Best Budget Commander Decks MTG

In the vast world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), Commander decks offer a unique, engaging, and social way to play the game. While some decks can be quite expensive, there are plenty of affordable options that pack a punch. Let's delve into the best cheap Commander decks MTG has to offer, exploring their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses.

Before we begin, it's essential to understand that 'cheap' in this context refers to decks that can be built for under $100, making them accessible to a wide range of players. These decks might not include the most expensive cards in the game, but they certainly don't lack power or fun.

Budget-Friendly Commander Archetypes

When looking for cheap Commander decks, it's helpful to focus on archetypes that don't rely on expensive cards to function. Some of the most budget-friendly archetypes include Group Slug (stomping the board with big creatures), Voltron (equipping a single powerful creature), and graveyard recursion strategies.

Another approach is to look for decks that focus on cards with multiple uses or that can be cast for little mana. These decks often have a high number of interactions and can be quite powerful despite their low cost.

Group Slug: Atraxa, Praetors' Voice

Atraxa, Praetors' Voice is a powerful and budget-friendly Commander that leads a Group Slug deck. This deck aims to overwhelm opponents with a swarm of big creatures, often using tokens to outnumber and outmuscle enemy threats. Atraxa's ability to pump your creatures and draw cards when they deal combat damage makes it an excellent choice for this strategy.

Some key budget cards in this deck include Evolutionary Leap, Parallel Lives, and Crypt Ghast. These cards help you generate a massive army of creatures quickly and efficiently. While some versions of this deck may include expensive cards like Tooth and Nail or Craterhoof Behemoth, these are not necessary for the deck to function.

Voltron: Brimaz, King of Oreskos

Brimaz, King of Oreskos is another budget-friendly Commander that leads a Voltron deck. This strategy focuses on equipping a single powerful creature, usually Brimaz himself, with auras and equipment to make it a deadly threat. Brimaz's ability to pump your creatures and gain indestructible makes him an excellent target for these effects.

Some budget-friendly cards that work well in this deck include Bident of Thassa, Loxodon Warhammer, and Gift of Immortality. These cards help you pump up Brimaz and protect him from enemy removal. While some Voltron decks may include expensive cards like Sword of Feast and Famine or Sigil of Valor, these are not necessary for the deck to function.

Budget Commander Staples

When building a cheap Commander deck, it's essential to include a core of budget-friendly staples that will help your deck run smoothly. These cards often have multiple uses or can be cast for little mana, making them excellent choices for budget decks.

Some of the best budget staples for Commander decks include Sol Ring, Lightning Greaves, and Swiftfoot Boots. These cards help you cast your spells more quickly and protect your Commander from enemy removal. Other useful budget staples include Skullclamp, Mana Vault, and Mox Opal, which help you draw cards and generate mana efficiently.

Budget Tutors and Recursion

One of the most powerful tools in Commander is the ability to tutor for specific cards and recur them from your graveyard. While some tutors and recursion effects can be expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that can help you keep your game plan on track.

Some of the best budget tutors and recursion effects include Buried Ruin, Carrion Feeder, and Stitcher's Supplier. These cards help you find the specific cards you need and put them back in your hand or library when they're sent to the graveyard. Other useful budget options include Mulldrifter, Sun Titan, and Reanimate, which can help you recur your most powerful creatures.

Budget Ramp and Mana Fixing

In Commander, having access to mana of the right colors is crucial for casting your spells and activating your Commander's abilities. While some mana fixing and ramp cards can be expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that can help you generate mana efficiently.

Some of the best budget mana fixing and ramp cards include Command Tower, Farseek, and Rampant Growth. These cards help you find the lands you need and put them into play quickly. Other useful budget options include Simic Signet, Izzet Signet, and Talisman of Progress, which help you generate mana of the right colors efficiently.

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Commander offers a unique and engaging way to play the game. With a wide variety of affordable decks to choose from, there's no shortage of powerful and fun options for players of all budgets. Whether you're looking to build a Group Slug deck led by Atraxa, Praetors' Voice, a Voltron deck led by Brimaz, King of Oreskos, or a deck focused on budget staples, there's a cheap Commander deck out there that's perfect for you. So grab your cards, gather your friends, and get ready to command the battlefield!