Can You Use Universes Beyond Cards in Commander?
Magic: The Gathering’s Universes Beyond sets have been making waves in the MTG community, and one of the most common questions is: "Can I use Universes Beyond cards in my Commander deck?" In this article, we’ll answer that question and provide an overview of the Commander rules regarding these cards.
By Default, They’ll be Legal in Eternal Formats
The short answer is that Universes Beyond cards are legal in Eternal formats like Legacy and Vintage, which includes Commander. However, it’s worth noting that Wizards has not explicitly stated that all Universes Beyond cards are Commander-legal. Although most cards will be eligible, there might be certain restrictions or bans that aren’t immediately apparent.
Modern-Illegal Cards Included
It’s essential to know that some cards in Universes Beyond sets have specific restrictions or are prohibited from being played in some formats, including Modern and Pioneer. This means you should check the card text, its power level, and any relevant restrictions or bans before adding it to your Commander deck.
Commander Rule 11 and Its Impact
Commander Rule 11 states that only companions can be brought from outside the game to a Commander game. However, Universes Beyond sets can introduce new and more complex card interactions that aren’t easily classified as a single "companion". In such cases, Magic: The Gathering’s Comprehensive Rules may need to evolve to accommodate these new scenarios.
The Future of Universes Beyond in Commander
While the current state of Universes Beyond cards is somewhat uncertain in Commander, there are reasons to be optimistic about their future prospects. As more sets and mechanics are introduced, there might be a need to adapt Commander rules to reflect the evolving landscape of card design.
In the Absence of Clear Answers
In the meantime, the Magic: The Gathering community is left to weigh the potential risks and rewards of using Universes Beyond cards in Commander. Be sure to check the power level of individual cards and adjust your deck-building approach accordingly.
In the Long Run, it Might All Work Out
On a positive note, considering the rich history of crossover Magic sets and the enthusiastic community surrounding Commander, we might see more official rulings or errata that formally approve the use of Universes Beyond cards in our favorite Commander games.
| Set | Cards Included |
|---|---|
| Doctor Who: War of the Colossi | 15 Double Faced Cards, 60 Standard Cards |
| Dungeons & Dragons: Adventures in Middle-earth | 26 Standard Cards, 45 Commander Cards |
| Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Original Arc | 40 Cards |
| Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-Earth | 115 Standard Cards, 52 Commander Cards |
Breaking it Down
Here are the key points to summarize the current state of Universes Beyond cards in Commander:
• Universes Beyond cards are legal in Legacy, Vintage, and likely other Eternal formats.
• Certain cards might have Modern, Pioneer, or even Standard restrictions or bans.
• Commander Rule 11 focuses on companions, with uncertainty around new, more complex interactions.
• It’s crucial to evaluate cards based on their power level, restrictions, and your personal deck-building strategy.
Keep an eye out for official updates, errata, and rulings from the Magic: The Gathering Wizards staff. In the world of Commander, there will undoubtedly be a time to "bend the rulebook" and push the limits of what’s permitted, and it’s here where Universes Beyond’s true potential lies.
So, to answer the main question: Can you use Universes Beyond cards in Commander? Yes, in theory, but understanding the complex landscape of potential restrictions, bans, and evolution in Commander rules will remain a crucial part of developing the most competitive and compelling deck strategies.