Hey guys! Ready to dive deep into the Commander 2018 preconstructed decks? Whether you're a seasoned Commander player or just starting out, these decks offer a fantastic entry point into the format. In this detailed guide, we'll break down each of the four decks, explore their themes, highlight key cards, and discuss potential upgrade paths to take your game to the next level. So, grab your dice and let's get started!

Overview of Commander 2018

Commander 2018 introduced some innovative mechanics and exciting commanders that shook up the Commander landscape. Each deck was built around a specific theme, providing players with a cohesive and strategic gameplay experience right out of the box. Wizards of the Coast aimed to create decks that were not only fun to play but also offered a solid foundation for customization and improvement. This release was particularly notable for its focus on unique strategies and commanders that encouraged players to think outside the box.

The themes of the decks ranged from enchantment-based strategies to graveyard recursion, token generation, and top-of-deck manipulation. This variety ensured that there was something for every type of Commander player. The set also included a mix of new cards and reprints, making it an attractive purchase for both new and experienced players. The reprints helped to provide value and utility, while the new cards introduced fresh ideas and mechanics to the format. Let's take a look at each deck individually to understand what made Commander 2018 so special.

Exquisite Invention

"Exquisite Invention" is an artifact-themed deck that revolves around the commander [[Saheeli, the Gifted]]. Saheeli's ability to reduce the cost of artifacts makes her a powerhouse in this deck. The primary strategy involves casting a plethora of artifacts, generating mana, and overwhelming opponents with powerful artifact creatures and spells. This deck shines in its ability to ramp quickly and deploy game-ending threats.

Key cards in this deck include mana rocks like [[Sol Ring]], [[Command Tower]], and [[Arcane Signet]], which help to accelerate your mana production. Cards like [[Myr Battlesphere]] and [[Wurmcoil Engine]] provide significant threats that can quickly take over the game. Additionally, the deck includes several utility artifacts such as [[Contagion Engine]] and [[Unwinding Clock]], which offer unique strategic advantages. Exquisite Invention is perfect for players who enjoy assembling intricate artifact synergies and dominating the board with overwhelming firepower.

Upgrading this deck involves adding more powerful artifacts and efficient mana ramp. Consider including cards like [[Blightsteel Colossus]] for a devastating win condition or [[Grand Architect]] to further reduce the cost of your artifacts. You might also want to add more card draw to ensure you always have a steady stream of artifacts to play. Ultimately, "Exquisite Invention" can be transformed into a highly competitive artifact deck with the right upgrades.

Subjective Reality

"Subjective Reality" is an interesting deck that focuses on the top of your library. The commander [[Aminatou, the Fateshifter]] allows you to manipulate the top card of your library, setting up powerful plays and controlling the flow of the game. This deck emphasizes card advantage, control, and strategic planning.

Aminatou’s unique ability to flicker permanents allows you to reset the loyalty counters on your planeswalkers, reuse enter-the-battlefield effects, and disrupt your opponents' strategies. Key cards in this deck include [[Brainstorm]], [[Sensei's Divining Top]], and [[Scroll Rack]], which help you to control the order of your library. Other notable cards include [[Reality Scramble]] and [[Chaos Warp]], which provide removal options and add an element of unpredictability to your games. "Subjective Reality" is ideal for players who enjoy complex decision-making and outsmarting their opponents.

To upgrade this deck, focus on adding more cards that allow you to manipulate the top of your library and benefit from doing so. Consider including cards like [[Mirri's Guile]] and [[Crystal Ball]] for added control. You might also want to add more powerful planeswalkers to take advantage of Aminatou's flickering ability. With the right upgrades, "Subjective Reality" can become a potent control deck that dominates the game through careful planning and execution.

Nature's Vengeance

"Nature's Vengeance" is a green and white enchantment-themed deck led by the commander [[Estrid, the Masked]]. This deck revolves around creating auras and totems, generating mana, and overwhelming opponents with enchantment-based synergies. Estrid's ability to enchant lands and create totems makes her a valuable asset in this deck.

The primary strategy involves enchanting your lands with auras like [[Utopia Sprawl]] and [[Overgrowth]] to generate additional mana. Cards like [[Enchantress's Presence]] and [[Mesa Enchantress]] provide card draw whenever you play an enchantment, ensuring you always have a steady stream of resources. Other key cards include [[Sigil of the Empty Throne]] and [[Starfield of Nyx]], which turn your enchantments into powerful threats. "Nature's Vengeance" is perfect for players who enjoy building up a resilient board state and overwhelming opponents with enchantment-based synergies.

Upgrading this deck involves adding more powerful enchantments and efficient mana ramp. Consider including cards like [[Sterling Grove]] to protect your enchantments and [[Greater Auramancy]] to make them even harder to remove. You might also want to add more enchantment creatures to further enhance your synergies. With the right upgrades, "Nature's Vengeance" can become a formidable enchantment deck that grinds out opponents with its resilient board state.

Adaptive Enchantment

"Adaptive Enchantment" provides another spin on the theme. This deck utilizes the graveyard and allows the commander, [[Lord Windgrace]], to take advantage of the graveyard. Adaptive enchantment focuses on utilizing the graveyard as a resource. This is a very strong and versatile commander.

The primary strategy for this deck is to discard land cards, then utilize Lord Windgrace's -3 ability to return the lands to the battlefield. By repeating this, we can create many landfall triggers, activating other cards with landfall abilities. To ensure that lands are discarded, cards such as [[Life from the Loam]] and [[Grave Sower]] are present in the deck. This can be upgraded through the additions of cards such as [[Crucible of Worlds]] to prevent having to use an ability to return lands from the graveyard. A similar effect can be reached through the addition of [[Ramunap Excavator]]. This deck is perfect for players who enjoy playing cards from outside the hand and enjoy the long game as resources are slowly built up.

Conclusion

The Commander 2018 decks provided players with a diverse range of strategies and playstyles. Whether you enjoy assembling intricate artifact synergies, manipulating the top of your library, or overwhelming opponents with enchantments, there was a deck for you. Each deck offered a solid foundation for customization and improvement, making them a valuable addition to any Commander player's collection. By understanding the themes, key cards, and upgrade paths of each deck, you can take your Commander game to the next level. Happy gaming, and may your commanders always lead you to victory!