EDH Optimizer
Shrines Commander decks
Shrines shows up as a main archetype for 5 Commander commanders. It is mostly played in five colors. Its most characteristic cards are Sanctum of Calm Waters, Honden of Seeing Winds, The Spirit Oasis: 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanctum of Calm Waters | 3 | 92% | +100 pts |
| Honden of Seeing Winds | 3 | 88% | +100 pts |
| The Spirit Oasis | 3 | 86% | +100 pts |
| Reliquary Tower | 3 | 51% | +59 pts |
Commanders for Shrines
Ranked by how central this archetype is to their decks and by how played each commander is, according to EDHREC data.
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🛠️ Build a deck like this 📥 Analyze my deckFrequently asked questions
What is the best commander for a Shrines deck?
The most-built commanders for this archetype are Go-Shintai of Life's Origin, Hei Bai, Forest Guardian, Go-Shintai of Lost Wisdom. EDH Optimizer has the full list of 5 commanders with their recommended cards, ranked by how central Shrines is to their decks.
Which cards are must-haves in a Shrines deck?
The three most characteristic are Sanctum of Calm Waters, Honden of Seeing Winds, The Spirit Oasis. 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 Shrines played in?
The most common color identities are White · Blue · Black · Red · Green. The "By color identity" section groups the commanders and links to the best cards for each combination.
How much does a Shrines 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.