Sneak Peek Reveals Exciting New Cards for "Outlaws of Thunder Junction" Commander Decks

In anticipation of the release of Magic: The Gathering's Outlaws of Thunder Junction set, four Commander Precons have been teased. Designer Gavin Verhey shared hints revealing intriguing cards, including one that creates Sand Warrior tokens, a two-drop that taps for two mana with a restriction, a card that interacts with Command Tower, and a reference to a blue rare from Odyssey block. The full decklists will be unveiled on Thursday, offering further insight into the exciting additions to the Wild West-themed set.

Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander Decklist Sneak Peek Reveals Exciting New Cards

The upcoming "Outlaws of Thunder Junction" set is set to introduce not only a captivating array of new Main Set cards but also a thrilling quartet of Commander Preconstructed Decks. While the primary Commander for each deck has already been unveiled, the rest of their contents remain shrouded in mystery.

However, MTG designer Gavin Verhey has delighted fans with a tantalizing preview of some of the cards featured in these much-anticipated decks, hinting at intriguing possibilities and potential game-changers.

Sand Warriors Return with a Twist

One hint that has particularly piqued the interest of players suggests the inclusion of a new card in the Desert Bloom Commander deck that creates Sand Warrior tokens. This revelation has set the speculation wheels in motion, as up until now, only two specific cards – Hazezon Tamar and Hazezon, Shaper of Sand – possess this unique ability.

Intriguingly, Gavin Verhey emphasized the artwork for the Desert Bloom backup Commander, Kiri, Talented Sprout. While this adorable baby Cactus is sure to capture hearts, it is unlikely to be the source of Sand Warrior tokens. This leaves room for speculation about the potential nature of this new card.

Could we witness the emergence of a new Hazezon Creature? Or perhaps an Enchantment that generates Sand Warrior tokens as Desert cards enter or leave the battlefield? The design team has a wide array of options at their disposal, but regardless of the form it takes, the prospect of additional Sand Warrior support is music to the ears of many players.

Two-Drop Mana Producer with a Restriction

Another tantalizing hint revealed the existence of a two-mana creature that can tap for two mana, but with a yet-to-be-disclosed restriction. Restrictions on mana producers are not uncommon, as seen in cards like Gwenna. However, two-drop examples such as Beastcaller Savant and Elfhame Druid are relatively rare and typically require synergy with the rest of the deck to maximize their potential.

Given the scarcity of two-drops that can tap for more than one mana, it is reasonable to assume that the restriction on this card will be specific to the Commander deck it represents. Some players have theorized that it could be limited to casting cards that you don't own, which would align well with the theme of Gonti, Canny Acquisitor. However, this card could just as easily be designed to support another one of the Commander decks, offering them a significant mana advantage.

Command Tower Matters

Perhaps the most intriguing hint of all is the existence of a card that interacts specifically with Command Tower. This iconic land has become omnipresent in Commander, providing players with the versatility to fix their mana bases and access multiple colors.

This new card could manifest in several ways. It could directly benefit from having Command Tower in play, akin to the playtest card "Command Power Plant," which could tap for additional mana in its presence. Alternatively, it could serve as a tutor, allowing players to search for Command Tower from their deck, a feature that would greatly enhance its accessibility.

References to Magic's Past

Gavin Verhey also hinted at a card that references a blue rare from the Odyssey block. While this information is broad, it has sparked a lively debate among players, with many speculating about the potential card's mechanics.

One popular theory suggests a colorshifted version of Pedantic Learning in the Desert Bloom deck. This card, originally printed in Odyssey, cares about Lands entering your graveyard from your library. In this deck, such a card would synergize well with the Commander Yuma, Proud Protector, who generates Plant Warrior tokens when Deserts are put into your graveyard from any zone.

Another player proposed that the referenced card could be Spelljack. This card, from the Judgment expansion, allows you to counter a spell and Plot it, enabling you to cast it later. Such a card would fit seamlessly into the Gonti, Canny Acquisitor deck, as it rewards players for casting cards that they don't own.

Unveiling the Mysteries

These hints provide just a glimpse into the myriad of possibilities that await in the Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander Preconstructed Decks. With each hint, the excitement and anticipation among players continue to grow, as they eagerly await the full decklists that will be revealed on Thursday.