Explore the latest updates announced for the Magic: The Gathering Commander format, including card adjustments and Game Changer list additions.
Introduction to the Changes
Wizards of the Coast unveiled some intriguing updates to the Magic: The Gathering Commander format on April 22, 2025. This marks the first round of changes following the introduction of the Commander Brackets, which received a warm reception during their Beta testing at MagicCon Chicago.
Feedback and Adjustments
Following the positive feedback, a few concerns arose. Players debated whether certain brackets were too broad and sought clarity on definitions, such as the term “mass land denial.” In response, the next wave of updates included unbanning several cards and modifying the Game Changer list, aimed at enhancing gameplay and maintaining balance.
Unbanned Cards
Here are the cards that have been unbanned in the Commander format:
- Gifts Ungiven
- Sway of the Stars
- Braids, Cabal Minion
- Coalition Victory
- Panoptic Mirror
These additions could introduce fresh strategies and dynamic plays in upcoming games.
Game Changer Additions
In addition to unbanning certain cards, the following have been added to the Commander Game Changer list:
- Teferi’s Protection
- Humility
- Narset, Parter of Veils
- Intuition
- Consecrated Sphinx
- Necropotence
- Orcish Bowmasters
- Notion Thief
- Deflecting Swat
- Gamble
- Worldly Tutor
- Crop Rotation
- Seedborn Muse
- Natural Order
- Food Chain
- Aura Shards
- Field of the Dead
- Mishra’s Workshop
These additions are set to shake up the gameplay, offering new strategies and opportunities for players to explore.
Cards Removed from Game Changer List
In a move to refine the Game Changer list, two cards were removed: Trouble in Pairs and Trinisphere. These cards were deemed not as overpowered or advantageous as initially thought, leading to their delisting.
Future Releases
For those eagerly anticipating what's next, additional information about future releases can be found in ICv2’s 2025 Magic: The Gathering product calendar.
FAQs:
- What prompted the changes to the Commander format? The changes were made in response to player feedback and to improve game balance after the introduction of Commander Brackets.
- Which cards have been unbanned? Cards such as Gifts Ungiven, Sway of the Stars, and Braids, Cabal Minion have been unbanned.
- What are the Game Changer cards? Game Changer cards are those considered to significantly alter gameplay and strategy, such as Teferi’s Protection and Humility.
- Why were Trouble in Pairs and Trinisphere removed from the list? They were delisted because they didn't perform as overpowered as originally anticipated.
- Where can I find more information on upcoming releases? Visit ICv2’s 2025 Magic: The Gathering product calendar for details on future releases.
