combination of Cleaving SliverCleaving Sliver and Bonesplitter SliverBonesplitter Sliver are what you'll be hunting for most of the time, the real gut-punch is much more niche. Spiteful SliverSpiteful Sliver is impactful enough on its own, even getting multiple triggers with multiple copies that could add up quickly. If you were to get multiple copies of Hunter SliverHunter Sliver, however, that is when things would get really interesting. With Provoke stacking, each Sliver who attacks could have multiple creatures required to block it specifically, and then that damage would get reflected to your opponent while your other Slivers get through undeterred. That's just a game-winning strategy, that is.

9. Preston, the VanisherPreston, the Vanisher

(Helms 2,978 Decks, Rank #418; 19,371 Inclusions, 1% of 1,797,808 Decks)

All in all, you will not find an easier way to get copies of Slivers than this here Rabbit Wizard, so let's really consider what mono-white Slivers would look like.

Top 10 Mono-White Slivers

1. Sentinel SliverSentinel Sliver
2. Bonescythe SliverBonescythe Sliver
3. Sinew SliverSinew Sliver
4. Constricting SliverConstricting Sliver
5. Pulmonic SliverPulmonic Sliver
6. Essence SliverEssence Sliver
7. Ward SliverWard Sliver
8. Regal SliverRegal Sliver
9. Sidewinder SliverSidewinder Sliver
10. Lancer SliverLancer Sliver

Well, if we were concerned about a lack of options, I don't think we should have been. While there isn't as much pump as there is in green or even red, we still have Sinew SliverSinew Sliver to keep things going on offense, and Plated SliverPlated Sliver to keep them alive. Even better, First Sliver's ChosenFirst Sliver's Chosen can grant multiple instances of Exalted, which will keep a single attacking Sliver or commander in the one-shot range. On the triggered abilities side, Constricting SliverConstricting Sliver will keep the threats and blockers thin across the table, while multiple copies of the notably-not-lifelink Essence SliverEssence Sliver will keep your life total in the triple digits. Ward SliverWard Sliver will give all your slivers protection from two colors, and Regal SliverRegal Sliver will get you a non-trample OverrunOverrun every turn while Sidewinder SliverSidewinder Sliver deletes any would-be blockers. The list isn't endless, but it is more than enough to put together a strange, mono-white Rabbit-Sliver-Illusion hybrid. Just keep in mind that your Illusions won't be Slivers themselves, at least without HivestoneHivestone.

8. Satya, Aetherflux GeniusSatya, Aetherflux Genius

(Helms 3,158 Decks, Rank #388; 1,278 Inclusions, 1% of 100,478 Decks)

If mono-color isn't a problem, then we already know that three-color won't be. No, the main hurdle with Satya, Aetherflux GeniusSatya, Aetherflux Genius is that we're going to have to combine a Sliver deck and an energy deck, which is going to be a pretty split focus. Or will we? Making copies that stick around would be nice, but just making a copy of your best Sliver every combat is still very good, even if it goes away at the end of turn. Heck, even if you ignore energy completely, you'll still keep some of your cheaper Slivers around every turn or two, just off the back of your commander. In other words, welcome, double copies of Hunter SliverHunter Sliver, Lavabelly SliverLavabelly Sliver, and Bonesplitter SliverBonesplitter Sliver!

7. Araumi of the Dead TideAraumi of the Dead Tide

(Helms 3,443 Decks, Rank #354; 6,781 Inclusions, 1% of 1,091,335 Decks)

Now, let's be honest here: Is Araumi of the Dead TideAraumi of the Dead Tide just bad Sliver GravemotherSliver Gravemother? Yes, yes it is. I would remind you, however, that that is also the purpose of this assignment. The bigger deal is probably that we're going to have to include some self-mill alongside our Slivers, but it's not like we weren't going to end up playing Patriarch's BiddingPatriarch's Bidding anyhow.

6. Runo StromkirkRuno Stromkirk

(Helms 4,598 Decks, Rank #262; 2,891 Inclusions, 0% of 1,091,335 Decks)

Okay, now this one might just be bad. Six-mana Slivers to flip Runo StromkirkRuno Stromkirk don't abound even in five-color, but there are actually zero Slivers or Changelings in Dimir that cost six or more. Unfortunately, this one is just a bust, no matter how you look at it.

5. The MimeoplasmThe Mimeoplasm

(Helms 5,444 Decks, Rank #200; 4,933 Inclusions, 1% of 484,463 Decks)

Including green, however, does improve things somewhat. While you're never going to get a truly huge MimeoplasmMimeoplasm by relying on Slivers alone, just having backup copies of staple Slivers like Shifting SliverShifting Sliver, Megantic SliverMegantic Sliver, or Lazotep SliverLazotep Sliver. With all that said, it's not like you're getting extra copies of Slivers by doing this, you're just introducing some resiliency. I imagine even if we're in love with this color combination, we can still find a better way to do it, somewhere on the list.

4. Brenard, Ginger SculptorBrenard, Ginger Sculptor

(Helms 6,525 Decks, Rank #138; 769 Inclusions, 0% of 292,414 Decks)

Well, it's still kind of more resiliency than extra copies, but BrenardBrenard still seems more than worth doing. You'll have to bring your own sacrifice effects if you want to go full Aristocrats, as both Mnemonic SliverMnemonic Sliver and Victual SliverVictual Sliver seem a bit subpar. Still, it doesn't seem like it will be all that difficult to make "my Slivers come right back as gingerbread men when they die" into a winning strategy.

3. Orvar, the All-FormOrvar, the All-Form

(Helms 7,109 Decks, Rank #119; 11,109 Inclusions, 1% of 2,118,994 Decks)

All right, if we're looking to not get hated off a table before play even starts, we're not going to accomplish that with Orvar, the All-FormOrvar, the All-Form. Still, I am a bit interested about how gross you could make it, so let's take a look at the mono-blue Sliver options:

Top 10 Mono-Blue Slivers

1. Galerider SliverGalerider Sliver
2. Shifting SliverShifting Sliver
3. Diffusion SliverDiffusion Sliver
4. Winged SliverWinged Sliver
5. Synapse SliverSynapse Sliver
6. Taunting SliverTaunting Sliver
7. Shadow SliverShadow Sliver
8. Telekinetic SliverTelekinetic Sliver
9. Synchronous SliverSynchronous Sliver
10. Mesmeric SliverMesmeric Sliver

I don't think it's a hot take to say that blue is maybe the worst Sliver color, but there are still a few options that would be absolutely brutal in multiples. Synapse SliverSynapse Sliver in the amount of multiples that OrvarOrvar can provide might end with you accidentally decking yourself, for instance. Taunting SliverTaunting Sliver in multiples will all but ensure that you won't lose the game to combat damage. Finally, you might lose friends in real life if you carry through on the "ten copies of Mesmeric SliverMesmeric Sliver" plan.

2. Myrkul, Lord of BonesMyrkul, Lord of Bones

(Helms 8,013 Decks, Rank #100; 3,076 Inclusions, 1% of 465,107 Decks)

Enchantment Slivers seems like a stretch, even if they're harder to remove. I'm also not in love with MyrkulMyrkul's costing seven mana, even if he gives my Slivers a pseudo-second lease on life. With that said, unlike The MimeoplasmThe Mimeoplasm, I'm less positive you're going to find another viable outlet for Abzhan Slivers, and I know for a fact that there are no more copy commanders in this particular color combination.

1. Sakashima of a Thousand FacesSakashima of a Thousand Faces

(Partners 12,203 Decks; 71,772 Inclusions, 3% of 2,118,994 Decks)

Getting a single copy of another Sliver at four mana doesn't blow me away, and we can't really abuse the legend rule shenanigans in Slivers specifically without going five-color. With all that said, picking out a color combination and another commander that will help out with the Sliver gameplan is exciting, so let's take a look at the other Partner options via the other things Slivers might want to succeed in their main game-plan of more Slivers:

Card Advantage

• Tevesh Szat, Doom of FoolsTevesh Szat, Doom of Fools
• Thrasios, Triton HeroThrasios, Triton Hero
• Tymna the WeaverTymna the Weaver
• Kraum, Ludevic's OpusKraum, Ludevic's Opus
• Ravos, SoultenderRavos, Soultender
• Ludevic, Necro-AlchemistLudevic, Necro-Alchemist

Ramp

• Kodama of the East TreeKodama of the East Tree
• Gilanra, Caller of WirewoodGilanra, Caller of Wirewood
• Alena, Kessig TrapperAlena, Kessig Trapper
• Kydele, Chosen of KruphixKydele, Chosen of Kruphix

Aggro

• Jeska, Thrice RebornJeska, Thrice Reborn
• Akroma, Vision of IxidorAkroma, Vision of Ixidor
• Bruse Tarl, Boorish HerderBruse Tarl, Boorish Herder
• Alharu, Solemn RitualistAlharu, Solemn Ritualist

There are also some Changeling options in Malcolm, Keen-Eyed NavigatorMalcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator, Breeches, Brazen PlundererBreeches, Brazen Plunderer, or Miara, Thorn of the GladeMiara, Thorn of the Glade, but overall, none of these options sing to me. Don't get me wrong, SakashimaSakashima and TymnaTymna would absolutely make for a great Sliver deck in unique colors you're not going to find anywhere else. But they also kind of bore me, and I'm not sure that they achieve the "don't get hated off the table before the game starts" goal of this endeavor, either.

And honestly? I feel the same about most of this list. So with that in mind, let's move on to the Honorable Mentions, and see if we can't save this whole premise, shall we?

Honorable Mentions

All right, so I wasn't really moved to make a deck out of any of our top ten. What else we got?

The Rest of the Top Sliver Copy Commanders

11. Rionya, Fire DancerRionya, Fire Dancer: 2774
12. Volrath, the ShapestealerVolrath, the Shapestealer: 2602
13. Delina, Wild MageDelina, Wild Mage: 2113
14. Feldon of the Third PathFeldon of the Third Path: 1952
15. Hofri GhostforgeHofri Ghostforge: 1858
16. Zinnia, Valley's VoiceZinnia, Valley's Voice: 1777
17. Duke Ulder RavengardDuke Ulder Ravengard: 1618
18. Jaxis, the TroublemakerJaxis, the Troublemaker: 1419
19. The Twelfth DoctorThe Twelfth Doctor: 1417
20. Lazav, the MultifariousLazav, the Multifarious: 1336
21. Saheeli, the Sun's BrillianceSaheeli, the Sun's Brilliance: 1177
22. Gyrus, Waker of CorpsesGyrus, Waker of Corpses: 857
23. Lazav, Familiar StrangerLazav, Familiar Stranger: 216
24. The Ever-Changing 'DaneThe Ever-Changing 'Dane: 720
25. Ludevic, NecrogeniusLudevic, Necrogenius: 247
26. The Master, Formed AnewThe Master, Formed Anew: 347
27. Kiki-Jiki, Mirror BreakerKiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker: 841
28. Sakashima the ImpostorSakashima the Impostor: 419
29. Orthion, Hero of LavabrinkOrthion, Hero of Lavabrink: 952
30. Moritte of the FrostMoritte of the Frost: 816
31. Errant, Street ArtistErrant, Street Artist: 344
32. Donal, Herald of WingsDonal, Herald of Wings: 897
33. Mizzix, Replica RiderMizzix, Replica Rider: 322
34. Tawnos, Solemn SurvivorTawnos, Solemn Survivor: 829|
35. Grist, Voracious LarvaGrist, Voracious Larva: 582
36. Gandalf, Westward VoyagerGandalf, Westward Voyager: 674
37. Breeches, the BlastmakerBreeches, the Blastmaker: 354
38. Lazav, Wearer of FacesLazav, Wearer of Faces: 504

Now we're talking! Zinnia, Valley's VoiceZinnia, Valley's Voice feels like it was tailor-made for this project, and The Twelfth DoctorThe Twelfth Doctor's no slouch, either! Finally, some inspiration. Quick, don't think about it, just brew them both!

With ZinniaZinnia's Offspring ability letting you tack on extra 1/1 copies of any Sliver you play, this one is a mana-hungry monster that wants to be paying the extra two for ever Sliver it puts on the stack. It also thrives off of low-cost Slivers, for the same reason. All that said, if you let this deck develop a board state, it all tends to go aggressively off the rails by about turn five, where each Sliver you play and copy puts a cavalcade of triggers onto the stack before you even get to the throw them into a combat where they are probably hasty as well. A blast to play!

After the singular focus of the Zinnia deck, The Twelfth DoctorThe Twelfth Doctor feels like a bit of a mess. You don't get all the Sliver copies, and you're clunkily going to get a whole bunch of exile or top of library stuff when you need Slivers, and vice versa. When you do get both, however, things get going fast. Combine that with Susan ForemanSusan Foreman providing some ramp from the command zone, and this one feels like the more interesting of the two decks. Handing opponents Slivers that don't have the "you control" rider on them feels especially nefarious, as you'll often still get the benefit of the third copy. Even when you give an opponent that single Galerider SliverGalerider Sliver that has some stuff tacked onto it from the other Slivers on the table, however, your sheer numbers tend to overshadow the "advantage" you're handing out.

Nuts and Bolts

There always seems to be a bit of interest in how these lists are made (this seems like a good time to stress once again that they are based on EDHREC score, NOT my personal opinion…), and people are often surprised that I’m not using any special data or .json from EDHREC, but rather just muddling my way through with some Scryfall knowledge! For your enjoyment/research, here is this week’s Scryfall search.

What Do You Think?

Well, two decks in, and I still have no idea if I succeeded in making Slivers less scary, whatsoever. I dunno, what do you think?

And finally, what is your favorite non-Sliver Sliver commander? Have you ever run into a Sliver deck that wasn't five color?

Let us know in the comments, and we'll see you at the round table that someone seems to have cut two-fifths out of. Weird.

Read more:

DougY

Doug has been an avid Magic player since Fallen Empires, when his older brother traded him some epic blue Homarids for all of his Islands. As for Commander, he's been playing since 2010, when he started off by making a two-player oriented G/R Land Destruction deck. Nailed it. In his spare time when he's not playing Magic, writing about Magic or doing his day job, he runs a YouTube channel or two, keeps up a College Football Computer Poll, and is attempting to gif every scene of the Star Wars prequels.