Hakbal of the Surging Soul
$0.38
$0.38Legendary Creature — Merfolk Scout
Merfolk that explore every combat, ramping and growing until one big unblockable swing ends the game.
Read more
At the start of combat every Merfolk you control explores, so each one either puts a land into your hand or grows with a +1/+1 counter. When Hakbal attacks, you can put a land from hand onto the battlefield, or draw a card if you don't. The deck ramps and draws while the board keeps growing.
In the recorded games, Hardened Scales-style counter effects made the army grow fast. Herald of Secret Streams turned that board into one big unblockable swing, and a few lists used Simic Ascendancy as a second way to win. The weak spot was a slow start: when Hakbal didn't have a board early, graveyard hate and faster combo decks got ahead. Expect a slow, grindy game that turns into lethal combat around turn six or seven.
How it feels to play against
Mildly Annoying
Some frustrating moments but still fun.
Popularity
Ranking
#82
Current Rank
#85
Last Week
#37
Past 2 Years
25,632
Decks
Links & Decks
Combos
Debut Set
Decks on Moxfield
Decks on Archidekt
ScryfallBuy Hakbal of the Surging Soul
TCGplayer
$0.45
Cardmarket
€1.26Videos
Commander gameplay videos featuring Hakbal of the Surging Soul.
Rat King Verminister Summons the Colony | EDH TMNT Gameplay
![Taktisches Fratzengeballer | Herumkommandiert #20 | EDH [Deutsch]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/14Os4DZWd4s/sddefault.jpg)
Taktisches Fratzengeballer | Herumkommandiert #20 | EDH [Deutsch]
Magic's Best Pre-Cons
Level Up: Kratos & Atreus vs Zndrsplt & Okaun vs Olivia vs Hakbal | Commander 17 | EDH MTG Gameplay
Blind Commander Mayhem | Meaty Magic
Hearthhull, the Worldseed VS Hakbal VS Licia VS Phelia, Exuberant Shepherd Commander Game Play
Saturday Morning Magic | EP. 24 | Commander
A Friend Said to Play "Low Power" | EP. 12 | Terra vs Hakbal vs Rendmaw vs Teysa
Boros Landfall VS. The World | EP. 19 | Akiri/Toggo vs Hakbal vs Kona vs Tidus
TnS Commander Sessions - EDH Gameplay - Teval, Sram, Depala, Hakbal - Episódio 5
More Hakbal of the Surging Soul VideosBrackets
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 Hakbal of the Surging Soul 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 Hakbal of the Surging Soul builds, $$$ the most expensive ones.
Greyed-out options don't have enough decks yet.
No cards match these filters.
New Cards
Fresh cards from recent sets that players are experimenting with in Hakbal of the Surging Soul decks.
Shore Leave Planet+0% Synergy
in 1% of decks
Divining Duelist+0% Synergy
in 1% of decks
$0.13
Dr. Joseph M'Benga+0% Synergy
in 1% of decks
$16.46
Hall of Echoes0% Synergy
in 2% of decks
$2.52
Roiling Canopy0% Synergy
in 1% of decks
$1.34
High Synergy Cards
Cards that work exceptionally well with Hakbal of the Surging Soul's abilities and overall game plan.
Nicanzil, Current Conductor+90% Synergy
in 97% of decks
$0.20
Master of the Pearl Trident+84% Synergy
in 94% of decks
$1.61
Svyelun of Sea and Sky+84% Synergy
in 93% of decks
$0.46
Emperor Mihail II+83% Synergy
in 91% of decks
$0.37
Kopala, Warden of Waves+81% Synergy
in 89% of decks
$0.40
Stonybrook Banneret+80% Synergy
in 88% of decks
$0.34
Merrow Reejerey+80% Synergy
in 88% of decks
$0.30
Merfolk Sovereign+79% Synergy
in 87% of decks
$0.37
Deeproot Waters+79% Synergy
in 87% of decks
$0.26
Herald of Secret Streams+77% Synergy
in 92% of decks
$8.16
Top Cards
The most popular and reliable cards that form the backbone of successful Hakbal of the Surging Soul decks.
Nicanzil, Current Conductor+90% Synergy
in 97% of decks
$0.20
Master of the Pearl Trident+84% Synergy
in 94% of decks
$1.61
Svyelun of Sea and Sky+84% Synergy
in 93% of decks
$0.46
Emperor Mihail II+83% Synergy
in 91% of decks
$0.37
Kopala, Warden of Waves+81% Synergy
in 89% of decks
$0.40
Stonybrook Banneret+80% Synergy
in 88% of decks
$0.34
Merrow Reejerey+80% Synergy
in 88% of decks
$0.30
Merfolk Sovereign+79% Synergy
in 87% of decks
$0.37
Deeproot Waters+79% Synergy
in 87% of decks
$0.26
Herald of Secret Streams+77% Synergy
in 92% of decks
$8.16
Game Changers
Powerful cards that can single-handedly turn the tide of a game when resolved.
Cyclonic Rift+1% Synergy
in 24% of decks
$39.02
Fierce Guardianship0% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$66.96
Rhystic Study-1% Synergy
in 18% of decks
$67.58
Force of Will-2% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$58.52
Worldly Tutor-4% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$29.49
Creatures
Essential creatures that complement Hakbal of the Surging Soul's strategy through synergy, utility, or raw power.
Seafloor Oracle+72% Synergy
in 80% of decks
$0.30
Deeproot Elite+71% Synergy
in 78% of decks
$0.24
Cold-Eyed Selkie+69% Synergy
in 80% of decks
$0.35
Zegana, Utopian Speaker+66% Synergy
in 73% of decks
$0.26
Merfolk Mistbinder+62% Synergy
in 69% of decks
$0.16
Vodalian Hexcatcher+60% Synergy
in 66% of decks
$5.04
Thieving Skydiver+59% Synergy
in 65% of decks
$0.36
Benthic Biomancer+55% Synergy
in 60% of decks
$0.23
Lord of Atlantis+54% Synergy
in 60% of decks
$10.47
Realmwalker+52% Synergy
in 59% of decks
$2.18
Kiora's Follower+50% Synergy
in 64% of decks
$0.37
Metallic Mimic+48% Synergy
in 53% of decks
$1.16
Tatyova, Benthic Druid+45% Synergy
in 74% of decks
$0.31
Tishana's Tidebinder+43% Synergy
in 48% of decks
$2.38
Merfolk Skydiver+41% Synergy
in 46% of decks
$0.30
Tishana, Voice of Thunder+38% Synergy
in 43% of decks
$0.33
Vorel of the Hull Clade+32% Synergy
in 41% of decks
$0.27
Evolution Sage+32% Synergy
in 42% of decks
$3.54
Prime Speaker Zegana+31% Synergy
in 41% of decks
$0.20
Forerunner of the Heralds+29% Synergy
in 33% of decks
$0.40
Harbinger of the Seas+29% Synergy
in 33% of decks
$1.43
Roaming Throne+29% Synergy
in 36% of decks
$49.73
Surgespanner+28% Synergy
in 32% of decks
$0.22
Deepfathom Echo+26% Synergy
in 29% of decks
$0.26
Sage of Fables+21% Synergy
in 23% of decks
$0.23
Thassa, God of the Sea+19% Synergy
in 25% of decks
$6.34
Wanderwine Prophets+18% Synergy
in 21% of decks
$15.76
Jadelight Spelunker+18% Synergy
in 21% of decks
$0.32
Attuma, Atlantean Warlord+18% Synergy
in 20% of decks
$0.28
Merrow Harbinger+17% Synergy
in 19% of decks
$2.68
Mindspring Merfolk+16% Synergy
in 18% of decks
$0.32
Coralhelm Commander+16% Synergy
in 18% of decks
$0.28
Daughter of the Deep+15% Synergy
in 17% of decks
$2.12
Cenote Scout+14% Synergy
in 17% of decks
$0.22
Tide Shaper+14% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$0.27
Seahunter+13% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$3.79
Namor the Sub-Mariner+13% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$2.16
Kiora, the Rising Tide+13% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$0.39
Mist-Cloaked Herald+13% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$0.28
Thada Adel, Acquisitor+13% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$10.05
Xolatoyac, the Smiling Flood+13% Synergy
in 20% of decks
$0.51
Tempest Caller+11% Synergy
in 13% of decks
$0.29
Deepchannel Mentor+11% Synergy
in 13% of decks
$4.64
Summon: Leviathan+11% Synergy
in 18% of decks
$1.40
Lullmage Mentor+10% Synergy
in 13% of decks
$8.00
Sentinel of the Nameless City+10% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$0.38
Harmonized Trio+10% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$1.06
Silvergill Adept+9% Synergy
in 11% of decks
$0.31
Wonder+8% Synergy
in 11% of decks
$3.87
Murkfiend Liege-1% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$3.48
Instants
Key instant-speed responses for protection, removal, and keeping Hakbal of the Surging Soul safe.
Inspiring Call+64% Synergy
in 79% of decks
$0.38
Ripples of Potential+64% Synergy
in 75% of decks
$5.31
Rapid Hybridization+38% Synergy
in 66% of decks
$0.97
Aetherize+35% Synergy
in 48% of decks
$0.44
Quandrix Command+25% Synergy
in 32% of decks
$0.24
Ruinous Intrusion+24% Synergy
in 27% of decks
$0.65
Beast Within+19% Synergy
in 67% of decks
$0.69
Growth Spiral+11% Synergy
in 55% of decks
$0.32
Flare of Denial+9% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$3.53
Mutational Advantage+9% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$7.67
Commit // Memory+8% Synergy
in 10% of decks
$0.35
Harmonized Crescendo+7% Synergy
in 11% of decks
$1.01
Heroic Intervention+6% Synergy
in 37% of decks
$9.02
Counterspell+4% Synergy
in 53% of decks
$4.39
Stubborn Denial+4% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$4.03
Filter Out+3% Synergy
in 5% of decks
$0.26
Cyclonic Rift+1% Synergy
in 24% of decks
$39.02
Fierce Guardianship0% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$66.96
Nature's Claim0% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$1.35
Repulsive Mutation0% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$0.67
Negate0% Synergy
in 24% of decks
$0.15
An Offer You Can't Refuse-1% Synergy
in 23% of decks
$3.15
Swan Song-2% Synergy
in 17% of decks
$11.92
Force of Will-2% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$58.52
Mana Drain-2% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$54.62
Pongify-4% Synergy
in 21% of decks
$3.56
Sink into Stupor-4% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$8.75
Worldly Tutor-4% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$29.49
Reality Shift-6% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$0.29
Arcane Denial-6% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$2.66
Sorceries
Important sorcery spells that advance Hakbal of the Surging Soul's game plan and control the board.
Wave Goodbye+64% Synergy
in 76% of decks
$1.69
Raise the Palisade+26% Synergy
in 33% of decks
$10.81
Ravenform+24% Synergy
in 28% of decks
$0.30
Explore+24% Synergy
in 44% of decks
$0.27
Kodama's Reach+18% Synergy
in 51% of decks
$1.94
Curse of the Swine+15% Synergy
in 27% of decks
$0.33
Aquitect's Will+8% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$0.36
Over the Edge+6% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$0.25
Distant Melody+5% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$0.41
River's Rebuke+3% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$0.53
Triumph of the Hordes+3% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$10.81
Overwhelming Stampede+2% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$1.04
Bala Ged Recovery-3% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$6.59
Farseek-7% Synergy
in 19% of decks
$0.58
Three Visits-8% Synergy
in 18% of decks
$5.18
Nature's Lore-9% Synergy
in 23% of decks
$2.07
Rampant Growth-15% Synergy
in 23% of decks
$0.38
Cultivate-21% Synergy
in 23% of decks
$0.38
Utility Artifacts
Versatile artifacts that provide ongoing value, card selection, or strategic advantages.
Swiftfoot Boots+27% Synergy
in 52% of decks
$1.86
Bident of Thassa+16% Synergy
in 23% of decks
$0.52
Ozolith, the Shattered Spire+15% Synergy
in 25% of decks
$6.84
Herald's Horn+15% Synergy
in 19% of decks
$3.02
The Ozolith+9% Synergy
in 17% of decks
$63.42
Chronicle of Victory+5% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$23.17
Vanquisher's Banner+4% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$4.52
Banner of Kinship+4% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$7.94
The Earth Crystal+2% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$11.74
The Great Henge+2% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$61.79
Lightning Greaves-4% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$3.29
Enchantments
Powerful enchantments that support Hakbal of the Surging Soul's strategy and create lasting battlefield effects.
Hardened Scales+66% Synergy
in 85% of decks
$2.66
Deeproot Pilgrimage+64% Synergy
in 71% of decks
$1.78
Kindred Discovery+59% Synergy
in 69% of decks
$5.15
Branching Evolution+55% Synergy
in 68% of decks
$7.61
Reflections of Littjara+45% Synergy
in 52% of decks
$2.61
Simic Ascendancy+37% Synergy
in 51% of decks
$0.53
Merrow Commerce+34% Synergy
in 38% of decks
$12.21
Twists and Turns+16% Synergy
in 18% of decks
$0.25
Path of Discovery+11% Synergy
in 13% of decks
$0.24
Sphere Grid+11% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$4.87
Bred for the Hunt+10% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$0.47
Growing Rites of Itlimoc+7% Synergy
in 13% of decks
$8.23
Exploration+6% Synergy
in 19% of decks
$29.12
Burgeoning+6% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$33.62
Court of Garenbrig+5% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$15.48
Spreading Seas+4% Synergy
in 5% of decks
$0.28
Intruder Alarm+4% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$5.98
Innkeeper's Talent+3% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$9.14
Hadana's Climb+2% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$2.19
Doubling Season+0% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$33.72
Terrasymbiosis-1% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$8.61
Rhystic Study-1% Synergy
in 18% of decks
$67.58
Mystic Remora-5% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$13.36
Utility Lands
Non-basic lands that offer additional utility beyond just mana production.
Karn's Bastion+49% Synergy
in 60% of decks
$3.40
Rogue's Passage+33% Synergy
in 57% of decks
$0.38
Alchemist's Refuge+31% Synergy
in 51% of decks
$0.44
Mosswort Bridge+29% Synergy
in 46% of decks
$2.64
Llanowar Reborn+28% Synergy
in 33% of decks
$0.35
Reliquary Tower+27% Synergy
in 78% of decks
$2.99
Three Tree City+14% Synergy
in 19% of decks
$26.09
Temple of the False God+12% Synergy
in 28% of decks
$0.18
Mistrise Village-2% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$6.80
Mystic Sanctuary-4% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$1.32
Otawara, Soaring City-4% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$27.75
Boseiju, Who Endures-6% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$46.30
Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth-7% Synergy
in 13% of decks
$14.67
Mana Artifacts
Artifacts focused on mana acceleration and color fixing for consistent gameplay.
Arcane Signet+17% Synergy
in 80% of decks
$0.37
Simic Signet+16% Synergy
in 44% of decks
$0.35
Commander's Sphere+11% Synergy
in 18% of decks
$0.22
Sol Ring+11% Synergy
in 91% of decks
$1.23
Patchwork Banner+8% Synergy
in 11% of decks
$2.68
Thought Vessel-1% Synergy
in 19% of decks
$1.93
Talisman of Curiosity-7% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$0.49
Lands
The mana base foundation for Hakbal of the Surging Soul decks, ensuring smooth and reliable mana development.
Secluded Courtyard+60% Synergy
in 67% of decks
$0.36
Unclaimed Territory+59% Synergy
in 66% of decks
$0.33
Path of Ancestry+56% Synergy
in 75% of decks
$0.27
Vineglimmer Snarl+30% Synergy
in 71% of decks
$0.26
Hinterland Harbor+24% Synergy
in 88% of decks
$0.30
Cavern of Souls+19% Synergy
in 24% of decks
$50.26
Temple of Mystery+18% Synergy
in 55% of decks
$0.21
Myriad Landscape+16% Synergy
in 36% of decks
$0.30
Eclipsed Realms+13% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$0.34
Simic Growth Chamber+12% Synergy
in 57% of decks
$0.33
Command Tower+9% Synergy
in 94% of decks
$0.24
Island+3% Synergy
in 99% of decks
$0.08
Forest+3% Synergy
in 99% of decks
$0.09
Willowrush Verge+1% Synergy
in 21% of decks
$4.60
Botanical Sanctum+1% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$1.72
Glasspool Mimic+1% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$6.88
Barkchannel Pathway+0% Synergy
in 20% of decks
$4.63
Dreamroot Cascade0% Synergy
in 46% of decks
$1.34
Prismatic Vista-1% Synergy
in 5% of decks
$29.47
Waterlogged Grove-2% Synergy
in 17% of decks
$1.43
Bala Ged Recovery-3% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$6.59
Rejuvenating Springs-3% Synergy
in 39% of decks
$3.79
Hedge Maze-4% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$12.86
Sink into Stupor-4% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$8.75
Breeding Pool-5% Synergy
in 43% of decks
$8.55
Tropical Island-5% Synergy
in 9% of decks
Thornwood Falls-6% Synergy
in 10% of decks
$0.20
Misty Rainforest-7% Synergy
in 24% of decks
$35.48
Tangled Islet-7% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$0.24
Turbulent Wilderness-8% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$6.42
Overflowing Basin-8% Synergy
in 13% of decks
$0.20
Flooded Grove-8% Synergy
in 35% of decks
$0.30
Yavimaya Coast-8% Synergy
in 44% of decks
$0.33
Sodden Verdure-9% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$0.37
Fabled Passage-10% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$0.95
Exotic Orchard-12% Synergy
in 13% of decks
$0.30
Terramorphic Expanse-14% Synergy
in 5% of decks
$0.17
Evolving Wilds-14% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$0.10
Hakbal of the Surging Soul Deck Stats
Based on 25,632 Hakbal of the Surging Soul decks.
| Mana value | Cards |
|---|---|
| 1 | 7 |
| 2 | 21 |
| 3 | 21 |
| 4 | 9 |
| 5 | 4 |
| 6 | 1 |
| 7 | 1 |
99
cards
- Creature 34
- Instant 10
- Sorcery 6
- Artifact 6
- Enchantment 8
- Land 35
| Card type | Cards |
|---|---|
| Creature | 34 |
| Instant | 10 |
| Sorcery | 6 |
| Artifact | 6 |
| Enchantment | 8 |
| Land | 35 |
Lands: 19 basic, 16 nonbasic
#1
#97
Oct 2024 · #97
Sep 2026 · #34
| Month | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 97 |
| 2024-11 | 64 |
| 2024-12 | 50 |
| 2025-01 | 37 |
| 2025-02 | 28 |
| 2025-03 | 31 |
| 2025-04 | 52 |
| 2025-05 | 54 |
| 2025-06 | 58 |
| 2025-07 | 67 |
| 2025-08 | 65 |
| 2025-09 | 69 |
| 2025-10 | 47 |
| 2025-11 | 59 |
| 2025-12 | 52 |
| 2026-01 | 38 |
| 2026-02 | 38 |
| 2026-03 | 51 |
| 2026-04 | 57 |
| 2026-05 | 74 |
| 2026-06 | 41 |
| 2026-07 | 29 |
| 2026-08 | 51 |
| 2026-09 | 34 |
Similar Commanders
The following Commanders share a similar playing style, strategy, or theme like Hakbal of the Surging Soul.
Kumena, Tyrant of Orazca
Nicanzil, Current Conductor
Slurrk, All-Ingesting // Thrasios, Triton Hero
The Prismatic Piper // Thrasios, Triton Hero
Kopala, Warden of Waves
Esior, Wardwing Familiar // Thrasios, Triton Hero
Sab-Sunen, Luxa Embodied
Tanazir Quandrix
Esior, Wardwing Familiar // Numa, Joraga Chieftain
Esior, Wardwing Familiar // Slurrk, All-Ingesting
Roalesk, Apex Hybrid
Sin, Unending Cataclysm
Svyelun of Sea and Sky
Verazol, the Split Current
Alharu, Solemn Ritualist // Thrasios, Triton Hero
Xolatoyac, the Smiling Flood
The Thirteenth Doctor
Tidus, Yuna's Guardian
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces // Slurrk, All-Ingesting
Ezuri, Claw of Progress
Volo, Itinerant Scholar // Master Chef
Kodama of the West Tree
Magus Lucea Kane
Silas Renn, Seeker Adept // Slurrk, All-Ingesting
Emissary Green
Emperor Mihail II
Helga, Skittish Seer
Experiment Kraj
Legolas, Counter of Kills
Pir, Imaginative Rascal // Toothy, Imaginary Friend
Vorel of the Hull Clade
Galadriel, Light of Valinor
Esior, Wardwing Familiar // Reyhan, Last of the Abzan
Danny Pink
Yuna, Grand Summoner
Zimone, Paradox Sculptor
Ezuri, Stalker of Spheres
Nael, Avizoa Aeronaut
Dionus, Elvish Archdruid
The Swarmlord