All 5 Dragonlords in Magic Ranked

Last updated on September 5, 2024

Dragonlord Kolaghan | Illustration by Jaime Jones

There’s a fun cycle of Dragonlords of Tarkir that are important creatures of nobility with an interesting story as well as gameplay. Let’s dive into the story of the Dragonlords and check out why they’re so regal.

What can these Dragonlords do for your deck? What formats do they thrive in, and what builds do they fit into perfectly? Do I always talk in questions? No, but it’s a great way to set up a segue to the rest of the list.

What Are Dragonlords in MTG?

Dragonlord Atarka | Illustration by Karl Kopinski

The Dragonlords are a cycle of mythic rare elder dragons from Dragons of Tarkir.

In the MTG lore, elemental storms were created during a fight between Nicol Bolas and Ugin. From these storms came many new powerful dragons, including the Dragonlords. The Dragonlords eventually overthrew the previous Khans and took up the thrones of the clans for themselves, even naming the clans after themselves. Each Dragonlord represents a dual color combination and theme in MTG.

#5. Dragonlord Atarka

Dragonlord Atarka represents savagery and is in Gruul () colors. Atarka looks to hunt and devour anything and everyone she deems unworthy. Like many Gruul cards, this Dragonlord is all about destruction rather than diplomacy.

With a mana value of 7, you get the biggest of the Dragonlords that also has decent removal for one or many of your opponent’s creatures or planeswalkers. Dragonlord Atarka is the biggest dragon of the bunch but doesn’t have a continuing effect on the game outside of being a massive creature.

#4. Dragonlord Silumgar

Dragonlord Silumgar represents ruthlessness and is in Dimir () colors. With this theme, it commands an army of undead and aggressively attacks its rivals. Silumgar can fall into fits of paranoia and their brood often devises blood sports to occupy Silumgar's mind.

For 6 mana you can steal a creature or planeswalker from your opponent for as long as Dragonlord Silumgar is on the battlefield. Silumgar has a wonderful ETB ability, but this Dragonlord suffers against removal more than some of the others.

#3. Dragonlord Ojutai

Dragonlord Ojutai represents cunning and is in Azorius () colors. Ojutai rules through respect instead of fear and often takes part in intellectual and spiritual endeavors with their brood.

At the cheapest mana value of 5, Dragonlord Ojutai has some protection for itself and top deck abilities to help you control the game. Ojutai has the best overall deck-helping abilities and can be used to great effect in lots of control decks.

#2. Dragonlord Dromoka

Dragonlord Dromoka represents endurance and is in Selesnya () colors. Just like many Selesnya decks, Dromoka fortifies and attacks with groups of creatures in its clan. She communicates with her commanders and ensures a strong unit by sometimes devouring the weakest link.

Dragonlord Dromoka has plenty of text to support this fortifying mentality. This card has lifelink, can’t be countered, and stops your opponents’ instants on your turn. Dromoka has the biggest effect on games outside of just being a great creature. You have a huge advantage if you can limit your opponent’s play on your turn.

#1. Dragonlord Kolaghan

Dragonlord Kolaghan represents speed and is in Rakdos () colors. There’s a reckless and cruel nature to the way Kolaghan and her clan attack and decimate everything they wish to.

Kolaghan gives all your creatures haste and can slap opponents with 10 points of direct damage for casting a creature or planeswalker with the same name as a card in their graveyard. Dragonlord Kolaghan is the most aggressive dragon, and the damage capability of its text is amazing.

Best Dragonlords Payoffs

Let’s first take a look at cards that can help any dragon-style deck: Dragon Tempest, Dragonspeaker Shaman, Haven of the Spirit Dragon, Sarkhan, Fireblood, and Crux of Fate.

You can support Dragonlord Kolaghan with cards like Boltwing Marauder and Wrathful Red Dragon. Dragonlord Kolaghan can also be a great card to support Bladewing the Risen or Kroxa, Titan of Death's Hunger.

Cards like Shalai, Voice of Plenty, Trelasarra, Moon Dancer, and Lathiel, the Bounteous Dawn can benefit greatly from Dragonlord Dromoka.

Dragonlord Silumgar can support cards like Sivitri, Dragon Master or Mirko Vosk, Mind Drinker. It also might be fun with some sacrifice power like Priest of Forgotten Gods or Fatal Grudge.

To help Dragonlord Ojutai, look for creatures like Iymrith, Desert Doom or give it vigilance with cards like Brave the Sands.

Gruul cards like Savage Ventmaw, Rhythm of the Wild, and Dragon's Fire can help support a deck that focuses on Dragonlord Atarka, or other dragons like Thrakkus the Butcher.

When building decks with these Dragonlords, you can’t forget about their Commands: Atarka's Command, Dromoka's Command, Kolaghan's Command, Ojutai's Command, and Silumgar's Command.

Don’t forget about the alternate Fate Reforged versions of these Dragonlords, and make sure to include them in your builds: Atarka, World Render, Dromoka, the Eternal, Kolaghan, the Storm's Fury, Ojutai, Soul of Winter, and Silumgar, the Drifting Death.

What Set Is Dragonlord Dromoka From?

Dragonlord Dromoka was originally printed in Dragons of Tarkir. It was later reprinted in Double Masters 2022, and it has appeared on The List. The set won’t change the legality of the card, so fear not.

Wrap Up

Dragonlord Dromoka | Illustration by Eric Deschamps

This has been a quick look at the history and card styles of the Dragonlords from Dragons of Tarkir. They’re great examples of some of the interesting storytelling MTG can come up with. The powerful Dragonlords all run their clans differently and also fit into your builds differently. Study up on how best to use these Dragonlords to crush your rivals and grow your brood!

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it and learned at least one new thing about these Dragonlords. Feel free to leave a comment below or find us over on Twitter.

Remember to stay safe and enjoy this great game of ours!