The Commander Format Panel, led by Gavin Verhey, dropped a highly anticipated Banned and Restricted Announcement on April 22, 2025, and it's shaking up the format in a big way! Effective immediately, five iconic cards have been unbanned, bringing nostalgia, fun, and fresh deck-building opportunities to Commander tables everywhere. Let's dive into the details of these unbans, what they mean for the format, and the panel's vision for Commander's future.
The Unbanned Cards
The panel carefully reviewed the ban list to identify cards that could return without disrupting the format's balance, particularly in the context of Commander Brackets—a system that categorizes cards for different play experiences. Here are the five cards making their triumphant return, all added to the Game Changers list (Bracket 3+):
Gifts Ungiven
This beloved tutor card, often compared to Fact or Fiction, is back for its interactive and skill-intensive play patterns. While some worry about its combo potential, the panel believes pregame discussions and bracketed play will keep it in check. Expect to see this card fueling creative deck strategies!
Sway of the Stars
A 10-mana game reset similar to Worldfire, Sway of the Stars is a splashy, niche card that's unlikely to dominate but will create memorable moments. Its high cost and situational nature make it a fun addition for players who love big, game-altering spells.
Braids, Cabal Minion
Nostalgia wins! Braids is back, and her early-game lock potential is mitigated by modern removal options and pregame talks. In today's Commander environment, she's a reasonable threat that adds flavor without overwhelming tables.
Coalition Victory
This 8-mana win condition is interactive and fits well in bracketed play. While it's a strong auto-include in five-color decks, the panel sees it as a fair and engaging way to close out games, especially with proper deck-building constraints.
Panoptic Mirror
A fan-favorite for its wild combo potential, Panoptic Mirror returns with modern artifact removal and bracket restrictions keeping it in line. Whether you're looping extra-turn spells or other game-changing effects, this card promises fun and creativity.
Why These Unbans?
The Commander Format Panel's goal was to bring back cards that spark joy, encourage positive play patterns, and align with the evolving Commander Brackets system. These unbans reflect a focus on:
- Nostalgia: Cards like Braids and Gifts Ungiven evoke fond memories for longtime players.
- Fun and Interaction: Each unbanned card promotes engaging gameplay without creating unfun or oppressive experiences.
- Bracketed Play: By placing these cards in Bracket 3+ (Game Changers), the panel ensures they're used in appropriate power-level contexts, with pregame discussions helping set expectations.
The unbans are effective immediately for tabletop play and will be updated on Magic Online later on April 22, 2025.
What About Other Cards?
The panel also discussed several high-profile banned cards but decided to keep them on the sidelines for now:
Remaining Banned
- Dockside Extortionist
- Jeweled Lotus
- Mana Crypt
- Ancestral Recall
- Black Lotus
- Time Walk
Future Considerations
- Balance
- Emrakul, the Aeons Torn
- Griselbrand
- Nadu, Winged Wisdom
- Primeval Titan
- Iona, Shield of Emeria
The panel emphasized that no further ban list changes are planned for 2025 unless an extreme case arises (e.g., a "Nadu contingency" for highly problematic cards). This commitment to stability gives players time to adapt to Commander Brackets and explore the new unbans.
The Bigger Picture: Stability and Brackets
The introduction of Commander Brackets is a game-changer for the format. By categorizing cards into power-level tiers, the system allows players to tailor their games to their group's preferences. The unbanned cards slot into the Game Changers list, ensuring they're played in higher-power, agreed-upon contexts. The panel is taking a measured approach, letting the format settle as brackets gain traction before considering further changes.
What's Next?
These unbans are a love letter to Commander players who crave creativity, nostalgia, and epic moments. Whether you're tutoring with Gifts Ungiven, resetting the board with Sway of the Stars, or locking down opponents with Braids, these cards are sure to inspire new decks and memorable games. As the format evolves with brackets, the panel will keep monitoring play patterns and community feedback to ensure Commander remains the fun, social format we all love.
So, grab your deck boxes, update your lists, and head to your local game store or kitchen table to try out these newly freed cards! What decks are you building with these unbans? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned for more Commander updates!
