App icon for MTG Life Counter: Lotus
MTG Life Counter: Lotus Track life and commander damage for up to 10 players
Launch

Volo, Guide to Monsters
Price tag $0.35

Legendary CreatureHuman Wizard

Magic color symbol for G Magic color symbol for U
Simic

How it feels to play against

Mildly Annoying Some frustrating moments but still fun.

Popularity

Format Staple Extremely popular, see it regularly at tables.

Ranking

#215 Current Rank
#200 Last Week
#187 Last Month

Videos

Commander gameplay videos featuring Volo, Guide to Monsters.

New Cards

Fresh cards from recent sets that players are experimenting with in Volo, Guide to Monsters decks.

Badgermole Cub Badgermole Cub
+4% Synergy $32.21
Jackal, Genius Geneticist Jackal, Genius Geneticist
+2% Synergy $0.49
Impostor Syndrome Impostor Syndrome
+1% Synergy $8.75
Chameleon, Master of Disguise Chameleon, Master of Disguise
+1% Synergy $0.57
Spider-Sense Spider-Sense
+1% Synergy $1.46

High Synergy Cards

Cards that work exceptionally well with Volo, Guide to Monsters's abilities and overall game plan.

End-Raze Forerunners End-Raze Forerunners
+61% Synergy $0.48
Ornithopter of Paradise Ornithopter of Paradise
+60% Synergy $2.99
Twinning Staff Twinning Staff
+56% Synergy $5.77
Solemn Simulacrum Solemn Simulacrum
+56% Synergy $0.26
Maraleaf Pixie Maraleaf Pixie
+56% Synergy $0.16
Acidic Slime Acidic Slime
+50% Synergy $0.09
Prosperous Innkeeper Prosperous Innkeeper
+49% Synergy $0.18
Spark Double Spark Double
+46% Synergy $8.16
Junk Winder Junk Winder
+45% Synergy $0.07
Ilysian Caryatid Ilysian Caryatid
+44% Synergy $0.12

Top Cards

The most popular and reliable cards that form the backbone of successful Volo, Guide to Monsters decks.

Mulldrifter Mulldrifter
+44% Synergy $0.23
Peregrine Drake Peregrine Drake
+44% Synergy $0.23
Murkfiend Liege Murkfiend Liege
+42% Synergy $3.29
Beast Whisperer Beast Whisperer
+42% Synergy $2.99
Garruk's Uprising Garruk's Uprising
+35% Synergy $0.85
Birds of Paradise Birds of Paradise
+28% Synergy $11.72
Cultivate Cultivate
+11% Synergy $0.61
Rampant Growth Rampant Growth
+11% Synergy $0.42
Counterspell Counterspell
+8% Synergy $1.60
Beast Within Beast Within
+3% Synergy $0.84

Game Changers

Powerful cards that can single-handedly turn the tide of a game when resolved.

Consecrated Sphinx Consecrated Sphinx
+19% Synergy $37.35
Worldly Tutor Worldly Tutor
0% Synergy $21.91
Gaea's Cradle Gaea's Cradle
-1% Synergy $993.06
Rhystic Study Rhystic Study
-2% Synergy $51.13
Fierce Guardianship Fierce Guardianship
-3% Synergy $44.22
Ancient Tomb Ancient Tomb
-3% Synergy $94.95
Cyclonic Rift Cyclonic Rift
-4% Synergy $43.88

Creatures

Essential creatures that complement Volo, Guide to Monsters's strategy through synergy, utility, or raw power.

Amphin Mutineer Amphin Mutineer
+44% Synergy $0.91
Man-o'-War Man-o'-War
+42% Synergy $0.04
Terastodon Terastodon
+38% Synergy $0.27
Silverback Elder Silverback Elder
+38% Synergy $4.91
Hornet Queen Hornet Queen
+37% Synergy $0.17
Reef Worm Reef Worm
+35% Synergy $0.10
Temur Sabertooth Temur Sabertooth
+33% Synergy $1.04
Volo, Itinerant Scholar Volo, Itinerant Scholar
+33% Synergy $0.25
Dutiful Replicator Dutiful Replicator
+32% Synergy $0.09
Radagast the Brown Radagast the Brown
+31% Synergy $0.72
Myr Battlesphere Myr Battlesphere
+28% Synergy $1.00
Loyal Drake Loyal Drake
+28% Synergy $0.15
Poison Dart Frog Poison Dart Frog
+28% Synergy $0.14
Managorger Hydra Managorger Hydra
+27% Synergy $1.11
Loyal Guardian Loyal Guardian
+27% Synergy $0.27
Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath
+26% Synergy $3.13
Craterhoof Behemoth Craterhoof Behemoth
+25% Synergy $12.18
Clever Impersonator Clever Impersonator
+25% Synergy $2.02
Kiora's Follower Kiora's Follower
+24% Synergy $0.18
Wandering Archaic Explore the Vastlands Wandering Archaic
+23% Synergy $8.46
God-Eternal Rhonas God-Eternal Rhonas
+23% Synergy $3.89
Octomancer Octomancer
+22% Synergy $0.28
Pathbreaker Ibex Pathbreaker Ibex
+20% Synergy $15.99
Keruga, the Macrosage Keruga, the Macrosage
+20% Synergy $0.21
Mind Flayer Mind Flayer
+20% Synergy $0.32
Tendershoot Dryad Tendershoot Dryad
+18% Synergy $2.78
Gruff Triplets Gruff Triplets
+17% Synergy $0.27
Avenger of Zendikar Avenger of Zendikar
+16% Synergy $1.00
Apex Devastator Apex Devastator
+16% Synergy $3.46
Enduring Curiosity Enduring Curiosity
+16% Synergy $7.64
Insidious Fungus Insidious Fungus
+16% Synergy $0.43
Trailtracker Scout Trailtracker Scout
+16% Synergy $0.27
Diluvian Primordial Diluvian Primordial
+16% Synergy $0.28
Cemetery Prowler Cemetery Prowler
+16% Synergy $3.69
Watchful Radstag Watchful Radstag
+15% Synergy $0.37
Lotus Cobra Lotus Cobra
+14% Synergy $6.32
Railway Brawler Railway Brawler
+14% Synergy $4.53
Topiary Stomper Topiary Stomper
+14% Synergy $0.42
Scute Swarm Scute Swarm
+13% Synergy $3.66
Sakura-Tribe Elder Sakura-Tribe Elder
+13% Synergy $0.41
Starwinder Starwinder
+13% Synergy $0.81
Auton Soldier Auton Soldier
+13% Synergy $5.47
Vizier of the Menagerie Vizier of the Menagerie
+13% Synergy $0.86
Adrix and Nev, Twincasters Adrix and Nev, Twincasters
+12% Synergy $2.96
Progenitor Mimic Progenitor Mimic
+12% Synergy $1.00
Cankerbloom Cankerbloom
+10% Synergy $0.22
Roaming Throne Roaming Throne
+9% Synergy $29.01
Enduring Vitality Enduring Vitality
+7% Synergy $3.32
Phyrexian Metamorph Phyrexian Metamorph
+5% Synergy $2.84
Rampaging Baloths Rampaging Baloths
+2% Synergy $0.26

Instants

Key instant-speed responses for protection, removal, and keeping Volo, Guide to Monsters safe.

Second Harvest Second Harvest
+40% Synergy $1.60
Perplexing Test Perplexing Test
+28% Synergy $0.27
Double Major Double Major
+26% Synergy $1.72
Return of the Wildspeaker Return of the Wildspeaker
+20% Synergy $0.92
Heroic Intervention Heroic Intervention
+14% Synergy $10.98
Druid's Deliverance Druid's Deliverance
+13% Synergy $0.23
Negate Negate
+11% Synergy $0.26
Simic Charm Simic Charm
+7% Synergy $1.25
Pongify Pongify
+6% Synergy $1.81
Decisive Denial Decisive Denial
+5% Synergy $0.25
Mystic Reflection Mystic Reflection
+5% Synergy $0.76
Saw It Coming Saw It Coming
+5% Synergy $0.37
Wrap in Vigor Wrap in Vigor
+5% Synergy $1.10
Return to Nature Return to Nature
+3% Synergy $0.21
Reality Shift Reality Shift
+2% Synergy $0.24
Krosan Grip Krosan Grip
+2% Synergy $0.80
Tamiyo's Safekeeping Tamiyo's Safekeeping
+2% Synergy $2.61
Resculpt Resculpt
-1% Synergy $0.26
Arcane Denial Arcane Denial
-2% Synergy $1.83
Mana Drain Mana Drain
-2% Synergy $46.95
Nature's Claim Nature's Claim
-2% Synergy $0.87
An Offer You Can't Refuse An Offer You Can't Refuse
-3% Synergy $1.36
Swan Song Swan Song
-3% Synergy $8.48
Aetherize Aetherize
-3% Synergy $0.36
Planar Genesis Planar Genesis
-4% Synergy $0.34
Sink into Stupor Soporific Springs Sink into Stupor
-4% Synergy $7.76
Rapid Hybridization Rapid Hybridization
-5% Synergy $1.52
Eureka Moment Eureka Moment
-5% Synergy $0.10
Harrow Harrow
-6% Synergy $0.28
Brainstorm Brainstorm
-7% Synergy $1.27
Growth Spiral Growth Spiral
-8% Synergy $0.18

Sorceries

Important sorcery spells that advance Volo, Guide to Monsters's game plan and control the board.

Shamanic Revelation Shamanic Revelation
+22% Synergy $0.72
Audience with Trostani Audience with Trostani
+14% Synergy $0.12
Nature's Lore Nature's Lore
+12% Synergy $1.95
Farseek Farseek
+12% Synergy $0.50
For the Common Good For the Common Good
+11% Synergy $0.52
Three Visits Three Visits
+10% Synergy $5.96
Golden Ratio Golden Ratio
+8% Synergy $0.13
Kodama's Reach Kodama's Reach
+7% Synergy $1.82
Rite of Replication Rite of Replication
+7% Synergy $0.21
Full Flowering Full Flowering
+7% Synergy $1.09
Bala Ged Recovery Bala Ged Sanctuary Bala Ged Recovery
+6% Synergy $4.33
Rishkar's Expertise Rishkar's Expertise
+5% Synergy $1.48
Rootcast Apprenticeship Rootcast Apprenticeship
+5% Synergy $0.10
Threats Undetected Threats Undetected
+5% Synergy $0.22
Season of Weaving Season of Weaving
+4% Synergy $3.77
Irenicus's Vile Duplication Irenicus's Vile Duplication
+3% Synergy $8.76
Harmonize Harmonize
+1% Synergy $0.52
Aggressive Biomancy Aggressive Biomancy
+1% Synergy $0.41
Bridgeworks Battle Tanglespan Bridgeworks Bridgeworks Battle
+1% Synergy $0.69
Curse of the Swine Curse of the Swine
0% Synergy $0.12
Doppelgang Doppelgang
0% Synergy $0.54
Search for Tomorrow Search for Tomorrow
0% Synergy $0.33
Croaking Counterpart Croaking Counterpart
0% Synergy $0.49
Skyshroud Claim Skyshroud Claim
-1% Synergy $0.81
Overwhelming Stampede Overwhelming Stampede
-3% Synergy $1.33
Urban Evolution Urban Evolution
-4% Synergy $0.16
Finale of Devastation Finale of Devastation
-5% Synergy $24.09
Explore Explore
-9% Synergy $4.95

Utility Artifacts

Versatile artifacts that provide ongoing value, card selection, or strategic advantages.

Panharmonicon Panharmonicon
+28% Synergy $4.34
Combine Chrysalis Combine Chrysalis
+23% Synergy $0.17
Swiftfoot Boots Swiftfoot Boots
+17% Synergy $1.14
Lightning Greaves Lightning Greaves
+16% Synergy $4.12
Strionic Resonator Strionic Resonator
+11% Synergy $7.63
Lifecrafter's Bestiary Lifecrafter's Bestiary
+7% Synergy $0.18
Mirror Box Mirror Box
+7% Synergy $3.49
Esika's Chariot Esika's Chariot
+6% Synergy $0.52
The Great Henge The Great Henge
+5% Synergy $64.11
Monster Manual Monster Manual
+4% Synergy $4.87
Helm of the Host Helm of the Host
+3% Synergy $9.98

Enchantments

Powerful enchantments that support Volo, Guide to Monsters's strategy and create lasting battlefield effects.

Elemental Bond Elemental Bond
+22% Synergy $2.78
Growing Rites of Itlimoc Itlimoc, Cradle of the Sun Growing Rites of Itlimoc
+18% Synergy $4.33
Tribute to the World Tree Tribute to the World Tree
+16% Synergy $9.32
Life Finds a Way Life Finds a Way
+13% Synergy $5.70
Elven Chorus Elven Chorus
+12% Synergy $2.71
Parallel Lives Parallel Lives
+8% Synergy $28.38
City of Death City of Death
+8% Synergy $0.89
Wild Growth Wild Growth
+5% Synergy $0.18
Long List of the Ents Long List of the Ents
+5% Synergy $0.04
Kenrith's Transformation Kenrith's Transformation
+4% Synergy $1.03
Beastmaster Ascension Beastmaster Ascension
+4% Synergy $4.09
Witness Protection Witness Protection
+4% Synergy $0.12
Virtue of Knowledge Virtue of Knowledge
+4% Synergy $4.29
Utopia Sprawl Utopia Sprawl
+3% Synergy $0.97
Guardian Project Guardian Project
+3% Synergy $11.09
Unnatural Growth Unnatural Growth
+3% Synergy $2.20
Doubling Season Doubling Season
+1% Synergy $26.45
Sylvan Library Sylvan Library
-2% Synergy $25.58
Mystic Remora Mystic Remora
-6% Synergy $10.49

Planeswalkers

Planeswalkers that work alongside Volo, Guide to Monsters to provide ongoing value and board presence.

Vivien, Champion of the Wilds Vivien, Champion of the Wilds
+18% Synergy $0.70
Kiora, Behemoth Beckoner Kiora, Behemoth Beckoner
+1% Synergy $0.60
Oko, Thief of Crowns Oko, Thief of Crowns
0% Synergy $5.67

Utility Lands

Non-basic lands that offer additional utility beyond just mana production.

Castle Garenbrig Castle Garenbrig
+15% Synergy $4.56
Mosswort Bridge Mosswort Bridge
+11% Synergy $0.18
Scavenger Grounds Scavenger Grounds
+8% Synergy $0.39
Riptide Laboratory Riptide Laboratory
+8% Synergy $0.56
Evendo, Waking Haven Evendo, Waking Haven
+5% Synergy $15.56
Alchemist's Refuge Alchemist's Refuge
+4% Synergy $0.33
Command Beacon Command Beacon
+2% Synergy $5.95
Reliquary Tower Reliquary Tower
0% Synergy $1.99
Temple of the False God Temple of the False God
0% Synergy $0.13
Lumbering Falls Lumbering Falls
0% Synergy $0.10
Restless Vinestalk Restless Vinestalk
0% Synergy $0.25
Mistrise Village Mistrise Village
-2% Synergy $6.13
Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth
-4% Synergy $7.75
Boseiju, Who Endures Boseiju, Who Endures
-5% Synergy $32.95
Otawara, Soaring City Otawara, Soaring City
-5% Synergy $18.45
Mystic Sanctuary Mystic Sanctuary
-7% Synergy $1.70
Rogue's Passage Rogue's Passage
-8% Synergy $0.31

Mana Artifacts

Artifacts focused on mana acceleration and color fixing for consistent gameplay.

Arcane Signet Arcane Signet
+6% Synergy $0.49
Herd Heirloom Herd Heirloom
+5% Synergy $2.56
Simic Signet Simic Signet
+4% Synergy $0.17
Sol Ring Sol Ring
+2% Synergy $1.46
Commander's Sphere Commander's Sphere
+2% Synergy $0.17
Talisman of Curiosity Talisman of Curiosity
+1% Synergy $0.17
Decanter of Endless Water Decanter of Endless Water
+1% Synergy $3.47
Mind Stone Mind Stone
+1% Synergy $0.13
Fellwar Stone Fellwar Stone
-2% Synergy $1.05
Thought Vessel Thought Vessel
-3% Synergy $1.04

Lands

The mana base foundation for Volo, Guide to Monsters decks, ensuring smooth and reliable mana development.

Exotic Orchard Exotic Orchard
+11% Synergy $0.21
Barkchannel Pathway Tidechannel Pathway Barkchannel Pathway
+9% Synergy $2.83
Littjara Mirrorlake Littjara Mirrorlake
+8% Synergy $0.17
Evolving Wilds Evolving Wilds
+7% Synergy $0.12
Hinterland Harbor Hinterland Harbor
+6% Synergy $0.25
Temple of Mystery Temple of Mystery
+6% Synergy $0.11
Bala Ged Recovery Bala Ged Sanctuary Bala Ged Recovery
+6% Synergy $4.33
Yavimaya Coast Yavimaya Coast
+5% Synergy $0.24
Dreamroot Cascade Dreamroot Cascade
+5% Synergy $0.87
Hydroelectric Specimen Hydroelectric Laboratory Hydroelectric Specimen
+5% Synergy $1.73
Flooded Grove Flooded Grove
+4% Synergy $0.29
Rimewood Falls Rimewood Falls
+4% Synergy $0.49
Command Tower Command Tower
+3% Synergy $0.27
Rejuvenating Springs Rejuvenating Springs
+3% Synergy $5.59
Vineglimmer Snarl Vineglimmer Snarl
+3% Synergy $0.15
Thornwood Falls Thornwood Falls
+3% Synergy $0.06
Tangled Islet Tangled Islet
+3% Synergy $0.14
Island Island
+2% Synergy $0.06
Forest Forest
+2% Synergy $0.06
Quandrix Campus Quandrix Campus
+1% Synergy $0.09
Woodland Stream Woodland Stream
+1% Synergy $0.07
Bridgeworks Battle Tanglespan Bridgeworks Bridgeworks Battle
+1% Synergy $0.69
Glasspool Mimic Glasspool Shore Glasspool Mimic
+1% Synergy $4.63
Tanglepool Bridge Tanglepool Bridge
+1% Synergy $0.14
Myriad Landscape Myriad Landscape
0% Synergy $0.16
Terramorphic Expanse Terramorphic Expanse
0% Synergy $0.16
Willowrush Verge Willowrush Verge
0% Synergy $6.06
Botanical Sanctum Botanical Sanctum
0% Synergy $0.88
Simic Guildgate Simic Guildgate
0% Synergy $0.14
Blighted Woodland Blighted Woodland
0% Synergy $0.32
Overflowing Basin Overflowing Basin
-1% Synergy $0.17
Fabled Passage Fabled Passage
-1% Synergy $4.81
Prismatic Vista Prismatic Vista
-1% Synergy $32.18
Lush Oasis Lush Oasis
-1% Synergy $0.12
Simic Growth Chamber Simic Growth Chamber
-2% Synergy $0.54
Breeding Pool Breeding Pool
-2% Synergy $6.67
Waterlogged Grove Waterlogged Grove
-4% Synergy $0.95
Hedge Maze Hedge Maze
-4% Synergy $10.05
Tropical Island Tropical Island
-4% Synergy
Sink into Stupor Soporific Springs Sink into Stupor
-4% Synergy $7.76
Misty Rainforest Misty Rainforest
-5% Synergy $26.43

Similar Commanders

The following Commanders share a similar playing style, strategy, or theme like Volo, Guide to Monsters.

Jaheira, Friend of the Forest Shameless Charlatan Jaheira, Friend of the Forest // Shameless Charlatan
Esix, Fractal Bloom Esix, Fractal Bloom
Gor Muldrak, Amphinologist Gor Muldrak, Amphinologist
Kimahri, Valiant Guardian Kimahri, Valiant Guardian
Kamahl, Heart of Krosa Sakashima of a Thousand Faces Kamahl, Heart of Krosa // Sakashima of a Thousand Faces
Adrix and Nev, Twincasters Adrix and Nev, Twincasters
Keiga, the Tide Star Keiga, the Tide Star
Riku of Two Reflections Riku of Two Reflections
Esika's Chariot Esika's Chariot
Wilson, Refined Grizzly Shameless Charlatan Wilson, Refined Grizzly // Shameless Charlatan
Moritte of the Frost Moritte of the Frost
Volo, Itinerant Scholar Shameless Charlatan Volo, Itinerant Scholar // Shameless Charlatan
Cynette, Jelly Drover Cynette, Jelly Drover
Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator Sakashima of a Thousand Faces Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator // Sakashima of a Thousand Faces
Sakashima the Impostor Sakashima the Impostor
Jaheira, Friend of the Forest Candlekeep Sage Jaheira, Friend of the Forest // Candlekeep Sage
The Fourteenth Doctor Romana II The Fourteenth Doctor // Romana II
Kairi, the Swirling Sky Kairi, the Swirling Sky
Myojin of Seeing Winds Myojin of Seeing Winds
Linessa, Zephyr Mage Linessa, Zephyr Mage
Gilanra, Caller of Wirewood Sakashima of a Thousand Faces Gilanra, Caller of Wirewood // Sakashima of a Thousand Faces
The Sixth Doctor K-9, Mark I The Sixth Doctor // K-9, Mark I
The Thirteenth Doctor Romana II The Thirteenth Doctor // Romana II
Esior, Wardwing Familiar Sakashima of a Thousand Faces Esior, Wardwing Familiar // Sakashima of a Thousand Faces
Alora, Merry Thief Hardy Outlander Alora, Merry Thief // Hardy Outlander
Durnan of the Yawning Portal Shameless Charlatan Durnan of the Yawning Portal // Shameless Charlatan
Momir Vig, Simic Visionary Momir Vig, Simic Visionary
Jaheira, Friend of the Forest Dungeon Delver Jaheira, Friend of the Forest // Dungeon Delver
Jaheira, Friend of the Forest Feywild Visitor Jaheira, Friend of the Forest // Feywild Visitor
Anara, Wolvid Familiar Sakashima of a Thousand Faces Anara, Wolvid Familiar // Sakashima of a Thousand Faces
Ich-Tekik, Salvage Splicer Sakashima of a Thousand Faces Ich-Tekik, Salvage Splicer // Sakashima of a Thousand Faces
Jaheira, Friend of the Forest Clan Crafter Jaheira, Friend of the Forest // Clan Crafter
Esior, Wardwing Familiar Slurrk, All-Ingesting Esior, Wardwing Familiar // Slurrk, All-Ingesting
Volo, Itinerant Scholar Dungeon Delver Volo, Itinerant Scholar // Dungeon Delver
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces Tana, the Bloodsower Sakashima of a Thousand Faces // Tana, the Bloodsower
Erinis, Gloom Stalker Dungeon Delver Erinis, Gloom Stalker // Dungeon Delver
Go-Shintai of Lost Wisdom Go-Shintai of Lost Wisdom
The Sixth Doctor Adric, Mathematical Genius The Sixth Doctor // Adric, Mathematical Genius
Volrath, the Shapestealer Volrath, the Shapestealer
Brinelin, the Moon Kraken Sakashima of a Thousand Faces Brinelin, the Moon Kraken // Sakashima of a Thousand Faces