What companions are banned?

What Companions are Banned? Exploring the Restricted and Suspended Companions List

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, cards can be restricted or even banned from play due to their power level, overall impact on the game’s balance, and other strategic considerations. This article seeks to explore the companions, specifically, that are part of this restricted list in various formats. Let us dive into the world of companions and find out which ones are currently banned.

Yorion, Sky Nomad and Lutri, the Spellchaser: The Forbidden Favorites

According to the Companion restrictions in Commander, which is a popular multiplayer-only format, Yorion, Sky Nomad and Lutri, the Spellchaser are the unfortunate companions that have been kicked out of the game indefinitely. This ban is not hard to understand, considering Yorion, Sky Nomad has capabilities that can create a problematic and game-crippling scenario for other decks. Meanwhile, Lutri, the Spellchaser‘s ability to tutor and flip cards has been deemed oppressive, disrupting the game equilibrium.

The Commander Prohibition

Commander remains one of the most contested formats in Magic: The Gathering, and for understandable reasons. Players seek deck-building challenges, creative and strategic opportunities, and sometimes, they can be powerful. In response, several companions have been resticted to reduce playability and minimize potential combo opportunities. Notable prohibitions include:

• In the context of Commander, both Yorion and Lutri have been permanently withdrawn from the format.

While this restriction is crucial, it also acknowledges the possibility of new and impactful companions being printed within the same set, rendering the current restrictions somewhat adaptable.

Other Formats Beyond Commander

Outside of Commander, pauper is another major format that requires consideration beyond the Yorion and Luti bans. Within PAUPER, some companions fall under suspensive restrictions, whereas others possess banned status. Notable restrictions beyond Commander would include:

In this area, there are additional suspended companions in the PTK (Protection) cards subset, specifically mentioned as restricted.

Digging Deeper into Consequences and Alternatives for Players

These bans/restrictions are meant as a counterbalance to minimize the influence of extremely successful or combo-heavy strategies without completely invalidating builds. By implementing targeted restrictions, Magic’s balancing team strives to preserve:

1. Deck-level diversity
2. Game flow
3. *Overall strategy variety

In this light, these restrictions might prompt creative solution-finding, pushing forward innovative strategies. New mechanics, interactions, or effects can help alleviate potential abuses, keeping the game adaptable and exciting.

Implications and Takeaways: