Unbanned Cards in Commander - April 2025
On April 22, 2025, Wizards of the Coast announced a significant update to the Magic: The Gathering Commander format, unbanning five cards that had long been prohibited. This move, part of the ongoing beta test of the Commander Brackets system and the Game Changers List, aims to diversify gameplay and reintroduce previously banned strategies.
š¢ Unbanned Cards in Commander
The following cards are now legal in the Commander format:
Gifts Ungiven
Previously banned for enabling powerful tutor effects and complex combos, Gifts Ungiven returns to Commander. The card is now considered suitable for higher-powered games, especially within the Bracket 3 and above categories. Its political and interactive nature is expected to enhance gameplay dynamics.
Sway of the Stars
This ten-mana spell resets the game by setting each player's life total to seven and shuffling hands, graveyards, and permanents into libraries. While impactful, its high mana cost and the existence of more powerful alternatives suggest it will see limited play.
Braids, Cabal Minion
Once banned for its potential to lock down games when played early, Braids is now unbanned with the expectation that players will use it responsibly. The card's effectiveness is mitigated by the increased availability of removal spells and the importance of pregame discussions about deck power levels.
Coalition Victory
This alternate win condition requires control of a creature of each color and lands of each basic land type. Its stringent requirements and the need for specific deck construction make it a challenging but rewarding strategy.
Panoptic Mirror
Known for enabling infinite combos, Panoptic Mirror's unbanning is intended to encourage creative spellcasting combinations. Its inclusion in the Game Changers List allows for its use in appropriate playgroups that embrace such strategies.
šÆ Impact on the Commander Format
The unbanning of these cards reflects a shift towards embracing diverse playstyles and fostering a more inclusive environment for various strategies. By categorizing these cards under the Game Changers List, Wizards of the Coast acknowledges their potential impact while providing a framework for their responsible use.
Players are encouraged to engage in open discussions about deck power levels and expectations, ensuring that games remain enjoyable for all participants. The reintroduction of these cards offers new opportunities for deck building and gameplay experiences, particularly for those seeking to explore unconventional or nostalgic strategies.
š« Notable Cards Remaining Banned
Despite the unbanning of several cards, some high-powered staples remain on the banned list:
- Dockside Extortionist
- Jeweled Lotus
- Mana Crypt
- Nadu, Winged Wisdom
These cards continue to be excluded from the format due to concerns over game balance and their potential to create unfun play experiences. While there was some discussion about unbanning Jeweled Lotus, the consensus was to maintain its banned status for now.