Precon or Brewing? What is The Best Way to Get the Most Out of A MTG Commander Deck

Hello, fellow Planeswalker, over the past several months I have found myself buying a few precon Commander decks. It started with Bloomburrow and Duskmourn and has led me to the new Final Fantasy precons.

After playing with these decks, I’ve started to ask myself is it better to buy a precon or build your own Commander deck. 

Now, your typical Magic elitist player and collector will always say it is better to brew your own, but I don’t know anymore. These new precons come with many useful cards not just for playing but also collecting as well.

I want to break down this question and figure out once and for all which is better for playing and what is better for your wallet. Let’s get started.

What in the Multiverse is a “Precon”?

Simply put, a “precon” is a pre-constructed, 100-card Commander deck sold by Wizards of the Coast (WotC), ready for action straight out of the box. You’ll often see them released with new Magic sets or cool “Universes Beyond” crossovers, like with Fallout or Doctor Who.  

What Do You Typically Get Inside?

Think of a precon as a starter kit for Commander. You get the 100-card deck, usually built around a main legendary commander creature (often with an alternate commander too).

These decks mix brand-new cards with reprints. Plus, you usually get tokens, a basic deck box, a life tracker, and maybe even a small sample booster pack.

For example, the Murders at Karlov Manor precons included all this, plus a foil-etched display commander.  

How Much Do They Cost?

Most precons will cost you between $35 and $70, though special editions or popular ones can be pricier. Prices can vary based on the set, the deck’s theme, and where you buy it.

For instance, a 2024 Fallout precon was around $32, while an Outlaws of Thunder Junction one was about $55.

Sometimes, these precons become collectors’ items themselves, especially if they have hot cards or are from a popular series.  

Pros & Cons of Precons

Precons are super convenient, but let’s weigh the options:

• Pros: Instantly playable, great for beginners with a clear theme, often a cost-effective start, and can contain valuable reprints or new cards, like Jeska’s Will in the Deadly Disguise precon, which was a pricey single.  
• Cons: Less personal, might need upgrades (and more cash) to be optimal, power levels can vary between decks, and not every card will be a winner.  

“Brewing” Your Own Deck

If you like to tinker and create, “brewing” is for you! It means building your Commander deck from scratch, card by card. You pick a commander, then hand-select the other 99 cards. It’s the ultimate custom job and has been a term in Magic for ages.  

The Cost of Your Creation

Unlike precons, a brewed deck’s cost can be all over the place. You can build fun, functional decks for around $50, or even less if you’re a savvy trader or card hunter.

Online communities like r/BudgetBrews (Reddit) are full of ideas for cheap decks. But, if you want the rarest, most powerful cards, especially for competitive Commander (cEDH), you could be looking at thousands of dollars. For casual fun, though, that’s usually not necessary.  

Pros & Cons of Building Your Own

Crafting your own deck is super rewarding, but it takes work:

• Pros: Total creative freedom, incredibly satisfying to play with your own creation, perfectly tailored to your style, can be very budget-friendly with planning, and you learn a TON about the game.  
• Cons: Time-consuming (research, buying cards, testing), can get expensive if you don’t set a budget, steeper learning curve for new players, and your first few brews might not be world-beaters.  

Precon vs. Brew

Head-to-Head on Price

Precons usually run $35-$70. Budget brewing often aims for around $50, but it’s flexible. Many Commander “staples” (cards good in lots of decks) like Sol Ring or Arcane Signet are pretty cheap as singles (Sol Ring around $1.40, Arcane Signet $0.49).  

A big draw for precons is hidden value. The individual cards inside might be worth more than the box price. The Deadly Disguise precon (around $36-$42) had Jeska’s Will (about $22-$24), Seedborn Muse (~$6-$7), and Ohran Frostfang (~$4-$4.50), potentially making the singles worth more than the precon. The Quick Draw precon (around $54) also had some valuable pieces like Winged Boots ($4.49).  

But remember, many players upgrade precons, adding $20-$50-plus to the initial cost. A focused $50 budget brew might actually be cheaper in the long run if you’d heavily modify a precon anyway. Brewing gives you tight budget control.  

Looking Beyond the Money

Money isn’t everything! Precons are instant fun. Brewing takes time, research, buying, building, and testing.

Brewing offers ultimate personalization. Want an all-squirrel deck? Brew it! Precons are easier for beginners, but brewing teaches you more about Magic. And winning with your own creation? Priceless.  

So, What’s the Verdict?

Honestly, there’s no single cheaper or better answer. It all depends on YOU.

• New or Busy? Precons are your friend. Easy way to learn and play right away.  
• Budget-Minded? Both can work. A precon with good value (singles worth more than the box) is smart. Or a well-planned $50 brew can be awesome and more you. Upgrading a precon slowly is also a good budget path.  
• Creative Genius? Brew it! The satisfaction is unbeatable.  
• Collector/Value Hunter? Precons can be treasure troves if the singles outweigh the cost. Brewing lets you target specific collectibles.

Don’t forget the hybrid approach, start with a precon, then slowly upgrade it into your own unique brew. It’s a common and fun way to go!  

No matter your choice, do a little homework. Check decklists, watch videos, and compare card prices. If you’re just starting, a recent, well-reviewed precon is a great launchpad. Play it, see what you like, and then maybe try brewing your own masterpiece. Happy hunting!