Cheap MTG Avatar Commander Decks to Build

Embarking on a budget-friendly Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Commander journey? Building a cheap MTG Commander deck doesn't mean you have to compromise on fun or strategy. With careful planning and a keen eye for value, you can create a formidable deck that'll give your opponents a run for their money. Let's delve into the world of affordable Commander decks and explore how to build them on a budget.

First, let's understand the Commander format. It's a casual, multiplayer-focused variant of MTG where each player commands an army led by a legendary creature, known as the Commander. The goal is to reduce your opponents' life totals to 0, making it a unique and engaging experience that emphasizes strategy, interaction, and social play.

Setting Your Budget

Before you start, decide on your budget. For this article, we'll focus on decks that can be built for around $50 or less. This might seem challenging, but with smart card choices and a bit of creativity, it's absolutely achievable.

Remember, Commander is a format where cards can be played at any time, so focus on versatility and synergy rather than just power level. This will help you create a deck that's both fun to play and play against.

Budget-Friendly Commander Choices

Your Commander is the heart of your deck, so choose wisely. Many powerful Commanders are available at low prices. Consider cards like Krenko, Mob Boss, Pir, Imaginative Rascal, or Grenzo, Dungeon Warden. These Commanders offer unique strategies and can be built around with budget-friendly cards.

For example, Krenko, Mob Boss can create a token army with cards like Pure/Simple and Pentad Prism, while Grenzo, Dungeon Warden can recursion value creatures with cards like Tortured Existence and Haunting Voyage.

Building Around Your Commander

Once you've chosen your Commander, build your deck around them. Include cards that synergize with your Commander's abilities or playstyle. For instance, if you're playing a token deck, include card draw and token generators to keep your board state full.

Don't forget to include a balance of card types. Aim for around 24-28 lands, 24-28 creatures, 10-15 spells, and 10-15 artifacts/enchantments. This balance will help you maintain a consistent game plan and prevent your deck from feeling one-dimensional.

Finding Budget Cards

Now that you've got a Commander and a basic deck structure, it's time to fill in the details. Here are some tips for finding budget-friendly cards:

Set and Edition

Cards from older sets and editions are often cheaper. Focus on cards from sets like Zendikar, Scars of Mirrodin, and Theros Beyond Death. These sets have a wealth of powerful, budget-friendly cards.

Also, consider cards from recent sets that were printed in multiple copies. These cards often see a price drop over time, making them great budget options.

Card Effectiveness

Focus on cards that do multiple things or have high utility. Cards like Sol Ring, Farseek, and Skullclamp are powerful and versatile, making them excellent budget choices.

Also, consider cards that can be used in multiple ways. For example, Lightning Bolt is a powerful removal spell, but it can also be used to deal the final points of damage to an opponent's life total.

Building a cheap MTG Commander deck is a rewarding challenge. It encourages creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the game. So, grab your budget, choose your Commander, and start building. The MTG community is waiting for your unique, affordable deck!