Derevi, Empyrial Tactician (Commander) - Birthing Pod

Background image for The Best Commander From Every Year of the 2000s
Jonathan Zucchetti
Nov 20, 2025
The Best Commander From Every Year of the 2000s
With 2025 drawing to a close, let's take a look back at this quarter century and pick out the best commanders from each year.
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Wan Shi Tong, Librarian
53%inclusion26 decks49 decks
45%synergy
Badgermole Cub
49%inclusion24 decks49 decks
43%synergy
Aang, Swift Savior
6.4%inclusion3 decks47 decks
-3%synergy
The Cabbage Merchant
5.6%inclusion4 decks72 decks
4%synergy
Formidable Speaker
5.1%inclusion3 decks59 decks
4%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Neoform
90%inclusion1.13K decks1.25K decks
86%synergy
Emiel the Blessed
86%inclusion1.07K decks1.25K decks
80%synergy
Birthing Pod
80%inclusion996 decks1.25K decks
77%synergy
Eldritch Evolution
81%inclusion1.01K decks1.25K decks
76%synergy
Bloom Tender
88%inclusion1.09K decks1.25K decks
76%synergy
Chord of Calling
80%inclusion1K decks1.25K decks
74%synergy
Finale of Devastation
78%inclusion971 decks1.25K decks
71%synergy
Mystic Remora
81%inclusion1.01K decks1.25K decks
69%synergy
Faeburrow Elder
81%inclusion1K decks1.25K decks
68%synergy
Eladamri's Call
77%inclusion961 decks1.25K decks
67%synergy
Top Cards
Birds of Paradise
94%inclusion1.17K decks1.25K decks
59%synergy
Noble Hierarch
83%inclusion1.03K decks1.25K decks
57%synergy
Esper Sentinel
81%inclusion1K decks1.25K decks
65%synergy
Swords to Plowshares
75%inclusion937 decks1.25K decks
13%synergy
Eternal Witness
75%inclusion932 decks1.25K decks
61%synergy
Delighted Halfling
73%inclusion913 decks1.25K decks
61%synergy
Swan Song
71%inclusion880 decks1.25K decks
54%synergy
Delney, Streetwise Lookout
67%inclusion837 decks1.25K decks
64%synergy
Grand Abolisher
66%inclusion826 decks1.25K decks
60%synergy
Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy
66%inclusion825 decks1.25K decks
62%synergy
Game Changers
Rhystic Study
83%inclusion1.04K decks1.25K decks
63%synergy
Enlightened Tutor
80%inclusion998 decks1.25K decks
66%synergy
Fierce Guardianship
76%inclusion943 decks1.25K decks
61%synergy
Cyclonic Rift
76%inclusion942 decks1.25K decks
57%synergy
The One Ring
75%inclusion939 decks1.25K decks
69%synergy
Worldly Tutor
73%inclusion915 decks1.25K decks
63%synergy
Force of Will
68%inclusion843 decks1.25K decks
62%synergy
Crop Rotation
67%inclusion833 decks1.25K decks
61%synergy
Gaea's Cradle
65%inclusion814 decks1.25K decks
59%synergy
Chrome Mox
64%inclusion796 decks1.25K decks
60%synergy
Creatures
Ranger-Captain of Eos
66%inclusion820 decks1.25K decks
62%synergy
Phyrexian Metamorph
63%inclusion779 decks1.25K decks
58%synergy
Spellseeker
58%inclusion726 decks1.25K decks
55%synergy
Faerie Mastermind
58%inclusion724 decks1.25K decks
50%synergy
Drannith Magistrate
57%inclusion707 decks1.25K decks
53%synergy
Aven Mindcensor
52%inclusion644 decks1.25K decks
46%synergy
Voice of Victory
49%inclusion58 decks118 decks
45%synergy
Archivist of Oghma
48%inclusion600 decks1.25K decks
45%synergy
Mockingbird
48%inclusion430 decks902 decks
39%synergy
Pollywog Prodigy
43%inclusion388 decks897 decks
37%synergy
Toski, Bearer of Secrets
43%inclusion531 decks1.25K decks
39%synergy
Avacyn's Pilgrim
42%inclusion525 decks1.25K decks
28%synergy
Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar
42%inclusion522 decks1.25K decks
28%synergy
Flesh Duplicate
40%inclusion500 decks1.25K decks
38%synergy
Captain Sisay
38%inclusion476 decks1.25K decks
37%synergy
Preston, the Vanisher
35%inclusion435 decks1.25K decks
33%synergy
Transit Mage
34%inclusion57 decks166 decks
34%synergy
Felidar Guardian
34%inclusion426 decks1.25K decks
32%synergy
Nadu, Winged Wisdom
31%inclusion318 decks1.02K decks
30%synergy
Elvish Spirit Guide
31%inclusion384 decks1.25K decks
29%synergy
Dauntless Dismantler
31%inclusion383 decks1.25K decks
30%synergy
Deadeye Navigator
26%inclusion327 decks1.25K decks
24%synergy
Llanowar Elves
26%inclusion322 decks1.25K decks
12%synergy
Elvish Mystic
26%inclusion320 decks1.25K decks
14%synergy
Displacer Kitten
26%inclusion318 decks1.25K decks
22%synergy
Endurance
23%inclusion286 decks1.25K decks
21%synergy
Aven Interrupter
22%inclusion240 decks1.11K decks
17%synergy
Gilded Drake
20%inclusion252 decks1.25K decks
19%synergy
Prime Speaker Vannifar
20%inclusion249 decks1.25K decks
19%synergy
Seedborn Muse
20%inclusion246 decks1.25K decks
9%synergy
Thrasios, Triton Hero
20%inclusion243 decks1.25K decks
18%synergy
Fanatic of Rhonas
19%inclusion194 decks1.02K decks
15%synergy
Fyndhorn Elves
19%inclusion234 decks1.25K decks
12%synergy
Volatile Stormdrake
19%inclusion191 decks1.03K decks
18%synergy
Yisan, the Wanderer Bard
17%inclusion211 decks1.25K decks
16%synergy
Walking Ballista
16%inclusion205 decks1.25K decks
9%synergy
Lavinia, Azorius Renegade
16%inclusion201 decks1.25K decks
14%synergy
Archon of Emeria
16%inclusion201 decks1.25K decks
15%synergy
Valley Floodcaller
16%inclusion144 decks909 decks
14%synergy
Eldrazi Displacer
15%inclusion186 decks1.25K decks
14%synergy
Nomads en-Kor
15%inclusion186 decks1.25K decks
15%synergy
Brightglass Gearhulk
15%inclusion61 decks417 decks
13%synergy
Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines
15%inclusion181 decks1.25K decks
11%synergy
Arbor Elf
14%inclusion169 decks1.25K decks
10%synergy
Collector Ouphe
13%inclusion167 decks1.25K decks
12%synergy
Spectral Sailor
13%inclusion160 decks1.25K decks
12%synergy
Peregrine Drake
12%inclusion150 decks1.25K decks
8%synergy
Edric, Spymaster of Trest
12%inclusion149 decks1.25K decks
9%synergy
Enduring Vitality
12%inclusion80 decks669 decks
6%synergy
Linvala, Keeper of Silence
12%inclusion148 decks1.25K decks
11%synergy
Instants
Silence
64%inclusion793 decks1.25K decks
58%synergy
Flusterstorm
62%inclusion768 decks1.25K decks
57%synergy
Mental Misstep
57%inclusion705 decks1.25K decks
53%synergy
Force of Negation
56%inclusion701 decks1.25K decks
52%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
56%inclusion691 decks1.25K decks
29%synergy
Mindbreak Trap
54%inclusion678 decks1.25K decks
51%synergy
Pact of Negation
43%inclusion533 decks1.25K decks
39%synergy
Path to Exile
39%inclusion487 decks1.25K decks
-9%synergy
Ephemerate
37%inclusion458 decks1.25K decks
31%synergy
Angel's Grace
34%inclusion423 decks1.25K decks
33%synergy
Flare of Denial
33%inclusion349 decks1.05K decks
31%synergy
Veil of Summer
31%inclusion387 decks1.25K decks
28%synergy
Archdruid's Charm
30%inclusion365 decks1.24K decks
27%synergy
Mystical Tutor
26%inclusion320 decks1.25K decks
20%synergy
Snap
23%inclusion289 decks1.25K decks
19%synergy
Noxious Revival
22%inclusion270 decks1.25K decks
18%synergy
Sink into Stupor
20%inclusion205 decks1.03K decks
13%synergy
Legolas's Quick Reflexes
20%inclusion246 decks1.25K decks
18%synergy
Mana Drain
19%inclusion242 decks1.25K decks
10%synergy
Strix Serenade
18%inclusion190 decks1.03K decks
15%synergy
Counterspell
17%inclusion213 decks1.25K decks
-20%synergy
Dovin's Veto
15%inclusion188 decks1.25K decks
-1%synergy
Force of Vigor
15%inclusion186 decks1.25K decks
13%synergy
Whir of Invention
12%inclusion151 decks1.25K decks
12%synergy
Intuition
12%inclusion148 decks1.25K decks
11%synergy
Into the Flood Maw
11%inclusion104 decks908 decks
8%synergy
Chain of Vapor
9.2%inclusion114 decks1.25K decks
8%synergy
Beast Within
9.0%inclusion112 decks1.25K decks
-19%synergy
Arcane Denial
8.8%inclusion109 decks1.25K decks
-8%synergy
Louisoix's Sacrifice
8.6%inclusion8 decks93 decks
8%synergy
Borne Upon a Wind
8.6%inclusion107 decks1.25K decks
7%synergy
Heroic Intervention
8.1%inclusion101 decks1.25K decks
-23%synergy
Nature's Claim
7.8%inclusion97 decks1.25K decks
3%synergy
Miscast
7.6%inclusion95 decks1.25K decks
7%synergy
Negate
6.7%inclusion83 decks1.25K decks
-8%synergy
Teferi's Protection
6.5%inclusion81 decks1.25K decks
-9%synergy
Delay
6.3%inclusion78 decks1.25K decks
5%synergy
Retraction Helix
6.2%inclusion77 decks1.25K decks
5%synergy
Dispel
6.1%inclusion76 decks1.25K decks
5%synergy
Resculpt
5.5%inclusion68 decks1.25K decks
4%synergy
Generous Gift
5.1%inclusion63 decks1.25K decks
-21%synergy
Sorceries
Wargate
56%inclusion691 decks1.25K decks
50%synergy
Nature's Rhythm
54%inclusion63 decks116 decks
50%synergy
Green Sun's Zenith
31%inclusion392 decks1.25K decks
27%synergy
Sevinne's Reclamation
26%inclusion320 decks1.25K decks
22%synergy
Transmute Artifact
15%inclusion191 decks1.25K decks
15%synergy
Farseek
9.3%inclusion116 decks1.25K decks
-35%synergy
Fabricate
8.4%inclusion105 decks1.25K decks
7%synergy
Nature's Lore
7.7%inclusion96 decks1.25K decks
-20%synergy
Cultivate
6.6%inclusion82 decks1.25K decks
-32%synergy
Supreme Verdict
6.3%inclusion79 decks1.25K decks
-3%synergy
Three Visits
5.5%inclusion69 decks1.25K decks
-20%synergy
Kodama's Reach
5.1%inclusion63 decks1.25K decks
-14%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Agatha's Soul Cauldron
36%inclusion452 decks1.25K decks
34%synergy
Shorikai, Genesis Engine
26%inclusion324 decks1.25K decks
25%synergy
Winter Orb
13%inclusion166 decks1.25K decks
13%synergy
Lightning Greaves
12%inclusion153 decks1.25K decks
-7%synergy
Bident of Thassa
6.5%inclusion81 decks1.25K decks
2%synergy
Trinisphere
5.5%inclusion69 decks1.25K decks
5%synergy
Enchantments
Wild Growth
65%inclusion811 decks1.25K decks
55%synergy
Blind Obedience
45%inclusion561 decks1.25K decks
42%synergy
Utopia Sprawl
42%inclusion522 decks1.25K decks
34%synergy
Sylvan Library
35%inclusion431 decks1.25K decks
28%synergy
Smothering Tithe
23%inclusion284 decks1.25K decks
6%synergy
Carpet of Flowers
19%inclusion234 decks1.25K decks
16%synergy
Deafening Silence
18%inclusion223 decks1.25K decks
16%synergy
Birthing Ritual
12%inclusion121 decks1.02K decks
11%synergy
Trouble in Pairs
11%inclusion132 decks1.23K decks
7%synergy
Growing Rites of Itlimoc
10%inclusion123 decks1.25K decks
6%synergy
Stasis
10%inclusion122 decks1.25K decks
9%synergy
Verity Circle
9.5%inclusion118 decks1.25K decks
7%synergy
Survival of the Fittest
8.2%inclusion102 decks1.25K decks
7%synergy
Aura Shards
7.0%inclusion87 decks1.25K decks
0%synergy
Touch the Spirit Realm
5.9%inclusion74 decks1.25K decks
5%synergy
Root Maze
5.6%inclusion70 decks1.25K decks
5%synergy
Battles
Invasion of Ikoria
26%inclusion322 decks1.25K decks
24%synergy
Planeswalkers
Tezzeret the Seeker
30%inclusion374 decks1.25K decks
29%synergy
Teferi, Time Raveler
21%inclusion262 decks1.25K decks
18%synergy
Tezzeret, Cruel Captain
8.0%inclusion7 decks87 decks
8%synergy
Oko, Thief of Crowns
7.4%inclusion92 decks1.25K decks
3%synergy
Utility Lands
Boseiju, Who Endures
75%inclusion932 decks1.25K decks
56%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
73%inclusion907 decks1.25K decks
58%synergy
Ancient Tomb
53%inclusion657 decks1.25K decks
46%synergy
Minamo, School at Water's Edge
47%inclusion589 decks1.25K decks
42%synergy
Mistrise Village
41%inclusion48 decks118 decks
34%synergy
Shifting Woodland
31%inclusion317 decks1.03K decks
28%synergy
Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth
19%inclusion233 decks1.25K decks
3%synergy
Emergence Zone
16%inclusion201 decks1.25K decks
14%synergy
Reliquary Tower
11%inclusion141 decks1.25K decks
-33%synergy
Lotus Field
10%inclusion121 decks1.25K decks
9%synergy
Urza's Saga
8.4%inclusion104 decks1.25K decks
5%synergy
Scorched Ruins
7.6%inclusion95 decks1.25K decks
7%synergy
Dryad Arbor
6.7%inclusion84 decks1.25K decks
5%synergy
Alchemist's Refuge
5.8%inclusion72 decks1.25K decks
-1%synergy
Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
5.2%inclusion65 decks1.25K decks
1%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
94%inclusion1.17K decks1.25K decks
13%synergy
Arcane Signet
71%inclusion879 decks1.25K decks
-1%synergy
Mana Vault
60%inclusion745 decks1.25K decks
56%synergy
Mox Diamond
54%inclusion669 decks1.25K decks
50%synergy
Lotus Petal
53%inclusion665 decks1.25K decks
49%synergy
Chromatic Orrery
45%inclusion555 decks1.25K decks
43%synergy
Mox Amber
37%inclusion466 decks1.25K decks
34%synergy
Mana Crypt
35%inclusion432 decks1.25K decks
33%synergy
Fellwar Stone
33%inclusion415 decks1.25K decks
19%synergy
Grim Monolith
27%inclusion337 decks1.25K decks
26%synergy
Mox Opal
23%inclusion284 decks1.25K decks
21%synergy
Talisman of Curiosity
20%inclusion247 decks1.25K decks
9%synergy
Basalt Monolith
15%inclusion188 decks1.25K decks
13%synergy
Talisman of Progress
8.5%inclusion106 decks1.25K decks
-2%synergy
Talisman of Unity
6.3%inclusion78 decks1.25K decks
-4%synergy
Lands
Command Tower
97%inclusion1.21K decks1.25K decks
7%synergy
Hallowed Fountain
90%inclusion1.13K decks1.25K decks
47%synergy
Breeding Pool
89%inclusion1.11K decks1.25K decks
45%synergy
Temple Garden
89%inclusion1.10K decks1.25K decks
45%synergy
Windswept Heath
85%inclusion1.06K decks1.25K decks
52%synergy
Flooded Strand
84%inclusion1.05K decks1.25K decks
52%synergy
Misty Rainforest
83%inclusion1.03K decks1.25K decks
53%synergy
Exotic Orchard
70%inclusion877 decks1.25K decks
14%synergy
City of Brass
66%inclusion824 decks1.25K decks
58%synergy
Mana Confluence
65%inclusion810 decks1.25K decks
57%synergy
Savannah
64%inclusion802 decks1.25K decks
52%synergy
Tropical Island
64%inclusion797 decks1.25K decks
51%synergy
Tundra
64%inclusion793 decks1.25K decks
51%synergy
Polluted Delta
62%inclusion773 decks1.25K decks
55%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
60%inclusion747 decks1.25K decks
53%synergy
Rejuvenating Springs
60%inclusion745 decks1.25K decks
25%synergy
Wooded Foothills
59%inclusion734 decks1.25K decks
51%synergy
Gemstone Caverns
58%inclusion719 decks1.25K decks
54%synergy
Forest
57%inclusion709 decks1.25K decks
-37%synergy
Scalding Tarn
57%inclusion708 decks1.25K decks
50%synergy
Bountiful Promenade
55%inclusion688 decks1.25K decks
24%synergy
Arid Mesa
55%inclusion680 decks1.25K decks
49%synergy
Marsh Flats
54%inclusion675 decks1.25K decks
48%synergy
Island
48%inclusion603 decks1.25K decks
-45%synergy
Plains
46%inclusion574 decks1.25K decks
-47%synergy
Sea of Clouds
41%inclusion505 decks1.25K decks
10%synergy
Yavimaya Coast
29%inclusion355 decks1.25K decks
-2%synergy
Waterlogged Grove
23%inclusion281 decks1.25K decks
17%synergy
Brushland
22%inclusion269 decks1.25K decks
-5%synergy
Spara's Headquarters
21%inclusion261 decks1.25K decks
-20%synergy
Sink into Stupor
20%inclusion205 decks1.03K decks
13%synergy
Adarkar Wastes
19%inclusion233 decks1.25K decks
-5%synergy
Talon Gates of Madara
17%inclusion170 decks1.01K decks
14%synergy
Glacial Fortress
15%inclusion185 decks1.25K decks
-31%synergy
Hinterland Harbor
14%inclusion180 decks1.25K decks
-33%synergy
Hedge Maze
13%inclusion162 decks1.25K decks
2%synergy
Sunpetal Grove
13%inclusion161 decks1.25K decks
-29%synergy
Azorius Chancery
12%inclusion152 decks1.25K decks
-3%synergy
Prairie Stream
12%inclusion148 decks1.25K decks
-34%synergy
Simic Growth Chamber
12%inclusion146 decks1.25K decks
-4%synergy
Selesnya Sanctuary
11%inclusion131 decks1.25K decks
-4%synergy
Canopy Vista
11%inclusion131 decks1.25K decks
-36%synergy
Seaside Citadel
10%inclusion124 decks1.25K decks
-43%synergy
Horizon Canopy
9.5%inclusion118 decks1.25K decks
5%synergy
Starting Town
8.1%inclusion8 decks99 decks
5%synergy
Cavern of Souls
7.7%inclusion96 decks1.25K decks
3%synergy
Flooded Grove
7.2%inclusion90 decks1.25K decks
-14%synergy
Dreamroot Cascade
6.8%inclusion85 decks1.25K decks
-20%synergy
Reflecting Pool
6.5%inclusion81 decks1.25K decks
1%synergy
Lush Portico
6.3%inclusion79 decks1.25K decks
-4%synergy