Hey everyone! It’s Gavin Verhey here, ready to chat about some exciting updates for Commander.
Let’s jump right in. Today’s focus is on a few key topics: hybrid mana, brackets, and some changes to the Game Changers list. We also have news about the latest card bans and unbans, which you can check out in detail in a separate article.
Commander in 2026
As we step into 2026, Commander feels vibrant and full of life. After some uncertainty last year, we’ve seen consistent growth in Commander events, like MagicCons and CommandFests. Players are having a blast, and we love the positive feedback on recent changes, especially the updates to the Commander Bracket system.
However, it’s not all perfect. We’ve noticed a few design issues, such as overly complex cards and a lot of redundancy. As Commander continues to grow, it’s crucial to ensure that players appreciate a variety of game experiences—ranging from casual fun to competitive formats. Our bracket system helps with this, but we’re exploring other options to refine player experiences. Finding the right matches is key, and we’re committed to improving that.
Change in Commander typically happens slowly as players build and fine-tune their decks. This past year was full of updates, which might have felt overwhelming. Going forward, we want to keep changes manageable. Regular communication is important, but we want to ensure that players don’t feel like the ground is always shifting beneath them.
Hybrid Mana
Let’s talk about hybrid mana. Right now, it’s set as an “and” in terms of color identity. That means you need both colors in your deck to play hybrid cards. Many players have suggested switching this to an “or” system, allowing, say,
The division in opinions shows how passionate the community is. Given the uncertainty, I’ve decided to pause discussions on changing the hybrid mana rules for now. We can revisit this topic down the line, as there’s still a lot to explore.
Brackets
Moving on to our bracket system. The latest tweaks have led to increased usage. Separating precons from Bracket 2 has helped shape clearer expectations for gameplay. Players are also starting to assign more decks to Bracket 2, easing the load on Bracket 3.
That said, with every change, there’s a risk of confusion. We want to stick to fewer bracket-level changes for now. It’s crucial that everyone understands how brackets work to foster fair games. We’ll take our time with this and see how players respond at upcoming MagicCons.
Just a reminder: brackets are tools for guiding pregame talks, not strict rules. Players can still enjoy games across different brackets. Bracket 1 is a space where bending the rules is expected, so feel free to experiment a bit!
Game Changers
Now, let’s discuss the Game Changers list. We’ve been pleased with how recent changes have settled in. Although players have voiced opinions about certain legends on this list, our focus has been on making smaller, purposeful adjustments instead of sweeping changes.
One notable addition to the Game Changers list is
Also,
Looking Ahead
As we move further into 2026, our goal is to keep communication steady. Expect updates around May or June after we gather more feedback from MagicCons.
Unlike last year, there are no self-imposed limits on how often we might update the banned and restricted list. However, we don’t expect a fast turnaround on changes. Stability is important, and we’re monitoring how today’s updates unfold.
Thank you for being a part of this vibrant community. Your feedback shapes Commander into what it is today, and we’re excited to see what the future holds!
