Hey there, fellow Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts! If you're diving into the Commander format, you might be wondering, "What's the best preconstructed deck to kick things off?" Well, you're in the right place! Choosing your first Commander precon can feel like a daunting task, especially with so many awesome options out there. But don't sweat it; we're here to break it down and help you find the perfect deck to start your Commander journey. We'll explore some top contenders, discuss what makes them great for beginners, and give you the inside scoop on their strengths and weaknesses. So, grab your favorite beverage, shuffle up, and let's get started!
What to Look for in a Commander Precon for Beginners
Before we dive into specific decks, let's talk about what makes a Commander precon beginner-friendly. Not all precons are created equal, and some are definitely better suited for players who are new to the format. Here are some key things to consider:
- Clear Game Plan: A good beginner precon should have a straightforward and easy-to-understand game plan. You want a deck where the cards work together synergistically, and the path to victory is relatively clear. This helps you learn the basics of deck building and strategy without getting overwhelmed by complex interactions.
- Mana Base: The mana base is the backbone of any Commander deck. A solid mana base ensures you can cast your spells on time. Beginner-friendly precons should have a mana base that is consistent and relatively forgiving, even if it's not perfectly optimized. Look for decks with a good mix of lands that produce multiple colors of mana, as well as some mana ramp spells to help you get ahead.
- Power Level: You want a deck that's powerful enough to hold its own at a typical Commander table but not so overpowered that it crushes the competition. A balanced power level ensures you can have fun and learn the game without feeling like you're either running over everyone or getting run over.
- Upgradeability: Part of the fun of Commander is customizing and upgrading your deck over time. A great beginner precon will have a solid foundation that you can build upon, with plenty of opportunities to add new cards and strategies as you become more experienced. Look for decks with a clear theme or strategy that you can enhance with new additions.
- Fun Factor: Last but not least, your first Commander deck should be fun to play! Choose a deck with a theme or play style that appeals to you, whether it's aggressive creature-based strategies, controlling spell-slinging decks, or anything in between. The more you enjoy playing your deck, the more you'll learn and the more fun you'll have with the format.
Finding the right precon is about striking a balance between these factors. You want something that's accessible and easy to learn, but also has the potential for growth and customization. So, with these considerations in mind, let's explore some of the best Commander precons for beginners!
Top Commander Precons for New Players
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! We've rounded up some of the best Commander precons that are perfect for players just starting their Commander journey. These decks are not only powerful and fun to play, but they also offer a great learning experience and plenty of room for upgrades.
1. Adrix and Nev, Twincasters (Prismari Performance)
Prismari Performance, led by the dynamic duo Adrix and Nev, Twincasters, is a fantastic choice for beginners who love casting spells and creating massive armies of tokens. This deck is all about the power of instants and sorceries, doubling the tokens you create and overwhelming your opponents with sheer numbers.
Why it's great for beginners:
- Straightforward Strategy: The game plan is simple: cast spells, make tokens, and attack! This clear strategy makes it easy to learn the basics of Commander while still having a blast.
- Powerful Commanders: Adrix and Nev, Twincasters are incredibly potent, doubling your token output and creating huge threats on the board. This gives you a significant advantage and makes the deck consistently strong.
- Fun and Engaging Gameplay: Casting big spells and making tons of tokens is just plain fun! This deck offers a satisfying and engaging gameplay experience that will keep you coming back for more.
- Upgrade Potential: The deck has tons of upgrade potential, with many powerful spells and token-generating creatures that you can add over time. This allows you to customize the deck to your liking and make it even more competitive.
Key Cards and Synergies:
- Adrix and Nev, Twincasters: The star of the show, doubling your token creation and enabling massive token swarms.
- Flamescroll Celebrant: Provides card draw and token generation, fueling your strategy and keeping your hand full.
- Rousing Refrain: A powerful spell that generates mana and creates tokens, accelerating your game plan and overwhelming your opponents.
Prismari Performance is an excellent choice for players who enjoy aggressive strategies and the thrill of casting powerful spells. It's easy to pick up and play, yet has enough depth to keep you engaged as you improve your skills.
2. Sefris of the Hidden Ways (Dungeons of Death)
If you're into the graveyard shenanigans and dungeon delving, the Dungeons of Death precon, led by Sefris of the Hidden Ways, is an awesome option. This deck focuses on exploring dungeons and reanimating creatures from your graveyard for value.
Why it's great for beginners:
- Unique and Flavorful Theme: Exploring dungeons is a unique and flavorful mechanic that adds a fun twist to gameplay. This theme is easy to grasp and makes the deck feel distinct and memorable.
- Resilient Strategy: The ability to reanimate creatures from your graveyard makes the deck resilient to removal and board wipes. This ensures you can keep up the pressure even when things get tough.
- Value-Oriented Gameplay: The deck is designed to generate value over time, exploring dungeons and reanimating creatures for incremental advantages. This teaches you the importance of card advantage and resource management.
- Clear Upgrade Path: There are many powerful creatures and graveyard synergies you can add to the deck, allowing you to customize it to your preferences and make it even more potent.
Key Cards and Synergies:
- Sefris of the Hidden Ways: The commander that enables your dungeon exploration and reanimation strategy, providing value every step of the way.
- Hama Pash, Ruin Seeker: Helps you explore dungeons more quickly, accelerating your game plan and generating additional value.
- Ebondeath Dracolich: A powerful creature that can be reanimated from your graveyard, providing a resilient threat on the battlefield.
Dungeons of Death is a fantastic choice for players who enjoy graveyard strategies and want a deck that feels unique and flavorful. It's a bit more complex than some other precons, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
3. Millicent, Restless Revenant (Spirit Squadron)
For those who love flying creatures and overwhelming opponents with a ghostly army, Spirit Squadron, led by Millicent, Restless Revenant, is a top-notch pick. This deck revolves around creating Spirit tokens and using them to swarm your opponents.
Why it's great for beginners:
- Aggressive and Proactive: The deck is designed to be aggressive, attacking early and often with a growing army of Spirits. This proactive strategy puts pressure on your opponents and forces them to react to your plays.
- Easy to Understand Synergies: The synergies in the deck are straightforward, focusing on creating and buffing Spirit tokens. This makes it easy to grasp the deck's game plan and execute it effectively.
- Consistent Token Generation: Millicent, Restless Revenant and other cards in the deck consistently generate Spirit tokens, ensuring you always have a board presence and can apply pressure.
- Flexible Upgrade Options: There are many ways to upgrade the deck, from adding more Spirit-generating cards to including powerful anthem effects that boost your entire army.
Key Cards and Synergies:
- Millicent, Restless Revenant: The commander that starts the Spirit token snowball, creating an army that grows with each attack.
- Spectral Sailor: Provides card draw and can be flashed in as a surprise blocker, adding versatility to your game plan.
- Rogue's Passage: Makes your Spirit tokens unblockable, allowing you to bypass blockers and deal massive damage.
Spirit Squadron is an excellent choice for players who enjoy aggressive strategies and the feeling of overwhelming their opponents with a massive army. It's easy to pilot and has a high potential for explosive plays.
4. Prosper, Tome-Bound (Draconic Rage)
If you're a fan of impulsive draw and treasure generation, then Draconic Rage, commanded by Prosper, Tome-Bound, might just be your perfect match. This deck is all about casting spells from exile, creating treasures, and burning your opponents out with a barrage of damage.
Why it's great for beginners:
- Unique and Engaging Gameplay: Casting spells from exile adds a unique twist to the game, creating exciting opportunities and strategic decisions.
- Mana Ramp and Acceleration: Treasure tokens provide a powerful form of mana ramp, allowing you to cast big spells ahead of schedule and overwhelm your opponents.
- Direct Damage and Burn: The deck includes plenty of direct damage spells and effects, allowing you to close out games quickly and efficiently.
- Straightforward Upgrade Paths: There are numerous ways to upgrade the deck, from adding more exile-based cards to including powerful dragons and burn spells.
Key Cards and Synergies:
- Prosper, Tome-Bound: The commander that generates treasures and draws cards whenever you cast spells from exile, fueling your engine and providing card advantage.
- Laelia, the Blade Reforged: A powerful creature that grows in size as you cast spells from exile, providing a massive threat on the battlefield.
- Unexpected Windfall: A powerful spell that draws cards and creates treasures, accelerating your game plan and providing resources.
Draconic Rage is a fantastic choice for players who enjoy a fast-paced, aggressive strategy with a touch of randomness. It's a blast to play and offers a unique twist on traditional Commander gameplay.
Tips for Upgrading Your Precon
Once you've played a few games with your new Commander precon, you'll likely start thinking about upgrades. This is where the real fun begins! Customizing your deck to your play style and preferences is a key part of the Commander experience. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Identify Weaknesses: Pay attention to the games you play and identify any weaknesses in your deck. Are you struggling with mana consistency? Do you need more card draw? Are you lacking removal spells? Addressing these weaknesses is the first step to improving your deck.
- Focus on Synergies: Look for cards that synergize well with your commander and the overall strategy of your deck. The more synergy you have, the more powerful your deck will be.
- Add Mana Ramp: Mana ramp is crucial in Commander, allowing you to cast your big spells ahead of schedule. Cards like Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and Cultivate are staples in many Commander decks.
- Include Removal: Having a healthy dose of removal spells is essential for dealing with threats from your opponents. Cards like Swords to Plowshares, Path to Exile, and Cyclonic Rift are excellent choices.
- Balance Your Mana Base: A consistent mana base is key to casting your spells on time. Make sure you have enough lands that produce the colors of mana you need, and consider adding lands that produce multiple colors.
- Set a Budget: Upgrading your deck can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget and stick to it. There are plenty of powerful cards that are also affordable, so you don't need to break the bank to make your deck better.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your first Commander precon is an exciting step in your Magic: The Gathering journey. The decks we've discussed here – Prismari Performance, Dungeons of Death, Spirit Squadron, and Draconic Rage – are all excellent choices for beginners, offering a blend of fun, power, and upgrade potential. Remember to consider your play style and preferences when making your decision, and don't be afraid to experiment and try different decks.
No matter which precon you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience. Commander is a social format, so grab some friends, shuffle up, and get ready for some epic games! And as you play, you'll naturally gravitate toward certain playstyles, strategies, and commanders. That's all part of the fun! So dive in, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of discovering the best Commander deck for you!
Happy gaming, and may your mana always be plentiful!