Deep Sea Dominance: Spawning Kraken and the Rise of the Token Titans!

Spawning Kraken is a creature card introduced in the Commander 2021 set of Magic: The Gathering, released on April 23, 2021, alongside the Strixhaven: School of Mages expansion. It featured five preconstructed decks, each with its unique theme and new cards designed specifically for the Commander format.

Card Mechanics

Triggered Ability: The ability of Spawning Kraken triggers whenever any Kraken, Leviathan, Octopus, or Serpent you control deals combat damage to a player, not just Spawning Kraken itself. This means the card can quickly populate the battlefield with 9/9 Kraken tokens, turning any hit from these creatures into a major threat.

Deck Building Considerations

Synergies: Creature Types: Building around creature types like Kraken, Leviathan, Octopus, or Serpent will maximize the benefit of Spawning Kraken. Cards that produce or support these creature types are key.
Combat Enablers: Cards that make these creatures harder to block or more effective in combat can enhance Spawning Kraken’s effect. This includes cards with abilities like flying, trample, or islandwalk.
Token Support: Once the 9/9 tokens are generated, supporting them with cards that boost tokens or make them more effective in combat can quickly overwhelm opponents.

Complementary Cards:

Card

Description

Name: Arixmethes, Slumbering Isle Color: Multi-Color Cost: 2GU Card Type: Legendary Creature — Kraken Card Text: Arixmethes, Slumbering Isle enters tapped with five slumber counters on it. As long as Arixmethes has a slumber counter on it, it’s a land. (It’s not a creature.) Whenever you cast a spell, you may remove a slumber counter from Arixmethes. {T}: Add {G}{U}. Pow/Tgh: 12/12 Rarity: R Artist: Dimitar Marinski Card Number: 189 Set Name: Double Masters

Arixmethes, Slumbering Isle: A legendary creature that synergizes well by providing both ramp and an additional Kraken on the battlefield.

Card

Description

Name: Serpent of Yawning Depths Color: Blue Cost: 4UU Card Type: Enchantment Creature — Serpent Card Text: Krakens, Leviathans, Octopuses, and Serpents you control can’t be blocked except by Krakens, Leviathans, Octopuses, and Serpents. “Gleams like moonlight on water drew us through the storm and toward our doom.” —Siona, captain of the Pyleas Pow/Tgh: 6/6 Rarity: R Artist: Tomasz Jedruszek Card Number: 291 Set Name: Theros Beyond Death

Serpent of Yawning Depths: Grants abilities to Krakens, Leviathans, Octopuses, and Serpents, making them harder to block.

Card

Description

Name: Deep-Sea Kraken Color: Blue Cost: 7UUU Card Type: Creature — Kraken Card Text: Deep-Sea Kraken can’t be blocked. Suspend 9—{2}{U} (Rather than cast this card from your hand, you may pay {2}{U} and exile it with nine time counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a time counter. When the last is removed, you may cast it without paying its mana cost. It has haste.) Whenever an opponent casts a spell, if Deep-Sea Kraken is suspended, remove a time counter from it. Pow/Tgh: 6/6 Rarity: R Artist: Christopher Moeller Card Number: 003 Set Name: Duel Decks: Mind vs. Might

Deep-Sea Kraken: A large, unblockable creature that can help trigger Spawning Kraken’s ability easily.

Strategic Use

Multiplayer Formats: In formats like Commander (EDH), Spawning Kraken can be particularly potent due to the high creature count and slower pace, giving it time to develop and dominate.
Control and Protection: Pairing it with control elements, such as counterspells or board wipes, can help protect Spawning Kraken and the tokens it generates.

Counter Strategies

Removal: Removing Spawning Kraken before it can generate tokens is crucial for opponents. Cards that destroy or exile creatures are effective countermeasures.
Combat Tricks: Preventing combat damage through fog effects or damage prevention can stall the token generation.

It's important to remember that Cephalid, a previously used creature type for cards portraying octopus-like beings with tentacles and flexible bodies, has been deemed obsolete. With the release of Modern Horizons 3, these creatures were reclassified under the Octopus type to align with the categorization of other humanoid animals.

By integrating Spawning Kraken into a well-constructed deck, players can leverage its ability to create a formidable army of Krakens, turning the tide of battle in your favor.

Release the Kraken!