Commander (EDH) Staples You Shouldn’t Overlook in 2025

 

Commander (EDH) Staples You Shouldn’t Overlook in 2025

Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format continues to evolve, with new cards and strategies constantly reshaping the landscape of EDH decks. However, certain staples have stood the test of time and remain integral to successful decks across the metagame. As we look toward 2025, it’s important to recognize the core cards that continue to shine in Commander (EDH). These cards not only provide power and versatility but also fit into nearly every deck archetype, making them essential for any Commander player to keep in mind.

1. Rhystic Study  

Since its release, Rhystic Study has been a go-to card for any deck that can support it. This enchantment from Prophecy is a must-have in Commander for its unparalleled ability to draw cards. Whenever an opponent casts a spell, you can ask them to pay 1 colorless mana; if they don’t, you draw a card. The combination of a low cost, card advantage, and its taxing effect on opponents makes it a staple in many EDH decks, especially in control and combo-based builds. As the metagame continues to evolve, Rhystic Study remains one of Magic: The Gathering’s premier draw engines.

2. Sol Ring  

You can’t talk about Commander staples without mentioning Sol Ring. This artifact has been part of the Commander format since the beginning, and for good reason. It offers incredible ramp potential for just one mana. The ability to tap for two colorless mana provides players with early game acceleration, enabling them to cast their big creatures and spells faster than opponents. In 2025, with even more powerful and game-ending cards entering the fold, having Sol Ring on the battlefield can give you a substantial advantage.

3. Lightning Greaves  

Protection is key in Commander, especially for your Commander itself. Lightning Greaves offers both protection and haste for just two mana. This artifact equips your commander with shroud, making it nearly impossible for opponents to target with spells or abilities. In a format where commander-centric strategies are so prevalent, ensuring your commander stays safe from removal is a high priority. With its low cost and versatility, Lightning Greaves is indispensable for nearly any deck in Magic: The Gathering.

4. Cyclonic Rift  

The sheer power of Cyclonic Rift can turn the tide of a game in a single turn. This sorcery is a staple for any blue deck in Commander. For seven mana, you can overload the Rift to bounce all nonland permanents back to their owners' hands, clearing the board of threats. Even without the overload, Cyclonic Rift is still a great tool for handling problematic permanents. With so many powerful artifacts, enchantments, and creatures appearing on the battlefield in modern EDH decks, Cyclonic Rift remains as one of the most impactful spells in the format.

5. Elvish Mystic and Llanowar Elves  

Elvish Mystic and Llanowar Elves are staples in green decks. These mana dorks allow players to ramp up to more powerful spells earlier in the game. For just one green mana, these creatures offer quick mana acceleration, enabling you to cast your bombs or deploy threats quickly. In 2025, as green continues to thrive in ramp-heavy strategies, these cards remain essential, especially in decks that aim to outpace opponents with an early game lead.

6. Swords to Plowshares  

For any deck that needs to deal with pesky creatures, Swords to Plowshares is an incredibly efficient removal spell. This one-mana instant exiles a creature and gives its controller life equal to its power. While it might seem like a drawback at first, the ability to remove nearly any creature from the board—whether it's a big threat or just a pesky utility creature—makes it invaluable in nearly any deck. In 2025, with new creatures pushing the limits of what’s possible in Commander, Swords to Plowshares remains a go-to removal spell.

7. Gilded Lotus  

While Sol Ring might be the most famous ramp artifact, Gilded Lotus is a powerful alternative that deserves attention in 2025. While it costs five mana to cast, the Gilded Lotus taps for three mana of any one color, making it a fantastic late-game acceleration tool. In multi-colored decks, this can provide critical fixing and ramp to help power out your largest threats.

Conclusion  

As the Magic: The Gathering landscape shifts and new cards continue to shape the Commander (EDH) format, these staples remain steadfast in their importance. Whether you're looking to draw cards, protect your Commander, or ramp up quickly, these cards offer consistency and strength across the board. With 2025 bringing new decks, mechanics, and strategies, these staples will continue to shine as essential pieces of the Commander format for years to come. So, whether you're building a new deck or tuning an existing one, don’t overlook these cards—they are the backbone of many successful EDH strategies.