Valko IndorianHow it works & interactions with other cards

Breaking the Rules of Deck Construction

Valko Indorian features the Rulebreaker keyword, which specifically modifies the Commander deck-building rules. While your commander is normally restricted to cards that fit its color identity (in this case, Black), Valko allows you to include any card with the 'Phyrexian' creature type, regardless of its color. Furthermore, you can include any basic land cards, such as Islands or Forests, to ensure you can cast these off-color Phyrexians.

Combat Supremacy: Menace and Lifelink

While Valko is on the battlefield, every creature you control with the Phyrexian subtype gains two powerful keywords: menace and lifelink. Menace ensures that your opponents must commit at least two blockers to stop a single attacker, making it difficult to prevent damage. Lifelink ensures that any damage dealt by these creatures also restores your life total, providing a massive swing in resources during the combat phase.

Common Misconceptions

It is important to note that Rulebreaker only applies to cards with the 'Phyrexian' creature type and basic lands. It does not allow you to include non-Phyrexian spells of other colors, such as blue counterspells or green ramp spells, unless those spells happen to have the Phyrexian subtype. Additionally, the menace and lifelink bonuses only apply while Valko is on the battlefield; if he is removed, your Phyrexians lose these abilities immediately.

When to Play Valko

Valko Indorian is best played once you have established a board presence of Phyrexians. Because he provides static buffs rather than enter-the-battlefield triggers, he acts as a 'lord' that turns a small army into a lethal threat. He is particularly effective when you need to stabilize your life total against aggressive decks or push through a stalled board state where single blockers are preventing you from attacking.

Interaction examples

Maximizing Typal Synergy

Roaming Throne

If you cast Roaming Throne and choose 'Phyrexian' as its type, it becomes a Phyrexian in addition to its other types. Because it is now a Phyrexian, Valko Indorian grants it menace and lifelink. Note that while Roaming Throne doubles triggered abilities, Valko's ability is a static effect, so it does not trigger twice; however, the Throne still benefits from the combat keywords.

Navigating Mana Requirements

Solemn Simulacrum

Due to Valko's Rulebreaker ability, your deck can contain any basic land, such as a Forest. When Solemn Simulacrum enters the battlefield, its triggered ability allows you to search for any basic land card. This allows you to fetch the specific colors needed to cast the off-color Phyrexians you included in your deck, even if those colors don't match Valko's black identity.