Commander is Magic: the Gathering’s most beloved format—but it’s no secret that some of the best Commander cards come with sky-high price tags. Whether you’re brewing competitive CEDH lists or mid-power casual decks, staples like Dockside Extortionist, Mana Crypt, and Gaea’s Cradle are often essential…but painfully expensive.
If you want to play with iconic cards without spending hundreds of dollars, high-quality proxies are your best friend. That’s why Abyss Proxy Shop offers premium, affordable MTG proxy staples—made specifically with Commander players in mind.
Let’s break down the 10 most expensive Commander staples and their proxy alternatives so you can power up your deck and keep your wallet intact.
💰 1. Gaea’s Cradle – ~$900
Why It’s a Staple:
This land taps for one green mana per creature you control. In token or creature-heavy decks, it’s a monstrous ramp spell every turn.
Budget Proxy Alternative:
Gaea’s Cradle – Abyss Proxy Shop Premium Land Series
Looks stunning in foil or etched finish, plays beautifully in token decks.
💥 2. Dockside Extortionist – ~$60–80+
Why It’s a Staple:
ETB treasure generation is massive in multiplayer. In red decks, this is a near-auto-include.
Budget Proxy Alternative:
Dockside Extortionist – Full-Art Foil Proxy from Abyss Proxy Shop
Perfect for CEDH players or anyone abusing blink or reanimation.
🔗 Scryfall – Dockside Extortionist
⚡ 3. Mana Crypt – ~$180+
Why It’s a Staple:
Zero-cost mana acceleration is game-breaking in Commander. This card is a mainstay in CEDH.
Budget Proxy Alternative:
Mana Crypt – Etched Classic Frame by Abyss Proxy Shop
Accurate and sharp—ready to speed up your deck turn one.
🧙 4. Rhystic Study – ~$50+
Why It’s a Staple:
“Do you pay the 1?” It’s iconic, oppressive, and one of the best blue card draw engines in multiplayer.
Budget Proxy Alternative:
Rhystic Study – Textless Art Proxy from Abyss Proxy Shop
Beautiful custom design that captures the table’s attention.
🌀 5. Force of Will – ~$70+
Why It’s a Staple:
Free interaction is vital in blue decks. Stops infinite combos, saves the game, and plays like a CEDH core piece.
Budget Proxy Alternative:
Force of Will – Premium Foil Borderless Proxy by Abyss Proxy Shop
Looks and feels like the real deal, plays flawlessly in sleeved decks.
🔥 6. Cavern of Souls – ~$60–80+
Why It’s a Staple:
In tribal decks, this land makes your creatures uncounterable—an absolute must-have in Commander.
Budget Proxy Alternative:
Cavern of Souls – Abyss Tribal Frame Proxy
Choose your creature type and dominate the stack.
👑 7. Jeweled Lotus – ~$80+
Why It’s a Staple:
CEDH staple for casting your Commander ahead of curve. It’s fast, flashy, and powerful.
Budget Proxy Alternative:
Jeweled Lotus – Etched Commander Series from Abyss Proxy Shop
Affordable and flashy, just like the card’s effect.
🔮 8. Sensei’s Divining Top – ~$60+
Why It’s a Staple:
Top-tier deck filtering and combo setup, especially in decks that care about draw triggers or miracles.
Budget Proxy Alternative:
Sensei’s Divining Top – Holographic Art Proxy by Abyss Proxy Shop
Custom foil that looks incredible on your board.
🔗 Scryfall – Sensei’s Divining Top
🛡️ 9. The Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale – ~$2500+
Why It’s a Staple:
Massively punishes go-wide strategies. Rare and brutally expensive.
Budget Proxy Alternative:
The Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale – Ultra-Rare Proxy Series by Abyss Proxy Shop
One of the only ways to experience this format-warping land without shelling out thousands.
💀 10. Grim Monolith – ~$150+
Why It’s a Staple:
It’s fast mana, combo potential, and a pillar of high-power decks.
Budget Proxy Alternative:
Grim Monolith – Dark Frame Power Proxy from Abyss Proxy Shop
An elegant way to play CEDH mana without financial commitment.
🛠️ Why Use MTG Proxy Staples from Abyss Proxy Shop?
- Play powerful cards legally in casual playgroups
- Test high-power lists before purchasing
- Premium artwork, etched foil, and borderless styles available
- Sleeve-safe and indistinguishable during gameplay
At Abyss Proxy Shop, we specialize in the best Commander proxies—suitable for casual tables, tournament testing, and curated cube drafts. Every card on this list is available in multiple art styles, finishes, and frames.
🧠 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend thousands to enjoy the best Commander cards. With MTG proxy staples from Abyss Proxy Shop, you can build competitive EDH decks at a fraction of the price—without sacrificing visual quality or playability. Whether you’re brewing a CEDH pile or fine-tuning a casual group-hug list, proxies let you explore the full scope of Commander power.