Sphere of Influence: May 23, 2025

Welcome to Sphere of Influence, a pre-FNM look at some potential movers and shakers that are worth picking up before their prices increase.

Final Fantasy is about to become a reality, meaning that players' wallets are about to be a hell of a lot lighter. In the meantime, here are some cheap pick-ups for Commander from Tarkir: Dragonstorm that provide plenty of bang for your buck:

All-Out Assault - $5

Once again, my inability to properly parse card text got the better of me for too long. I thought All-Out Assault was only really playable after you already attack, believing that it untapped your creatures before your second combat phase. Nope. Turns out, the creatures untap after you attack, ostensibly the first time, so playing this card before your first attack gives you double the attack steps with an anthem attached to a deathtouch-granter. Five mana isn't a bad rate for this devastating effect, even if the card's color restrictions place it in only a limited number of decks. Also of note is the fact that this is an enchantment, which makes it harder to remove than, say, Karlach, Fury of Avernus.

Mardu Siegebreaker - $1

Even a single attack step with this guy out can ruin opponents' chances. It creates a token for each opponent, not for just the ones you're not attacking, as myriad might do, and haste guarantees you'll get value before it reaches its untimely end. Try it with Solemn Simulacrum and, trust me, you'll become a convert.

Stadium Headliner - $0.50

Think of this like a three-mana removal spell that provides supreme value at only a single pip before kicking the bucket. This li'l guy can do a ton of damage out of nowhere, especially given they don't have to tap to activate their ability. Even a small handful of creatures can take down someone's commander or scary threat.

Rot-Curse Rakshasa - $2

Decayed is an interesting mechanic whose downside can be largely mitigated in Commander owing to the prevalence of sac outlets and reanimation effects. In this case, the creature holds some value in the graveyard as a way to remove creatures (eventually) and make it so they can't block. Late game, this can end things for an opponent or two at a pretty low opportunity cost.

Adeline, Resplendent Cathar - $2

While not a new card, Adeline has literally never been available at this cheap a price. It's a must-have for any white token deck, and it represents modern power creep well in its ability to go both wide and tall at the same time. Now is the ideal time to get one.

Fantasy Come to Life

Which Final Fantasy cards are you most excited about? Will you be buying packs of the set or sticking to singles? I'm curious and would love to know!