How to Build a Budget Commander Deck Without Sacrificing Power

Building a strong Commander (EDH) deck without spending a fortune is totally doable. It just takes smart choices, knowing where to cut costs, and focusing on what really matters. You don’t need $20 staples to have a deck that holds its own at the table. Here’s how to put together a powerful, budget-friendly Commander deck without breaking the bank.

Choosing the Right Commander

Not every commander demands expensive cards to function well. Some are naturally strong and generate value on their own. The best budget-friendly options often:Come down early (2-4 mana is ideal)Provide free value (extra draws, tokens, recursion)Work with cheap cards instead of pricy staples

Some Affordable Commanders to Consider

Picking a commander like these means less reliance on expensive cards and more synergy with budget-friendly spells.

Maximizing Power with Cheap Cards

Mana Base on a Budget ($10 or Less)

Expensive lands aren’t necessary for a strong deck. These low-cost alternatives get the job done:

Dual Land Replacements

[[Command Tower]] (free in precons)[[Exotic Orchard]] (~$1)[[Path of Ancestry]] (~$0.50)

Budget Fetchlands

[[Evolving Wilds]] (~$0.25)[[Terramorphic Expanse]] (~$0.25)

Useful Utility Lands

[[Bojuka Bog]] (~$0.50) – Graveyard hate[[War Room]] (~$0.50) – Card draw

Ramp Without Spending a Fortune

[[Sol Ring]] – Often included in precons[[Arcane Signet]] (~$1)[[Fellwar Stone]] (~$0.50)[[Wayfarer’s Bauble]] (~$0.25)[[Rampant Growth]] (~$0.25)

These make sure you don’t fall behind on mana without needing expensive rocks.

Cheap Card Draw That Works

[[Night’s Whisper]] (~$0.50)[[Sign in Blood]] (~$0.25)[[Read the Bones]] (~$0.25)[[Harmonize]] (~$0.50)[[Mystic Remora]] (~$1) – Early game powerhouse

Having enough draw power keeps the deck running smoothly without needing pricey engines.

Budget Removal That’s Still Strong

[[Swords to Plowshares]] (~$1)[[Path to Exile]] (~$1)[[Chaos Warp]] (~$1)[[Beast Within]] (~$0.50)[[Nature’s Claim]] (~$0.25)

Having enough draw power keeps the deck running smoothly without needing pricey engines.

Budget Removal That’s Still Strong

[[Swords to Plowshares]] (~$1)[[Path to Exile]] (~$1)[[Chaos Warp]] (~$1)[[Beast Within]] (~$0.50)[[Nature’s Claim]] (~$0.25)

This set of removal keeps threats in check without wasting budget on premium alternatives.

Forget Pricey Staples—Find Cheaper Alternatives

Instead of buying expensive cards everyone plays, look for functionally similar budget options.

Token Decks: [[Cathars’ Crusade]] ($0.50) instead.

Graveyard Strategies: [[Reanimate]] ($0.50) does the job for cheap.

Counterspells: [[Force of Will]] ($0.50) is a solid substitute.

Focusing on what your deck actually needs instead of trendy high-priced cards saves money.

Upgrade Precons Instead of Starting From Scratch

Preconstructed decks offer great value and can be upgraded without spending much.

For example, the Exit from Exile precon ([[Faldorn, Dread Wolf Herald]]) can become much stronger for under $20 with:

[[Impact Tremors]] (~$0.50) – More damage from tokens

[[Purphoros, God of the Forge]] (~$5) – Big damage boost

[[Terror of the Peaks]] (~$5) – Turns creatures into burn

Precons often contain solid mana bases and key staples that are already worth the price.

Use Budget Tools to Build Smarter

Take advantage of free deckbuilding tools that help find affordable cards:

EDHREC Budget Filters – Shows cheap alternatives

Scryfall Price Search – Finds the cheapest versions of cards

ManaStack App – Helps track deck costs

A little research goes a long way when keeping costs low.

Playtest for Free Before Buying

Before spending money, test your deck online:

Cockatrice – Free and fully customizable

Tabletop Simulator – Great for casual playtesting

SpellTable – Use proxies before committing to real cards

This makes sure your deck actually works before investing in physical copies.

Final Takeaways

✅ Skip flashy cards – Focus on consistency over expensive “win-more” effects.✅ Buy in bulk – Many budget staples cost pennies in bulk lots.✅ Trade smart – Swap unused cards for the budget staples you actually need.

You don’t need to spend hundreds to build a deck that holds its own. With these strategies, you can build a $50-$100 deck that competes with $500+ lists—and still have fun doing it.

You don’t need to spend hundreds to build a deck that holds its own. With these strategies, you can build a $50-$100 deck that competes with $500+ lists—and still have fun doing it.

Need cheap singles? Check out https://mtgetsy.com/ for great budget-friendly cards.

What’s your favorite budget card? Drop a comment!