Lorwyn Eclipsed is scheduled to release on January 23rd, 2026, and the return to a beloved plane should have players excited. The set’s first look showcased the return of some sweet mechanics, including Changelings and Kindred spells.
With spoiler season on the horizon, we wanted to highlight the strongest Kindred cards in the game today. There’s certainly room for some new cards to make their way onto this list, but for now, these are our picks for the best MTG Kindred cards.
Honorable Mention: Ashling’s Command
Kicking things off, we wanted to showcase Ashling’s Command as an honorable mention. Ashling’s Command is the first Kindred spell revealed from Lorwyn Eclipsed, and it’s no slouch.
Because you get to choose two modes, it’s hard to go wrong with this spell. Even with no Elemental synergies, making two Treasures and drawing two cards is a decent exchange. This is especially true if you have ways to utilize the Treasure tokens, such as with Indomitable Creativity in Pioneer. Then, when you factor in the one-sided mini-board wipe ability, Ashling’s Command has the potential to be a game changer against aggro decks.
In a Commander setting, Ashling’s Command makes for a strong inclusion in an Elemental deck. Being able to copy cards like Avenger of Zendikar can add a ton of pressure to the board. You can even tutor for this card with Flamekin Harbinger when applicable! With all this upside, we felt it was necessary to hype this card up. However, given that the card hasn’t released yet and this is purely speculative, we decided to make it an honorable mention.
#5: Not of This World
Coming in at number five, we have a narrow yet super effective card in the right situation. Not of This World comes with the Eldrazi type stapled to it, and as you might expect, it works well with some popular Eldrazi Commanders.
For instance, not only can it save Zhulodok, Void Gorger from opposing removal spells for free, but because Not of This World has mana value seven, you’ll get to Cascade twice as a reward.
Beyond Eldrazi decks, Not of This World is useful at protecting your biggest threats in other strategies. This instant sometimes sees play in Legacy Selesnya Dark Depths shells to negate bounce spells or exile-based removal. This versatility earns Not of This World a spot on this list.
#4: Tarfire
Considering Tarfire is essentially just a Shock, you might be surprised to find it on this list at all. The spell typing on this card, however, is a big deal.
First and foremost, Tarfire adds two types to the graveyard when it hits. For decks with a heavy Delirium theme, this is a huge deal. There’s a reason you’ll occasionally find some copies in Modern Hollow One shells.
As a Goblin, Tarfire is a tutor target for Goblin Matron, too. Having the luxury of searching for a removal when applicable gives Tarfire a lot of extra utility. It also serves as a recursive removal spell alongside Wort, Boggart Auntie in EDH. Sometimes cards don’t need to be flashy to be worth running.
#3: Thornbite Staff
Unlike the previous cards on this list, Thornbite Staff is pretty much exclusively played in Commander. Despite featuring the Shaman type, Thornbite Staff is primarily featured as a combo piece, and you don’t need any Shamans in your deck to take advantage.
Instead, what you’re looking for are cards that have powerful tap abilities that you can take advantage of multiple times in a turn. For example, Thornbite Staff is a strong card to pair with Krenko, Mob Boss. Once you equip Krenko, if you have access to Skirk Prospector and some other Goblins in play, you can actually net infinite tokens and infinite mana by activating the first ability Staff grants.
All you have to do is tap Krenko to make some Goblin tokens. Then, every time you sacrifice a Goblin to Skirk Prospector, Krenko untaps, and you can repeat this process over and over. This is hardly the only combo available with Staff, hence why we have the card high up on the list.
#2: All is Dust
All is Dust is another Kindred spell with the Eldrazi type, and this one sees a lot of play in both Commander and Modern. In EDH, All is Dust is an incredible effect for colorless decks. None of your cards get hit, while most of the time, your opponents’ boards get decimated. There aren’t too many ways to interact with artifacts and enchantments in a colorless deck, so All is Dust plays an important role. This card even gets around Indestructible cards by forcing your opponents to sacrifice their permanents.
Meanwhile, in Modern, All is Dust is a staple of Eldrazi Tron. The Urza’s lands, as well as Eldrazi Temple, help ramp you towards the seven-mana sorcery in no time. This card is excellent, but as we will see, it doesn’t quite sneak past our number one spot.
#1: Kozilek’s Command
The honor of best Kindred spell goes to none other than Kozilek’s Command. The elite Modern Horizons 3 card has taken Modern by storm. No matter what Eldrazi variant you’re playing, Kozilek’s Command is going to be one of your strongest tools. The card even sees consistent Legacy play, something that no other card on this list is capable of.
This is in large part because of the presence of Eldrazi Temple and Ugin’s Labyrinth. Casting this card for X=2 on turn two happens more often than you might expect. In the early turns, it functions as a removal spell, ramp element, graveyard hate piece, and card selection spell all wrapped in one. As the game progresses, the effects only get stronger.
As you can tell from the list, Eldrazi decks have received the most help from Kindred spells thus far. Make sure to check back in with the release of Lorwyn Eclipsed, though, as some new tools could make a name for themselves in the future.
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