Wizards of the Coast is releasing a new line of Commander preconstructed decks under the "Foundations" banner, designed to offer a more approachable entry point into Magic: The Gathering's most popular format. These five mono-colored decks, each retailing for $30, are slated to be legal until 2029 and aim to address the growing complexity and cost associated with introducing new players to Commander.
Magic: The Gathering has seen a surge in popularity, particularly in the Commander format, which often involves larger multiplayer games. While the demand for new Commander products has led to numerous preconstructed decks being released annually, many have presented barriers for new players. These challenges include the absence of mono-colored options, the introduction of complex mechanics, and increasing price points, especially for "Universes Beyond" collaborations. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles deck, "Turtle Power," is noted as a rare exception that catered well to beginners.
The Foundations Commander decks aim to rectify this by offering simplicity and affordability. Each of the five decks focuses on a single color and a well-established playstyle, making them easier to understand and pilot. The decks include "Calling All Angels" (mono-white, helmed by Giada, Font of Hope), "Reign of Dragons" (mono-red, starring Lathliss, Dragon Queen), "Tramplesaurus Rex" (mono-green, featuring Ghalta, Primal Hunger), "Wretched Ranks" (mono-black, led by Ghoulcaller Gisa), and "Keen Engineering" (mono-blue, with Sai, Master Thopterist focusing on artifacts).
This focus on cohesion and familiar archetypes makes the Foundations decks ideal for handing to a friend or family member and initiating a game of Commander. For existing players, these decks present a cost-effective way to acquire cards, especially for those looking to expand their collection or experiment with combining elements from different decks. The article notes that older starter Commander decks have significantly increased in value, making the $150 total cost for all five Foundations decks a potentially better investment for those looking to share the game. The author expresses personal excitement for these precons, viewing them as a worthwhile endeavor if they can facilitate introducing new players to the Commander format.