EDH Optimizer
Goblins Commander decks
Goblins is a kindred archetype: the deck is built around one creature type and the cards that pay you for having many of them. It is mostly played in red and Rakdos. Its most characteristic cards are Krenko, Mob Boss, Goblin Matron, Skullclamp: not the most-played cards in the format, but the ones that appear in these decks far above what is normal for the same colors.
Cards that define the archetype
Ranked by how much MORE they are played inside the archetype than in the rest of Commander. Generic staples (Sol Ring, Arcane Signet…) fall out for exactly that reason: they are played everywhere equally.
| Card | Commanders | Avg. inclusion | Excess |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krenko, Mob Boss | 30 | 62% | +69 pts |
| Goblin Matron | 28 | 55% | +65 pts |
| Skullclamp | 29 | 48% | +60 pts |
| Siege-Gang Commander | 26 | 54% | +60 pts |
| Krenko, Tin Street Kingpin | 27 | 54% | +59 pts |
| Skirk Prospector | 25 | 63% | +58 pts |
| Goblin Warchief | 24 | 61% | +56 pts |
| Goblin Bombardment | 25 | 52% | +53 pts |
| Impact Tremors | 25 | 56% | +50 pts |
| Legion Warboss | 19 | 48% | +42 pts |
| Pashalik Mons | 17 | 53% | +40 pts |
| Goblin Chieftain | 16 | 58% | +37 pts |
| Brightstone Ritual | 16 | 51% | +37 pts |
| Howlsquad Heavy | 16 | 44% | +36 pts |
| Krenko's Command | 16 | 50% | +36 pts |
| Goblin Trashmaster | 15 | 52% | +35 pts |
| Dragon Fodder | 15 | 50% | +33 pts |
| Goblin Instigator | 14 | 45% | +32 pts |
| Battle Hymn | 15 | 43% | +31 pts |
| Goblin King | 13 | 52% | +30 pts |
| Mogg War Marshal | 13 | 49% | +30 pts |
| Hordeling Outburst | 13 | 47% | +29 pts |
| General Kreat, the Boltbringer | 12 | 44% | +27 pts |
| Siege-Gang Lieutenant | 12 | 47% | +27 pts |
| Battle Cry Goblin | 11 | 46% | +26 pts |
| Conspicuous Snoop | 11 | 47% | +26 pts |
| Beetleback Chief | 11 | 45% | +25 pts |
| Rundvelt Hordemaster | 10 | 45% | +23 pts |
| Hobgoblin Bandit Lord | 10 | 52% | +23 pts |
| Goblin Chirurgeon | 10 | 52% | +23 pts |
Commanders for Goblins
Ranked by how central this archetype is to their decks and by how played each commander is, according to EDHREC data.
By color identity
Red Best cards by color →
Black · Red Best cards by color →
Red · Green Best cards by color →
Black · Red · Green Best cards by color →
Black Best cards by color →
Blue · Red Best cards by color →
Paste your list and we tell you whether the deck actually does what it wants to do: curve, ramp, interaction and a 10,000-game simulation.
🛠️ Build a deck like this 📥 Analyze my deckFrequently asked questions
What is the best commander for a Goblins deck?
The most-built commanders for this archetype are Krenko, Mob Boss, Shattergang Brothers, Grub, Storied Matriarch // Grub, Notorious Auntie. EDH Optimizer has the full list of 75 commanders with their recommended cards, ranked by how central Goblins is to their decks.
Which cards are must-haves in a Goblins deck?
The three most characteristic are Krenko, Mob Boss, Goblin Matron, Skullclamp. They are not the most-played cards in the format, but the ones that appear far more inside this archetype than in the rest of Commander — which is what actually makes them essential here.
What colors is Goblins played in?
The most common color identities are Red, Black · Red, Red · Green. The "By color identity" section groups the commanders and links to the best cards for each combination.
How much does a Goblins deck cost?
It depends on the price cap PER CARD you set. Each commander page lists the best cards in three tiers (up to €2, up to €10 and no cap), and the optimizer only suggests swaps that fit the cap you pick.