Of all the formats that Magic: The Gathering has to offer, Commander is one of the most popular. The vast number of legends available in the game for players to build around lends itself to maximum creativity and brewing opportunities. This begs the question, which cards and legends make the best MTG Commander decks?
Thanks to the Commander Bracket system, there’s no one easy answer to this question. Since players can easily dictate the power level of their games, there’s no one best deck for every occasion. Even within these individual brackets, however, some archetypes and Commanders are stronger than others.
Whether you’re looking to crush the competition or just build around the best, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a rundown of the best MTG Commander decks for each bracket in the format.
Best MTG Commander Decks in Bracket 1
Among the five bracket options players have to choose from, the first bracket undoubtedly casts the widest net for Commander choices. The goal within bracket one is to prioritize creative themes rather than power. Games are expected to last at least nine turns so that each player has the opportunity to showcase what their unique decks are designed to do.
With this in mind, there are tons of different directions players can take. One common method is to simply build around a legend that rewards a unique and fun game plan, even if it isn’t the most broken thing to be doing.
Marina Vendrell, for instance, is a neat payoff for a deck centered around Rooms, which are generally underwhelming or inefficient. Otherwise, making use of some legends that are either overcosted or have difficult abilities to maximize, such as Mishra, Artificer Prodigy, can make for enjoyable games.
As long as you craft a slower deck devoid of Game Changers, two-card combos, mass land denial, and extra turn spells, most Commanders are fair game. Funky deckbuilding ideas, such as purposefully restricting yourself to cards that start with a certain letter or that show off a certain feature in the artwork, are heavily encouraged. So, put your thinking cap on, since the world is your oyster.
Best MTG Commander Decks in Bracket 2
Once you venture to bracket two, decks become more focused. In this bracket, decks are designed to be built around a gameplay theme, rather than a thematic one. While Game Changers, two-card combos, and mass land denial still aren’t allowed, there’s a fairly hefty spike in power level.
Notably, the vast majority of preconstructed Commander decks (precons) are widely considered to be bracket two. While there are some exceptions, generally, if you bring an un-upgraded precon to a Commander table, you’re in bracket two. Thankfully, since Wizards has been making precons for decades, there are tons of options to choose from. As always, however, some decks are stronger than others.
The World Shaper precon with Hearthhull, the Worldseed at the helm, for instance, is an incredibly powerful deck. While it doesn’t contain any busted combos, the value and synergy it offers is very powerful. Between cards like Aftermath Analyst and Splendid Reclamation, this precon is a real force to be reckoned with.
Notably, you don’t have to use a precon to have a bracket two Commander deck. While precons do make for great ready-made options, any reasonably mechanic-focused deck can work here. Weaker typal themes, like Cats and Dogs, for example, are perfect. Similarly, many decks built around set mechanics, like Mutate, Web-Slinging, or Earthbending, are fair game.
Best MTG Commander Decks in Bracket 3
Much like the previous options, tons of Commander decks could feasibly earn the title of best in bracket three. Upgraded precons, for instance, easily fit inside this bracket and can dominate at Commander tables. Similarly, more focused Typal strategies, with more powerful support pieces, can run away with games.
In this bracket, more often than not, the supporting cast of cards is more impactful and important than the Commander. Since this bracket has access to up to three Game Changers, almost everything is on the table. That said, there are still limits keeping this bracket’s decks in check, with turn six wins being the encouraged goal.
Despite the freedom this bracket offers, some MTG Commanders can still be considered the best. Hearthhull, the Worldseed, for instance, can still pull his weight in this format when given stronger support. Cards like Exploration, Scute Swarm, and Zuran Orb can really push this card over the edge.
In this MTG Commander bracket, a lot of the best decks seek to overwhelm opponents with advantage. Baylen, the Haymaker is a fantastic option for this, offering tons of value with minimal required support. Alternatively, cards with incredibly strong internal synergy, like Arcades, the Strategist or Tom Bombadil, are amazing in bracket three.
Best MTG Commander Decks in Bracket 4
Once you get into bracket four, restrictions regarding Game Changers, land denial, extra turn spells, and combos go out the window. The goal is to bring optimized decks built around Commanders that are powerful and can take over games quickly. The only difference between Bracket 4 and cEDH is that you aren’t tuning your decks for an expected metagame.
In this bracket, you can expect to find many of the strongest themes and typal archetypes Commander has to offer. Slivers, Dragons, Elves, and Superfriends are all elite options that can snowball out of control. For this reason, The First Sliver, The Ur-Dragon, Voja, Jaws of the Conclave, and Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice are some of the best MTG Commander decks in bracket four.
On top of these incredibly powerful themed options, there are tons of high-powered Commander options in bracket four. Maxxed out Voltron strategies, often led by Light-Paws, Emperor’s Voice, for instance, typically fit into this bracket. Similarly, Urza, Lord High Artificer decks are commonly found in this bracket thanks to the available high-powered support.
Best MTG Commander Decks in Bracket 5
While bracket four Commander decks aim to win, bracket five decks are solely built to win. Winning during the opening turns is trivial, and you’re packing extremely specific interaction to stop other common strategies trying to do the same thing. On top of using the best Commander options, these decks also use the best MTG cards available.
Many of the best Commanders in bracket five are Partner Commander combinations, thanks to the utility and color identity they provide. Kraum, Ludevic’s Opus and Tymna, the Weaver decks, for instance, make up a big percentage of the metagame. These decks are typically loaded with tutors, fast mana, and combos to win as quickly as possible.
Other Partner pairings, like Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh and Silas Renn, Seeker Adept, consistently put up strong results at competitive events. Thankfully, while strong, using this Commander isn’t a requirement for bracket five cEDH play. Commanders like Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy and Etali, Primal Conqueror are both incredibly powerful options that are incredibly competitive when built around.
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