The Swarmlord
$7.93
$7.93
Temur +1/+1 counters deck that grows a Tyranid swarm and draws a card each time a creature with a counter dies.
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The Swarmlord is a six-mana 5/5. It enters with two +1/+1 counters for each time you've already cast it from the command zone this game, so removal makes it bigger on the next cast. Whenever a creature you control with a counter on it dies, you draw a card. That covers +1/+1 counters and any other kind, so trades, sweepers and sacrifice all replace themselves. The deck spreads counters across a wide board of creatures and treats every death as card advantage.
In the recorded games, the deck mostly played as a counters-and-creatures midrange build. Early mana rocks helped land the commander quickly, and Simic Ascendancy and Branching Evolution appeared as ways to multiply counters. Managorger Hydra grew alongside the rest of the board. The draw trigger made it a value engine that opponents needed to answer, and killing Swarmlord itself was risky since it came back bigger. Sweepers like Kindred Dominance and cost taxes like Defense Grid slowed it down.
How it feels to play against
Mildly Annoying
Some frustrating moments but still fun.
Popularity
Ranking
#1039
Current Rank
#1021
Last Week
#862
Past 2 Years
3,134
Decks
Links & Decks
Combos
Debut Set
Decks on Moxfield
Decks on Archidekt
ScryfallBuy The Swarmlord
TCGplayer
$0.54
Cardmarket
€1.57Videos
Commander gameplay videos featuring The Swarmlord.
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UNIVERSES BATTLE: Fallout v LoTR v Dr Who v Warhammer | MTG EDH Commander
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Build, Destroy, Rebuild, Destroy | Magic: The Gathering EDH Gameplay | Commander's Conclave | EP103
More The Swarmlord VideosNo cards match these filters.
New Cards
Fresh cards from recent sets that players are experimenting with in The Swarmlord decks.
Gardenize+2% Synergy
in 3% of decks
$1.20
Support Mission+1% Synergy
in 2% of decks
Verdant Kraken+1% Synergy
in 3% of decks
$2.37
Ajani's Anguish+1% Synergy
in 3% of decks
$0.91
Hexhaven Invigorator+0% Synergy
in 2% of decks
$21.45
High Synergy Cards
Cards that work exceptionally well with The Swarmlord's abilities and overall game plan.
Winged Hive Tyrant+82% Synergy
in 88% of decks
$2.06
Tyranid Prime+80% Synergy
in 83% of decks
$0.58
Tervigon+76% Synergy
in 81% of decks
$3.92
Termagant Swarm+75% Synergy
in 80% of decks
$2.46
Trygon Prime+74% Synergy
in 77% of decks
$0.40
Tyrant Guard+73% Synergy
in 78% of decks
$4.33
Old One Eye+72% Synergy
in 75% of decks
$3.00
Inspiring Call+72% Synergy
in 79% of decks
$0.38
Zoanthrope+71% Synergy
in 78% of decks
$1.41
Malanthrope+71% Synergy
in 74% of decks
$0.44
Top Cards
The most popular and reliable cards that form the backbone of successful The Swarmlord decks.
Winged Hive Tyrant+82% Synergy
in 88% of decks
$2.06
Tyranid Prime+80% Synergy
in 83% of decks
$0.58
Tervigon+76% Synergy
in 81% of decks
$3.92
Termagant Swarm+75% Synergy
in 80% of decks
$2.46
Trygon Prime+74% Synergy
in 77% of decks
$0.40
Tyrant Guard+73% Synergy
in 78% of decks
$4.33
Inspiring Call+72% Synergy
in 79% of decks
$0.38
Zoanthrope+71% Synergy
in 78% of decks
$1.41
Hardened Scales+69% Synergy
in 81% of decks
$2.65
Cultivate+37% Synergy
in 78% of decks
$0.49
Game Changers
Powerful cards that can single-handedly turn the tide of a game when resolved.
Cyclonic Rift-5% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$39.05
Worldly Tutor-5% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$29.82
Rhystic Study-6% Synergy
in 11% of decks
$67.79
Fierce Guardianship-8% Synergy
in 10% of decks
$67.13
Creatures
Essential creatures that complement The Swarmlord's strategy through synergy, utility, or raw power.
Old One Eye+72% Synergy
in 75% of decks
$3.00
Malanthrope+71% Synergy
in 74% of decks
$0.44
Biophagus+70% Synergy
in 76% of decks
$13.63
Clamavus+69% Synergy
in 73% of decks
$1.82
Purestrain Genestealer+69% Synergy
in 71% of decks
$0.39
Mawloc+68% Synergy
in 73% of decks
$3.39
Broodlord+68% Synergy
in 72% of decks
$0.92
Exocrine+67% Synergy
in 71% of decks
$1.28
Haruspex+64% Synergy
in 66% of decks
$0.39
Sporocyst+64% Synergy
in 70% of decks
$8.54
Aberrant+64% Synergy
in 69% of decks
$4.70
Hierophant Bio-Titan+63% Synergy
in 66% of decks
$1.64
Hormagaunt Horde+63% Synergy
in 66% of decks
$0.44
Ravener+58% Synergy
in 62% of decks
$0.92
Screamer-Killer+58% Synergy
in 61% of decks
$0.55
Atalan Jackal+57% Synergy
in 60% of decks
$4.20
Nexos+55% Synergy
in 60% of decks
$8.23
Venomthrope+50% Synergy
in 52% of decks
$3.87
Toxicrene+50% Synergy
in 51% of decks
$0.66
The Red Terror+47% Synergy
in 49% of decks
$6.10
Master Biomancer+23% Synergy
in 24% of decks
$0.86
Herald of Secret Streams+20% Synergy
in 25% of decks
$7.64
Animar, Soul of Elements+19% Synergy
in 25% of decks
$29.17
Kodama of the West Tree+18% Synergy
in 21% of decks
$20.64
Forgotten Ancient+18% Synergy
in 25% of decks
$0.34
Kami of Whispered Hopes+16% Synergy
in 23% of decks
$4.80
Grumgully, the Generous+15% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$0.35
Vorinclex, Monstrous Raider+13% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$53.43
Ouroboroid+11% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$36.90
Kalonian Hydra+10% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$6.49
Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph+10% Synergy
in 11% of decks
$27.27
Incubation Druid+10% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$2.90
Evolution Sage+9% Synergy
in 11% of decks
$3.55
Defiler of Vigor+9% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$3.47
Rishkar, Peema Renegade+9% Synergy
in 10% of decks
$0.25
Shaman of the Great Hunt+8% Synergy
in 11% of decks
$0.89
Gyre Sage+8% Synergy
in 10% of decks
$2.65
Bristly Bill, Spine Sower+7% Synergy
in 10% of decks
$33.80
Renata, Called to the Hunt+6% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$0.22
Fathom Mage+6% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$0.84
Champion of Lambholt+5% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$4.41
Quilled Greatwurm+5% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$2.64
Evolution Witness+5% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$0.28
Railway Brawler+5% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$6.08
Hydroid Krasis+4% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$0.32
Beast Whisperer-1% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$9.48
Selvala, Heart of the Wilds-2% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$4.57
Sakura-Tribe Elder-5% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$0.43
Temur Battlecrier-9% Synergy
in 10% of decks
$1.14
Birds of Paradise-22% Synergy
in 13% of decks
$8.26
Instants
Key instant-speed responses for protection, removal, and keeping The Swarmlord safe.
Aetherize+43% Synergy
in 47% of decks
$0.52
Starstorm+34% Synergy
in 37% of decks
$0.28
Harrow+33% Synergy
in 44% of decks
$0.28
Mutational Advantage+19% Synergy
in 22% of decks
$7.64
Ripples of Potential+10% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$5.15
Repulsive Mutation+9% Synergy
in 13% of decks
$0.71
Silkguard+7% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$0.42
Return of the Wildspeaker+6% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$2.73
Heroic Intervention+2% Synergy
in 30% of decks
$16.81
Entish Restoration+0% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$2.31
Mana Drain0% Synergy
in 11% of decks
$55.76
Beast Within-4% Synergy
in 33% of decks
$1.06
Chaos Warp-4% Synergy
in 26% of decks
$0.97
Cyclonic Rift-5% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$39.05
Worldly Tutor-5% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$29.82
Negate-5% Synergy
in 10% of decks
$0.15
Counterspell-7% Synergy
in 26% of decks
$4.39
Fierce Guardianship-8% Synergy
in 10% of decks
$67.13
Growth Spiral-8% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$0.31
Arcane Denial-10% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$2.17
Deflecting Swat-10% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$76.21
An Offer You Can't Refuse-15% Synergy
in 5% of decks
$3.33
Sorceries
Important sorcery spells that advance The Swarmlord's game plan and control the board.
Hull Breach+54% Synergy
in 59% of decks
$0.29
Explore+34% Synergy
in 49% of decks
$0.27
Rampant Growth+33% Synergy
in 67% of decks
$0.99
Farseek+23% Synergy
in 72% of decks
$0.45
Wave Goodbye+17% Synergy
in 20% of decks
$1.62
Rishkar's Expertise+6% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$4.40
Germination Practicum+6% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$7.08
Fangs of Kalonia+6% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$0.30
Unnatural Restoration+5% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$1.03
Tezzeret's Gambit+4% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$0.29
Stump Stomp+0% Synergy
in 5% of decks
$0.35
Skyshroud Claim-1% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$1.04
Kodama's Reach-2% Synergy
in 28% of decks
$1.95
Nature's Lore-5% Synergy
in 30% of decks
$2.49
Three Visits-6% Synergy
in 20% of decks
$5.21
Blasphemous Act-7% Synergy
in 27% of decks
$1.59
Utility Artifacts
Versatile artifacts that provide ongoing value, card selection, or strategic advantages.
Bone Sabres+52% Synergy
in 55% of decks
$4.13
Herald's Horn+46% Synergy
in 53% of decks
$4.99
Icon of Ancestry+35% Synergy
in 37% of decks
$0.38
The Ozolith+30% Synergy
in 37% of decks
$63.70
Ozolith, the Shattered Spire+22% Synergy
in 27% of decks
$7.00
The Earth Crystal+20% Synergy
in 24% of decks
$11.97
The Great Henge+15% Synergy
in 26% of decks
$62.00
Power Fist+7% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$11.42
Urza's Incubator+6% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$19.85
Lightning Greaves-12% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$4.79
Swiftfoot Boots-13% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$1.88
Enchantments
Powerful enchantments that support The Swarmlord's strategy and create lasting battlefield effects.
Bred for the Hunt+67% Synergy
in 70% of decks
$0.47
The First Tyrannic War+65% Synergy
in 68% of decks
$0.55
Shadow in the Warp+59% Synergy
in 64% of decks
$15.27
Death's Presence+49% Synergy
in 52% of decks
$0.38
Branching Evolution+33% Synergy
in 40% of decks
$7.71
Overgrowth+27% Synergy
in 29% of decks
$0.38
New Horizons+27% Synergy
in 28% of decks
$0.27
Rhythm of the Wild+25% Synergy
in 47% of decks
$4.49
Abundance+24% Synergy
in 29% of decks
$1.50
All Will Be One+19% Synergy
in 23% of decks
$16.74
Terrasymbiosis+18% Synergy
in 22% of decks
$9.31
Garruk's Uprising+17% Synergy
in 45% of decks
$0.63
Doubling Season+16% Synergy
in 23% of decks
$33.41
Sphere Grid+12% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$5.02
Simic Ascendancy+12% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$0.51
Innkeeper's Talent+12% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$10.03
Unbound Flourishing+10% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$2.10
Greater Good+10% Synergy
in 13% of decks
$1.70
Invigorating Hot Spring+8% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$0.32
Tribute to the World Tree+7% Synergy
in 10% of decks
$16.14
Uncivil Unrest+6% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$18.21
Loading Zone+5% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$2.43
Inexorable Tide+5% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$6.13
Master Chef+4% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$0.27
Temur Ascendancy+4% Synergy
in 34% of decks
$3.80
Court of Garenbrig+4% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$15.87
Primal Empathy+4% Synergy
in 5% of decks
$0.32
Guardian Project+4% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$15.59
Kindred Discovery+0% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$5.57
Rhystic Study-6% Synergy
in 11% of decks
$67.79
Utility Lands
Non-basic lands that offer additional utility beyond just mana production.
Karn's Bastion+20% Synergy
in 22% of decks
$3.38
Drannith Ruins+5% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$0.36
Oran-Rief, the Vastwood+5% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$0.68
Three Tree City+4% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$30.04
Evendo, Waking Haven+3% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$18.15
Temple of the False God+2% Synergy
in 11% of decks
$0.34
Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth+0% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$13.26
Rogue's Passage0% Synergy
in 15% of decks
$0.38
Reliquary Tower-1% Synergy
in 29% of decks
$4.38
Kessig Wolf Run-2% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$0.42
Boseiju, Who Endures-9% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$46.58
Mana Artifacts
Artifacts focused on mana acceleration and color fixing for consistent gameplay.
Arcane Signet+10% Synergy
in 82% of decks
$0.38
Sol Ring+6% Synergy
in 89% of decks
$1.23
Patchwork Banner+5% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$2.72
Chromatic Lantern+4% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$0.74
Commander's Sphere+0% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$0.21
Gruul Signet0% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$0.41
Simic Signet0% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$0.36
Izzet Signet-3% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$0.30
Thought Vessel-3% Synergy
in 6% of decks
$1.93
Talisman of Curiosity-9% Synergy
in 5% of decks
$0.43
Lands
The mana base foundation for The Swarmlord decks, ensuring smooth and reliable mana development.
Opal Palace+50% Synergy
in 55% of decks
$0.32
Unclaimed Territory+45% Synergy
in 51% of decks
$0.30
Game Trail+35% Synergy
in 46% of decks
$0.29
Path of Ancestry+34% Synergy
in 63% of decks
$0.28
Temple of Epiphany+27% Synergy
in 43% of decks
$0.31
Temple of Mystery+27% Synergy
in 46% of decks
$0.29
Temple of Abandon+27% Synergy
in 45% of decks
$0.34
Cave of Temptation+26% Synergy
in 27% of decks
$0.27
Thornwood Falls+25% Synergy
in 32% of decks
$0.17
Cinder Glade+25% Synergy
in 67% of decks
$0.31
Rugged Highlands+24% Synergy
in 31% of decks
$0.21
Terramorphic Expanse+23% Synergy
in 39% of decks
$0.19
Frontier Bivouac+21% Synergy
in 71% of decks
$0.31
Ash Barrens+21% Synergy
in 25% of decks
$0.30
Evolving Wilds+16% Synergy
in 43% of decks
$0.10
Exotic Orchard+11% Synergy
in 68% of decks
$0.24
Mountain+5% Synergy
in 98% of decks
$0.10
Cavern of Souls+4% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$51.43
Forest+4% Synergy
in 99% of decks
$0.09
Island+3% Synergy
in 98% of decks
$0.08
Command Tower+2% Synergy
in 94% of decks
$0.22
Myriad Landscape0% Synergy
in 9% of decks
$0.32
Ketria Triome0% Synergy
in 40% of decks
$16.07
Spire Garden-3% Synergy
in 26% of decks
$5.37
Volcanic Island-5% Synergy
in 10% of decks
Taiga-5% Synergy
in 10% of decks
Tropical Island-5% Synergy
in 10% of decks
Hedge Maze-5% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$13.00
Gruul Turf-6% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$0.32
Simic Growth Chamber-6% Synergy
in 8% of decks
$0.35
Fabled Passage-6% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$0.94
Rejuvenating Springs-6% Synergy
in 27% of decks
$3.80
Training Center-8% Synergy
in 20% of decks
$17.71
Flooded Grove-9% Synergy
in 7% of decks
$0.30
Stomping Ground-9% Synergy
in 38% of decks
$7.16
Stormcarved Coast-10% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$2.50
Dreamroot Cascade-10% Synergy
in 19% of decks
$1.34
Breeding Pool-11% Synergy
in 38% of decks
$9.19
Bountiful Landscape-11% Synergy
in 10% of decks
$0.35
Steam Vents-12% Synergy
in 33% of decks
$10.27
Misty Rainforest-12% Synergy
in 21% of decks
$35.28
Scalding Tarn-14% Synergy
in 18% of decks
$33.43
Wooded Foothills-14% Synergy
in 20% of decks
$18.59
Rockfall Vale-14% Synergy
in 18% of decks
$0.78
Karplusan Forest-16% Synergy
in 12% of decks
$0.57
Rootbound Crag-16% Synergy
in 25% of decks
$0.37
Hinterland Harbor-17% Synergy
in 28% of decks
$0.34
Shivan Reef-19% Synergy
in 14% of decks
$0.24
Yavimaya Coast-19% Synergy
in 16% of decks
$0.31
Sulfur Falls-21% Synergy
in 21% of decks
$0.37
The Swarmlord Deck Stats
Based on 3,134 The Swarmlord decks.
| Mana value | Cards |
|---|---|
| 1 | 6 |
| 2 | 16 |
| 3 | 21 |
| 4 | 11 |
| 5 | 6 |
| 6 | 3 |
| 9 | 1 |
| 12 | 1 |
99
cards
- Creature 32
- Instant 7
- Sorcery 7
- Artifact 7
- Enchantment 10
- Land 36
| Card type | Cards |
|---|---|
| Creature | 32 |
| Instant | 7 |
| Sorcery | 7 |
| Artifact | 7 |
| Enchantment | 10 |
| Land | 36 |
Lands: 18 basic, 18 nonbasic
#1
#981
Oct 2024 · #901
Sep 2026 · #981
| Month | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 901 |
| 2024-11 | 659 |
| 2024-12 | 733 |
| 2025-01 | 685 |
| 2025-02 | 725 |
| 2025-03 | 690 |
| 2025-04 | 714 |
| 2025-05 | 739 |
| 2025-06 | 731 |
| 2025-07 | 715 |
| 2025-08 | 716 |
| 2025-09 | 712 |
| 2025-10 | 811 |
| 2025-11 | 869 |
| 2025-12 | 753 |
| 2026-01 | 797 |
| 2026-02 | 812 |
| 2026-03 | 860 |
| 2026-04 | 872 |
| 2026-05 | 961 |
| 2026-06 | 791 |
| 2026-07 | 966 |
| 2026-08 | 968 |
| 2026-09 | 981 |
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