Arcades, the Strategist Price

Updated 2026-09-22

Arcades, the Strategist from Core Set 2019 is the defining Commander for the defender-centric archetype, a strategy that converts toughness into offensive power and allows walls and other defender-type creatures to attack. The card created a new Commander deck archetype on release and has held that position because no comparable legendary creature covers the same design space. Core Set 2019 had a large print run, but Commander demand has absorbed supply steadily over the years since release. The 7-day and 30-day windows both show positive appreciation, with the trajectory consistent through the 90-day window. This is a card whose price is driven almost entirely by Commander engagement. New printings of defender-type creatures in subsequent sets expand the available card pool for the strategy, which typically increases rather than dampens interest in the commander itself. Watch new set previews for walls and defenders to gauge demand.