In the ever-evolving landscape of Magic: The Gathering, few cards make an immediate impact across multiple formats. Wan Shi Tong, Librarian from the Avatar: The Last Airbender set has defied expectations, establishing itself as a formidable force in Commander, Modern, and even competitive EDH just weeks after its release. This comprehensive guide explores why this knowledge spirit has become the most sought-after card from the set and why it’s nearly impossible to find on store shelves.
The Rise of a Multi-Format Threat
When Wizards of the Coast announced the Avatar: The Last Airbender collaboration, players expected flavorful cards and casual fun. What they didn’t anticipate was a competitive powerhouse that would reshape multiple formats simultaneously. Wan Shi Tong, Librarian has emerged as the breakout star, earning the #3 spot on TCGPlayer’s list of most wanted cards from the set and commanding prices of $50-60 per copy—with many retailers completely sold out.
The card’s meteoric rise isn’t accidental. With usage statistics showing 22.6% inclusion in cEDH decks, 2.5% in Modern, and even 0.5% in Vintage, Wan Shi Tong has proven its versatility across Magic’s most competitive formats. These numbers are particularly impressive considering the card only released on November 21, 2025.
Understanding Wan Shi Tong’s Mechanics
At its core, Wan Shi Tong, Librarian operates on a brilliantly simple yet devastatingly effective premise. The card triggers whenever an opponent searches their library, placing +1/+1 counters on itself and allowing you to draw cards. This mechanic might seem niche at first glance, but it exploits one of Magic’s most fundamental actions—tutoring.
What makes Wan Shi Tong particularly dangerous is its ability to function in multiple roles simultaneously. It serves as a card draw engine, a growing threat that must be answered, and a punishing element against opponents who rely on searching their libraries. This versatility explains why it has found homes in such diverse archetypes, from control decks to combo builds.
Commander Format Domination
In Commander, Wan Shi Tong has quickly established itself as both a potent commander and a valuable inclusion in the 99. With 544 decks already featuring it as a commander on EDHREC, it’s clear that players have embraced its potential. The card primarily sees play in control (31%), combo (24%), and +1/+1 counter (15%) strategies, demonstrating its flexibility.
Top Synergies in Commander
The most successful Wan Shi Tong decks leverage cards that naturally trigger its ability while providing additional value. High-synergy cards include:
- Field of Ruin (54% inclusion): This land destroys opponent’s lands while forcing them to search their library, triggering Wan Shi Tong twice.
- Valley Floodcaller (54% inclusion): Disrupts opponents while creating search triggers.
- Faerie Mastermind (61% inclusion): Provides additional card draw to complement Wan Shi Tong’s engine.
- Rhystic Study (60% inclusion): A classic staple that pairs perfectly with Wan Shi Tong’s draw engine.
Competitive Edge in cEDH
In competitive Commander, Wan Shi Tong has found a home at an impressive 22.6% inclusion rate. Its ability to generate card advantage while disrupting opponents’ tutoring strategies makes it particularly valuable in high-powered games where every advantage matters. The card has even become a staple in Blue Farm decks, replacing or supplementing Archivist of Oghma in many builds.
Modern Format Impact
While Commander might be Wan Shi Tong’s most natural home, the card has also made significant inroads in Modern format. According to recent data, it appears in approximately 2.5% of Modern decks—a remarkable adoption rate for a non-Modern Horizons card.
Modern Deck Strategies
In Modern, Wan Shi Tong functions primarily as a punishing element against format staples that rely on library searching. Its best applications include:
- Phelia, Exuberant Shepherd and White Orchid Phantom interactions: These combinations create repeated search triggers while providing additional value.
- Simic Ritual decks: As a two-drop that can grow while providing card advantage.
- Izzet Control lists: Functioning as both a threat and draw engine in control shells.
The card’s mana value fits comfortably in blue-based Modern decks, though its double-blue requirement can be problematic against Blood Moon strategies. Despite this limitation, its ability to disrupt common Modern archetypes has earned it consideration in many competitive builds.
The Scarcity Crisis: Why Wan Shi Tong Is Nearly Sold Out
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Wan Shi Tong’s rise has been the rapid depletion of available copies. Just weeks after release, the card is nearly impossible to find at retail price. Current market conditions show:
- TCGPlayer: Limited copies available at $70 each
- Card Kingdom: Only 6 copies remaining at $60
- Star City Games: 9 copies available at $65 each
- CoolStuffInc: Completely out of stock
Borderless and foil variants are even scarcer, with most retailers reporting complete sellouts. This scarcity has driven prices well above the typical Mythic rare from a standard set, reflecting both the card’s power level and the Avatar set’s popularity.
Investment Potential and Future Outlook
Given its multi-format applicability and current scarcity, many players are wondering about Wan Shi Tong’s long-term investment potential. While predicting Magic card prices is always speculative, several factors suggest continued demand:
- Multi-format staple: Cards that see play in Commander, Modern, and competitive EDH typically maintain strong value.
- Limited supply: The Avatar set’s print run appears smaller than recent sets, contributing to scarcity.
- Casual appeal: Beyond competitive play, the Avatar theme and flavorful design appeal to casual players and collectors.
- Potential unbans: While unlikely in the short term, format shifts could increase demand further.
However, potential investors should consider that Universes Beyond cards sometimes face restrictions in tournament play, which could impact long-term competitive demand.
Building Around Wan Shi Tong: Deckbuilding Strategies
For players lucky enough to secure copies, building around Wan Shi Tong offers exciting possibilities. The card’s flexibility allows for numerous approaches:
Control-Focused Builds
Control decks can leverage Wan Shi Tong as both a card advantage engine and a win condition. Key inclusions should feature:
- Counterspells: Force of Will, Fierce Guardianship, and Swan Song protect your investment while controlling the game.
- Tutor effects: Cards like Mystical Tutor and Enlightened Tutor can find key pieces while triggering Wan Shi Tong.
- Stax elements: Rhystic Study and Smothering Tithe complement Wan Shi Tong’s disruptive nature.
Combo-Oriented Approaches
Combo decks can use Wan Shi Tong as both an engine and a backup plan. Consider including:
- Dramatic Reversal + Isochron Scepter: This classic combo generates infinite mana while creating search triggers.
- Laboratory Maniac/Thassa’s Oracle: Win conditions that pair well with Wan Shi Tong’s card draw.
- Mana acceleration: Chrome Mox and Mox Diamond help cast Wan Shi Tong early and protect it with countermagic.
+1/+1 Counter Synergies
Decks focused on +1/+1 counters can turn Wan Shi Tong into a massive threat quickly:
- Hydroelectric Specimen: Provides additional counters while drawing cards.
- Walking Ballista: Serves as both a win condition and removal.
- Pollywog Prodigy: Grows alongside Wan Shi Tong while providing additional value.
Where to Find Wan Shi Tong (If You Can)
For players still searching for copies, here are the best current options:
- Local game stores: Some may have limited inventory not reflected online.
- Trading communities: Platforms like Discord and Facebook often have traders willing to exchange.
- Secondary markets: eBay and Facebook Marketplace occasionally have listings below retail.
- Wait for reprints: While unconfirmed, Universes Beyond cards sometimes see additional printings.
The Future of Wan Shi Tong in Competitive Play
As the metagame continues to evolve, Wan Shi Tong’s position in competitive formats remains strong. While some speculate about potential bans in Modern, the current power level of the format suggests this is unlikely in the near term. In Commander, the card appears to have found a healthy balance between power level and playability.
The Play to Win MTG podcast gave Wan Shi Tong impressive ratings of 4.9/5 and 5/5 from its hosts, reflecting the card’s strong reception among competitive players. This endorsement, combined with its tournament results, suggests that Wan Shi Tong will remain a relevant force in multiple formats for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion: A New Era for Multi-Format Staples
Wan Shi Tong, Librarian represents a new breed of Magic card—one that can simultaneously impact casual Commander, competitive EDH, and Modern formats. Its rapid rise from release to multi-format staple demonstrates the continued evolution of card design and the ever-increasing power level of new releases.
For players who managed to acquire copies early, Wan Shi Tong offers exciting deckbuilding possibilities and competitive edge. For those still searching, the card’s scarcity serves as a reminder of the importance of acting quickly on powerful new cards.
As the Avatar: The Last Airbender set continues to influence Magic’s various formats, Wan Shi Tong stands as the clear breakout star—a true powerhouse that has already earned its place among Magic’s most versatile and sought-after cards. Whether you’re a competitive player looking for an edge, a Commander enthusiast seeking new strategies, or a collector chasing the hottest cards, Wan Shi Tong, Librarian is undoubtedly the card to watch in the current Magic landscape.