How to Upgrade a Commander Precon: Step-by-Step Guide
Turn a $40 preconstructed Commander deck into a competitive build. Learn what to cut, what to add, and how to prioritize upgrades.
Preconstructed Commander decks are great starting points, but they always include cards that should be upgraded. Here's a systematic approach to making your precon competitive.
Step 1: Play It First
Before changing anything, play the deck 3-5 times as-is. Take notes on: - Cards that felt dead or never useful - Situations where you needed something you didn't have - Whether the mana base worked - Which cards overperformed
Step 2: Identify the Cuts (Usually 15-25 Cards)
Most precons include cards that are: - Off-theme — cards that don't synergize with the commander - Inefficient — cards that cost too much for their effect - Duplicate effects — you don't need 4 different mediocre board wipes - Tap lands — precons run too many enters-tapped lands
Step 3: Prioritize Your Upgrades
Upgrade in this order: 1. Mana base ($5-15) — Replace tap lands with untapped duals. Add Command Tower if it's somehow not included. 2. Ramp ($3-5) — Add Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and 2-3 more efficient rocks. 3. Card draw ($3-5) — Add format staples that your colors support. 4. Removal ($3-5) — Targeted removal and 2-3 board wipes. 5. Synergy cards ($5-20) — Cards that specifically work with your commander. 6. Win conditions ($5-10) — Clear ways to close out games.
Step 4: Set a Budget
A $25 upgrade budget goes a long way. Most impactful upgrades are cheap staples. You don't need $30 cards to make your precon competitive at a casual table.
Step 5: Use an AI Builder
Tapped Decks' AI builder can generate an optimized version of your precon's strategy. Build a deck around the same commander, compare the two lists, and cherry-pick the best suggestions. It's like having a second opinion from someone who's analyzed thousands of decks.
Common Upgrade Mistakes
- - Going too powerful — If your group plays precon-level, upgrading to a 7-8 power level will make games unfun
- - Cutting pet cards — Keep cards you enjoy playing even if they're not optimal
- - Spending too much on one card — $30 on a single card is rarely worth it when $30 could buy 15 impactful upgrades
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