This New Planeswalker Is THE BEST DESIGNED OF ALL TIME! And Here's Why

Channel:

Salty Productions

Subscribers:

14,400

Published on April 12, 2025 3:45:03 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSA7GH4zyaQ

Game:

Magic: The Gathering (1997)

Duration: 0:00

1,281 views

26

In this video, Nathan talks commander design philosophy for planeswalkers and argues why a recently released planeswalker is the perfection of what should be the new standard planeswalker design/templating going forward. Do you agree with Nathan's reasoning? Let me know in the comments!

If you enjoy this type of content, please consider leaving a like on the video and subscribing.

#mtg #commander #edh #magicthegathering
----------------------------------------
All socials and email: linktr.ee/saltyproductions
Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/SaltyProductionsHD
Join my Discord! https://discord.gg/AqxRUKcC
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/salty_tweets
MTG decklists on TappedOut: https://tappedout.net/users/o0Brilliance0o/
MTG decklists on Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/o0Brilliance0o
----------------------------------------
Salty Productions is a channel that is focused on providing interesting and thought-provoking content with a heavy emphasis on games and comedic entertainment.
----------------------------------------
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:20 What makes a walker playable in EDH?
00:01:11 What ability costs do EDH-playable walkers have?
00:02:24 Three-ability walkers are better than ults
00:03:11 Why is Elspeth the best designed walker?
00:04:03 Sample designs based on the proposed templating
00:07:22 Conclusion

In Commander, planeswalkers that feature a balanced suite of abilities—particularly those with a value-driven +1 ability, a 0 ability that capitalizes on an existing board state, and an interactive -X tend to create engaging and strategic gameplay. A well-designed + ability should provide incremental advantage that ideally protects the planeswalker, such as token generation, without warping the game on its own. This design choice encourages repeated use and rewards proper sequencing over time rather than immediate impact. The 0 ability functions best when it pays off an established board presence or synergy or converts existing resources into impactful plays. These abilities invite players to build around the planeswalker and create a sense of momentum when properly supported.

The minus ability, typically more powerful but limited by loyalty cost, is where interactivity shines. It should act as a way to influence the board or opponents directly—destroying threats, forcing discards, or removing key pieces. This keeps the planeswalker relevant even when behind and ensures it has agency in multiplayer dynamics. When these three components work in harmony, the planeswalker becomes more than a self-contained threat; it becomes a dynamic engine that rewards strategic investment, fits thematically into a deck’s plan, and remains a compelling, skill-testing element within Commander’s political and chaotic landscape.

Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a popular collectible card game created by Richard Garfield and first released by Wizards of the Coast in 1993. It combines strategy, fantasy, and storytelling in a richly immersive game where players assume the roles of powerful spellcasters known as Planeswalkers. Each player builds a deck of cards representing magical spells, creatures, and artifacts, using them to battle opponents in a competition to reduce their life total to zero. The game is played using a variety of card types including lands which provide mana to cast spells, creatures that are used to attack and defend, and instants and sorceries which produce powerful one-time effects.

Magic features a complex ruleset and deep strategic elements, with gameplay that often involves constructing decks tailored to specific strategies, known as archetypes. With various formats like Standard, Modern, and Commander, MTG offers diverse gameplay experiences. Its expansive lore, numerous expansions, and continuous updates keep the game fresh and engaging. Players enjoy the dynamic nature of deck-building, strategic planning, and the thrill of both competitive and casual play. The game's rich universe and complex mechanics contribute to its enduring popularity and global community.

Other Statistics