Can a Regular Creature be a Commander?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, a commander is a critical component of the game’s strategy and gameplay. However, with the vast array of creatures and planeswalkers available, it can be challenging to determine what constitutes a legitimate commander. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question, examining the different types of creatures that can be used as commanders and highlighting some of the most significant implications for players.
What Makes a Creature a Commander?
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the criteria that define a commander. In Magic: The Gathering, a commander must meet one of two primary conditions: 1) It must be a legendary creature; or 2) It must state, "This card can be your commander".
This second condition is often referred to as the "legendary background" ability, which allows certain creatures to serve as commanders. In general, legendary creatures that do not possess this ability cannot be used as commanders.
Regular Creatures: Can They Be Commanders?
Now that we have established the criteria for a commander, let’s turn our attention to regular creatures. Can they be used as commanders? The answer is no, with one notable exception. Uncommon creatures cannot be used as commanders, as they do not possess the necessary legendary background ability.
Legendary Creatures: Can They Be Commanders?
Legendary creatures, on the other hand, are exempt from the above rule. They can be used as commanders, provided they meet the primary condition of being a legendary creature. Most legendary creatures are printed as rare or mythic rare, but some uncommon creatures have also been printed as legendary creatures.
Planar Disruptors and Faceless Ones: Unusual Creatures
There are two specific creatures that merit special attention: Planar Disruptors and Faceless Ones. Planar Disruptors are creatures that have the ability to choose a background, effectively making them eligible as commanders. Faceless Ones, on the other hand, are creatures that possess both the legendary background ability and the ability to choose a background, making them uniquely eligible as commanders.
Can You Have Two Faceless Ones as Commanders?
One final question regarding Faceless Ones is worth addressing: can you have two Faceless Ones as commanders? The answer is no, as Faceless Ones’ ability to choose a background only allows them to be used as commanders once.
Why Can’t All Planeswalkers be Commanders?
Another common question that arises is why not all planeswalkers can be commanders? The reason is that planeswalkers were designed to create new, unique decks and strategies. By limiting the number of planeswalkers that can be used as commanders, the game ensures that players must think creatively and build around the available legendary creatures.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, a regular creature cannot be used as a commander in Magic: The Gathering, with one notable exception. Uncommon creatures, unless they possess the legendary background ability, cannot be used as commanders. Legendary creatures, on the other hand, are eligible to be used as commanders. The exception to this rule is Planar Disruptors and Faceless Ones, which have unique abilities that allow them to serve as commanders.