Nikya of the Old Ways Commander Deck Tech

[@classymofo1059]

I saw a lot of commander reviews for this card and pretty much everyone said (a big smorc creatures-only deck wont work, u need noncreature spells, etc.etc.) I don't think people realize the effects. "You cant cast noncreature spells" and "double your mana"(essentially). This DOESN'T MEAN you can ONLY SPEND your mana on CREATURES. you can use your mana on activated abilities of permanents that are already in play. Land abilities, artifact abilities, you name it. People just look at the card and say (double your mana but only for creatures? Trash.) I'm so excited for this deck, looking forward to it alot

[@JohnDoe-mv9kp]

hahaha "Molder Slug : Fortunately for it, Mirrodin is a plane without salt" On the contrary ! artifacts lands, skullclamp, affinity and disciple of the vault harvested one of the biggest among of salt! (among players, but still!)

[@OvAeons]

Audio is a little a head of the video me thinks, talking about cards gets really misaligned at the end, also wrong name in title and description XD Y and I are swappeded

[@azerim2039]

Yup, audio out of sync

[@noxouphe4370]

I thought that was his new video format.

[@simonbirrer958]

This isn't usually this way? My first video on this channel and I thought this was his style, which would be horrible

[@OvAeons]

@@simonbirrer958 i have watched many techs and other videos, and yeah this is the only one where the audio was not matched with the visual

[@teradul2480]

Dude, Hatchery Spider can puts a green permanent on the battlefield - that means Zendikar Ressurgent, Garruk, or Domri being put onto the battlefield while Nikya is on the battlefield.

[@NicolasRodrigues-n4u]

Also,genesis hydra

[@tonionitoklan4872]

You do need creatures in the graveyard though

[@theunicornsrock]

@@tonionitoklan4872 Yeah, but if all you do is play creatures and swing with creatures something will die eventually. Not to mention the couple of cycle abilities in the deck

[@tonionitoklan4872]

Jeremy Nakai true, it will sometimes be good, but their may be times when it’s a dead card in your hand because there’s only 2-3 creatures in your graveyard. Late game when there’s more it could be good

[@theunicornsrock]

@@tonionitoklan4872 Fair point

[@robinmarks4771]

I was feeling fairly meh about all the legendaries in Ravnica Allegiance, but your enthusiasm, DJ, has me hella stoked to build a Nikya Anti-Civ deck now. Thanks for your posi energy.

[@matterhorn731]

No love for Teysa "Deathharmonicon" Karlov? :P

[@jacquesdespadas]

Nikya is one of the two legendaries in RNA that I'm most excited about. Her "downside" really isn't. A lot of people espouse the theory that you want as many effects on creatures as possible anyway. And you can use that "downside" as camouflage. She won't always be on the battlefield, and with sacs and Temur Sabertooth (as mentioned by another) you could engineer her removal, float a ton of mana, and pull off something big that no one expects. I think she wants Ramunap Excavator, Wayward Swordtooth, Mina and Denn, and maybe Ghirapur Orrery and a slightly elevated land count and/or lots of fetches. Landfall seems like a good subtheme. :D The last non-creature card I would recommend is Sunbird's Invocation. Nikya will allow a higher than average curve, which means cycling through you deck fast. But even a strict creatures-only build will be so much fun. I love it! 🤣

[@RaginKavu]

What about Prowling Serpopard? With that many creatures, being able to cast them without the fear of a counter is really good!

[@GuardianAngelEatos]

That one is really dependant on your playgroup. It's great in my playgroup because a couple of my friends play lots of counterspells!

[@GuardianAngelEatos]

@Sean Cole Yeah on top of preventing your creature spells from being countered. That's one of the best new uncommons for commander that's been printed in a while! Because my play group plays lots of counter spells and I'm usually the target for them that card alone makes me want to play more commanders with red and green.

[@GuardianAngelEatos]

@Sean Cole Yes that too. You make a good point. At the very least It's a better Fires of Yavimaya as long as It's not in a token deck.

[@fabianbock5691]

Very interesting deck tech! I think a great addition to this deck would be Yeva, Nature's Herald. She gives your green creatures flash which helps a lot avoiding sorcery board wipes and stuff.

[@oom-3262]

I like how this deck is like the sasaya deck you created last time but more consistent. Gotta love them big manas.

[@chesra9515]

I'm not a regular viewer but thank you for this deck tech. I have been looking for a exciting new Gruul commander for 2 or 3 years now. I was initially disappointed with Nykia but your video really inspired me to make this deck and it might be the one I have been looking for. Gruul creature based control and big smack down. Thanks again.

[@matterhorn731]

Shefet Monitor seems like it could be a good include in this deck, as it cycles for 3G to also tutor out an untapped basic or desert. So with Nidya, it kind of cycles for just 2, and you can use it to tutor out a utility desert like Scavenger Grounds or Endless Sands (which could also temporarily get rid of Nikya if you need to cast noncreature spells). And it's also a 6/5 like Krosan Tusker.

[@pauldyson8098]

"Bloop bloop bloop bloop; make a copy."

[@kresselhousman743]

all you need is any bounce or blink effect! 1)tap all your mana (for double) 2)cast non-creature spells (in the same main phase :-/ ) 3)replay your commander this still works with creature ETB effects

[@KBgamer2010]

Dude, DJ, here is something fun to add for Nikya here...Helm of the host? each combat, make more mana doublers? and hell add Aggravated Assault...basically now you have infinite Nikyas and infinite combats Also, Do Teysa Next if you don't mind

[@Station9.75]

They’re noncreatures...

[@tmakalpha1]

@@Station9.75 can consider Godo to cheat in equipment. Helm goes infinite with Godo, and Temur Sabertooth can bounce Godo for more fun stuff

[@jellosapiens7261]

Speaking of Zhur-Taa Druid, there was a janky combo in RTR-Theros standard where you'd put a triton tactics under an Elite Arcanist, tap the Druid for mana to activate the Arcanist and ping them, untap both with the tactics, and repeat until they're dead.

[@brandoncreek5709]

Silklash Spider is also a great mana sink, even though its ability only affects creatures with flying. Can really mess with some decks that rely on a bunch of fliers to do damage, and can be great answers to big flying threats with huge power since you'll have so much mana.

[@GuardianAngelEatos]

Here are some card suggestions. Magus of the Candelabra lets you double your mana with your commander. Experimental Frenzy since you empty your hand fast and have lots of mana, allowing you to play multiple spells a turn. The creatures that lets you play extra lands per turn helps when you already played your land for turn and have a land on top. Temur Sabertooth for easy protection for your creatures.

[@ceulgai2817]

I've designed a +1/+1 counters Animar and an Oops All Creatures Animar this winter. The number of overlapping cards is reassuring. Also, the Green Divination is Citanul Woodreaders ;)

[@warrioraidan]

Your audio sync is delayed. Lagging for about 3 to 5 seconds.

[@clauderodrigue6461]

I’ve been waiting my whole life to hear dj say let’s smash

[@Tobylovesmusick]

I have a Surrak deck based on using only creatures as spells. She was an auto include. You gave me more thoughts too, thanks!!

[@tylerf1636]

Planar bridge getting whatever u want onto the battle field and nyx bloom ancient tripping all permanents being tapped for mana would be great additions to this deck and also archetype of endurance giving all of ur creatures hexproof and taking it away from your opponents locus of mana would also be amazing with seedborn muse tap everything on everyones end step and just build a butt load of mana to use before ur next turn comes around

[@koblfricker278]

BLESS!!!! Been meaning to build this as soon as she was announced!

[@SubSonicEctomorph]

I’m SO excited to build her!! Thanx for this tech

[@jamesschnurr8146]

So one method of ramp you didn't mention is land untappers. Krosan Restorer does work in my Nikya deck. Threshold is easy to hit, and oncenyoy do, it effectively ranps you 6 Mana a turn

[@Louiscypher93]

What about apocalypse hydra? If you pay 7 or more mana it enters with double the number of plus 1 counters on it. You can then sink mana into it again to remove plus 1 counters to deal damage.

[@garrettmartin4589]

Missed your voice DJ!!! Always love your deck techs!!! Planning on a fun build for this deck, you gave me great ideas!!!

[@oateater5044]

I've gotten to the point where I thumbs up these b4 even watching. Always great decks, with great synergies.

[@Daigo1228]

Love it! Thanks, DJ for the help. You great ideas for the deck

[@koreyg8552]

Don’t forget Kiki and zealous combo. And Kamahl is an excellent mana dump and board wipe enemies Lands when they wrath for the lols

[@insanitygaming3027]

Lurking predators be crazy lol

[@magicalmusketeershadow1153]

would you want to play a Vorinclex in the deck for the double mana and stoping opponent from untapping lands

[@generalawesome7279]

Please do teysa karlov

[@nonlinear3084]

Hydras in general would be good

[@pdahl615]

I built the budget Ruric Thar deck and started upgrading it. I wanted to lean into all creatures like this deck and creature control, but it felt like I was playing 60 vindicates and not doing much to finish then off. I just want 5 more Ruric Thars ... Maybe I should give this a go while I'm waiting...

[@Danem2186]

Looks fun! I was thinking about putting this in a Surrak, Dragonclaw deck, but you may have changed my mind!

[@KnowNoFear313]

In a heavy creature based deck, it might be a good idea to have some recursion, in addition to Genesis. Perhaps you could try Eternal Witne- *gunshots*

[@dtopa7524]

Moonveil Dragon for SUPER firebreathing! and maybe this is finally a home for Whisperwood Elemental.

[@edwardsmall6916]

Nice deck. I studied your budget Ruric Thar deck and built a not so budget version. I might try this guy at the helm with a few tweaks.

[@ssj4tankman637]

Feldon of the 3rd path synergizes awesomely with magus of the wheel

[@crovax1375]

Hellkite Charger would be great mana sink for this deck. And Flamewave Invoker would be really deadly in this deck, especially if Seedborn Muse is in play too

[@leviv168]

I love all the hydras being mentioned. They arent in enough decks and theyre my favorite type 😍

[@TheMrBigShot96]

What about omnath locus of mana to help hold up some green? Probably wouldnt hurt to add locus of rage as well to put up some blockers.

[@superfunk2066]

98 permanents, primal surge tap out for max value-> bounce/destroy nykia-> cast primal surge-> flip deck on the field-> win by kiki/zealous or some other degenerate combo.

[@Kiltzombie]

My Karador is legit all creatures. It has become my favorite deck and I'm pretty proud of it.

[@michaellussier1142]

You say downside I say just gotta be creative with your building and smart with creature etb/activated abilities/die triggers

[@iisaka_station]

Thanks for this deck tech, DJ

[@beyblade9048]

An interesting card that could be really good in this deck is Kumano, Master Yamabushi. No one plays him and he might surprise a few players.

[@erickvinicius3443]

Temur Sabertooth can bounce Nikya back to your hand whenever you need to cast a noncreature spell

[@Jeffxm003]

Hell yeah DJ I saw this card and had the same reaction. This should be fun. Ever heard of Moonveil Dragon?

[@joshuac952]

Thank you i pulled a promo Nykia at my prerelease and i was looking for a deck list for her

[@yugiohinvasion5951]

I love this awesome gruul smash up. If you were to do another gruul deck tech I would love if you did rosheen meanderer (aka X marks the spot).

[@wolfie766]

Whats a gruul deck without Thromok, but Yisan, the Wanderer Bard, and dragon broodmother would be awesome to include to.

[@bennguyen4664]

If DJ gets the Shaman of Forgotten Way to trigger off successfully Jimmy is probably going to tilt because he tried to go with that tactic once and it backfired on him

[@tetrismaster9227]

Even tho it is an enchantment I really di think lurking predators has a home in this deck easy but I'd like to hear what you think since you're the one who made the deck

[@EvilDeath66X]

I am curious why you opted against Myojin of the Life's Web and Patron of the Orochi?

[@cteal2018]

Little off topic but need to settle an argument: Building a Boros deck (white/red)...is blind obedience legal even if it has an orzoh mana cost activation?

[@Suplexmaschine]

I'm playing THIS deck TODAY - any changes I have to do? (Deck was last updated 2019) thx

[@michaelsomething8881]

The audio desync is real

[@caseyrichter6193]

Love this! Puts new flavor on gruul.

[@friedpinnapple]

Why have you passed on the opportunity to preview the deck you made for game knights? Still looking forward to seeing it in action and i hope you included an elenda the dusk rose.

[@puffin-onehandedgamer1164]

you have the wrong commander in the deck list, Rhuric Thar is the commander there. I haven't counted the other cards, there might be 98, in which case its alright.

[@Onbutteredtoast]

Love vexing shusher in the deck

[@seasnek7024]

Could just add some werewolves as they love you only casting single spells per turn and Nikya ramps to them

[@faznishib1988]

Yo DJ, Nikya isn't in your decklist bruh. Is there a reason for Thuric being the commander I'm too noob to understand?

[@jdlemon2217]

Silverback Elder would be great in this

[@firefist906]

im currently thinking about a new commander deck, and i have these options: sydri, nykia, xenagos or liliana, heretical healer - i really want to spend some money, so i cant build all of them what do you think? what should i build? i like nykia and xenagos, but cant decide which one to choose (gruul is my favourite guild and R/G my favourite color combination overall)

[@andrewcullen2527]

Personally Nykia is better in my eyes, i prefer xenagos in the 99 because with some commanders you can just one shot people with xenagos. Plus i don't like how much extra removal xenagos opens himself to being an enchantment, sure he is indestructible but commander has a lot of exile so i dunno if it really means as much

[@nonlinear3084]

Is there any "exile till end of turn" red or green creatures to cheat te commander

[@chaotic3380]

Omnath, locus of mana seems pretty good here

[@insanitygaming3027]

Dude this deck screams play Ulasht n Thromos in the same deck lol

[@addambarcelos]

Curiously I have a mina and denn deck here. Ramping is fun xD

[@cobra_commander2255]

Bazaar Trader + Homeward Path is a beautiful combo for this deck. Lock down those nasty control players.

[@zabadoo2898]

so going to make this deck.

[@oberondargos5465]

Oh ya... We Smashing!

[@leraidnrop9927]

Kamahl Fist of Krosa needs to be in this deck

[@lanetanner8938]

Was looking at this commander and was like "etb/kicker nykia would be awsome"

[@belugawhale8128]

You should do a deck tech for Haunt of the Hightower (buy a box promo).

[@LxZero13010]

Hey how do I unlock your Lifelinker background?

[@zabadoo2898]

has anyone made a more budget version of this deck

[@mattpieroni94]

Why Is the commender night's deck video down? Whatever, money down on u! Go DJ!

[@crynt1]

I like the idea of using bazar trader to make a instant and sorcery deck take control of my commander lol

[@FabioKoala444]

Very cool deck!!!

[@biggingergiant4435]

What do people think of zhur taa achient as a card?

[@vinrod1802]

Hey, I'm new to commander and I've been looking at a few creatures to build my first deck upon, could you do a video on Marath, Will of the Wild? I feel it's an underrated commander

[@jacquesdespadas]

Marath is still one of my too two favorite edh generals. You can play aggressively or controlling, tribal beasts, tribal elementals, +1/+1 counters, "good stuff", Enchantress, etc. His versatility might be a challenge for this style of deck tech video, but yeah it would be interesting to see. :). Until then, pick a main theme, a handful (emphasis on the"full") of ramp, 4-5 wraths, all the card draw options you can find, and have fun! :)

[@andrewlloyd808]

Nek Minit control player drops Humility...

[@tmakalpha1]

Combat trick wise, would suggest the Bloodrush creatures from Gatecrash. Rubblehulk can one shot somebody with your commander sometimes. gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?text=+%5Bbloodrush%5D

[@vincevigil8933]

another great video my friend

[@johannpohland2826]

Temur sabertooth, cloudstone curio

[@imasiontist653]

You have to do teysa next please!

[@andrewsowl8696]

Moltensteel Dragon? Helkite Dragon? Maybe?

[@bobbyfasciano4137]

I think I’m just going to put Primal Surge in and no other noncreature spells...

[@Lucarioguild7]

Bobby Fasciano Yeah just have it in your hand the whole game and then when they board wipe you go “Fool you activated my trap card, I wanted you to kill my commander”

[@dragullongblackfang8073]

I miss some protection but that it just me and dont forgot to add vhorinclex just to be mean and the father of mean card urubrask why is he mean well he taps all their creature on the turn they good summon and then basically it gives your creature haste which mean your opponent its lock down from attacking and then well smash then after you use shaman of the forgotten ways and kil the shit out of them

[@anonymous-dk3um]

Sac outlets for horselady > all creatures

[@ChillyJack]

My first thought was Bazaar Trader for messing with opponents in a spell based deck.

[@ant_tha_kid8717]

Which set is avatar of growth from?

[@noxouphe4370]

Game nights

[@Danny123Rios]

Double your mana in the command zone?

[@bastiwa2381]

Nope, just when she's on the battlefield. She has no eminence ability

[@reiffer9659]

Just put in 99 of Ruric Thar who only has Creatures

[@VVhirl]

I am putting Bazzar Trader in my deck so I can donate Nikiya to control players so they can't cast non creature spells :)

[@MehrGills]

is there a creature that gives ur opponent a creature in gruul? give it to a control player and laugh

[@adambarkman1326]

Wait...did you actually say that Cycling is uncounterable? My Stifle and Voidslime would beg to differ.

[@Sykdude]

Wait you said something about a card mechanic? Here is the most niche exception to that. I Am sO SMaRt!