Empress Galina (Commander) - Optimized

Jonathan Zucchetti
Nov 20, 2025
The Best Commander From Every Year of the 2000s
With 2025 drawing to a close, let's take a look back at this quarter century and pick out the best commanders from each year.
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Echocasting Symposium
25%inclusion1 decks4 decks
22%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Leyline of Singularity
77%inclusion34 decks44 decks
77%synergy
Bribery
66%inclusion29 decks44 decks
62%synergy
Control Magic
52%inclusion23 decks44 decks
50%synergy
Kira, Great Glass-Spinner
52%inclusion23 decks44 decks
50%synergy
Treachery
50%inclusion22 decks44 decks
49%synergy
Mana Drain
75%inclusion33 decks44 decks
48%synergy
Agent of Treachery
52%inclusion23 decks44 decks
48%synergy
Vedalken Shackles
50%inclusion22 decks44 decks
47%synergy
Minamo, School at Water's Edge
57%inclusion25 decks44 decks
44%synergy
Blatant Thievery
45%inclusion20 decks44 decks
43%synergy
Top Cards
Sapphire Medallion
77%inclusion34 decks44 decks
18%synergy
Counterspell
77%inclusion34 decks44 decks
11%synergy
Lightning Greaves
64%inclusion28 decks44 decks
37%synergy
High Tide
61%inclusion27 decks44 decks
17%synergy
Propaganda
61%inclusion27 decks44 decks
30%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
57%inclusion25 decks44 decks
29%synergy
Brainstorm
52%inclusion23 decks44 decks
11%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
50%inclusion22 decks44 decks
12%synergy
Mystic Remora
48%inclusion21 decks44 decks
21%synergy
Invoke the Winds
43%inclusion19 decks44 decks
41%synergy
Game Changers
Rhystic Study
84%inclusion37 decks44 decks
52%synergy
Cyclonic Rift
82%inclusion36 decks44 decks
49%synergy
Fierce Guardianship
64%inclusion28 decks44 decks
41%synergy
Mystical Tutor
64%inclusion28 decks44 decks
41%synergy
Force of Will
50%inclusion22 decks44 decks
33%synergy
Consecrated Sphinx
43%inclusion19 decks44 decks
31%synergy
Thassa's Oracle
25%inclusion11 decks44 decks
13%synergy
The One Ring
25%inclusion11 decks44 decks
13%synergy
Ancient Tomb
23%inclusion10 decks44 decks
11%synergy
Narset, Parter of Veils
20%inclusion9 decks44 decks
10%synergy
Creatures
Harbinger of the Seas
43%inclusion19 decks44 decks
35%synergy
Ioreth of the Healing House
43%inclusion19 decks44 decks
40%synergy
Thada Adel, Acquisitor
41%inclusion18 decks44 decks
39%synergy
Thieving Skydiver
41%inclusion18 decks44 decks
37%synergy
Roil Elemental
39%inclusion17 decks44 decks
37%synergy
Phyrexian Metamorph
36%inclusion16 decks44 decks
17%synergy
Memnarch
36%inclusion16 decks44 decks
34%synergy
Sower of Temptation
34%inclusion15 decks44 decks
31%synergy
Clever Impersonator
32%inclusion14 decks44 decks
26%synergy
Gilded Drake
30%inclusion13 decks44 decks
27%synergy
Aura Thief
30%inclusion13 decks44 decks
29%synergy
Keiga, the Tide Star
27%inclusion12 decks44 decks
26%synergy
Beguiler of Wills
25%inclusion11 decks44 decks
24%synergy
Spark Double
25%inclusion11 decks44 decks
12%synergy
Defiler of Dreams
25%inclusion11 decks44 decks
17%synergy
Thalakos Deceiver
25%inclusion11 decks44 decks
25%synergy
Marvin, Murderous Mimic
23%inclusion10 decks44 decks
19%synergy
Aphetto Alchemist
23%inclusion10 decks44 decks
20%synergy
Mind Flayer
23%inclusion10 decks44 decks
21%synergy
Spellskite
23%inclusion10 decks44 decks
12%synergy
Clone
18%inclusion8 decks44 decks
16%synergy
Callous Oppressor
18%inclusion8 decks44 decks
18%synergy
Fatespinner
16%inclusion7 decks44 decks
14%synergy
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces
16%inclusion7 decks44 decks
10%synergy
Kelpie Guide
16%inclusion7 decks44 decks
14%synergy
Faerie Mastermind
16%inclusion7 decks44 decks
1%synergy
Fatestitcher
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
11%synergy
Vizier of Tumbling Sands
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
11%synergy
Willbreaker
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
13%synergy
Wandering Archaic
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
12%synergy
Deadeye Navigator
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
9%synergy
Archaeomancer
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Dominating Licid
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
13%synergy
Peregrine Drake
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Snapcaster Mage
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
5%synergy
Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
8%synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
-3%synergy
Spellseeker
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Arcanis the Omnipotent
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
5%synergy
Stunt Double
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
9%synergy
Laboratory Maniac
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
-8%synergy
Sakashima the Impostor
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
8%synergy
Phantasmal Image
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Wan Shi Tong, Librarian
10%inclusion2 decks20 decks
3%synergy
Kopala, Warden of Waves
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
8%synergy
Volatile Stormdrake
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
6%synergy
High Fae Trickster
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Ornithopter of Paradise
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Body Double
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
8%synergy
Thassa, God of the Sea
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
5%synergy
Instants
Swan Song
41%inclusion18 decks44 decks
14%synergy
Force of Negation
41%inclusion18 decks44 decks
26%synergy
Aetherize
41%inclusion18 decks44 decks
11%synergy
Pongify
39%inclusion17 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Arcane Denial
39%inclusion17 decks44 decks
2%synergy
Negate
36%inclusion16 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Desertion
36%inclusion16 decks44 decks
34%synergy
Dramatic Reversal
36%inclusion16 decks44 decks
17%synergy
Archmage's Charm
34%inclusion15 decks44 decks
17%synergy
Muddle the Mixture
25%inclusion11 decks44 decks
10%synergy
Rapid Hybridization
23%inclusion10 decks44 decks
-12%synergy
Sink into Stupor
20%inclusion9 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Disallow
20%inclusion9 decks44 decks
14%synergy
Narset's Reversal
16%inclusion7 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Aethersnatch
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
13%synergy
Flusterstorm
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Commandeer
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
8%synergy
Pact of Negation
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Cryptic Command
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
2%synergy
Strix Serenade
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
2%synergy
Cancel
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Tale's End
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
8%synergy
Snap
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
-7%synergy
Rewind
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
March of Swirling Mist
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Frantic Search
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
-22%synergy
Flare of Denial
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
2%synergy
Dispel
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
0%synergy
Opt
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
-16%synergy
Dominate
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
9%synergy
Fumble
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
8%synergy
Reins of Power
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
7%synergy
Spell Pierce
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
1%synergy
See Double
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Chain of Vapor
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
2%synergy
Intuition
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
5%synergy
Reality Shift
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-20%synergy
Spelljack
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Capsize
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Fact or Fiction
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-2%synergy
Mindbreak Trap
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
1%synergy
Submerge
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Ghostly Flicker
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-5%synergy
Polymorphist's Jest
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Flow of Knowledge
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-9%synergy
Pull from Tomorrow
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-3%synergy
Stifle
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Resculpt
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-10%synergy
Slip Out the Back
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Dig Through Time
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-2%synergy
Sorceries
Blue Sun's Twilight
41%inclusion18 decks44 decks
38%synergy
Ponder
39%inclusion17 decks44 decks
9%synergy
Acquire
34%inclusion15 decks44 decks
33%synergy
Mass Manipulation
32%inclusion14 decks44 decks
30%synergy
Inevitable Betrayal
25%inclusion11 decks44 decks
24%synergy
Fabricate
23%inclusion10 decks44 decks
2%synergy
Windfall
18%inclusion8 decks44 decks
-4%synergy
Expropriate
18%inclusion8 decks44 decks
14%synergy
Preordain
18%inclusion8 decks44 decks
-5%synergy
Entrancing Melody
16%inclusion7 decks44 decks
15%synergy
Rite of Replication
16%inclusion7 decks44 decks
9%synergy
Solve the Equation
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
2%synergy
Wash Out
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Sea Gate Restoration
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
-4%synergy
Merchant Scroll
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Time Warp
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Tempted by the Oriq
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Clone Legion
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Personal Tutor
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Curse of the Swine
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-4%synergy
Temporal Trespass
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
5%synergy
Transmute Artifact
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Boomerang Basics
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
3%synergy
Secret of Bloodbending
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
3%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Isochron Scepter
36%inclusion16 decks44 decks
19%synergy
Thousand-Year Elixir
27%inclusion12 decks44 decks
24%synergy
Illusionist's Bracers
23%inclusion10 decks44 decks
20%synergy
Sting, the Glinting Dagger
18%inclusion8 decks44 decks
17%synergy
Winter Moon
18%inclusion8 decks44 decks
14%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Rings of Brighthearth
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
7%synergy
Magewright's Stone
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
11%synergy
Staff of Domination
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
9%synergy
Wayfarer's Bauble
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
-8%synergy
Voltaic Key
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
1%synergy
Manifold Key
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
0%synergy
Mirror Box
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Mirage Mirror
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Mithril Coat
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Neurok Stealthsuit
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
5%synergy
Bident of Thassa
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-5%synergy
The Water Crystal
6.7%inclusion2 decks30 decks
-4%synergy
Enchantments
Corrupted Conscience
39%inclusion17 decks44 decks
37%synergy
Back to Basics
30%inclusion13 decks44 decks
23%synergy
Mind's Dilation
27%inclusion12 decks44 decks
26%synergy
Freed from the Real
25%inclusion11 decks44 decks
21%synergy
Pemmin's Aura
23%inclusion10 decks44 decks
20%synergy
Confiscate
23%inclusion10 decks44 decks
22%synergy
Mind Control
20%inclusion9 decks44 decks
20%synergy
Steal Artifact
20%inclusion9 decks44 decks
20%synergy
Diplomatic Immunity
20%inclusion9 decks44 decks
20%synergy
Steal Enchantment
18%inclusion8 decks44 decks
17%synergy
Mirrormade
18%inclusion8 decks44 decks
12%synergy
Leyline of Anticipation
18%inclusion8 decks44 decks
9%synergy
Imprisoned in the Moon
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
1%synergy
Telepathy
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
12%synergy
Legacy's Allure
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
11%synergy
Kitnap
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
11%synergy
Unstoppable Plan
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
2%synergy
Dissipation Field
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Curse of Unbinding
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
9%synergy
Volition Reins
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
9%synergy
Omniscience
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
0%synergy
Kiora Bests the Sea God
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
8%synergy
Wizard Class
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-11%synergy
Extravagant Replication
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Followed Footsteps
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Copy Artifact
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Amphibian Downpour
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
1%synergy
Stasis
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Eaten by Piranhas
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Power Artifact
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Planeswalkers
Jace, Ingenious Mind-Mage
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
13%synergy
Teferi, Master of Time
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
2%synergy
Utility Lands
Mystic Sanctuary
57%inclusion25 decks44 decks
7%synergy
Reliquary Tower
52%inclusion23 decks44 decks
-4%synergy
Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
39%inclusion17 decks44 decks
22%synergy
Arcane Lighthouse
30%inclusion13 decks44 decks
27%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
27%inclusion12 decks44 decks
2%synergy
Castle Vantress
25%inclusion11 decks44 decks
7%synergy
Academy Ruins
25%inclusion11 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Urza's Saga
18%inclusion8 decks44 decks
1%synergy
Detection Tower
16%inclusion7 decks44 decks
15%synergy
Strip Mine
16%inclusion7 decks44 decks
13%synergy
Rivendell
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
1%synergy
Halimar Depths
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Terrain Generator
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
1%synergy
Temple of the False God
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Boseiju, Who Shelters All
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Maze of Ith
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
2%synergy
War Room
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-9%synergy
Command Beacon
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Archway of Innovation
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-4%synergy
Secret Tunnel
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
4%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
95%inclusion42 decks44 decks
10%synergy
Arcane Signet
73%inclusion32 decks44 decks
8%synergy
Thought Vessel
50%inclusion22 decks44 decks
-2%synergy
Patriar's Seal
39%inclusion17 decks44 decks
36%synergy
Fellwar Stone
30%inclusion13 decks44 decks
10%synergy
Mind Stone
30%inclusion13 decks44 decks
-6%synergy
Throne of Eldraine
25%inclusion11 decks44 decks
16%synergy
Sky Diamond
23%inclusion10 decks44 decks
0%synergy
Thran Dynamo
20%inclusion9 decks44 decks
8%synergy
Midnight Clock
20%inclusion9 decks44 decks
0%synergy
Gilded Lotus
16%inclusion7 decks44 decks
5%synergy
Sceptre of Eternal Glory
16%inclusion7 decks44 decks
12%synergy
Commander's Sphere
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
5%synergy
Grim Monolith
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
8%synergy
Basalt Monolith
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Chrome Mox
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
5%synergy
Lotus Petal
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Extraplanar Lens
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Mana Vault
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Mox Diamond
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Mox Opal
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Caged Sun
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-4%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Decanter of Endless Water
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
-7%synergy
Liquimetal Torque
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
0%synergy
Nyx Lotus
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Lands
Island
89%inclusion39 decks44 decks
-5%synergy
Sink into Stupor
20%inclusion9 decks44 decks
-1%synergy
Myriad Landscape
16%inclusion7 decks44 decks
-10%synergy
Cavern of Souls
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
9%synergy
Snow-Covered Island
14%inclusion6 decks44 decks
6%synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
-3%synergy
Sea Gate Restoration
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
-4%synergy
Polluted Delta
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Scalding Tarn
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
4%synergy
Flooded Strand
11%inclusion5 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Prismatic Vista
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
5%synergy
Misty Rainforest
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
1%synergy
Glasspool Mimic
9.1%inclusion4 decks44 decks
3%synergy
Evolving Wilds
6.8%inclusion3 decks44 decks
3%synergy