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Struggling To Buy Magic’s Foundations Commander Decks? Wizards Confirms Reprints Are Likely
Wizards of the Coast says Magic: The Gathering’s five Foundations Commander decks are intended to remain available as an evergreen product, with reprints likely if demand stays strong. The statement offers reassurance to players facing mark-ups and shortages, and could help keep the decks accessible as entry points to Commander.
Game producer Brandon Kreines said Wizards cannot promise specific reprint plans, but players should expect the decks to be reprinted if they remain popular. Some have been selling for more than twice their recommended retail price, while the mono-green Tramplesaurus Rex deck has been particularly hard to find. The decks contain no new cards and provide a ready-made game plan in each colour; earlier Commander starter decks became expensive after they were no longer printed.
In short
- Wizards says reprints are likely if demand continues.
- Some Foundations decks cost more than twice retail.
- The decks are designed to introduce players to Commander.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Keeping popular Foundations Commander decks in print could help players buy them near retail price and preserve an accessible route into Commander. Their ready-made decks may also make it easier for newcomers to start playing without assembling a collection card by card.
The case against
An evergreen label and likely reprints are not a firm schedule or guarantee, so players may still face shortages and mark-ups while demand remains high. Reprinting these decks also uses production capacity that could go to other products, and some players may prefer Wizards to focus on new cards or different offerings.
Explained simply
Magic: The Gathering is a trading-card game in which players build decks and compete using creatures, spells and other cards. Commander is a popular way to play: each player brings a large deck built around a chosen legendary creature, and games often involve several players at once.
Wizards of the Coast makes Magic. Its Foundations Commander decks are ready-to-play decks in the game’s five colours, designed to give players a way into Commander without building a deck card by card. They use existing cards and offer a prepared strategy for each colour.
Commander products can become harder to find when demand is high or printing stops, and scarce decks may sell above their recommended retail price. That matters to new players because ready-made decks provide a simpler starting point; earlier Commander starter decks became costly after they were no longer printed.