Beginner’s Guide to MTG Commander: How to Start in 2025

If you have walked into a local game store recently, you likely saw four people sitting around a table, arguing about politics, betraying alliances, and casting massive spells. That isn't just Magic; that is Commander.

In 2025, Commander (also known as EDH) is the undisputed king of Magic: The Gathering. Unlike the competitive "Standard" format where decks rotate out every few years, Commander is an "Eternal" format—meaning you can play with almost any card from Magic's 30+ year history.

With the release of the beginner-focused Foundations set and the return to Tarkir this year, there has never been a better time to jump in. Here is how to get started.

The Rules in 60 Seconds

Commander breaks the traditional rules of Magic to create a more social, chaotic experience.

Best "First Decks" to Buy in 2025

Do not build a deck from scratch yet. Wizards of the Coast releases "Pre-Constructed" decks (Precons) that are incredible value. Here are our top picks for 2025 beginners:

1. The Simple Smash: "Veloci-Ramp-Tor" (Ixalan)

Colors: Red / Green / White
Theme: Dinosaurs. Big ones.
This deck remains the gold standard for beginners. You play lands, you cast giant dinosaurs, and you attack. It is powerful, straightforward, and incredibly fun to pilot.

2. The New Hotness: "Sultai Arisen" (Tarkir: Dragonstorm)

Colors: Black / Green / Blue
Theme: Graveyard Value
Released earlier this year, this deck focuses on using your graveyard as a second hand. It is slightly more complex but teaches you valuable lessons about resource management.

3. The Classic: "Explorers of the Deep" (Merfolk)

Colors: Green / Blue
Theme: +1/+1 Counters
If you like drawing cards and making your army grow huge, this is the pick. It is highly synergistic right out of the box.

The Social Contract: "Rule 0"

Commander is a social game, not a tournament. Before you start a game, players have a "Rule 0" conversation.

This is where you ask: "What kind of game are we playing?"

• The Bracket System (New for 2025): Recently, the community has adopted a 1-5 power bracket.
• • Bracket 5: cEDH. Trying to win as consistently as possible in a tournament meta. This is what you bring if you're trying to play for prizes, usually.
  • Bracket 4: No Limits. Generally, these decks want to win very quickly, or use degenerate play patterns like aggressive resource denial.
  • Bracket 3: High Power. Optimized decks, featuring up to three of some of the strongest cards allowed in the format (the so-called "Game Changers").
  • Bracket 2: Precons. Not only precons, but these decks are generally going to take a slower approach to the game defined by big spells after an extended build-up. (This is you!).
  • Bracket 1: "Jank" or theme decks (e.g., "Ladies looking left" art only).

As a beginner with a Precon, just say: "I am playing a slightly upgraded Precon, Bracket 2." This ensures you don't get stomped by a $5,000 deck.

Essential Gear Checklist

You bought the deck, but you aren't ready to play yet. Protect your investment.

1. Sleeves: Mashing 100 cards together will destroy them without sleeves. Buy "Dragon Shield Matte" or "Ultimate Guard Katana" sleeves. Do not buy the cheap penny sleeves.
2. Deck Box: You need a box that fits 100 sleeved cards. The "Boulder 100+" is a community favorite for being nearly indestructible.
3. Dice: You need D6s (standard dice) for counters and a D20 (Spindown) for life total.