Why Play Baleful Strix
Two-mana creatures that immediately replace themselves are incredibly powerful, and adding flying and deathtouch makes this an exceptional value engine. Control and midrange decks love the guaranteed card draw combined with a relevant body that can trade up with larger threats or pressure planeswalkers. The deathtouch ability makes opponents think twice about attacking, while flying lets it slip through for incremental damage when needed.Format Notes
Legacy represents the card's strongest showing, appearing in everything from Delver tempo decks to Stoneblade midrange strategies. Commander players have embraced it as a staple in Dimir and artifact-based decks, where the card advantage and defensive utility shine in multiplayer games. Historic sees occasional play in control shells, though it faces stiff competition from other two-mana threats in that faster format.Combos & Synergies
Flickering effects like Ephemerate and Soulherder create powerful card advantage engines by repeatedly triggering the enter-the-battlefield ability. Urza, Lord High Artificer turns the artifact typing into serious value, providing mana and potential constructs while the Strix continues drawing cards. Equipment strategies particularly benefit from the evasive, hard-to-remove body that can carry swords or other powerful artifacts into combat safely.Featured in These Decks
- Urza’s Iron Alliance Commander
- Scions & Spellcraft (FINAL FANTASY XIV) Commander
- Revenant Recon Commander
- Painbow Commander
- Mind Seize Commander
- Invent Superiority Commander
