Return your gear and hit hard with modified creatures
Red XIII, Proud Warrior isn’t just a beloved figure from Final Fantasy VII — he’s now charging into the world of Magic: The Gathering with power, purpose, and full Gruul glory. Known by his real name Nanaki, this wise warrior from Cosmo Canyon carries generations of legacy and strength into battle. Raised by his grandfather Bugenhagen after tragedy, Red XIII’s loyalty and ferocity are legendary—and it all shines through in his MTG debut.
Combat-Built Brilliance
At just three mana, Red XIII enters as a 3/3 with vigilance and trample—already great for aggression. But his true value lies in the boost he gives all modified creatures, granting them the same keywords for explosive combat turns. Whether it’s through +1/+1 counters, Auras, or Equipment, modified creatures will thrive under his leadership.
Even better, Red XIII’s enter-the-battlefield ability lets you return an Aura or Equipment from your graveyard to your hand. That means you can recover critical pieces of your strategy even after a board wipe, helping you stay in the fight.
Battle-Tested Strengths
- Powerful support for modified creature strategies
- Synergizes naturally in Gruul (Red-Green) decks built for speed and impact
- Offers graveyard recursion for key Auras/Equipment
- Great for Commander players who love aggressive value engines
What to Watch Out For
- A bit fragile with only three toughness
- ETB effect is strong, but usually one-time value
- Lacks built-in protection — you’ll need to support him with the right tech
Commander Strategy Fit
Red XIII is versatile, and you can take your build in one of three strong directions:
- Equipment-heavy Voltron
- +1/+1 counter synergies
- Aura-based aggression (our pick for the most unique route)
Leaning into Auras gives your deck a refreshing twist, especially in a crossover set already brimming with swords and gear. Red XIII leads the charge with style, synergy, and a whole lot of teeth.
