Have you ever stared at the wall of Commander Precon decks, feeling a little lost? It’s like being in a giant candy store with no idea which flavor to pick! Every year, Wizards of the Coast rolls out new pre-built decks, and while they are awesome starting points, picking the right one can feel like a huge task. You want a deck that plays well right out of the box, but also one that has cool cards you can upgrade later. The sheer number of choices and the different themes can make your head spin.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a great Precon and what you should look for based on your play style. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which Commander deck best fits your needs, saving you time and money. Get ready to explore the best Precons available and learn how to make the strongest first impression at your next game night!
Top Commander Decks Precon Recommendations
- TINY TAILS, BIG ADVENTURE—Put your best paw forward and enter the world of Bloomburrow. Battle your friends with armies of adorable critters and prove that bravery comes in all sizes!
- BRING THE TABLE TO LIFE—Make trash and smash all who stand in your way with the Racoon Bard, Bello, at your side. One critter’s trash is another one’s treasure.
- EPIC MULTIPLAYER BATTLES—Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic, an epic, free-for-all battle full of strategic plays and social intrigue
- INTRODUCES 10 COMMANDER CARDS—This deck introduces 10 never-before-seen Commander cards to Magic: The Gathering, including 3 foil cards (one of which is Borderless!)
- CONTENTS—1 ready-to-play Animated Army Bloomburrow Commander Deck, a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack, 10 double-sided tokens, and 1 deck box
- RETURN TO THE LAND OF LIGHT AND SHADOW—Lorwyn returns, not as it once was, but a world split in two. Explore this dual-aspect plane filled with enchanting creatures and embrace the powers of order and chaos.
- READY-TO-PLAY COMMANDER DECK—Pick up and play Magic’s most popular multiplayer format
- CONTENTS—100-card Dance of the Elements deck with 12 new cards (including 2 foil Mythics), deck box, 10 double-sided token cards, strategy insert, reference card
- FIGHT DRAGONS WITH DRAGONS—Return to Tarkir for an epic battle between dragons and clans; discover which clan fits your playstyle with distinct three-color gameplay, and add draconic power to your collection
- STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT—Ally with the Mardu clan to make attacker tokens and sacrifice them for value with this Red-White-Black Commander deck
- 2 FOIL BORDERLESS COMMANDERS—Command your army with the Mythic Spirit Dragon, Neriv, or Zurgo, leader of the new Mardu; every Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck includes 2 Traditional Foil Legendary Creature cards featuring gorgeous Borderless art
- BATTLE ALONGSIDE YOUR CLAN—The Mardu are nomads who defend and expand their vast territory through agile tactics and the exploitation of weakness. A unified force, they are revered for their lightning-wielding fighters, expert beast riders, and commitment to their clan.
- INTRODUCES 10 COMMANDER CARDS—Each deck introduces 10 never-before-seen Commander cards to Magic: The Gathering
- READY-TO-PLAY COMMANDER DECK FOR NEWCOMERS AND FANS: Join friends in epic battles! This Magic: The Gathering Starter Commander Deck, Draconic Destruction (Red-Green), is ready to play straight out of the box
- INTRO TO MAGIC’S MOST POPULAR FORMAT: Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic! Learn how to play with your own deck, easy-to-follow rules, strategy tips, and reference card
- 100 CARD RED-GREEN DECK: With the Draconic Destruction deck, go on the attack with Atarka, World Render, and double down on dragon damage to overwhelm foes with a multiplying army
- FOIL-ETCHED LEGENDARY CREATURE CARD: Includes 1 legendary creature card with gorgeous art and a foil-etched treatment. This card serves as your "commander" with unique abilities that make plays even more powerful
- INCLUDES ACCESSORIES AND DECK BOX: Also comes with 10 two-sided tokens, a deck box for storage, and punchout counters to keep track of creature buffs
- TINY TAILS, BIG ADVENTURE—Put your best paw forward and enter the world of Bloomburrow. Battle your friends with armies of adorable critters and prove that bravery comes in all sizes!
- PREPARE FOR A SPECIAL DELIVERY—Jovial troubadour Zinnia delivers the pain, plus a whole litter of offspring to overwhelm your opponents.
- EPIC MULTIPLAYER BATTLES—Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic, an epic, free-for-all battle full of strategic plays and social intrigue
- INTRODUCES 10 COMMANDER CARDS—This deck introduces 10 never-before-seen Commander cards to Magic: The Gathering, including 3 foil cards (one of which is Borderless!)
- CONTENTS—1 ready-to-play Family Matters Bloomburrow Commander Deck, a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack, 10 double-sided tokens, and 1 deck box
- TINY TAILS, BIG ADVENTURE—Put your best paw forward and enter the world of Bloomburrow. Battle your friends with armies of adorable critters and prove that bravery comes in all sizes.
- SQUIRRELS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN—Stock up on tokens, then spend your hoard to clean house with an army of squirrels
- EPIC MULTIPLAYER BATTLES—Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic, an epic, free-for-all battle full of strategic plays and social intrigue
- INTRODUCES 10 COMMANDER CARDS—This deck introduces 10 never-before-seen Commander cards to Magic: The Gathering, including 3 foil cards (one of which is Borderless.)
- CONTENTS—1 ready-to-play Squirreled Away Bloomburrow Commander Deck, a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack, 10 double-sided tokens, and 1 deck box
- RETURN TO THE LAND OF LIGHT AND SHADOW—Lorwyn returns, not as it once was, but a world split in two. Explore this dual-aspect plane filled with enchanting creatures and embrace the powers of order and chaos.
- READY-TO-PLAY COMMANDER DECK—Pick up and play Magic’s most popular multiplayer format
- CONTENTS—100-card Blight Curse deck with 12 new cards (including 2 foil Mythics), deck box, 10 double-sided token cards, strategy insert, reference card
- MAGIC MEETS THE LORD OF THE RINGS—Experience the beloved story of The Lord of the Rings with the strategic gameplay of Magic: The Gathering, facing off against opponents in thrilling magical battles
- EPIC MULTIPLAYER BATTLES—Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic, an epic, free-for-all battle full of strategic plays and social intrigue
- RIDERS OF ROHAN—Join the riders of Rohan with a 100-card Blue-Red-White deck containing 2 Foil Legendary Creature cards and 98 nonfoil cards
- INTRODUCES 20 COMMANDER CARDS—This deck introduces 20 never-before-seen Commander cards to Magic: The Gathering
- COLLECT SPECIAL TREATMENT CARDS—Each deck comes with a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack containing 2 special treatment cards from The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set, including 1 Rare or Mythic Rare and at least 1 Traditional Foil
Commander Decks Precon: Your Essential Buying Guide
Commander, or EDH, is one of Magic: The Gathering’s most popular ways to play. Preconstructed Commander Decks (Precons) are the best starting point for new players or a quick upgrade for veterans. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When you pick up a new Commander precon, several features really matter. These decks are ready to play right out of the box, but knowing what makes a good one is key.
1. Commander Identity and Strategy
- The Commander: Look closely at the legendary creature on the box. Does its ability sound fun to use? Good Commanders guide the whole deck’s plan.
- Deck Theme: Every precon has a main idea—like destroying opponents’ cards or making lots of tokens. Pick a theme that matches how you like to play. Some themes are aggressive, others are slow and controlling.
2. Card Quality and Value
- Reprint Value: Some precon cards are reprints of older, expensive cards. These reprints save you money! Always check if the deck includes powerful, sought-after cards.
- Synergy: How well do the cards work together? A high-quality precon has cards that support the Commander’s main goal seamlessly.
Important Materials and Components
Commander decks come with more than just 100 cards. Check what else is included to ensure you have everything you need.
What’s in the Box?
- The Deck: You get 100 cards, including the Commander. Make sure it’s the correct number of cards!
- Accessories: Most decks include a deck box to protect your cards and a set of tokens. A deck box is very useful for carrying your deck safely.
- Collector’s Info Card: This often tells you which rare cards are inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all precons are built equally. Some need immediate changes, while others are powerful right away.
Factors That Improve Quality (What to seek out):
- Mana Base: Good decks include “fast” or “dual” lands—lands that produce two colors of mana easily. A strong mana base lets you play your spells on time.
- Interaction: Look for “removal” spells (cards that destroy or exile opponent’s threats) and “counterspells.” These cards let you react to what others do.
Factors That Reduce Quality (What to watch out for):
- Too Many “Vanilla” Creatures: These are creatures with no special abilities. They are often weak filler cards.
- Poor Mana Fixing: If the deck relies too much on basic lands, you might often miss playing your important spells because you lack the right color of mana.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the deck changes which one you should buy.
Who Should Buy Which Deck?
- Beginners: Choose a precon with a straightforward strategy, like “go wide” (make many small creatures). These decks teach basic game mechanics easily.
- Experienced Players: Look for decks with unique mechanics or powerful upgrade paths. These decks offer a great foundation to build upon later.
- Casual Playgroups: If you play with friends who also use precons, most modern decks will match up well in power level right away.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Commander Precons
Q: Do I need to buy anything else after I purchase a precon?
A: Not immediately! Precons are ready to play. However, most players eventually buy a few extra cards to make the deck stronger or fit their personal style better.
Q: Are preconstructed decks powerful enough to win games?
A: Yes, they are strong enough for casual games. They usually stand up well against other similar-level precons. They might struggle against highly customized, expensive decks.
Q: How many cards are in a Commander deck?
A: A Commander deck always contains exactly 100 cards. This includes your Commander, 99 other cards, and usually a few extra token cards.
Q: What does “Precon” mean?
A: “Precon” is short for “Preconstructed.” It means the deck was built and assembled by the game designers before you bought it.
Q: Should I upgrade my precon right away?
A: You should play it first! Playing the deck shows you what works well and what doesn’t. This helps you decide which upgrades are most important.
Q: How do I know if a precon is good for my play style?
A: Read the theme description on the packaging or look up reviews online. If it focuses on attacking, it is aggressive. If it focuses on drawing many cards, it is controlling.
Q: Are the Commanders in these decks usually strong?
A: Yes, Wizards of the Coast designs the new Commanders to be interesting and playable. Many are very strong starting points for competitive decks later on.
Q: Can I use cards from older sets in a new precon?
A: Absolutely! Commander format allows almost any card printed in Magic’s history, as long as it follows the color identity rules of your Commander.
Q: What is the “color identity” of a deck?
A: Color identity means all the colors of mana shown on your Commander card. Every card in your 99-card deck must match one of those colors or be colorless.
Q: Do precons come with sleeves?
A: No, they usually do not include card sleeves. You must buy sleeves separately to protect your new cards from damage.