Hello everyone! I'm Levi from The Thought Vessel Show, and today we're heading to the track to look at the top 10 best cards from Aetherdrift for Commander. This set has a solid power level, but some cards are rising above the rest. As usual, we're looking at ambiguously powerful or fun cards for Commander, and they must be brand-new to Magic--so no reprints on this list. Let's start with an honorable mention.
Honorable Mention) Stock Up
This card isn't getting enough credit. I know it's not the most exciting card in the set, but as an uncommon that lets you pick the best two cards from the top five and put them into your hand, I think it could become one of the most popular cards from this set. It might even be a borderline staple for Blue decks.
With our honorable mention out of the way, let's dive into the top ten.
10) Bleachbone Verge and the Remaining Cycle
These nonbasic dual lands are fantastic, and I really appreciate their price point. They represent slight power creep over check lands like Dragonskull Summit. In any two- or three-color deck, these feel like an auto-include.
9) Gonti, Night Minister
I'm not sure how powerful this card will be, but it's certainly interesting. It reminds me of Edric, Spymaster of Trest in the sense that it benefits the table equally, so you have to find ways to break parity. Being able to steal cards from opponents incentivizes players to attack each other and target the player with the best cards for better chances at valuable steals. If you get something powerful, you might even want to keep its original owner around just to maintain access to it. There are a lot of mind games with this card, and I'm intrigued.
8) Oviya, Automech Artisan
Last year, we got Eladamri, Korvecdal as an Elvish Piper-type creature that could be in the command zone. Now, we get a power-crept version of Elvish Piper that also provides trample to the massive creatures you're cheating into play. I expect this to be a very popular mono-Green commander.
7) Full Throttle
For six mana, we get two extra combat steps. A well-timed extra combat spell can turn a game around, so getting two for six mana is incredible. I expect this card to draw a lot of negative attention once players realize how powerful it is. Get them while you can--I see this one increasing in value.
6) The Aetherspark
There was a lot of speculation about what an equipment planeswalker would look like, especially since it can impact multiple formats like Oathbreaker and Pendragon. The Aetherspark did not disappoint. It constantly buffs a creature, provides card draw, and can generate ten mana at once on a colorless source that fits into any deck. This looks like a ton of fun for the Commander format.
5) Repurposing Bay
Birthing Pod is one of the strongest non-mana rock artifacts in Magic, let alone Commander. Complementing the Secret Lair card Iron Man, Titan of Innovation, we're getting a solid package for an artifact toolbox deck. I'm excited to see where this goes.
4) Riptide Gearhulk
I've also heard this card called "Tuck Hulk" due to its ability to send one permanent from each opponent's board to the third card from the top of their deck. Five mana to remove three different targets at once is already strong. We've seen similar effects on cards like Windgrace's Judgment, but it's rare to see it as an enter-the-battlefield effect. In decks like Brago, you can easily lock opponents into drawing the same cards repeatedly while you continue developing. Blink-haters beware--Riptide is going to be a problem.
3) Brightglass Gearhulk
Another Gearhulk makes the list! This one tutors artifacts, creatures, or enchantments with a mana value of one. Off the top of my head, this could fetch any combination of Esper Sentinel, Sol Ring, and Reconnaissance. On the next turn, you might grab Mana Vault or Mystic Remora if you also have Blue in your commander's identity. The utility here is phenomenal, and one day--if not today--this could even tutor up a game-winning combo by itself.
2) The Speed Demon
I'll admit, Speed Demon is a bit on the nose as a name, but this card is packed with power. A 5/5 flying, trample creature is already strong, but being able to draw one or two cards in your first end step and then up to four extra cards per turn can leave opponents in the dust. Just make sure to pack some lifegain for the ride--you're going to need it.
1) Radiant Lotus
We have a new Lotus! This might be the most powerful effect we've seen on a lotus, though it's balanced by its six-mana casting cost. Turning any artifact into a Black Lotus for mana can lead to some explosive turns with 20+ mana available at once. This card has the potential for some crazy finishes in Commander, which is why it's my top pick from Aetherdrift.
And there you have it! These are my top10 picks for Commander from Aetherdrift. While many other cards deserve recognition, I believe these will stand the test of time. This set as a whole looks like it will be a great one to draft, play sealed, and brew commander with. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, we've got you covered here on Coolstuffinc. Until next time, happy gaming!