Planeswalkers as Commanders?!?!
Asked by theNeroTurtle 7 months ago
I saw that Grist, the Hunger Tide is listed in the possible commanders section on EDHREC, as I am currently trying to build a deck in that color wheel. I already play Commodore Guff as a commander, but he has a ruling that says he can be in that spot.
Grist, the Hunger Tide does not say that... so why is it in that section of the EDHREC website? If it can be, I am thinking about building around it.
DarkKiridon says... #2
As already stated, yes Grist, the Hunger Tide can be your commander. Also, while cool, who is much more cooler (in my opinion lol) is Zask, Skittering Swarmlord who can make Grist be cast from the graveyard.
January 31, 2026 9:07 p.m.
jamuelty565 says... #3
Grist shows up on EDHREC because its own static ability changes what it is in every zone except the battlefield, so during deckbuilding it actually is a 1/1 legendary Insect creature and thus qualifies as a legal commander. That’s why you can build around it just like Commodore Guff, even though the wording looks different. It’s a bit like when you check sim info online through a carrier portal: the “hidden” status text is what really decides how it behaves, not just the label you first see.
Crow_Umbra says... Accepted answer #1
"As long as Grist isn’t on the battlefield, it’s a 1/1 Insect creature in addition to its other types."
"Grist, the Hunger Tide can be your commander as its first ability works before the game begins during deck construction. (2021-06-18)
Anywhere but on the battlefield, Grist is a Legendary Planeswalker Creature — Grist Insect. Once it enters the battlefield, it is no longer a creature and is just a planeswalker. Anything that could search for or affect a creature or planeswalker card in zones other than the battlefield could affect Grist. For example, you could put it onto the battlefield with Chord of Calling, it could be countered by Essence Scatter (but not by Negate), and opponents couldn't make you discard it with Duress. (2021-06-18) "
Source
January 31, 2026 7:57 p.m. Edited.