Magic designer says this underrated Final Fantasy MTG Commander deserves more play
Magic: The Gathering designer Gavin Verhey explains why some Commander options remain underrated long after their set’s release. In an interview at MagicCon: Las Vegas 2026, Verhey notes that Commander’s meta develops much more gradually compared to Standard. While Standard benefits from a “fast filter”—where thousands of players test decks extensively on day one to identify the best strategies—Commander operates differently. The format’s slower discovery process means viable deck options and card uses continue to emerge months after a set’s release, making initial assessments potentially misleading. Universes Beyond sets introduce numerous legendary creatures legal as Commanders, but the full potential of these cards often goes unrecognized until well after release. Verhey’s comments highlight why cards initially dismissed as weak or overlooked may later prove valuable in competitive Commander formats. This distinction underscores how the Commander format rewards patient exploration and experimentation compared to the rapid testing cycles that define Standard’s evolving meta.