How Do Companions Work In Commander

How Companions Work in Commander: A Comprehensive Guide

Commander, the popular Magic: The Gathering format, offers a unique gameplay experience centered around powerful legendary creatures. Understanding how companions work is crucial to building a competitive and engaging deck. This guide will delve into the intricacies of companions, explaining their selection, restrictions, and overall impact on the game. We'll cover everything you need to know to effectively utilize these powerful cards.

Companions are a unique type of card introduced in Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths. They're legendary creatures that offer significant advantages, but at a cost. They are not included in your starting deck but, if they meet certain conditions, they can be added to your deck before the game begins, acting as a powerful addition to your strategy.

Understanding Companion Requirements

The key to utilizing a companion lies in meeting its specific requirement. These requirements are printed on the card itself and typically involve restricting the types of cards in your deck. Common restrictions include:

Card Type Restrictions: Many companions restrict the number of cards of a specific type (e.g., creatures, instants, sorceries).
Mana Cost Restrictions: Some companions limit the mana cost of cards in your deck.
Color Restrictions: Rarely, a companion might restrict the colors of cards in your deck.

Failing to meet the companion's requirement will prevent you from using it, so careful deckbuilding is essential. Miscalculating this can severely hinder your game plan.

Choosing the Right Companion

Selecting the appropriate companion is crucial for a successful Commander game. The best companion for your deck depends entirely on your strategy and playstyle. Consider the following factors:

Deck Synergy: Does the companion's ability significantly enhance your existing strategy? A companion that doesn't align with your deck's core mechanics will be ineffective.
Requirement Feasibility: Can you realistically meet the companion's requirement without significantly weakening your deck? Restricting yourself too severely can leave you vulnerable.
Power Level: How impactful is the companion's ability in the context of Commander? While a powerful companion is enticing, it's crucial to ensure it fits within the overall power level of your deck and the playgroup.

The Impact of Companions on Gameplay

A well-chosen companion can dramatically alter the course of a Commander game. Their abilities often provide significant advantages, such as:

Improved Mana Efficiency: Some companions offer mana ramp or mana fixing.
Card Advantage: Certain companions provide significant card draw or filtering effects.
Powerful Synergies: Certain companions create powerful synergies with specific cards or strategies in your deck.

However, remember that the companion's benefits come with the restriction of building a deck according to its requirement. This can sometimes limit deck flexibility and consistency.

Popular Companion Choices and Strategies

While many companions have seen play, some stand out as particularly effective choices depending on the deck. Note that the meta is constantly evolving, and the effectiveness of each companion depends heavily on the playgroup's power level. Examples include companions that reward a specific deck archetype like Lurrus of the Dream-Den for creature-heavy decks or companions that improve your hand management.

Conclusion: Mastering Companions in Commander

Companions offer a fascinating dimension to Commander gameplay. By carefully considering the requirements, abilities, and strategic implications of each companion, you can significantly enhance your deck's potential. Remember to meticulously plan your deck construction to meet the requirements and maximize the power of your chosen companion. Careful consideration and strategic selection are key to unlocking the full potential of these powerful cards.