How Much is a Competitive Commander Deck?
When it comes to building a competitive Commander deck, many players worry about the cost. Building a powerful deck requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect the cost of a competitive Commander deck and provide some insights into the range of prices you can expect to pay.
Commander Precons
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a look at the starting point for many players: the Commander precon deck. These decks range in price from $19 to $40, depending on the deck. For example, the Jodah, the Unifier precon deck can cost around $40, while the Verazol, the Split Current precon deck can cost around $20. Adding more colors to a Commander deck tends to increase the budget, so keep that in mind when building your own deck.
Deck Build
A competitive Commander deck typically requires a solid base of lands, including a mix of one-drops, two-drops, and three-drops. You’ll also need to include a selection of mid-game cards, such as creatures, spells, and planeswalkers. To build a competitive deck, you’ll likely need to invest in the following categories:
- Lands: 30-40
- Creatures: 15-25
- Spells: 10-20
- Planeswalkers: 1-2
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs for these categories:
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lands | $30-$50 |
| Creatures | $50-$100 |
| Spells | $20-$40 |
| Planeswalkers | $5-$10 |
Keep in mind that these estimates can vary greatly depending on the specific cards you choose and the rarity of those cards.
High-End Cards
Of course, not all cards are created equal. Some cards are much more expensive than others, and can make or break a competitive Commander deck. For example:
- Rares: Cards like Atraxa, Praetor’s Voice and Meren of Clan Nel Toth can cost anywhere from $50 to $100.
- Mythic Rares: Cards like Breya, Etherium Shaper and Edgar Markov can cost anywhere from $100 to $200.
- Exotics: Cards like The First Sliver and The Scarab God can cost anywhere from $200 to $500.
Here’s a table of some high-end cards and their estimated costs:
| Card | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Atraxa, Praetor’s Voice | $80-$100 |
| Meren of Clan Nel Toth | $50-$80 |
| Breya, Etherium Shaper | $150-$200 |
| Edgar Markov | $100-$150 |
| The First Sliver | $200-$250 |
| The Scarab God | $250-$300 |
Total Cost
So, what does all this mean for the total cost of a competitive Commander deck? As a rough estimate, a deck that includes a mix of lands, creatures, spells, and planeswalkers, and incorporates some high-end cards, could cost anywhere from $300 to $600.
Of course, these are just estimates, and the actual cost of a competitive Commander deck can vary greatly depending on the specific cards and configuration you choose.
Budget Alternatives
For those on a tighter budget, there are some great budget-friendly options available. Here are a few examples of affordable alternatives to high-end cards:
- Jaya, Venerated Scourge: A 3-color commander that’s available for around $5.
- Narset, Parter of Veils: A 2-color commander that’s available for around $10.
- Vannifar: A 2-color commander that’s available for around $5.
Keep in mind that while these cards may be more affordable, they may not have the same level of power as high-end cards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building a competitive Commander deck can be a significant investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. By being strategic with your card choices and using budget-friendly alternatives, you can build a powerful deck without sacrificing your wallet.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Commander precon decks range in price from $19 to $40.
- Building a competitive deck requires a mix of lands, creatures, spells, and planeswalkers.
- High-end cards can make or break a competitive deck and cost anywhere from $50 to $500.
- Budget-friendly alternatives are available, and can help you build a competitive deck on a tighter budget.
- The total cost of a competitive Commander deck can range from $300 to $600.
I hope this article has been helpful in providing some insight into the cost of building a competitive Commander deck. Happy building!