Budget Commander Builds
Bilbo, Luckwearer // Burglar's PlotBilbo, Luckwearer // Burglar's Plot offers a unique opportunity to explore a mono-green deck focused on treasure generation and artifact synergy. The front side provides incremental value through treasure creation, which can be leveraged for ramp or artifact synergies. The back side, Burglar's Plot, offers a powerful payoff for artifact-heavy strategies, making this an intriguing option for players looking to build a budget-friendly treasure-centric deck.
Bilbo, Thief in the NightBilbo, Thief in the Night is an intriguing mono-blue commander that encourages a focus on evasion and card advantage. His ability to draw cards when dealing combat damage incentivizes a deck filled with unblockable creatures or those with flying. Pairing him with cards that grant additional combat steps or enhance evasion can maximize his potential, making him a solid choice for budget players who enjoy tempo and card draw strategies.
My Precious // Allure of PowerMy Precious // Allure of Power is a versatile card that can fit into various artifact or control strategies. The front side provides a steady stream of artifact tokens, which can be used to fuel artifact synergies or as sacrifice fodder. The back side, Allure of Power, offers a powerful late-game effect that can swing the game in your favor, especially in decks that can manipulate the top of the library or have a high density of impactful spells.
Sauron, the Dark LordSauron, the Dark Lord is a compelling Grixis commander that thrives in a deck focused on spellcasting and control. His ability to recur powerful instants and sorceries from the graveyard makes him a strong choice for a spellslinger strategy. Building around Sauron with budget-friendly cards like Mystic Retrieval and Archaeomancer can create a resilient deck that can control the board and outvalue opponents over time.
Smaug the MagnificentSmaug the Magnificent is a red commander that excels in decks centered around treasure and artifact synergies. His ability to generate treasures and deal damage makes him a potent threat in any game. Building around Smaug with cards that enhance treasure production or capitalize on artifacts, such as Brass's Bounty and Reckless Fireweaver, can create a powerful and explosive budget deck.
The Arkenstone // Seek the HeartThe Arkenstone // Seek the Heart is a flexible card that can support both artifact and ramp strategies. The front side provides a reliable mana source that can be crucial in budget decks lacking expensive mana rocks. The back side, Seek the Heart, offers a powerful tutor effect for legendary permanents, making it a valuable inclusion in decks looking to consistently access key legendary cards.
Thorin, Mountain-kingThorin, Mountain-king is a mono-red commander that encourages a focus on dwarves and equipment. His ability to boost dwarves and provide additional combat steps makes him an excellent choice for an aggressive strategy. Building around Thorin with budget equipment like Bonesplitter and Dwarven Hammer can create a deck that swings for massive damage while maintaining a low cost.
Tom BombadilTom Bombadil is a unique five-color commander that supports a saga-centric strategy. His ability to interact with sagas makes him an excellent choice for players looking to explore this underutilized card type. Building around Tom with budget sagas like The Eldest Reborn and The Triumph of Anax can create a deck that leverages powerful saga effects while maintaining a diverse and flexible color identity.
Tom, Bert, and WilliamTom, Bert, and William provide an interesting option for a three-color deck focused on giants and tribal synergies. Their ability to generate value through creature interactions makes them a strong choice for a tribal strategy. Pairing them with budget-friendly giant support cards like Calamity Bearer and Stinkdrinker Daredevil can create a powerful and thematic deck that can overwhelm opponents with massive creatures.
Strong Budget Support Cards
The Hobbit set introduces several strong budget support cards that can enhance a variety of Commander decks. Arcane Signet remains a staple for its efficient mana fixing, while Wood Elves provides reliable ramp in green decks. Riddles in the Dark offers a unique card draw option for decks that can manipulate the top of the library, and The One Ring provides powerful protection and card advantage for decks that can handle the life loss. These cards offer valuable options for budget-conscious players looking to enhance their decks without breaking the bank.