Arcades, the Strategist (Commander) - Expensive Optimized Defenders

Arcades, the Strategist
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Julia Maddalena
Mar 6, 2026
Julia Maddalena
Fire and Ice: Which Cards Are Hot and Cold for Arcades, the Strategist?
This week on Fire and Ice, we'll see which cards are getting chucked over the wall. What's hot and what's not for Arcades, the Strategist?
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Formidable Speaker
20%inclusion1 decks5 decks
17%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Axebane Guardian
100%inclusion9 decks9 decks
93%synergy
Wall of Blossoms
100%inclusion9 decks9 decks
92%synergy
Drift of Phantasms
89%inclusion8 decks9 decks
86%synergy
Sylvan Caryatid
89%inclusion8 decks9 decks
83%synergy
High Alert
89%inclusion8 decks9 decks
82%synergy
Sunscape Familiar
89%inclusion8 decks9 decks
82%synergy
Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive
89%inclusion8 decks9 decks
82%synergy
Boseiju, Who Endures
100%inclusion9 decks9 decks
82%synergy
Overgrown Battlement
89%inclusion8 decks9 decks
81%synergy
Wall of Omens
89%inclusion8 decks9 decks
81%synergy
Top Cards
Wall of Denial
78%inclusion7 decks9 decks
70%synergy
Swords to Plowshares
78%inclusion7 decks9 decks
16%synergy
The Pride of Hull Clade
78%inclusion7 decks9 decks
71%synergy
Crystal Barricade
75%inclusion6 decks8 decks
70%synergy
Weathered Sentinels
67%inclusion6 decks9 decks
62%synergy
Crashing Drawbridge
67%inclusion6 decks9 decks
60%synergy
Jeskai Barricade
67%inclusion6 decks9 decks
62%synergy
Shield Sphere
67%inclusion6 decks9 decks
63%synergy
Tree of Redemption
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
51%synergy
Wall of Roots
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
52%synergy
Game Changers
Cyclonic Rift
89%inclusion8 decks9 decks
70%synergy
Worldly Tutor
89%inclusion8 decks9 decks
78%synergy
Teferi's Protection
78%inclusion7 decks9 decks
63%synergy
Rhystic Study
78%inclusion7 decks9 decks
58%synergy
Fierce Guardianship
78%inclusion7 decks9 decks
64%synergy
Chrome Mox
78%inclusion7 decks9 decks
73%synergy
Mox Diamond
78%inclusion7 decks9 decks
74%synergy
Enlightened Tutor
67%inclusion6 decks9 decks
53%synergy
Ancient Tomb
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
49%synergy
Gaea's Cradle
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
50%synergy
Creatures
The Walls of Ba Sing Se
60%inclusion3 decks5 decks
55%synergy
Vine Trellis
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
51%synergy
Wall of Shards
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
53%synergy
Shield-Wall Sentinel
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
39%synergy
Charix, the Raging Isle
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
43%synergy
Mnemonic Wall
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
42%synergy
Plagon, Lord of the Beach
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
35%synergy
Arbor Adherent
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
36%synergy
Perimeter Captain
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
28%synergy
Displacer Kitten
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
30%synergy
Esper Sentinel
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
18%synergy
Wall of Frost
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
28%synergy
Wall of Stolen Identity
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
29%synergy
Towering Titan
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
31%synergy
Carven Caryatid
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
30%synergy
Resolute Watchdog
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
30%synergy
Soulsworn Jury
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
22%synergy
Bloom Tender
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Wall of Junk
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
17%synergy
Eternal Witness
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
8%synergy
Fog Bank
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
19%synergy
Wall of Tanglecord
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
18%synergy
Stalwart Shield-Bearers
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
16%synergy
Corrupted Shapeshifter
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
19%synergy
Walking Bulwark
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
19%synergy
Wingmantle Chaplain
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
18%synergy
Hover Barrier
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
17%synergy
Secret Door
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
22%synergy
Wall of Glare
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
19%synergy
Mentor of the Meek
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
20%synergy
Traproot Kami
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
22%synergy
Birds of Paradise
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
-12%synergy
Bedrock Tortoise
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
20%synergy
Delighted Halfling
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Starfield Vocalist
17%inclusion1 decks6 decks
12%synergy
Kykar, Zephyr Awakener
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Ulvenwald Captive
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Witch Enchanter
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
5%synergy
Wall of Reverence
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Baldin, Century Herdmaster
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Wall of Ice
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Gleaming Barrier
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Thassa, Deep-Dwelling
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
9%synergy
Phyrexian Metamorph
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
6%synergy
Inga and Esika
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
5%synergy
Wall of Runes
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
7%synergy
Roaming Throne
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
5%synergy
Rasaad yn Bashir
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
The Council of Four
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
7%synergy
Spellseeker
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
8%synergy
Instants
Eladamri's Call
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
45%synergy
Force of Will
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
49%synergy
Force of Negation
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
51%synergy
Heroic Intervention
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
14%synergy
Path to Exile
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
-4%synergy
Mindbreak Trap
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
30%synergy
Flawless Maneuver
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
26%synergy
Flare of Fortitude
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
31%synergy
Tower Defense
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
27%synergy
Force of Vigor
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
32%synergy
Mana Drain
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
24%synergy
Counterspell
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
-4%synergy
Mystical Tutor
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
28%synergy
Angel's Grace
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
21%synergy
Chord of Calling
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
16%synergy
Silence
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
17%synergy
Swan Song
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
6%synergy
Permission Denied
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
21%synergy
Akroma's Will
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
14%synergy
Waterbender's Restoration
20%inclusion1 decks5 decks
18%synergy
Hide on the Ceiling
17%inclusion1 decks6 decks
15%synergy
Pongify
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
7%synergy
Eerie Interlude
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
5%synergy
Rapid Hybridization
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
7%synergy
Muddle the Mixture
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Ephemerate
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
5%synergy
Mental Misstep
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
8%synergy
Bar the Door
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
9%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
-16%synergy
Crop Rotation
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
6%synergy
Dive Down
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Flare of Denial
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
9%synergy
Get Lost
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Triton Tactics
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Momentous Fall
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Nature's Claim
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
6%synergy
Reality Shift
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
9%synergy
Shell Shield
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Beast Within
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
-16%synergy
Sheltering Word
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Thraben Charm
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Emergency Powers
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Stroke of Midnight
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
3%synergy
Sink into Stupor
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
5%synergy
Misdirection
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Voidslime
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Ghostway
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
9%synergy
Pact of Negation
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
7%synergy
Generous Gift
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
-14%synergy
Sorceries
Dusk // Dawn
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
49%synergy
Fell the Mighty
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
28%synergy
Last March of the Ents
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
30%synergy
Slaughter the Strong
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
27%synergy
Raise the Past
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
24%synergy
Wave of Reckoning
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
20%synergy
Wargate
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
17%synergy
Skyshroud Claim
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
19%synergy
Idyllic Tutor
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
17%synergy
Finale of Devastation
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
15%synergy
Nature's Lore
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
-5%synergy
The Battle of Bywater
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
20%synergy
Bala Ged Recovery
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
16%synergy
Supreme Verdict
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
2%synergy
Sevinne's Reclamation
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
7%synergy
Triumph of the Hordes
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
9%synergy
Neoform
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
6%synergy
Winds of Abandon
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Sea Gate Restoration
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
9%synergy
Farewell
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
-6%synergy
Temporal Manipulation
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Tragic Arrogance
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Time Warp
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Meekstone
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
40%synergy
Lightning Greaves
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
25%synergy
Slagwurm Armor
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
32%synergy
The One Ring
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
27%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
5%synergy
Staff of Domination
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
32%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
19%synergy
Mithril Coat
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
20%synergy
Pearl Medallion
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Kite Shield
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Thousand Moons Smithy
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Rammas Echor, Ancient Shield
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
6%synergy
Cloudstone Curio
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
The Great Henge
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
3%synergy
Mirror Universe
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Cathar's Shield
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Soul Conduit
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Emerald Medallion
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Accorder's Shield
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Enchantments
Assault Formation
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
50%synergy
Aura Shards
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
38%synergy
Freed from the Real
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
30%synergy
Survival of the Fittest
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
33%synergy
Smothering Tithe
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
17%synergy
Aluren
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
32%synergy
Assemble the Players
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
21%synergy
Brave the Sands
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
17%synergy
Stoneskin
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
18%synergy
Sylvan Library
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
16%synergy
Pemmin's Aura
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
20%synergy
Defense of the Heart
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
21%synergy
Impostor Syndrome
17%inclusion1 decks6 decks
15%synergy
Utopia Sprawl
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
3%synergy
Cryptolith Rite
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
8%synergy
Sky Tether
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Counterbalance
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Intruder Alarm
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
6%synergy
Sterling Grove
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
6%synergy
Carpet of Flowers
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
9%synergy
Wild Growth
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
1%synergy
Omniscience
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Mirari's Wake
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
5%synergy
Burgeoning
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
8%synergy
Exchange of Words
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Animate Wall
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Overgrowth
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
8%synergy
Growing Rites of Itlimoc
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
7%synergy
Battles
Invasion of Ikoria
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Planeswalkers
Huatli, the Sun's Heart
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
31%synergy
Tamiyo, Field Researcher
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
13%synergy
Teferi, Hero of Dominaria
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
21%synergy
The Wanderer
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Teferi, Who Slows the Sunset
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Venser, the Sojourner
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Teferi, Time Raveler
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
8%synergy
Teyo, the Shieldmage
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
9%synergy
Utility Lands
Otawara, Soaring City
78%inclusion7 decks9 decks
63%synergy
Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
40%synergy
Reliquary Tower
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
-10%synergy
Alchemist's Refuge
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
16%synergy
Command Beacon
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
20%synergy
Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
18%synergy
Mistrise Village
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
6%synergy
Minamo, School at Water's Edge
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
6%synergy
Hall of Heliod's Generosity
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
6%synergy
Serra's Sanctum
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Bazaar of Baghdad
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Emergence Zone
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
9%synergy
Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Field of the Dead
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
9%synergy
Castle Vantress
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
100%inclusion9 decks9 decks
19%synergy
Arcane Signet
67%inclusion6 decks9 decks
-5%synergy
Mana Vault
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
41%synergy
Lotus Petal
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
29%synergy
Mox Opal
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
32%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
16%synergy
Mox Amber
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
19%synergy
Decanter of Endless Water
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
17%synergy
Talisman of Progress
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
1%synergy
Talisman of Curiosity
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
0%synergy
Thought Vessel
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
-9%synergy
Talisman of Unity
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
1%synergy
Lands
Tundra
100%inclusion9 decks9 decks
87%synergy
Misty Rainforest
100%inclusion9 decks9 decks
70%synergy
Breeding Pool
100%inclusion9 decks9 decks
55%synergy
Savannah
100%inclusion9 decks9 decks
87%synergy
Tropical Island
100%inclusion9 decks9 decks
87%synergy
Hallowed Fountain
100%inclusion9 decks9 decks
56%synergy
Temple Garden
100%inclusion9 decks9 decks
56%synergy
Command Tower
89%inclusion8 decks9 decks
-2%synergy
Windswept Heath
89%inclusion8 decks9 decks
56%synergy
Flooded Strand
89%inclusion8 decks9 decks
57%synergy
Sea of Clouds
78%inclusion7 decks9 decks
48%synergy
Bountiful Promenade
78%inclusion7 decks9 decks
47%synergy
Spara's Headquarters
67%inclusion6 decks9 decks
27%synergy
Island
67%inclusion6 decks9 decks
-27%synergy
Forest
67%inclusion6 decks9 decks
-27%synergy
Plains
67%inclusion6 decks9 decks
-26%synergy
Arid Mesa
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
50%synergy
Rejuvenating Springs
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
21%synergy
Marsh Flats
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
50%synergy
Polluted Delta
56%inclusion5 decks9 decks
48%synergy
Glacial Fortress
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
-2%synergy
Sunpetal Grove
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
2%synergy
Wooded Bastion
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
41%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
37%synergy
Cavern of Souls
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
40%synergy
Flooded Grove
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
23%synergy
Mystic Gate
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
40%synergy
Hedge Maze
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
23%synergy
Mana Confluence
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
25%synergy
Deserted Beach
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
13%synergy
Floodfarm Verge
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
25%synergy
City of Brass
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
25%synergy
Hinterland Harbor
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
-15%synergy
Horizon Canopy
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
18%synergy
Exotic Orchard
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
-35%synergy
Arctic Treeline
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
20%synergy
Scattered Groves
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
15%synergy
Wooded Foothills
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
14%synergy
Reflecting Pool
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
16%synergy
Razortide Bridge
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
21%synergy
Waterlogged Grove
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
17%synergy
Talon Gates of Madara
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
19%synergy
Scalding Tarn
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
15%synergy
Meticulous Archive
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
13%synergy
Hushwood Verge
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
12%synergy
Bala Ged Recovery
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
16%synergy
Lush Portico
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
12%synergy
Urban Retreat
17%inclusion1 decks6 decks
7%synergy
Selesnya Sanctuary
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
-3%synergy
Prismatic Vista
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
7%synergy
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