Tabletop Magic: The Gathering has a rich history and vibrant community that revolves around a variety of formats. Among the most popular of these formats is Commander, a highlander-style deck-building format in which players each choose a legendary creature to serve as their commander. Recently, the popularity of Commander has spilled over into the digital realm with the release of MTG Arena Commander. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of MTG Arena Commander and teach you how to build and play your best deck.

What is Commander Format?

Commander is a format that was created by fans of Magic: The Gathering. It’s a format that emphasizes creativity, social interaction, and wild card interactions. Players build decks containing 100 cards (including their commander) and only one copy of each card (except for basic lands). Decks are centered around their commander, with all of the cards in the deck being able to interact with or support the commander in some way. Players start the game with 40 life and are eliminated from the game if they take 21 damage from a single commander.

One of the most exciting aspects of Commander is the ability to build decks that are uniquely tailored to a player’s individual playstyle. With 100 cards to choose from, players can include a wide variety of cards that allow them to express their creativity and strategic thinking. Additionally, the emphasis on social interaction means that players are encouraged to engage with each other in a friendly and supportive manner, making Commander a great format for players who enjoy building relationships with other players.

MTG Arena vs. Traditional Commander

MTG Arena Commander is similar to traditional Commander, with a few notable differences. The primary difference is the availability of cards. While traditional Commander has access to the entire history of Magic, including thousands of cards, MTG Arena Commander only has access to cards that are currently legal in Standard. This means that MTG Arena Commander decks are generally less powerful than traditional Commander decks.

Despite this limitation, MTG Arena Commander still offers players a unique and exciting experience. The digital format allows for faster gameplay and more streamlined deck-building, making it a great option for players who want to jump right into the action. Additionally, the ability to play online means that players can connect with other players from all over the world, expanding the Commander community and fostering new relationships.

Key Differences and Similarities

Despite the differences between the two formats, many of the underlying principles of Commander remain the same in both versions. Color identity rules still apply, meaning that players must build decks using cards that only have mana symbols in their commander’s color identity. Players still start with 40 life, and the commander still plays a central role in the game. The biggest difference might be the number of opponents. While traditional Commander is typically played in a multiplayer setting, MTG Arena Commander is exclusively a one-on-one format.

Overall, MTG Arena Commander offers players a unique and exciting way to experience the Commander format. Whether you’re a seasoned Commander player or a newcomer to the format, MTG Arena Commander is a great option for anyone looking to explore the world of Magic: The Gathering.

Building Your Commander Deck

One of the most exciting aspects of Commander is building your deck. However, it can also be one of the most challenging aspects of the format. Here are a few key considerations when building your MTG Arena Commander deck:

Choosing Your Commander

Your commander is the centerpiece of your deck, so it’s important to choose a commander that you’re comfortable with and that suits your playstyle. When choosing a commander, consider factors within its color identity, its ability, and its power and toughness. You also want to look for a commander that matches your play style and the type of deck you want to build.

For example, if you prefer a more aggressive playstyle, you might choose a commander like Gishath, Sun’s Avatar. This dinosaur commander has a powerful ability that allows you to put a dinosaur card from your hand onto the battlefield whenever it deals combat damage to a player. This ability synergizes well with a deck full of big, stompy dinosaurs.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more control-oriented playstyle, you might choose a commander like Teferi, Time Raveler. This planeswalker commander has a powerful ability that allows you to cast spells at instant speed and prevents your opponents from casting spells on their turn. This ability synergizes well with a deck full of counterspells and other instant-speed interactions.

Deck Archetypes and Strategies

There are many ways to approach building your Commander deck. Some players prefer to focus on building a deck around a specific theme or tribe, while others prefer to build a more generic and versatile deck. Some popular strategies include combo decks, control decks, and aggro decks. Whatever your playstyle, it’s important to find a strategy that suits you and to build your deck around it.

For example, if you’re building a tribal deck, you might choose a tribe like elves or goblins and fill your deck with creatures and spells that support that tribe. If you’re building a combo deck, you might choose a commander like Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy and fill your deck with creatures and artifacts that generate mana and untap your permanents. If you’re building a control deck, you might choose a commander like Grand Arbiter Augustin IV and fill your deck with counterspells, removal spells, and other ways to disrupt your opponents’ plans.

Mana Base and Color Identity

Choosing the right mana base for your Commander deck is crucial. You want to ensure that you have the right balance of mana sources and colors to cast your spells and activate your commander’s abilities. You also need to ensure that the mana base fits within your commander’s color identity, which further restricts your options.

For example, if your commander is mono-green, you might choose to include a lot of basic Forests and mana dorks like Llanowar Elves and Elvish Mystic. If your commander is three colors, you might need to include a mix of dual lands, fetch lands, and shock lands to ensure that you have access to all of your colors. It’s also important to consider the curve of your mana base and ensure that you have enough early-game ramp to accelerate into your bigger spells.

Key Cards and Synergies

Like any other Magic deck, a Commander deck needs key cards and synergies to be effective. Identifying these cards and the ways in which they work in your deck is crucial to success. Some cards may be staples in most decks, while others may be more specific to your commander’s ability or your preferred strategy. Take time to evaluate and test out different card combinations to find the right fit for your deck.

For example, if you’re building a deck around the commander Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice, you might include cards like Doubling Season and Hardened Scales to maximize the number of counters you can put on your creatures. If you’re building a deck around the commander Krenko, Mob Boss, you might include cards like Impact Tremors and Goblin Bombardment to deal damage to your opponents whenever you create a goblin token. It’s also important to consider how different cards interact with each other and how they can create powerful synergies.

Navigating the MTG Arena Commander Metagame

Understanding the metagame is key to succeeding in any Magic format, and Commander is no different. Knowing what commanders and decks are popular, and how to adapt to changes in the meta, can give you a significant edge. Here are a few tips for navigating the MTG Arena Commander metagame:

Popular Commanders and Decks

Some commanders and decks have become incredibly popular in the MTG Arena Commander meta. For example, you may see a lot of decks built around Yorion, Sky Nomad, Nethroi, Apex of Death, or Rin and Seri, Inseparable. Pay attention to these trends and adjust your deck accordingly.

Adapting to the Meta

If you’re struggling against a particular deck or strategy, don’t be afraid to adjust your deck to counter it. You might add cards that can remove problematic permanents, such as enchantments or artifacts, or you might include more countermagic to stop your opponent’s spells.

Sideboarding and Tech Choices

Using your sideboard effectively can be critical in a one-on-one format like MTG Arena Commander. Sideboard cards can help you adjust your deck to deal with particular threats or strategies, or they can help you overcome cards that your opponent has in their deck or hand. Keep in mind, though, that sideboarding does come with a cost: every card you put into your sideboard is one less card that you can include in your main deck.

Tips for Playing Commander on MTG ArenaPlaying Magic: The Gathering on MTG Arena is a different experience than playing in person. Here are a few tips to help you succeed in the digital realm:

Interface and Gameplay Tips

The MTG Arena interface can be overwhelming at first, but it’s important to take the time to learn how everything works. Take advantage of the tutorial system and the free play mode to get comfortable with the controls and the flow of the game. You can also use hotkeys to speed up your gameplay and access certain functions quickly.

Communication and Etiquette

Playing Magic: The Gathering is a social experience, even when playing online. Always try to be courteous and communicate clearly with your opponent. When playing Commander, it’s especially important to let your opponent know when you’re attacking with your commander and to give them the chance to respond.

Maximizing Your In-Game Experience

MTG Arena offers a host of features that can help you improve your gameplay experience. For example, you can customize your deck sleeves and avatars, chat with other players in the game, and even spectate other players’ matches. Take advantage of these features to make the most of your time on MTG Arena.

The Bottom Line

Building and playing a MTG Arena Commander deck can be a challenging and rewarding experience. As with any Magic format, success depends on a combination of deck-building skill, game knowledge, and luck. Use the information and tips in this article to help you build the best Commander deck possible and to navigate the MTG Arena Commander metagame like a pro. 

FAQs: MTG Arena Commander Guide