Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver: New Staple for Typal Commander Decks?

TL;DR:

• Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver is a new Equipment from The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth for Magic: The Gathering.
• It provides a stat boost (+2/+0) and creates a 1/1 token of the same type when the equipped creature dies in combat.
• Ideal for Typal Decks (tribal decks) looking to strengthen their creatures and build a broad battlefield presence.
• Compares well with other type-based enablers, but offers a unique combination of buff and token generation.
• Potentially a strong niche staple, especially in aggressive and mid-range Typal strategies.

The world of Magic: The Gathering continuously receives new cards that can shake up the metagame and strategies in the popular Commander format. With the release of The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, numerous thematic cards were added, including powerful artifacts. One card that has emerged as a potential game-changer for many Typal Decks (often referred to as tribal decks) is Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver. But is this legendary sword truly a new indispensable staple, or does it only find application in specific niches? This article examines Orcrist's abilities, analyzes its synergies, and compares it to established Equipment to determine its role in the Commander format.

What is Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver and its abilities?

Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver is a legendary Equipment that, with its unique abilities, has the potential to significantly strengthen type-based strategies in the Commander format. Upon its initial reveal, it caused a stir as it not only offers a static bonus but also creates a form of battlefield resilience.

For just 2 mana, Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver can be brought into play, making it a relatively inexpensive artifact. Equipping costs 3 mana, which is in the mid-range and manageable in most Commander decks. The equipped creature receives a power boost of +2/+0, making it more offensive and increasing pressure on the opponent. This buff is particularly effective in aggressive decks that want to deal damage quickly or make creatures with low power more relevant.

However, Orcrist's true strength lies in its second ability: "When equipped creature dies, create a 1/1 token of the same creature type as that creature." This ability is an excellent safeguard against board clears or targeted removal. For example, if an equipped Elf dies, a 1/1 Elf token is created. If an equipped Dragon dies, a 1/1 Dragon token appears. This means that even if your strongest creature is removed, you still retain a representative of its type on the battlefield that can continue to benefit from type-based synergies. This token generation is not only a revival effect but also a way to quickly build a broader battlefield presence, which is crucial in many Typal Decks.

Synergies with Typal Commander Decks

Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver is perfectly suited for Typal Decks that focus on a specific creature type. Its abilities seamlessly integrate into strategies aimed at reaching a critical mass of creatures of a certain type or maximizing their individual strength.

The +2/+0 power boost is beneficial in many Typal strategies. Aggressive types like Goblins, Elves, or Zombies, which often bring many small creatures onto the field, benefit immensely when one of their creatures suddenly becomes a threat. A 1/1 Goblin with Orcrist becomes a 3/1 Goblin, which can exert significantly more pressure. This allows for faster kills or forces the opponent to use valuable resources for removing this strengthened creature.

The token generation ability is key to resilience and battlefield development. It acts as a kind of "insurance" against losses and ensures that your type-based synergies do not completely collapse if an important creature perishes. Imagine an Elf deck where an important Elf equipped with Orcrist dies. You get another Elf token that immediately benefits from cards like Elvish Archdruid or Ezuri, Renegade Leader. In Zombie decks, the 1/1 Zombie tokens can serve as fodder for effects like Wilhelt, the Rotcleaver or simply increase the number of Zombies relevant for cards like Diregraf Colossus.

This synergy is not limited to aggressive types. Control or Midrange Typal Decks that rely on a few but important creatures can also benefit from Orcrist. An equipped Dragon that dies leaves behind a Dragon token that still benefits from Dragon synergies, even if it is smaller. This helps maintain the type-based presence and keep the opponent under pressure, even after a board wipe.

Some of Magic: The Gathering's most well-known Typal Decks that could benefit from Orcrist include:

• Elves: Decks that rely on mana ramp and overrun effects can use Orcrist to make their Elves more dangerous attackers. The token effect ensures that even after a combat loss, the Elf count remains high for synergies like Craterhoof Behemoth or Ezuri, Renegade Leader. Discover more about Elf strategies.
• Goblins: Aggressive Goblin decks, often led by commanders like Krenko, Mob Boss, love having many Goblins. Orcrist turns a single Goblin into a threat and replaces it when it dies, maintaining the Goblin army.
• Zombies: Zombie decks benefit from the mass of creatures for drain effects or large attacks. An Orcrist-equipped Zombie that dies provides another Zombie token, which in turn can trigger other Zombie synergies.
• Merfolk: Merfolk decks, which often rely on tempo and evasion, can use the power boost to deal damage faster, while the token effect maintains the Merfolk count for Lord effects.
• Dragons: Although Dragons are often larger creatures, Orcrist can also be useful here to protect an important Dragon or create another Dragon token for synergies.
• Humans/Soldiers/Knights: These types, which often rely on a broad mass and anthem effects, can use the buff and token generation to solidify their board presence.

Overall, Orcrist offers versatile support for a wide range of Typal Decks by providing both offensive strength and defensive resilience.

Orcrist compared to other Equipment

To assess the true strength of Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver, it is essential to compare it with other established Equipment and type-based enablers in the Commander format. Each of these cards has its own advantages and disadvantages, and Orcrist occupies a unique niche.

Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver differs from Coat of Arms and Door of Destinies in that it does not have global effects on all creatures of the type. Instead, it focuses on a single creature, strengthening it and providing resilience. While Coat of Arms and Door of Destinies can inflate the entire field, Orcrist is more flexible in its application to specific threats. It is also much cheaper than Coat of Arms (5 mana) and Door of Destinies (4 mana) in initial costs.

Compared to Skullclamp, one of the most powerful pieces of Equipment in Commander, Orcrist does not offer the same card advantage. Skullclamp is unmatched when it comes to turning small creatures into cards. Orcrist, on the other hand, provides an offensive buff and token generation that maintains board presence rather than converting it into cards. Both can coexist in token strategies, with Skullclamp providing card draw and Orcrist providing pressure and resilience.

Cards like The Great Henge or Eldrazi Monument are powerful artifacts that offer global benefits but are not specifically tailored to Typal strategies (although they are often played in such decks). Orcrist is more targeted and offers direct support for the deck's type identity.

In summary, Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver occupies a unique role. It is not a global Lord effect like Coat of Arms, not a card-drawing engine like Skullclamp, and not a general power booster like Eldrazi Monument. Instead, it combines a useful stat boost with valuable resilience and board-building capabilities that particularly shine in Typal Decks that need both aggressive options and protection from removal. The relatively low costs for casting and equipping make it an attractive option for the midgame.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Orcrist in Practice

In the heat of a Commander battle, Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver reveals both remarkable strengths and some potential weaknesses that affect its applicability. A clear understanding of these aspects is crucial to assessing whether it fits into your deck.

Strengths of Orcrist

1. Cost Efficiency and Tempo: With a mana cost of 2 and an equip cost of 3, Orcrist is relatively inexpensive compared to many other powerful artifacts and equipment. It can often be played and equipped in the early to mid-game, allowing for early pressure. This tempo advantage can be crucial for establishing a lead on the battlefield.
2. Dual Benefit: Buff and Resilience: Orcrist not only provides a static power boost but also valuable token generation when the equipped creature dies. This combination is particularly strong. The +2/+0 buff turns smaller creatures into serious threats and increases overall damage, while the token effect acts as a kind of "built-in shield" that maintains your type-based presence even if your creatures are destroyed.
3. Synergy with Equipment Strategies: In decks that already rely on Equipment or have commanders that interact with Equipment (e.g., Syr Gwyn, Hero of Ashvale or Nazgûl), Orcrist fits seamlessly. It benefits from cards that reduce equip costs or search for Equipment.
4. Board Presence and Sacrifice Fodder: The ability to create 1/1 tokens is not only good for resilience but also for building a broader board presence. These tokens can serve as blockers, as fodder for effects (e.g., Ashnod's Altar for mana, or Plaguecrafter for removal), or as additional attackers in go-wide strategies.
5. Flexibility with Creature Types: The token effect is not limited to a specific type but adapts to the type of the dying creature. This makes Orcrist usable in virtually any Typal Deck, regardless of the type it supports.

Weaknesses of Orcrist

1. Vulnerability to Artifact Removal: As an artifact, Orcrist is vulnerable to the most common forms of removal in the Commander format, such as Swords to Plowshares or Nature's Claim. If Orcrist is removed before it can take effect, this can be a significant setback.
2. Requires a Creature to Equip: Orcrist is only as good as the creature it equips. If you have no creatures on the field or your creatures are constantly being removed, Orcrist becomes a dead investment. It cannot act alone and requires an established board presence.
3. High Equip Cost without Synergy: Although the initial cost is cheap, 3 mana for equipping can be noticeable in decks without Equipment synergies or mana acceleration. This can make Orcrist slower than desired or difficult to play and equip immediately in one turn.
4. Token Size: The tokens created are only 1/1. While they retain the type identity and are useful for synergies, they are often not significant threats on their own and require further buffs to become truly dangerous.
5. No Protection for the Equipped Creature: Orcrist does not protect the equipped creature from removal. It merely provides a replacement if the creature dies. This means that targeted removal like Path to Exile or a board wipe will still eliminate your primary creature.

Overall, Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver is a powerful tool for Typal Decks, offering a good balance between aggression and resilience. Its weaknesses are typical for Equipment and can be mitigated by appropriate deck construction (e.g., artifact protection, many creatures).

Which Commander Decks is Orcrist particularly suitable for?

Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver is not a universal staple but shines in specific archetypes and strategies. Here are some Commander decks where Orcrist particularly excels:

1. Aggressive Typal Decks (Go-Wide/Go-Tall): Decks that aim to quickly bring many creatures of a specific type onto the field and attack aggressively benefit enormously.

   • Goblins (e.g., Krenko, Mob Boss or Muxus, Goblin Grandee): Goblins are known for their mass. Orcrist turns a single Goblin into a 3/1 threat and replaces it when it dies, maintaining the Goblin army. A Krenko deck can become even more explosive with Orcrist.
   • Elves (e.g., Lathril, Blade of the Elves or Ezuri, Renegade Leader): Elf decks generate a lot of mana and play many Elves. Orcrist can strengthen an important Elf and ensure that the Elf count remains high for synergies like Craterhoof Behemoth.
   • Zombies (e.g., Wilhelt, the Rotcleaver or Varina, Lich Queen): Zombies love having many creatures. Orcrist provides a steady supply of Zombie tokens that benefit from other Zombie synergies.
   • Merfolk (e.g., Kumena, Tyrant of Orazca): Merfolk decks rely on tempo and Lord effects. Orcrist can make a Merfolk a greater threat and maintain board presence.

2. Decks with Equipment Synergies: Commanders that utilize Equipment particularly efficiently or benefit from them make Orcrist even stronger.

   • Auras/Equipment Commanders (e.g., Syr Gwyn, Hero of Ashvale or Nazgûl): Commanders that reduce equip costs or provide bonuses for Equipment can optimally use Orcrist. Syr Gwyn allows free equipping of Knights, making Orcrist extremely efficient. The Nazgûl benefit from a high creature count and can use Orcrist to make individual Ring-bearers stronger while maintaining their numbers.
   • Voltron Strategies with Typal Component: If a Voltron deck focuses on a specific creature type (e.g., a Knight Voltron), Orcrist can strengthen the commander and, in case of a commander's death, leave behind a token that continues the type synergies.

3. Decks that need Sacrifice Fodder: The 1/1 tokens created are excellent as fodder for sacrifice effects.

   • Aristocrats Decks (e.g., Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools & Tymna the Weaver or Meren of Clan Nel Toth): Decks that benefit from sacrificing creatures can use Orcrist tokens to trigger effects without losing valuable creatures.

4. Decks seeking Resilience against Board Wipes: For decks vulnerable to mass removal, Orcrist offers some protection.

   • Midrange Typal Decks: Decks that are not as fast as aggro but want to build a strong board presence can use Orcrist to quickly recover after a board wipe.

Orcrist is most effective in decks that have a high density of creatures of the chosen type and that benefit from a power boost and some resilience. It is less suitable for control decks with few creatures or combo decks that do not rely on combat damage.

Is Orcrist an Indispensable Staple? Conclusion and Outlook

After a thorough analysis of Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver and its abilities, it can be concluded that while it is not a universal staple in the sense of a card like Sol Ring or Arcane Signet, it is an extremely strong and potentially indispensable niche staple for many Typal Commander Decks.

The combination of a solid power boost and the unique token generation upon the death of the equipped creature makes Orcrist an outstanding choice for strategies that rely on a strong presence of creatures of a specific type. It offers not only offensive strength but also a form of resilience that is invaluable in a format full of board wipes and targeted removal. The relatively low mana costs for casting and equipping also contribute to its attractiveness and allow for quick deployment in the midgame.

Orcrist particularly shines in aggressive and mid-range Typal Decks that aim to quickly build a critical mass and pressure the opponent. Whether Elves, Goblins, Zombies, or other tribes – the ability to leave behind a replacement token of the same type when a more important creature falls ensures that your type-based synergies do not completely collapse. While it does not replace global Lord effects or card-drawing engines, it complements them excellently by offering a unique blend of protection and threat.

In practice, Orcrist will likely find a permanent place in many of the Typal Decks mentioned above. It will increase the power level of these decks and help them perform more consistently and respond better to removal. For decks that already utilize Equipment synergies, it is a no-brainer.

The outlook for Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver in the Commander metagame is promising. It will help strengthen the diversity and competitiveness of Typal strategies and open up new opportunities for players to lead their favorite creature types to victory. It is an excellent example of how thematic cards from sets like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth not only provide flavor but also have significant strategic implications for Magic: The Gathering's most popular format. It may not be a universal staple, but it is an indispensable companion for many tribal warriors.