In the expansive multiverse of Magic: The Gathering, planeswalkers are among the most iconic and powerful card types, and Tyvar Jubilant Brawler stands out as a dynamic green-and-black option introduced in Phyrexia: All Will Be One. Unlike many traditional planeswalkers that focus heavily on direct damage or card advantage, Tyvar specializes in enabling creatures to shine especially those with activated abilities and haste-centric strategies. His presence on the battlefield amplifies synergy-based decks and rewards strategic timing. Understanding how to maximize Tyvar’s abilities can offer a strong edge in both casual and competitive formats.
Card Overview
Mana Cost and Stats
Tyvar, Jubilant Brawlerenters the battlefield for just1BG(one generic, one black, and one green mana), making him a very efficient three-mana planeswalker. He begins with three loyalty counters and brings immediate utility through both passive and active effects. His abilities are tailored toward decks that value speed, recursion, and activated creature abilities.
Static Ability
One of Tyvar’s standout features is his static ability:You may activate abilities of creatures you control as though those creatures had haste.This alone opens up an incredible number of interactions. Creatures that usually require a turn to activate can now contribute the moment they enter the battlefield, increasing your deck’s tempo and pressure.
Loyalty Abilities
- +1: Untap up to one target creature.This is a versatile tool for both offense and defense. It lets you reuse tap abilities, hold up blockers, or surprise opponents with combat tricks.
- −2: Mill three cards. Then you may return a creature card with mana value 2 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield.This is where Tyvar shines in synergy. The ability to mill and reanimate cheap creatures fuels combo pieces and graveyard value engines.
Deck Archetypes for Tyvar Jubilant Brawler
Golgari Combo Shells
In green-black combo decks, Tyvar can act as a critical enabler. Cards likeDevoted DruidorVizier of Remediesbenefit immensely from his static ability. By allowing immediate activation and providing untap utility, he accelerates infinite mana combos and brings consistency to otherwise fragile engines.
Elf Tribal Decks
Tyvar fits beautifully into Elf decks. Cards likeLlanowar Elves,Elvish Archdruid, and
Graveyard and Aristocrats Strategies
Because his -2 brings back small creatures, Tyvar works well in aristocrat-style decks that want to sacrifice creatures for value. Cards likeBlood Artist,Viscera Seer, andSkullclampcan be part of a loop where creatures die, return, and trigger effects repeatedly.
Key Synergies and Interactions
Devoted Druid Combo
Devoted Druid can be used to create infinite green mana with the right setup. Tyvar enhances this by letting Druid activate immediately and by untapping it with his +1 ability. In combination with cards likeVizier of RemediesorLuxior, Giada’s Gift, the combo becomes even more consistent.
Mill and Reanimation Loops
Tyvar’s -2 can mill important combo pieces into the graveyard while returning one to the battlefield. A deck runningStitcher’s Supplier,Cauldron Familiar, or
Untapping Utility Creatures
Many creatures with tap abilities such asJoraga Treespeaker,Dusk Legion Zealot, orPriest of Forgotten Godsbenefit from untapping. Tyvar’s +1 can give you multiple activations per turn, stacking mana or effects faster than your opponents can respond.
Commander Applications
Ideal in Supporting Roles
While Tyvar is not a legendary creature himself and cannot be your commander, he makes an excellent planeswalker support card in Golgari-colored commander decks. Decks led by commanders likeMeren of Clan Nel Toth,Golgari Grave-Troll, orGrist, the Hunger Tidefind strong synergy with Tyvar’s graveyard recursion and tempo support.
Low-Cost Creature Recursion
Tyvar’s ability to return low-mana-value creatures plays extremely well in Commander decks with recurring 1- and 2-drops. Cards likeMother of Runes,Sakura-Tribe Elder, andSerene Stewardbecome repeatable tools when reanimated with Tyvar.
Political Utility
In multiplayer formats, Tyvar can also be a political card. His +1 untap ability can potentially be used on an ally’s creature, enabling temporary alliances or deterring attacks by adding surprise blockers. This makes him a flexible card in social games, not just competitive ones.
Modern and Pioneer Viability
Modern Combo Enabler
In Modern, Tyvar sees play in combo shells built around cards likeYahenni, Undying PartisanorYawgmoth, Thran Physician. His combination of haste-granting for abilities and graveyard recursion makes him a powerful tool for decks looking to grind value or combo out quickly.
Pioneer Reanimator Decks
Pioneer decks built around reanimating cheap creatures can take advantage of Tyvar’s milling and recursion. Cards likeSatyr WayfinderandGolgari Lurgoyfcan provide graveyard filling and aggression, which Tyvar supports by keeping board presence consistent.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Low mana cost allows early-game deployment
- Enables combos and utility activations right away
- Provides value through both card selection and recursion
- Strong synergy with graveyard and small-creature strategies
Weaknesses
- Does not provide direct removal or protection
- Reliant on other creatures to be effective
- Vulnerable to wide board states or aggressive decks
Tips for Building Around Tyvar
- Focus on creatures with tap abilities or sacrifice effects.
- Include self-mill or looting cards to fuel his -2 ability.
- Balance your deck with low-mana-value creatures to maximize recursion targets.
- Protect Tyvar with creatures that can block effectively or redirect damage.
- Use fetchable recursion spells likeEternal WitnessorUnearthto get Tyvar back if needed.
Tyvar, Jubilant Brawler is a unique and efficient planeswalker that empowers aggressive and synergy-driven strategies in green and black. With his ability to grant pseudo-haste for abilities and his powerful graveyard recursion, Tyvar supports a wide range of decks from Elf tribal to combo engines. He’s a flexible piece that rewards thoughtful deck building and tactical use of creatures. Whether you’re exploring him in Commander, Modern, or Pioneer, Tyvar brings both flavor and function, making him one of the most compelling tools for Golgari strategies in recent sets.