Valentin, Dean of the Vein (Commander) - Lifegain

Background image for How to Build Golgari Without Being Golboring
Arnaud Gompertz
Sep 3, 2025
How to Build Golgari Without Being Golboring
Like to think outside the color box in Commander? This edition of Branching Out gives you some great ideas for unique Golgari builds.
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Virulent Emissary
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
28%synergy
Dina, Essence Brewer
20%inclusion1 decks5 decks
20%synergy
Tend the Sprigs
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Oft-Nabbed Goat
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Bitterbloom Bearer
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Essence Warden
77%inclusion103 decks134 decks
70%synergy
Prosperous Innkeeper
66%inclusion89 decks134 decks
58%synergy
Dina, Soul Steeper
61%inclusion82 decks134 decks
57%synergy
Mortality Spear
60%inclusion81 decks134 decks
55%synergy
Gala Greeters
57%inclusion76 decks134 decks
51%synergy
Pest Infestation
57%inclusion77 decks134 decks
49%synergy
Radiant Fountain
51%inclusion68 decks134 decks
49%synergy
Inspiring Call
53%inclusion71 decks134 decks
48%synergy
Scavenging Ooze
51%inclusion69 decks134 decks
48%synergy
Kami of Whispered Hopes
52%inclusion70 decks134 decks
47%synergy
Top Cards
Cultivate
49%inclusion65 decks134 decks
9%synergy
Winding Constrictor
48%inclusion64 decks134 decks
42%synergy
Hardened Scales
47%inclusion63 decks134 decks
39%synergy
Spike Feeder
46%inclusion62 decks134 decks
46%synergy
Blood Artist
46%inclusion61 decks134 decks
26%synergy
Assassin's Trophy
45%inclusion60 decks134 decks
-1%synergy
Blossoming Bogbeast
42%inclusion56 decks134 decks
40%synergy
Vito, Thorn of the Dusk Rose
42%inclusion56 decks134 decks
39%synergy
Beast Within
42%inclusion56 decks134 decks
6%synergy
Beledros Witherbloom
42%inclusion56 decks134 decks
34%synergy
Game Changers
Bolas's Citadel
25%inclusion33 decks134 decks
19%synergy
Demonic Tutor
6.7%inclusion9 decks134 decks
-9%synergy
Vampiric Tutor
6.7%inclusion9 decks134 decks
-4%synergy
Necropotence
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
2%synergy
Creatures
Social Climber
41%inclusion55 decks134 decks
40%synergy
Corpsejack Menace
39%inclusion52 decks134 decks
32%synergy
Veinwitch Coven
38%inclusion51 decks134 decks
36%synergy
Haywire Mite
36%inclusion48 decks134 decks
19%synergy
Marauding Blight-Priest
36%inclusion48 decks134 decks
33%synergy
Blood Researcher
35%inclusion47 decks134 decks
34%synergy
Llanowar Elves
34%inclusion46 decks134 decks
0%synergy
Tenured Inkcaster
34%inclusion46 decks134 decks
34%synergy
Witch of the Moors
34%inclusion46 decks134 decks
32%synergy
Evolution Witness
34%inclusion38 decks113 decks
30%synergy
Zulaport Cutthroat
34%inclusion45 decks134 decks
13%synergy
Bloodthirsty Aerialist
32%inclusion43 decks134 decks
31%synergy
Kazandu Nectarpot
31%inclusion42 decks134 decks
30%synergy
Herd Baloth
31%inclusion41 decks134 decks
30%synergy
Spectrum Sentinel
31%inclusion41 decks134 decks
30%synergy
Fetid Gargantua
31%inclusion33 decks108 decks
30%synergy
Basking Broodscale
30%inclusion35 decks115 decks
29%synergy
Creeping Bloodsucker
30%inclusion40 decks134 decks
28%synergy
Courser of Kruphix
30%inclusion40 decks134 decks
27%synergy
Deathgreeter
30%inclusion40 decks134 decks
28%synergy
Birds of Paradise
29%inclusion39 decks134 decks
9%synergy
Deathrite Shaman
29%inclusion39 decks134 decks
15%synergy
Prize Pig
27%inclusion36 decks134 decks
27%synergy
Armorcraft Judge
27%inclusion36 decks134 decks
26%synergy
Sakura-Tribe Elder
27%inclusion36 decks134 decks
-2%synergy
Devoted Druid
25%inclusion33 decks134 decks
20%synergy
Elves of Deep Shadow
25%inclusion33 decks134 decks
6%synergy
Elvish Mystic
25%inclusion33 decks134 decks
-2%synergy
Sedgemoor Witch
24%inclusion32 decks134 decks
22%synergy
Incubation Druid
23%inclusion31 decks134 decks
20%synergy
Accomplished Alchemist
23%inclusion31 decks134 decks
22%synergy
Dai Li Agents
22%inclusion2 decks9 decks
21%synergy
Disciple of Freyalise
22%inclusion25 decks113 decks
13%synergy
Leyline Prowler
22%inclusion29 decks134 decks
19%synergy
Cursed Wombat
21%inclusion23 decks110 decks
20%synergy
Witherbloom Apprentice
20%inclusion27 decks134 decks
17%synergy
Fyndhorn Elves
19%inclusion26 decks134 decks
3%synergy
Honor Troll
18%inclusion24 decks134 decks
17%synergy
Jaddi Offshoot
17%inclusion23 decks134 decks
16%synergy
Beast Whisperer
17%inclusion23 decks134 decks
3%synergy
Fertilid
17%inclusion23 decks134 decks
16%synergy
Defiler of Vigor
16%inclusion22 decks134 decks
15%synergy
Ayara, First of Locthwain
16%inclusion22 decks134 decks
12%synergy
Ezzaroot Channeler
16%inclusion22 decks134 decks
16%synergy
Gyre Sage
16%inclusion22 decks134 decks
14%synergy
Vampire Nighthawk
16%inclusion22 decks134 decks
15%synergy
Champion of Lambholt
16%inclusion21 decks134 decks
12%synergy
Mosswood Dreadknight
15%inclusion20 decks134 decks
12%synergy
Toski, Bearer of Secrets
15%inclusion20 decks134 decks
1%synergy
Callous Bloodmage
14%inclusion19 decks134 decks
14%synergy
Instants
Tend the Pests
42%inclusion56 decks134 decks
38%synergy
Tamiyo's Safekeeping
39%inclusion52 decks134 decks
31%synergy
Putrefy
34%inclusion46 decks134 decks
-1%synergy
Revitalizing Repast
27%inclusion30 decks112 decks
7%synergy
Heroic Intervention
25%inclusion34 decks134 decks
-6%synergy
Infuse with Vitality
25%inclusion34 decks134 decks
23%synergy
Village Rites
19%inclusion25 decks134 decks
2%synergy
Tear Asunder
19%inclusion25 decks134 decks
3%synergy
Golgari Charm
18%inclusion24 decks134 decks
1%synergy
Infernal Grasp
13%inclusion18 decks134 decks
7%synergy
Nature's Claim
13%inclusion17 decks134 decks
3%synergy
Fortifying Draught
12%inclusion16 decks134 decks
12%synergy
Fell the Profane
12%inclusion13 decks113 decks
2%synergy
Deadly Dispute
11%inclusion15 decks134 decks
-9%synergy
Plumb the Forbidden
11%inclusion15 decks134 decks
3%synergy
Malakir Rebirth
11%inclusion15 decks134 decks
1%synergy
Zuko's Conviction
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Deathsprout
10%inclusion14 decks134 decks
4%synergy
Inscription of Abundance
10%inclusion14 decks134 decks
9%synergy
Snakeskin Veil
10%inclusion14 decks134 decks
2%synergy
Return of the Wildspeaker
10%inclusion13 decks134 decks
-1%synergy
Abrupt Decay
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
-7%synergy
Weather the Storm
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
8%synergy
Pulse of Murasa
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
8%synergy
Dark Ritual
8.2%inclusion11 decks134 decks
-9%synergy
Go for the Throat
7.5%inclusion10 decks134 decks
2%synergy
Pillar Launch
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
7%synergy
Krosan Grip
6.7%inclusion9 decks134 decks
1%synergy
Atomize
6.0%inclusion8 decks134 decks
1%synergy
Deadly Rollick
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
-6%synergy
Corrupted Conviction
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
-2%synergy
Sorceries
Rampant Growth
37%inclusion50 decks134 decks
4%synergy
Nature's Lore
33%inclusion44 decks134 decks
7%synergy
Shamanic Revelation
31%inclusion41 decks134 decks
20%synergy
Toxic Deluge
30%inclusion40 decks134 decks
9%synergy
Kodama's Reach
29%inclusion39 decks134 decks
6%synergy
Culling Ritual
25%inclusion33 decks134 decks
4%synergy
Farseek
22%inclusion30 decks134 decks
4%synergy
Night's Whisper
22%inclusion29 decks134 decks
13%synergy
Sign in Blood
21%inclusion28 decks134 decks
14%synergy
Essence Pulse
20%inclusion27 decks134 decks
19%synergy
Three Visits
20%inclusion27 decks134 decks
2%synergy
Feed the Swarm
19%inclusion26 decks134 decks
12%synergy
Read the Bones
16%inclusion22 decks134 decks
11%synergy
Dig Up
13%inclusion18 decks134 decks
10%synergy
Rishkar's Expertise
12%inclusion16 decks134 decks
5%synergy
Reanimate
12%inclusion16 decks134 decks
-8%synergy
Deadly Precision
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Scale the Heights
10%inclusion14 decks134 decks
10%synergy
Healing Technique
10%inclusion14 decks134 decks
10%synergy
Deadly Brew
10%inclusion14 decks134 decks
6%synergy
Urborg Repossession
10%inclusion13 decks134 decks
8%synergy
Bala Ged Recovery
10%inclusion13 decks134 decks
-2%synergy
Pest Summoning
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
8%synergy
Gaze of Granite
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
6%synergy
Exsanguinate
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
2%synergy
Bridgeworks Battle
8.9%inclusion10 decks112 decks
5%synergy
Casualties of War
7.5%inclusion10 decks134 decks
-3%synergy
Witherbloom Command
7.5%inclusion10 decks134 decks
6%synergy
Harmonize
7.5%inclusion10 decks134 decks
-1%synergy
Devouring Tendrils
7.5%inclusion10 decks134 decks
7%synergy
Containment Breach
6.7%inclusion9 decks134 decks
6%synergy
Deadly Tempest
6.7%inclusion9 decks134 decks
5%synergy
Embrace Oblivion
6.3%inclusion1 decks16 decks
6%synergy
Victimize
6.0%inclusion8 decks134 decks
-13%synergy
Rise of the Witch-king
6.0%inclusion8 decks134 decks
-7%synergy
Hunt for Specimens
6.0%inclusion8 decks134 decks
6%synergy
Ezuri's Predation
6.0%inclusion8 decks134 decks
3%synergy
Damnation
6.0%inclusion8 decks134 decks
-1%synergy
Find // Finality
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
3%synergy
Turntimber Symbiosis
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
4%synergy
In Garruk's Wake
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
1%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Well of Lost Dreams
42%inclusion56 decks134 decks
40%synergy
Tablet of the Guilds
34%inclusion45 decks134 decks
33%synergy
Fountain of Renewal
26%inclusion35 decks134 decks
26%synergy
The Great Henge
20%inclusion27 decks134 decks
14%synergy
Aetherflux Reservoir
20%inclusion27 decks134 decks
19%synergy
Ozolith, the Shattered Spire
18%inclusion24 decks134 decks
14%synergy
Lightning Greaves
18%inclusion24 decks134 decks
-4%synergy
Skullclamp
16%inclusion21 decks134 decks
-15%synergy
Whip of Erebos
13%inclusion18 decks134 decks
8%synergy
Wurm's Tooth
13%inclusion18 decks134 decks
13%synergy
Ashnod's Altar
13%inclusion18 decks134 decks
-6%synergy
Alhammarret's Archive
13%inclusion17 decks134 decks
11%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
13%inclusion17 decks134 decks
-12%synergy
Cosmos Elixir
13%inclusion17 decks134 decks
12%synergy
The Ozolith
12%inclusion16 decks134 decks
7%synergy
Bontu's Monument
10%inclusion14 decks134 decks
9%synergy
Sun Droplet
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
9%synergy
Pestilent Cauldron
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
8%synergy
Bow of Nylea
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
6%synergy
Demon's Horn
8.2%inclusion11 decks134 decks
8%synergy
Staff of the Wild Magus
6.7%inclusion9 decks134 decks
7%synergy
Elixir of Immortality
6.0%inclusion8 decks134 decks
5%synergy
Excalibur II
5.3%inclusion1 decks19 decks
5%synergy
Prism Ring
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
5%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
4%synergy
The Earth Crystal
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
0%synergy
Enchantments
Moldervine Reclamation
36%inclusion48 decks134 decks
13%synergy
Blight Mound
28%inclusion37 decks134 decks
25%synergy
Phyrexian Arena
28%inclusion37 decks134 decks
14%synergy
Trudge Garden
25%inclusion33 decks134 decks
23%synergy
Bastion of Remembrance
23%inclusion31 decks134 decks
10%synergy
Druid Class
22%inclusion30 decks134 decks
21%synergy
Sanguine Bond
21%inclusion28 decks134 decks
17%synergy
Retreat to Kazandu
18%inclusion24 decks134 decks
16%synergy
Branching Evolution
16%inclusion22 decks134 decks
10%synergy
Sylvan Library
14%inclusion19 decks134 decks
5%synergy
Revenge of Ravens
14%inclusion19 decks134 decks
13%synergy
Loading Zone
13%inclusion2 decks15 decks
12%synergy
Exquisite Blood
13%inclusion17 decks134 decks
10%synergy
Lifegift
13%inclusion17 decks134 decks
12%synergy
Black Market Connections
12%inclusion16 decks134 decks
3%synergy
Greed
12%inclusion16 decks134 decks
11%synergy
Vampiric Rites
12%inclusion16 decks134 decks
8%synergy
Hollowmurk Siege
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
6%synergy
Tribute to the World Tree
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
5%synergy
Retreat to Hagra
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
6%synergy
Leyline of Vitality
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
9%synergy
Primeval Bounty
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
8%synergy
Doubling Season
8.2%inclusion11 decks134 decks
-8%synergy
The Meathook Massacre
7.5%inclusion10 decks134 decks
0%synergy
Guardian Project
7.5%inclusion10 decks134 decks
0%synergy
Stocking the Pantry
6.7%inclusion6 decks89 decks
5%synergy
Wild Growth
6.7%inclusion9 decks134 decks
-3%synergy
Glorious Sunrise
6.7%inclusion9 decks134 decks
6%synergy
Terrasymbiosis
6.3%inclusion1 decks16 decks
2%synergy
Binding the Old Gods
6.0%inclusion8 decks134 decks
-3%synergy
Colossal Majesty
6.0%inclusion8 decks134 decks
5%synergy
Sanctum of Stone Fangs
6.0%inclusion8 decks134 decks
5%synergy
Sothera, the Supervoid
5.6%inclusion1 decks18 decks
5%synergy
Deathreap Ritual
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
-6%synergy
Planeswalkers
Vraska, Golgari Queen
13%inclusion18 decks134 decks
7%synergy
Utility Lands
Sapseep Forest
45%inclusion60 decks134 decks
43%synergy
Bojuka Bog
33%inclusion44 decks134 decks
-7%synergy
High Market
28%inclusion38 decks134 decks
20%synergy
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
19%inclusion26 decks134 decks
-3%synergy
Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth
19%inclusion25 decks134 decks
-9%synergy
Reliquary Tower
19%inclusion25 decks134 decks
-5%synergy
Rogue's Passage
19%inclusion25 decks134 decks
-5%synergy
Restless Cottage
16%inclusion22 decks134 decks
8%synergy
The Shire
13%inclusion18 decks134 decks
4%synergy
Karn's Bastion
13%inclusion17 decks134 decks
6%synergy
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
12%inclusion16 decks134 decks
1%synergy
Castle Locthwain
11%inclusion15 decks134 decks
8%synergy
Boseiju, Who Endures
11%inclusion15 decks134 decks
-7%synergy
Oran-Rief, the Vastwood
10%inclusion14 decks134 decks
0%synergy
Grim Backwoods
10%inclusion13 decks134 decks
-3%synergy
Gingerbread Cabin
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
3%synergy
Mosswort Bridge
8.2%inclusion11 decks134 decks
3%synergy
Temple of the False God
7.5%inclusion10 decks134 decks
0%synergy
Witch's Clinic
6.7%inclusion9 decks134 decks
4%synergy
Westvale Abbey
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
2%synergy
Seraph Sanctuary
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
5%synergy
Phyrexian Tower
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
-10%synergy
Hissing Quagmire
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
2%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
73%inclusion98 decks134 decks
-7%synergy
Pristine Talisman
57%inclusion77 decks134 decks
56%synergy
Arcane Signet
51%inclusion68 decks134 decks
-11%synergy
Talisman of Resilience
25%inclusion34 decks134 decks
1%synergy
Golgari Signet
25%inclusion34 decks134 decks
-1%synergy
Paradise Plume
10%inclusion13 decks134 decks
9%synergy
Commander's Sphere
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
-2%synergy
Lands
Forest
97%inclusion130 decks134 decks
-1%synergy
Swamp
95%inclusion127 decks134 decks
-3%synergy
Command Tower
81%inclusion109 decks134 decks
-4%synergy
Jungle Hollow
63%inclusion85 decks134 decks
39%synergy
Woodland Cemetery
60%inclusion81 decks134 decks
-2%synergy
Llanowar Wastes
57%inclusion77 decks134 decks
5%synergy
Tainted Wood
45%inclusion60 decks134 decks
0%synergy
Golgari Rot Farm
43%inclusion58 decks134 decks
2%synergy
Necroblossom Snarl
41%inclusion55 decks134 decks
5%synergy
Undergrowth Stadium
33%inclusion44 decks134 decks
-5%synergy
Temple of Malady
33%inclusion44 decks134 decks
-2%synergy
Overgrown Tomb
32%inclusion43 decks134 decks
-14%synergy
Riveteers Overlook
30%inclusion40 decks134 decks
25%synergy
Exotic Orchard
27%inclusion36 decks134 decks
0%synergy
Revitalizing Repast
27%inclusion30 decks112 decks
7%synergy
Twilight Mire
25%inclusion33 decks134 decks
-12%synergy
Deathcap Glade
25%inclusion33 decks134 decks
-5%synergy
Disciple of Freyalise
22%inclusion25 decks113 decks
13%synergy
Evolving Wilds
21%inclusion28 decks134 decks
-6%synergy
Nurturing Peatland
20%inclusion27 decks134 decks
7%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
19%inclusion26 decks134 decks
-10%synergy
Viridescent Bog
19%inclusion25 decks134 decks
-2%synergy
Myriad Landscape
18%inclusion24 decks134 decks
2%synergy
Darkbore Pathway
16%inclusion22 decks134 decks
-3%synergy
Wastewood Verge
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
-2%synergy
Witherbloom Campus
16%inclusion21 decks134 decks
13%synergy
Terramorphic Expanse
15%inclusion20 decks134 decks
-6%synergy
Haunted Mire
14%inclusion19 decks134 decks
-2%synergy
Woodland Chasm
14%inclusion19 decks134 decks
7%synergy
Path of Ancestry
14%inclusion19 decks134 decks
-9%synergy
Underground Mortuary
13%inclusion18 decks134 decks
-8%synergy
Blooming Marsh
13%inclusion17 decks134 decks
-2%synergy
Fell the Profane
12%inclusion13 decks113 decks
2%synergy
Malakir Rebirth
11%inclusion15 decks134 decks
1%synergy
Bala Ged Recovery
10%inclusion13 decks134 decks
-2%synergy
Fabled Passage
9.0%inclusion12 decks134 decks
-4%synergy
Bridgeworks Battle
8.9%inclusion10 decks112 decks
5%synergy
Golgari Guildgate
8.2%inclusion11 decks134 decks
-1%synergy
Blighted Woodland
8.2%inclusion11 decks134 decks
3%synergy
Darkmoss Bridge
6.7%inclusion9 decks134 decks
-3%synergy
Vernal Fen
6.3%inclusion1 decks16 decks
-8%synergy
Festering Thicket
6.3%inclusion1 decks16 decks
0%synergy
Bayou
6.0%inclusion8 decks134 decks
-6%synergy
Snow-Covered Swamp
6.0%inclusion8 decks134 decks
1%synergy
Prismatic Vista
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
0%synergy
Turntimber Symbiosis
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
4%synergy
Snow-Covered Forest
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
1%synergy
Brokers Hideout
5.2%inclusion7 decks134 decks
5%synergy