> Introduction

Hey, I’m Julian. I played Magic 20 years ago, and now, after a long break, I’ve rediscovered the game. Recently, I played Mono-Green with Ezuri and Mono-Black with Rev. This time, I wanted to try a two-colored deck, and White-Blue caught my attention because of its control elements and synergetic potential.

> Disclaimer

I wanted to build a deck that is not too expensive .Therefore, I deliberately left out some cards that could be used in this strategy.

> Why Niko?

Niko offers unique strategic options that fascinated me. Niko’s Shard mechanic provides not only card advantage but also tokens with versatile uses. The second ability, which converts Shards into powerful creatures adds the fun part. In a deck utilizing flicker effects and ETB synergies, Niko reaches full potential.

> Inclusions

> Niko Tools

These cards support Niko’s Shard mechanics and add additional utility.

Caretaker’s Talent enhances Niko’s ability to generate Shards and boosts synergy with enchantments.
Crashing Drawbridge enables haste, which is essential for using Niko’s second ability in the same turn.
Niko Aris directly supports Shard generation and provides flexibility to the deck.

> Army Makers

These creatures create tokens or benefit significantly from blink effects and Shard copy mechanics.

Battle Angels of Tyr uses Myriad to build a massive board presence. Sixteen damage and four cards through Shard copies are not uncommon.
Hero of Bladehold generates tokens with Battle Cry and scales excellently with Niko’s mechanic. Two copies can generate 18 damage.
Master of Waves produces elemental tokens that benefit strongly from Niko’s Shards, especially when combined with blink effects.
Overlord of the Mistmoors creates flying tokens with every attack or ETB trigger, gaining exponential value through Shard copies.
Toby, Beastie Befriender offers low-cost creature tokens with potential for building flying damage.

> Useful Copy Targets

These creatures are ideal targets for Niko’s Shard copy ability, triggering powerful effects multiple times.

Cavalier of Gales provides strong draw and filtering upon entering the battlefield.
Epistolary Librarian allows you to play your entire hand with Shard copies.
Ethereal Valkyrie combines draw and foretell, perfectly syncing with Niko’s Shards.
Knight of the White Orchid provides extra ramp, crucial for a budget mana base.
Loyal Warhound is a budget-friendly alternative to ramp options like Knight of the White Orchid.
Salvation Colossus grants trample, vigilance, and strong buffs, making it ideal for finishing games.

> Shard Synergists

These cards interact with Shards, as they count as enchantment tokens, triggering corresponding effects.

Archon of Sun’s Grace creates lifelink 2/2 cats for each Shard that enters the battlefield.
Protean Thaumaturge can transform into any desired creature via Shard triggers.
Clever Impersonator copies any permanent, adding flexibility.
Junk Winder benefits from tokens, reducing its cost and enabling powerful tap effects.
Silent Hallcreeper selectively copies a creature and gains its abilities.
Thalakos Deceiver uses shadow to steal opponent creatures.

> Blink

Blink effects not only protect Niko’s Shard production from removal but also allow for mass token and effect production.

Ephemerate offers low-cost blink with rebound for double use.
Cloudshift provides quick protection or ETB triggers.
Eerie Interlude protects your entire board and safely brings creatures back.
Ghostly Flicker can blink multiple targets, perfect for complex synergies.
Teleportation Circle offers repeatable flickering for creatures or artifacts.
Thassa, Deep-Dwelling provides consistent flickering with a solid body as an enchantment creature.
Soulherder grows with every blink and provides repeatable blink effects.
Lae’zel’s Acrobatics exiles the entire board with potential for double triggers.

> Ramp

Arcane Signet offers solid ramp for any commander deck.
Azorius Signet fixes colors and provides ramp.
Mind Stone provides flexible ramp with a draw option.
Ornithopter of Paradise adds color fixing.
Pearl Medallion reduces the cost of white spells.
Sapphire Medallion lowers the cost of blue spells.
Sol Ring is the classic ramp artifact.
Talisman of Progress is cheap ramp with a color focus.

> Draw

Archmage Emeritus draws cards with every spell cast.
Smuggler’s Share provides cards and treasure tokens from opponents’ actions.
Candlekeep Sage complements flicker synergies with draw.
Spirited Companion offers card draw and a cheap enchantment body.
Entity Tracker provides solid card draw for activations.

> Protection

Protection mechanics are essential to keep Niko and key creatures safe.

Dovin’s Veto is an unstoppable counter for non-creature spells.
Swiftfoot Boots protect Niko with shroud and grant haste.
Valorous Stance provides protection or removal.
Rootborn Defenses protects tokens and creates additional Shards.
Swan Song efficiently protects against dangerous spells.

> Removal

Effective answers to threats.

Darksteel Mutation neutralizes commanders or key creatures.
Generous Gift offers flexible removal for any threat.
Stroke of Midnight provides universal removal with token generation.

> Board Wipes

Supreme Verdict offers unstoppable creature destruction.
Austere Command provides a flexible board wipe for targeted strategies.

> Land (35)

A mix of basics and utility lands.

Adarkar Wastes
Azorius Chancery
Command Tower
15 Island
15 Plains
Prairie Stream

> Notable Exclusions

Some cards were left out for budget reasons.

Teferi’s Protection protects against almost everything but is quite expensive.
Rhystic Study is a blue classic for card advantage but isn’t budget-friendly.
Anointed Procession is perfect for token strategies but exceeds the intended power level.

> Gameplan

Primary strategy: Maximize Shard mechanics

1. Niko’s ETB ability generates two Shards upon entering the battlefield.
2. Shard tokens can copy key creatures, multiplying powerful ETB triggers or combat effects.
3. Shards provide additional speed with Scry 1 and draw.

Secondary strategy: Token synergies

1. Token generation through Myriad cards like Battle Angels of Tyr or ETB triggers from Hero of Bladehold can quickly overwhelm opponents.
2. Buffs like Battle Cry and enchantment synergies help turn tokens into deadly attackers.
3. Control elements like Junk Winder freeze opponent boards while tokens deal damage.

> Best Cards in the Deck

Hero of Bladehold is a standout because Myriad and Shards amplify the Battle Cry strategy. It generates tokens that are strong both offensively and defensively, and its power scales quickly with Niko’s mechanic.
Archon of Sun’s Grace is essential for creating lifelink tokens that synergize exceptionally well with Shards as enchantments, providing control and sustainability.
Battle Angels of Tyr shines in multiplayer games with its Myriad ability, offering extra tokens, card draw, and life gain. It fits perfectly into Niko’s copy-focused strategy.

> Strengths and Weaknesses

> Strengths

• Versatility: Niko can adapt to any game situation.
• Token production enables quick swarming and enchantment synergies.
• Resilience: Flicker options protect the board from wipes.
• Control elements in blue and white counter explosive opponent strategies.

> Weaknesses

• Niko is a high-priority removal target. Flicker effects can help but aren’t always available.
• The mana base’s budget constraints may affect consistency.
• Strong stax pieces like Propaganda or Linvala, Keeper of Silence can hinder the deck’s effectiveness.

> Conclusion

Niko, Hope of Light, is a versatile commander that excels with flicker and ETB strategies. The deck offers a fun mix of control, token generation, and powerful creatures. While it has its weaknesses, creative solutions and thoughtful gameplay can mitigate them effectively.