7 Best MTG Commander Decks: Ultimate Buying Guide

Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format has exploded in popularity, becoming the most played format in the trading card game. With countless options available, choosing the right MTG commander decks can feel overwhelming for both new and experienced players. This comprehensive guide walks readers through everything they need to know about commander decks, from understanding the basics to selecting the best options for their playstyle and budget.

Whether someone’s looking to buy their first preconstructed commander deck, build a custom powerhouse, or upgrade an existing deck, this guide provides expert insights and practical recommendations. The EDH format offers unique strategic depth and social gameplay that has captivated millions of players worldwide.

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What Are MTG Commander Decks?

Understanding the Commander Format

Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), is a multiplayer format where players battle using 100-card singleton decks. The commander format rules are straightforward: each deck features a legendary creature as its commander, and players can only include cards that match their commander’s color identity. This creates diverse gameplay experiences where no two games feel exactly alike.

The format emphasizes social interaction and creative deck building over pure competition. Players start with 40 life instead of the standard 20, and games typically involve three to four players engaged in political maneuvering and explosive plays. What sets EDH decks apart is the singleton rule, meaning players can only include one copy of each card except basic lands.

Deck Structure and Requirements

Understanding how many cards in a Commander deck is fundamental for anyone entering the format. Every commander deck size must be exactly 100 cards, including the commander. The deck consists of 99 cards in the main deck plus one legendary creature serving as the commander.

Color identity restrictions define what cards players can include. If a commander has blue and white in its mana cost or rules text, the deck can only contain blue, white, and colorless cards. This rule extends to mana symbols in card text, making color identity slightly different from card color. Five color commander decks offer the most flexibility but require careful mana base construction.

Why Play Commander?

The Commander format has become the most popular way to play Magic because it combines competitive strategy with casual social gameplay. Players appreciate the format’s accessibility, allowing everyone from budget-conscious newcomers to collectors with vintage cards to participate at their comfort level. The multiplayer nature creates dynamic, unpredictable games where politics and alliances matter as much as card advantage.

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Types of Commander Decks

Preconstructed Commander Decks

Precon commander decks offer the easiest entry point into the format. Wizards of the Coast releases official commander precons annually, featuring balanced, ready-to-play decks with strong themes and new legendary creatures. These mtg commander precons typically retail between $40-$50 and include several valuable reprints alongside new cards designed specifically for Commander.

The best precon commander decks provide excellent value and serve as solid foundations for future upgrades. Recent releases have improved significantly in power level and cohesion compared to earlier products. Players can take these decks straight to a game night and compete effectively at casual tables. Many experienced players purchase precons specifically for the new legendary creatures and exclusive cards.

Custom Built Decks

Building custom commander decks from scratch allows complete creative freedom and optimization around specific strategies. Players who choose this path can fine-tune every card choice to maximize synergies and create unique gameplay experiences. However, this approach requires significant format knowledge and often demands higher financial investment than buying precons.

How to build commander deck starts with selecting a legendary creature that excites the player and supports their preferred playstyle. From there, builders typically allocate slots for lands, ramp, card draw, removal, board wipes, and threats. Custom builds shine when players want to explore specific themes or commanders that don’t have precon equivalents.

Budget vs Premium Decks

Budget commander decks prove that effective EDH gameplay doesn’t require expensive cards. Players can build powerful budget decks for under $50-$100 by focusing on efficient commons and uncommons alongside affordable rare staples. Cheap commander decks often leverage strong themes like tribal synergies or voltron strategies that don’t require pricey reserved list cards.

The best budget commander decks prioritize consistency and synergy over individual card power. Commons like Sol Ring, Command Tower, and format staples provide excellent value. Meanwhile, premium builds incorporate fetch lands, dual lands, and optimized mana bases that can push deck prices into the thousands. Most players find success in the middle ground, gradually upgrading their decks over time.

Competitive EDH (cEDH)

Competitive commander decks represent the format’s highest power level, where players optimize every slot for maximum efficiency. cEDH decks aim to win as quickly as possible, often through infinite combos or overwhelming advantage. These builds eschew casual considerations in favor of the strongest cards available, resulting in turn three or four wins in optimized environments.

The strongest commander decks in cEDH utilize expensive mana-positive rocks, tutors, and interaction to execute consistent game plans. Popular cedh decks include commanders like Tymna/Kraum, Thrasios/Tymna, and Kinnan, who provide incredible value engines. This playstyle appeals to competitive players seeking tournaments and high-stakes matches rather than casual kitchen table games.

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Best Commander Decks to Buy in 2024

For players wondering which commander deck should I buy, several factors determine the best choice. Consider playstyle preferences, budget constraints, and whether the deck will be upgraded or played as-is. The following recommendations cover various needs and price points, helping players make informed decisions.

Top Precon Recommendations

The top commander decks from recent precon releases include several standout options. “Explorers of the Deep” from Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur’s Gate provides an excellent Simic value engine with Aesi, Tyrant of Gyre Strait. The deck focuses on playing extra lands and drawing cards, creating explosive turns that overwhelm opponents.

“Planar Portal” showcases five color commanders and lets players cheat expensive spells into play. “Divine Convocation” demonstrates how convoke mechanics create powerful board states from seemingly innocent token strategies. Each of these best commander decks offers unique gameplay while remaining accessible to new players. They balance power level effectively for casual tables without requiring immediate upgrades.

Best Budget Options

Finding powerful budget commander decks under $50 requires strategic card selection and theme focus. Aristocrats strategies built around commanders like Teysa Karlov provide explosive sacrifice synergies using commons and uncommons. Mono-color builds reduce mana base costs significantly while maintaining competitive power levels.

Tribal commander decks like Elves, Goblins, or Zombies offer natural synergies with affordable creatures. These beginner friendly commander decks teach fundamental gameplay concepts while providing room for upgrades. Players can build effective zombie tribal decks for approximately $40-$60, then gradually add powerful pieces as their gaming collection grows.

Best for Beginners

Commander decks for beginners should prioritize straightforward game plans and resilient strategies. The “Adaptive Enchantment” precon featuring enchantment synergies provides clear lines of play and teaches important Commander concepts. Similarly, straightforward tribal builds help new players understand synergy while maintaining competitive viability.

Ready to play commander decks from recent releases come with comprehensive inserts explaining mechanics and offering upgrade suggestions. New players benefit from commanders with clearly defined strategies rather than complex combo pieces requiring extensive format knowledge. Starting with preconstructed decks lets beginners learn through play before investing in custom builds.

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Commander Deck Strategies & Archetypes

Tribal Strategies

Tribal commander decks build around specific creature types, leveraging lords and synergistic effects to create overwhelming board states. Dragons, Elves, Vampires, and Humans represent popular tribes with deep card pools. These strategies appeal to players who enjoy thematic consistency similar to other card-based games.

Combo Strategies

Combo commander decks aim to assemble specific card combinations that generate infinite value or outright win the game. Two-card combos like Mikaeus, the Unhallowed plus Walking Ballista create instant victories. These strategies require careful deck construction and protection for key pieces, rewarding players who enjoy puzzle-solving and explosive finishes.

Control Strategies

Control commander decks disrupt opponents while building toward late-game dominance. These builds run extensive removal, counterspells, and board wipes to control the game state. Control players accumulate incremental advantages through card draw and mana ramp, eventually deploying unstoppable threats when opponents have exhausted their resources.

Aggro Strategies

Aggro commander decks aim to deal damage quickly through efficient creatures and combat tricks. While traditionally challenging in multiplayer Commander due to higher life totals, strategies focusing on voltron damage or wide token attacks can pressure tables effectively. Aggressive builds keep games moving and prevent opponents from establishing comfortable board states.

Voltron Strategies

Voltron commander decks transform their commander into an unstoppable threat through equipment, auras, and buffs. These strategies often win through commander damage, requiring only 21 combat damage from a single commander to eliminate opponents. Protection and evasion become critical, as losing the commander repeatedly to removal taxes mana severely due to increasing commander tax.

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How to Build a Commander Deck

Choosing Your Commander

Selecting the right commander forms the foundation of successful deck building. Players should choose legendary creatures that excite them thematically or mechanically through comprehensive deck guides, as they’ll cast this card frequently throughout games. The best commanders enable strategies rather than winning games alone, providing consistent value that rewards synergistic deck construction.

Deck Building Formula

The commander deck building guide typically recommends starting with 37-38 lands for most strategies. From there, players should include 10-12 mana ramp sources like Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and land ramp spells. Card draw engines numbering 10-12 ensure consistent access to resources throughout long games.

Removal and interaction deserve 8-10 slots for spot removal and 2-3 board wipes. The remaining 30-35 cards contain payoffs, synergy pieces, and threats that execute the deck’s strategy. These deck building tips provide a framework that players adjust based on their commander’s specific needs and mana curve.

Understanding Color Identity

Commander color identity extends beyond mana costs to include any mana symbols appearing in rules text. A card with Phyrexian mana symbols counts toward color identity even if those symbols can be paid with life. Hybrid mana cards require permission for both colors, limiting their inclusion in single-color decks.

Optimizing Card Selection

Commander deck staples form the backbone of most builds regardless of strategy. Sol Ring, Command Tower, Arcane Signet, and Swords to Plowshares appear across countless decklists due to their efficiency and versatility. Players should invest in these format staples as they transfer between decks easily and maintain value over time.

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Upgrading Commander Precons

Why Upgrade Precon Decks?

Learning how to upgrade commander precon decks maximizes the value of these starter products. Precons intentionally include weaker cards to maintain specific price points and power levels. Strategic upgrades dramatically increase deck consistency and effectiveness without requiring complete rebuilds. Many players enjoy the upgrade process as a gradual journey rather than immediately assembling optimized lists.

Budget Upgrade Paths

Budget commander deck upgrades focus on replacing the weakest cards with affordable improvements. Upgrading the mana base with budget dual lands like Temple of the False God costs minimal investment while smoothing gameplay significantly. Adding efficient removal like Nature’s Claim or Generous Gift addresses threats at instant speed for under a dollar per card.

The commander deck upgrade guide recommends prioritizing card draw upgrades next, as running out of cards loses games regardless of strategy. Cards like Harmonize, Night’s Whisper, and Rhystic Study dramatically improve consistency. Budget players can upgrade precons for $20-$30 and see substantial performance improvements by following focused upgrade paths.

Key Cards to Add

Every precon benefits from adding universal staples that weren’t included due to budget constraints. Commander deck upgrades should prioritize Sol Ring if missing, followed by mana rocks like Arcane Signet and Thought Vessel. Card advantage engines specific to the deck’s colors and strategy provide the most bang for your buck.

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Where to Buy Commander Decks

Official Retailers

Players wondering where to buy commander decks have numerous options. Local game stores provide immediate access to products and support local communities. Online retailers like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom, and SCG offer competitive prices and extensive selection. Major retailers like Amazon and Target stock popular precons at MSRP, though selection may be limited compared to specialty shops.

Online vs In-Store Shopping

Shopping online to buy commander decks offers convenience and price comparison capabilities. Online marketplaces frequently run sales and offer bulk discounts for commander deck bundles. However, purchasing from local stores supports small businesses and provides opportunities to test decks and meet players. Both approaches have merit depending on individual priorities and location.

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Understanding Commander Deck Power Levels

The Power Level Scale

Commander power level discussions help playgroups match deck strength for enjoyable games. The community generally uses a 1-10 scale where 1-3 represents precons and unoptimized builds, 4-6 covers focused strategies with moderate budgets, 7-8 includes highly optimized builds, and 9-10 encompasses competitive EDH. This scaling helps players communicate expectations before games begin.

Casual vs Competitive Play

Most popular commander decks exist in the casual 5-7 range, balancing fun interactions with reasonable power. These builds win through synergy rather than raw efficiency, creating engaging back-and-forth gameplay. Competitive players gravitate toward optimized strategies that prioritize winning above thematic concerns, requiring dedicated playgroups comfortable with higher stakes.

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Essential Commander Staples

Universal Staples

Every player needs access to commander staples that fit any deck. Sol Ring remains the most ubiquitous card in the format, appearing in virtually every list. Command Tower, Arcane Signet, and Reliquary Tower provide colorless utility that works in any strategy. These investments pay dividends across multiple deck builds.

Ramp and Draw Staples

Mana acceleration determines early game tempo and mid-game explosiveness. Beyond Sol Ring, signets, talismans, and land ramp spells like Cultivate accelerate game plans reliably. Card advantage through effects like Rhystic Study, Mystic Remora, and wheel effects keeps hands full and options plentiful.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Deck Building Errors

New players frequently include too many expensive spells without sufficient ramp, leading to clunky draws and slow starts. Conversely, running too few lands causes mana screw that prevents playing the game altogether. The commander deck ideas should include balanced mana curves and sufficient interaction to handle opposing threats.

Gameplay Mistakes

Political missteps and poor threat assessment cost players more games than card choices. Eliminating the wrong player or making deals you can’t keep damages trust and strategic position. Learning to evaluate board states objectively rather than emotionally improves win rates significantly over time.

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Latest Commander Releases (2024)

Recent Product Releases

New commander decks continue releasing quarterly with each Standard set. Commander 2024 brought fresh strategies and powerful reprints to the format. Commander Masters provided premium treatments of beloved commanders alongside valuable reprints. These new releases keep the format fresh and provide new players with entry points regularly.

Upcoming Releases

Upcoming commander decks scheduled for late 2024 and early 2025 promise innovative mechanics and expanded legendary creature options. Commander Legends sets introduce draft-able Commander environments alongside precons. Following preview season helps players identify must-have products and budget accordingly for desired purchases.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many cards are in a Commander deck?

A Commander deck contains exactly 100 cards total, including the commander. The main deck consists of 99 cards plus one legendary creature designated as the commander. This singleton format means players can only include one copy of each card except basic lands.

What is the best Commander deck for beginners?

The best commander deck for beginners typically comes from recent precon releases with straightforward strategies. Tribal builds teaching creature synergies or enchantment-focused decks with clear gameplans help new players learn fundamentals. Any precon from the past two years provides solid entry points without requiring immediate upgrades.

Are Commander decks worth it?

Preconstructed commander decks offer excellent value for money, typically containing $80-$120 worth of singles at a $40-$50 MSRP. The cards work together cohesively and include exclusive new legendaries plus valuable reprints. For players entering the format or wanting ready-to-play decks, precons represent smart investments that can be upgraded over time.

How much does a good Commander deck cost?

Good commander decks exist at every price point from $50 to $5000+. Casual players find success with $100-$300 builds incorporating budget staples and focused strategies. Optimized builds typically range $500-$1500, while cEDH decks can exceed $2000 with expensive mana bases and reserved list cards. Power level matters more than price in casual environments.

Can you upgrade Commander decks?

Commander deck upgrades form a core part of the format’s appeal. Players can upgrade commander decks gradually by replacing weaker cards with more powerful alternatives. Most precons benefit significantly from $20-$50 worth of targeted improvements focusing on mana base, card draw, and removal. The upgrade path can continue indefinitely as budgets and preferences evolve.

What is the difference between Commander and EDH?

Commander and EDH refer to the same format. EDH stands for Elder Dragon Highlander, the format’s original name when it centered around the original Elder Dragons as commanders. Wizards of the Coast officially named it “Commander” when supporting it with products, but both terms remain interchangeable within the community.

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Conclusion

MTG commander decks offer something for every Magic player, whether they prefer casual kitchen table games or competitive tournaments. The format’s flexibility accommodates all budgets and playstyles, from budget builds under fifty dollars to optimized strategies worth thousands. Understanding deck types, power levels, and building fundamentals empowers players to make informed decisions and enjoy the format to its fullest potential.

Starting with precon commander decks provides the easiest entry point, offering balanced gameplay and upgrade paths. As players gain experience, they can experiment with custom builds, explore different commander deck strategies, and refine their lists. The social nature and endless variety ensure Commander remains Magic’s most engaging and popular format for years to come.

Whether building from scratch or upgrading existing decks, focusing on synergy, interaction, and appropriate power levels creates enjoyable gameplay experiences. The journey from first games to refined strategies showcases why millions of players consider Commander the best way to play Magic: The Gathering and other strategic games.