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Launch

Arcades, the Strategist
Price tag $3.46

Legendary Creature — Elder Dragon

Magic color symbol for G Magic color symbol for W Magic color symbol for U
Bant

Playstyle & Strategy

Toughness Matters 39% Defenders 38% Aggro 4% Card Draw 2%
View Average Decklist All Arcades, the Strategist Decks

Brackets

Brackets let a table agree on how strong their decks are before shuffling up, so a cEDH list doesn't land in a casual pod. Pick one to see what Arcades, the Strategist decks at that level play.

1
Exhibition: theme first, winning second
2
Core: roughly preconstructed deck power
3
Upgraded: tuned decks, up to three Game Changers
4
Optimized: high power, anything goes
5
cEDH: built to win in competitive play

Budget

$ shows the cheapest Arcades, the Strategist builds, $$$ the most expensive ones.

Greyed-out options don't have enough decks yet.

New Cards

Recent-set cards showing up in Budget Arcades, the Strategist decks.

Ghalta the Immovable Ghalta the Immovable
+22% Synergy 25% Inclusion $0.29
Restore with Empathy Restore with Empathy
+1% Synergy 1% Inclusion $0.16
Fatehold Charm Fatehold Charm
+1% Synergy 1% Inclusion $0.23
Germinate Recruits Germinate Recruits
+0% Synergy 1% Inclusion $0.47
Bloombrute Bloombrute
+0% Synergy 1% Inclusion $0.23

High Synergy Cards

The highest-synergy cards in Budget Arcades, the Strategist decks.

Overgrown Battlement Overgrown Battlement
+82% Synergy 90% Inclusion $0.34
Axebane Guardian Axebane Guardian
+78% Synergy 85% Inclusion $0.30
Wall of Denial Wall of Denial
+77% Synergy 85% Inclusion $0.51
Wall of Blossoms Wall of Blossoms
+74% Synergy 82% Inclusion $0.32
Wall of Frost Wall of Frost
+72% Synergy 77% Inclusion $0.26
Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive
+72% Synergy 79% Inclusion $0.22
Tower Defense Tower Defense
+72% Synergy 77% Inclusion $0.26
Wall of Omens Wall of Omens
+70% Synergy 78% Inclusion $0.29
High Alert High Alert
+69% Synergy 75% Inclusion $0.33
Assault Formation Assault Formation
+67% Synergy 72% Inclusion $0.35

Top Cards

The cards most Budget Arcades, the Strategist decks run.

Overgrown Battlement Overgrown Battlement
+82% Synergy 90% Inclusion $0.34
Axebane Guardian Axebane Guardian
+78% Synergy 85% Inclusion $0.30
Wall of Denial Wall of Denial
+77% Synergy 85% Inclusion $0.51
Wall of Blossoms Wall of Blossoms
+74% Synergy 82% Inclusion $0.32
Wall of Frost Wall of Frost
+72% Synergy 77% Inclusion $0.26
Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive
+72% Synergy 79% Inclusion $0.22
Tower Defense Tower Defense
+72% Synergy 77% Inclusion $0.26
Wall of Omens Wall of Omens
+70% Synergy 78% Inclusion $0.29
High Alert High Alert
+69% Synergy 75% Inclusion $0.33
Assault Formation Assault Formation
+67% Synergy 72% Inclusion $0.35

Creatures

Creatures played in Budget Arcades, the Strategist decks.

Hover Barrier Hover Barrier
+62% Synergy 67% Inclusion $0.26
Crashing Drawbridge Crashing Drawbridge
+58% Synergy 65% Inclusion $1.11
Wall of Runes Wall of Runes
+58% Synergy 62% Inclusion $0.24
Vine Trellis Vine Trellis
+57% Synergy 62% Inclusion $1.18
Angelic Wall Angelic Wall
+57% Synergy 60% Inclusion $0.20
Shield-Wall Sentinel Shield-Wall Sentinel
+55% Synergy 60% Inclusion $0.33
The Pride of Hull Clade The Pride of Hull Clade
+49% Synergy 56% Inclusion $2.27
Wingmantle Chaplain Wingmantle Chaplain
+48% Synergy 52% Inclusion $0.25
Jeskai Barricade Jeskai Barricade
+47% Synergy 52% Inclusion $0.33
Carven Caryatid Carven Caryatid
+46% Synergy 49% Inclusion $0.30
Perimeter Captain Perimeter Captain
+45% Synergy 50% Inclusion $1.43
Wall of Roots Wall of Roots
+44% Synergy 48% Inclusion $0.30
Riptide Turtle Riptide Turtle
+44% Synergy 46% Inclusion $0.21
Walking Bulwark Walking Bulwark
+43% Synergy 47% Inclusion $0.32
Suspicious Bookcase Suspicious Bookcase
+43% Synergy 45% Inclusion $0.18
Jungle Barrier Jungle Barrier
+40% Synergy 43% Inclusion $0.28
Mnemonic Wall Mnemonic Wall
+39% Synergy 42% Inclusion $0.25
Corrupted Shapeshifter Corrupted Shapeshifter
+39% Synergy 42% Inclusion $0.19
Crystal Barricade Crystal Barricade
+37% Synergy 43% Inclusion $2.02
Fog Bank Fog Bank
+37% Synergy 40% Inclusion $0.18
Gatecreeper Vine Gatecreeper Vine
+37% Synergy 39% Inclusion $0.26
Steel Wall Steel Wall
+35% Synergy 38% Inclusion $0.26
Sunscape Familiar Sunscape Familiar
+34% Synergy 40% Inclusion $2.39
Glacial Wall Glacial Wall
+33% Synergy 36% Inclusion $0.28
Wall of Essence Wall of Essence
+32% Synergy 33% Inclusion $0.36
Wall of Glare Wall of Glare
+32% Synergy 35% Inclusion $0.08
Sylvan Caryatid Sylvan Caryatid
+28% Synergy 34% Inclusion $0.96
Tree of Redemption Tree of Redemption
+28% Synergy 32% Inclusion $0.67
Drift of Phantasms Drift of Phantasms
+27% Synergy 31% Inclusion $0.31
Wall of Mist Wall of Mist
+27% Synergy 28% Inclusion $0.13
Resolute Watchdog Resolute Watchdog
+27% Synergy 30% Inclusion $0.32
Portcullis Vine Portcullis Vine
+26% Synergy 28% Inclusion $0.23
Amaranthine Wall Amaranthine Wall
+26% Synergy 28% Inclusion $0.21
Geist of the Archives Geist of the Archives
+26% Synergy 27% Inclusion $0.16
Towering Titan Towering Titan
+25% Synergy 28% Inclusion $0.32
Bedrock Tortoise Bedrock Tortoise
+24% Synergy 26% Inclusion $1.43
Weathered Sentinels Weathered Sentinels
+24% Synergy 29% Inclusion $1.06
Gleaming Barrier Gleaming Barrier
+23% Synergy 25% Inclusion $0.17
Wall of Tears Wall of Tears
+22% Synergy 24% Inclusion $0.63
Wall of Vines Wall of Vines
+21% Synergy 22% Inclusion $0.23
Towering Viewpoint Towering Viewpoint
+20% Synergy 22% Inclusion $0.21
Jaddi Offshoot Jaddi Offshoot
+20% Synergy 22% Inclusion $0.31
Consulate Skygate Consulate Skygate
+20% Synergy 21% Inclusion $0.09
Rune-Sealed Wall Rune-Sealed Wall
+20% Synergy 21% Inclusion $0.97
Wall of Stolen Identity Wall of Stolen Identity
+19% Synergy 24% Inclusion $4.01
Charix, the Raging Isle Charix, the Raging Isle
+19% Synergy 21% Inclusion $0.41
Fecund Greenshell Fecund Greenshell
+19% Synergy 21% Inclusion $0.73
Rigo, Streetwise Mentor Rigo, Streetwise Mentor
+19% Synergy 20% Inclusion $0.26
Guard Gomazoa Guard Gomazoa
+19% Synergy 20% Inclusion $0.46
Flumph Flumph
+18% Synergy 22% Inclusion $2.30

Instants

Instants played in Budget Arcades, the Strategist decks.

Bar the Door Bar the Door
+43% Synergy 45% Inclusion $0.18
Negate Negate
+34% Synergy 48% Inclusion $0.15
Return to Nature Return to Nature
+25% Synergy 28% Inclusion $0.31
Bant Charm Bant Charm
+24% Synergy 30% Inclusion $0.28
Aegis of the Heavens Aegis of the Heavens
+16% Synergy 17% Inclusion $0.36
Unbreakable Formation Unbreakable Formation
+15% Synergy 18% Inclusion $1.44
Naturalize Naturalize
+12% Synergy 13% Inclusion $0.25
Cancel Cancel
+11% Synergy 13% Inclusion $0.28
Growth Spiral Growth Spiral
+11% Synergy 25% Inclusion $0.33
Disdainful Stroke Disdainful Stroke
+6% Synergy 7% Inclusion $0.16
Dive Down Dive Down
+5% Synergy 6% Inclusion $0.16
Rally to Battle Rally to Battle
+5% Synergy 5% Inclusion $0.07
Cosmic Rebirth Cosmic Rebirth
+4% Synergy 6% Inclusion $0.26
Disenchant Disenchant
+4% Synergy 6% Inclusion $0.08
Fog Fog
+3% Synergy 7% Inclusion $1.00
Eerie Interlude Eerie Interlude
+2% Synergy 8% Inclusion $6.88
Stroke of Midnight Stroke of Midnight
+1% Synergy 9% Inclusion $0.24
Beast Within Beast Within
-5% Synergy 20% Inclusion $0.77
Generous Gift Generous Gift
-5% Synergy 18% Inclusion $0.99
Counterspell Counterspell
-5% Synergy 32% Inclusion $4.42
Dovin's Veto Dovin's Veto
-10% Synergy 7% Inclusion $4.13
Path to Exile Path to Exile
-22% Synergy 27% Inclusion $0.85
Swords to Plowshares Swords to Plowshares
-23% Synergy 38% Inclusion $0.99

Sorceries

Sorceries played in Budget Arcades, the Strategist decks.

Slaughter the Strong Slaughter the Strong
+65% Synergy 71% Inclusion $0.32
Fell the Mighty Fell the Mighty
+57% Synergy 62% Inclusion $0.29
Dusk // Dawn Dusk // Dawn
+55% Synergy 61% Inclusion $0.29
Expel the Interlopers Expel the Interlopers
+34% Synergy 37% Inclusion $0.29
Rampant Growth Rampant Growth
+28% Synergy 53% Inclusion $1.27
Wave of Reckoning Wave of Reckoning
+12% Synergy 15% Inclusion $0.42
Destined Confrontation Destined Confrontation
+10% Synergy 12% Inclusion $0.21
Cultivate Cultivate
+10% Synergy 47% Inclusion $0.40
Search for Tomorrow Search for Tomorrow
+7% Synergy 10% Inclusion $0.36
Raise the Past Raise the Past
+7% Synergy 8% Inclusion $0.78
Return to the Ranks Return to the Ranks
+6% Synergy 7% Inclusion $0.58
The Battle of Bywater The Battle of Bywater
+6% Synergy 9% Inclusion $1.75
Chelonian Tackle Chelonian Tackle
+5% Synergy 6% Inclusion $0.13
Harmonize Harmonize
+4% Synergy 6% Inclusion $0.21
Explore Explore
+2% Synergy 8% Inclusion $0.20
Austere Command Austere Command
+1% Synergy 10% Inclusion $0.37
Kodama's Reach Kodama's Reach
-2% Synergy 15% Inclusion $1.97
Farseek Farseek
-15% Synergy 29% Inclusion $0.45

Utility Artifacts

Utility artifacts played in Budget Arcades, the Strategist decks.

Slagwurm Armor Slagwurm Armor
+24% Synergy 26% Inclusion $1.21
Colfenor's Urn Colfenor's Urn
+11% Synergy 12% Inclusion $0.38
Mirror Shield Mirror Shield
+9% Synergy 10% Inclusion $0.45
Captain America's Shield Captain America's Shield
+8% Synergy 9% Inclusion $1.68
Rammas Echor, Ancient Shield Rammas Echor, Ancient Shield
+7% Synergy 12% Inclusion $6.56
Cathar's Shield Cathar's Shield
+7% Synergy 8% Inclusion $0.28
Accorder's Shield Accorder's Shield
+6% Synergy 7% Inclusion $0.19
Meekstone Meekstone
+5% Synergy 9% Inclusion $12.18
Swiftfoot Boots Swiftfoot Boots
-4% Synergy 23% Inclusion $1.88
Lightning Greaves Lightning Greaves
-12% Synergy 5% Inclusion $3.79

Enchantments

Enchantments played in Budget Arcades, the Strategist decks.

Stoneskin Stoneskin
+37% Synergy 41% Inclusion $1.38
Brave the Sands Brave the Sands
+29% Synergy 34% Inclusion $6.13
The Birth of Meletis The Birth of Meletis
+27% Synergy 28% Inclusion $0.33
Sight of the Scalelords Sight of the Scalelords
+22% Synergy 23% Inclusion $0.52
Assemble the Players Assemble the Players
+17% Synergy 19% Inclusion $0.36
Angelic Shield Angelic Shield
+13% Synergy 15% Inclusion $0.19
Serra's Blessing Serra's Blessing
+10% Synergy 11% Inclusion $1.18
Rolling Stones Rolling Stones
+9% Synergy 10% Inclusion $2.42
Treefolk Umbra Treefolk Umbra
+8% Synergy 9% Inclusion $0.21
Spidersilk Armor Spidersilk Armor
+8% Synergy 9% Inclusion $2.87
Builder's Blessing Builder's Blessing
+7% Synergy 8% Inclusion $0.27
Restricted Office // Lecture Hall Restricted Office // Lecture Hall
+7% Synergy 8% Inclusion $0.28
Vault 75: Middle School Vault 75: Middle School
+6% Synergy 7% Inclusion $0.37
Angelic Chorus Angelic Chorus
+5% Synergy 8% Inclusion $8.49
Wild Pair Wild Pair
+5% Synergy 6% Inclusion $1.37
Builder's Talent Builder's Talent
+5% Synergy 6% Inclusion $0.27
Unnatural Growth Unnatural Growth
+5% Synergy 7% Inclusion $3.70
Always Watching Always Watching
+5% Synergy 6% Inclusion $0.99
Primal Rage Primal Rage
+4% Synergy 6% Inclusion $5.39

Planeswalkers

Planeswalkers played in Budget Arcades, the Strategist decks.

Huatli, the Sun's Heart Huatli, the Sun's Heart
+34% Synergy 37% Inclusion $0.39
Teyo, the Shieldmage Teyo, the Shieldmage
+33% Synergy 35% Inclusion $0.32

Utility Lands

Utility lands played in Budget Arcades, the Strategist decks.

Access Tunnel Access Tunnel
+21% Synergy 24% Inclusion $0.56
Rogue's Passage Rogue's Passage
+2% Synergy 17% Inclusion $0.77
Temple of the False God Temple of the False God
0% Synergy 8% Inclusion $0.27
Reliquary Tower Reliquary Tower
-23% Synergy 18% Inclusion $5.14

Mana Artifacts

Mana rocks and fixing in Budget Arcades, the Strategist decks.

Azorius Signet Azorius Signet
+26% Synergy 35% Inclusion $0.26
Simic Signet Simic Signet
+25% Synergy 34% Inclusion $0.36
Selesnya Signet Selesnya Signet
+22% Synergy 29% Inclusion $0.25
Commander's Sphere Commander's Sphere
+14% Synergy 20% Inclusion $0.29
Talisman of Unity Talisman of Unity
-2% Synergy 7% Inclusion $3.33
Talisman of Progress Talisman of Progress
-3% Synergy 7% Inclusion $0.28
Talisman of Curiosity Talisman of Curiosity
-3% Synergy 7% Inclusion $0.46
Fellwar Stone Fellwar Stone
-5% Synergy 8% Inclusion $0.92
Arcane Signet Arcane Signet
-6% Synergy 65% Inclusion $0.62
Thought Vessel Thought Vessel
-9% Synergy 10% Inclusion $2.25
Sol Ring Sol Ring
-15% Synergy 65% Inclusion $1.55

Lands

The lands Budget Arcades, the Strategist decks run.

Evolving Wilds Evolving Wilds
+27% Synergy 53% Inclusion $0.33
Blossoming Sands Blossoming Sands
+27% Synergy 33% Inclusion $0.28
Tranquil Cove Tranquil Cove
+26% Synergy 32% Inclusion $0.14
Azorius Guildgate Azorius Guildgate
+26% Synergy 29% Inclusion $0.11
Selesnya Guildgate Selesnya Guildgate
+25% Synergy 28% Inclusion $0.14
Simic Guildgate Simic Guildgate
+25% Synergy 28% Inclusion $0.13
Thornwood Falls Thornwood Falls
+24% Synergy 30% Inclusion $0.20
Terramorphic Expanse Terramorphic Expanse
+21% Synergy 38% Inclusion $0.33
Seaside Citadel Seaside Citadel
+11% Synergy 63% Inclusion $0.36
Azorius Chancery Azorius Chancery
+10% Synergy 24% Inclusion $0.37
Bant Panorama Bant Panorama
+9% Synergy 13% Inclusion $0.36
Woodland Stream Woodland Stream
+8% Synergy 10% Inclusion $0.22
Selesnya Sanctuary Selesnya Sanctuary
+7% Synergy 20% Inclusion $0.30
Krosan Verge Krosan Verge
+6% Synergy 12% Inclusion $0.30
Plains Plains
+6% Synergy 100% Inclusion $0.07
Tranquil Landscape Tranquil Landscape
+6% Synergy 21% Inclusion $0.21
Graypelt Refuge Graypelt Refuge
+6% Synergy 8% Inclusion $0.31
Brokers Hideout Brokers Hideout
+5% Synergy 13% Inclusion $0.79
Island Island
+5% Synergy 100% Inclusion $0.08
Myriad Landscape Myriad Landscape
+5% Synergy 11% Inclusion $0.30
Forest Forest
+5% Synergy 100% Inclusion $0.09
Sejiri Refuge Sejiri Refuge
+5% Synergy 6% Inclusion $0.36
Simic Growth Chamber Simic Growth Chamber
+4% Synergy 18% Inclusion $0.36
Temple of Mystery Temple of Mystery
+3% Synergy 25% Inclusion $0.33
Thriving Heath Thriving Heath
+3% Synergy 9% Inclusion $0.25
Thriving Isle Thriving Isle
+2% Synergy 9% Inclusion $0.23
Thriving Grove Thriving Grove
+2% Synergy 9% Inclusion $0.22
Temple of Enlightenment Temple of Enlightenment
+2% Synergy 22% Inclusion $0.27
Port Town Port Town
+1% Synergy 15% Inclusion $0.29
Prairie Stream Prairie Stream
+1% Synergy 47% Inclusion $0.22
Temple of Plenty Temple of Plenty
+1% Synergy 21% Inclusion $0.23
Ash Barrens Ash Barrens
+0% Synergy 6% Inclusion $0.33
Radiant Grove Radiant Grove
+0% Synergy 6% Inclusion $0.27
Tangled Islet Tangled Islet
0% Synergy 6% Inclusion $0.28
Fortified Village Fortified Village
0% Synergy 13% Inclusion $0.35
Vineglimmer Snarl Vineglimmer Snarl
-1% Synergy 10% Inclusion $0.28
Canopy Vista Canopy Vista
-2% Synergy 43% Inclusion $0.30
Skycloud Expanse Skycloud Expanse
-5% Synergy 13% Inclusion $0.27
Sungrass Prairie Sungrass Prairie
-6% Synergy 13% Inclusion $0.27
Yavimaya Coast Yavimaya Coast
-10% Synergy 20% Inclusion $0.33
Path of Ancestry Path of Ancestry
-11% Synergy 14% Inclusion $0.26
Command Tower Command Tower
-12% Synergy 78% Inclusion $0.26
Exotic Orchard Exotic Orchard
-13% Synergy 44% Inclusion $0.27
Adarkar Wastes Adarkar Wastes
-13% Synergy 12% Inclusion $0.37
Flooded Grove Flooded Grove
-15% Synergy 8% Inclusion $0.23
Glacial Fortress Glacial Fortress
-16% Synergy 32% Inclusion $0.20
Dreamroot Cascade Dreamroot Cascade
-19% Synergy 8% Inclusion $1.05
Hinterland Harbor Hinterland Harbor
-20% Synergy 30% Inclusion $0.35
Brushland Brushland
-21% Synergy 9% Inclusion $1.51
Sunpetal Grove Sunpetal Grove
-22% Synergy 23% Inclusion $0.33

Similar Commanders

The following Commanders share a similar playing style, strategy, or theme like Budget Arcades, the Strategist.

Felothar the Steadfast Felothar the Steadfast
Betor, Kin to All Betor, Kin to All
The Pride of Hull Clade The Pride of Hull Clade
Esior, Wardwing Familiar Prava of the Steel Legion Esior, Wardwing Familiar // Prava of the Steel Legion
Ms. Bumbleflower Ms. Bumbleflower
Sophia, Dogged Detective Sophia, Dogged Detective
Ellie and Alan, Paleontologists Ellie and Alan, Paleontologists
Rasaad yn Bashir Clan Crafter Rasaad yn Bashir // Clan Crafter
Zhao Zilong, Tiger General Zhao Zilong, Tiger General
Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist Prava of the Steel Legion Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist // Prava of the Steel Legion
Kellan, the Kid Kellan, the Kid
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces Sidar Kondo of Jamuraa Sakashima of a Thousand Faces // Sidar Kondo of Jamuraa
The Fifth Doctor Leela, Sevateem Warrior The Fifth Doctor // Leela, Sevateem Warrior
Plagon, Lord of the Beach Plagon, Lord of the Beach
Rasaad yn Bashir Dungeon Delver Rasaad yn Bashir // Dungeon Delver
Kodama of the East Tree Rebbec, Architect of Ascension Kodama of the East Tree // Rebbec, Architect of Ascension
Angus Mackenzie Angus Mackenzie
Rasaad yn Bashir Sword Coast Sailor Rasaad yn Bashir // Sword Coast Sailor
Rasaad yn Bashir Candlekeep Sage Rasaad yn Bashir // Candlekeep Sage
Rasaad yn Bashir Cloakwood Hermit Rasaad yn Bashir // Cloakwood Hermit
Rasaad yn Bashir Far Traveler Rasaad yn Bashir // Far Traveler
Rasaad yn Bashir Feywild Visitor Rasaad yn Bashir // Feywild Visitor
Rasaad yn Bashir Flaming Fist Rasaad yn Bashir // Flaming Fist
Rasaad yn Bashir Folk Hero Rasaad yn Bashir // Folk Hero
Rasaad yn Bashir Inspiring Leader Rasaad yn Bashir // Inspiring Leader
Rasaad yn Bashir Master Chef Rasaad yn Bashir // Master Chef
Rasaad yn Bashir Noble Heritage Rasaad yn Bashir // Noble Heritage
Rasaad yn Bashir Raised by Giants Rasaad yn Bashir // Raised by Giants
Rasaad yn Bashir Shameless Charlatan Rasaad yn Bashir // Shameless Charlatan
Rasaad yn Bashir Veteran Soldier Rasaad yn Bashir // Veteran Soldier
Galea, Kindler of Hope Galea, Kindler of Hope
Orvar, the All-Form Orvar, the All-Form
Tatyova, Benthic Druid Tatyova, Benthic Druid
Delney, Streetwise Lookout Delney, Streetwise Lookout
Selvala, Heart of the Wilds Selvala, Heart of the Wilds
Yasharn, Implacable Earth Yasharn, Implacable Earth
Yosei, the Morning Star Yosei, the Morning Star
Esior, Wardwing Familiar Ikra Shidiqi, the Usurper Esior, Wardwing Familiar // Ikra Shidiqi, the Usurper
Kiyomaro, First to Stand Kiyomaro, First to Stand
Nezahal, Primal Tide Nezahal, Primal Tide