On April 22, 2025, Wizards of the Coast announced a significant update to the Commander format's banned list, unbanning five cards: Gifts Ungiven, Sway of the Stars, Braids, Cabal Minion, Coalition Victory, and Panoptic Mirror. These cards are now part of the "Game Changers" list, a component of the ongoing beta test for the Commander Brackets system.

Format-by-Format Impact

Commander

The unbanning of these five cards introduces new strategic possibilities in Commander. Each card offers unique gameplay dynamics:

• Gifts Ungiven: Allows players to search for cards and create intricate combos.
• Sway of the Stars: Resets the game state, offering a fresh start and potential for comeback strategies.
• Braids, Cabal Minion: Introduces a stax element, forcing opponents to sacrifice permanents.
• Coalition Victory: Provides an alternate win condition, rewarding diverse deck building.
• Panoptic Mirror: Enables repeated casting of spells, opening avenues for powerful synergies.

These changes are expected to diversify deck archetypes and encourage creative deck construction.

Other Formats

As of the latest announcements, there have been no changes to the banned lists of other formats such as Standard, Modern, Pioneer, Legacy, or Vintage. Players in these formats can continue to enjoy the current metagame without adjustments.

Community Reactions

The Magic community has expressed mixed reactions to these changes. Some players are excited about the new possibilities these unbanned cards bring to Commander, anticipating fresh strategies and deck ideas. Others are cautious, concerned about potential power imbalances and the impact on casual playgroups.

Notably, some community members have expressed disappointment that certain powerful cards, such as Dockside Extortionist, Jeweled Lotus, Mana Crypt, and Nadu, Winged Wisdom, remain banned. The Commander Format Panel has indicated a cautious approach, preferring to observe the effects of the current unbannings before considering further changes.

Looking Ahead

Wizards of the Coast has stated that no further changes to the Commander banned list are planned for the remainder of 2025, barring significant community feedback or unforeseen issues. This period will allow players to explore the implications of the recent unbannings and adapt their strategies accordingly.