Hello everyone! I'm Levi from The Thought Vessel Show, and today we're back, diving into the top ten commanders to build around from Foundations. Last time, we ranked every new legendary creature from this set in a tier list, but today, we'll focus on what makes the best of the best so exciting for Commander builds. Whether you're a seasoned player or just dipping your toes into deck construction, there's something here for everyone. Let's jump right in!

10) Zul Ashur, Lich Lord

Zul Ashur is a straightforward yet effective Zombie commander that emphasizes letting the deck itself shine rather than dominating from the command zone. This makes Zul an excellent option for players who enjoy letting their synergies do the talking. At most tables, Zul will likely fly under the radar, quietly generating immense value for Zombies throughout the game. Even when Zul does become a target, its Ward ability often deters opponents from spending resources--two life can be surprisingly relevant in longer games. For a low- to mid-power pod, Zul provides the perfect balance of fun and effectiveness for Zombie fans.

9) Kykar, Zephyr Awakener

Among the commanders on this list, Kykar presents the most intricate and rewarding deck-building challenge. It reminds me of Winota, Joiner of Forces, requiring a careful balance between creatures and noncreature spells to maximize its effectiveness. Kykar shines in Azorius Blink strategies, especially when paired with cards like Ephemerate and Cloudshift to exploit enter-the-battlefield effects repeatedly. This year has been exceptional for Azorius Blink fans, with other noteworthy additions like Niko, Light of Hope and Plagon, Lord of the Beach. Kykar will fit in just fine.

8) Zimone, Paradox Sculptor

Zimone is one of the best +1/+1 counter commanders in Simic since Pir, Imaginative Rascal and Toothy, Imaginary Friend. Zimone's ability to place +1/+1 counters and then double them opens up a treasure trove of synergies, not just with creatures but also with artifacts. For example, pairing Zimone with cards like Lux Cannon or Empowered Autogenerator lets you translate those counters into powerful effects. The flexibility of this commander means you can go in multiple directions--whether it's a traditional creature-heavy build, a counters-matter deck, or even artifact shenanigans, Zimone has the tools to support it all.

7) Arahbo, the First Fang

Since Arahbo, Roar of the World debuted in 2017, Cat players have been waiting for a new commander to lead their pride. Now, with Arahbo, the First Fang, the wait is over. Unlike its predecessor, this version sheds Green entirely, focusing on White for streamlined typal support. Every Cat you play, including Arahbo itself, comes with a bonus 1/1 Cat token. Additionally, Arahbo's static ability gives all Cats a +1/+1 boost, effectively turning a swarm of 1/1 tokens into a solid 2/2 army. If you're a fan of cat heavy decks, Arahbo, the First Fang is an excellent choice.

6) Elenda, Saint of Dusk

Elenda, Saint of Dusk redefines what a Voltron commander can achieve in Orzhov colors. With built-in hexproof against instants, Elenda is naturally resistant to many of the most commonly played removal spells in Commander. This resilience makes her an ideal Voltron commander. Combine her lifelink with equipment like Blackblade Reforged or Swiftfoot Boots, and Elenda quickly becomes a game-ending threat. Orzhov Voltron is often overlooked as an archetype, but Elenda's unique combination of resilience and power makes it a serious contender.

5) Tinybones, Bauble Burglar

Tinybones has always been a favorite among players who enjoy discard strategies, and this latest iteration is no exception. Tinybones, Bauble Burglar transforms discarded cards into value by letting you cast them later. What sets this version apart is its ability to self-enable through its activated ability, forcing opponents to discard while fueling your hand. This deck plays like a toned-down version of Tergrid, God of Fright, offering the same disruptive potential without attracting as much hate. If you've ever wanted to turn your opponent's cards against them, this Tinybones is the perfect choice.

4) Alesha, Who Laughs at Fate

Alesha is back, and she's better than ever. Dropping White to focus on Rakdos colors, this version of Alesha leans into a streamlined reanimator strategy. The ability to bring back creatures with power less than or equal to her own opens up plenty of possibilities for synergistic value engines. Pump spells like Titan's Strength or Unleash Fury can temporarily boost Alesha's power, expanding your reanimation targets a lot earlier on. This deck can definitely bring some spice to your pod.

3) Loot, Exuberant Explorer

Loot might be the most quintessential mono-Green commander ever printed. Its abilities--playing extra lands and cheating creatures into play from the top of your deck--perfectly embody Green's ramp and stompy themes. I recently wrote a deck tech on CoolStuffInc showcasing some of the fun strategies Loot enables, such as leveraging top-deck manipulation with cards like Courser of Kruphix or Vivien, Monsters' Advocate. If you love big plays and bigger creatures, Loot is your commander.

2) Koma, World-Eater

Koma is a brutal commander, no matter which printing you use. Koma, World-Eater is the more aggressive of the two. For a build like this, I'd want to ramp into Koma as quickly as possible and start cloning. Before your pod can react, there will be an army of Komas and Coils swinging in for lethal damage.

1) Niv-Mizzet, Visionary

Niv-Mizzet, Visionary offers a new twist on this iconic character. Transforming every Lightning Bolt into an Ancestral Recall is a game-changing ability that makes this Niv-Mizzet one of the most exciting commanders for burn strategies. This deck practically builds itself--staples like Chandra's Ignition and Comet Storm become even more potent when paired with Niv's ability. Whether you're a longtime fan of Niv-Mizzet or new to Izzet burn, this commander promises endless fun and power.

And there you have it--the top ten commanders to build around from Foundations. Each one offers a unique playstyle and deck-building opportunity, ensuring they'll see plenty of play in pods for years to come. Until next time, happy gaming!