Commander precons are supposed to be the easy button. Open box, shuffle, play.
Then you discover the exact deck you want is out of print, overpriced, or you just want to test it before you commit. That’s where Commander precon proxies make life simpler.
On this page, you’ve got two clean options:
- Print a Commander precon on demand (the list stays the list)
- Fully edit and customize a precon (upgrade it, tune it, or rebuild it into “your” version)
And yes, you can do this without turning it into a 3-hour spreadsheet project. I say this as someone who has definitely turned it into a 3-hour spreadsheet project.
What you’re actually getting with a Commander precon
A Commander preconstructed deck is a ready-to-play 100-card deck built around a commander and a theme. Precons are great when you want:
- a functional deck that plays “real Commander” out of the gate
- a baseline list you can upgrade over time
- a loaner deck for friends
- a theme deck that doesn’t require you to hunt down 97 singles
The downside is predictable: precons can be hard to find later, and even when you can find them, buying one just to learn “I don’t like how this plays” feels bad.
Printing a precon as a proxy deck solves that. Customizing it solves it even harder.
Two ways to print a Commander precon with LetsProxy
Option A: Print a precon on demand (zero edits)
This is for when you want the precon experience exactly as intended, just without the scavenger hunt.
Best for:
- learning a deck’s play pattern before buying anything
- printing multiple decks for a group night
- gifting a “ready to sleeve” Commander deck to a newer player
- keeping your real deck safe while you play the proxy copy
You provide the decklist, we print it as-is.
Option B: Customize the precon (make it yours)
This is where you start with the precon as the “base model” and change what you want.
Best for:
- fixing the classic precon issues (mana base, ramp density, interaction)
- tuning power level for your pod
- swapping commanders, themes, or wincons
- custom art, custom frames, custom commanders, custom tokens
- turning “this deck is fine” into “this deck is me”
You provide the decklist, then we help you edit it, upgrade it, and print the final version.
Print vs customize: the fast decision framework
If you want the simplest rule of thumb:
- Print it as-is if you’re learning, gifting, or you want the “stock” experience.
- Customize it if you already know what’s wrong with it… or you know your pod will immediately punish the stock mana base.
Here’s the slightly more specific version:
Print the precon as-is if:
- you’ve never played the archetype and want reps first
- you want a faithful copy of the original deck
- you want the lowest-effort path to “we can play tonight”
Customize the precon if:
- you already have staple preferences (lands, removal, ramp, draw)
- you want to match a specific pod power level
- you want the deck to feel consistent in sleeves and in gameplay
- you want visual cohesion (alt art that still reads cleanly)
Good, Better, Best: three levels of precon customization
| Approach | What it means | Best for | What you give up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good: Print the precon | Zero edits, just print the list | Testing, gifts, new players, fast group nights | You keep the precon’s weak spots |
| Better: Light upgrade | Swap ~5–20 cards (ramp, removal, lands, draw) | Making it play smoother without changing identity | Still not fully tuned, still some compromises |
| Best: Full rebuild | Keep the theme, rebuild the list for your goals | “This is my main deck now” | More decisions, more version choices, more time |
What “customizing a precon” usually looks like (in real life)
Most precon edits fall into a few buckets. None of them require you to reinvent Commander.
1) Fix the mana (because precons are polite, not optimized)
Common upgrades:
- lands that enter untapped more often
- more consistent color fixing
- ramp that matches your curve
Print-nerd translation: if your mana base is inconsistent, your deck feels like a printer driver that randomly selects “Fit to page.” It technically works, but you are going to say words out loud.
2) Add more interaction (so you’re not just watching people pop off)
Most precons are light on:
- efficient removal
- stack interaction
- ways to stop the one scary permanent
You don’t need to turn every deck into “Oops, All Counterspells.” You just want to participate.
3) Tune the deck to your pod’s vibe
This is the part people skip and then wonder why the table feels weird.
- If your friends are playing battlecruiser, don’t roll up with fast mana plus tutors plus infinite loops.
- If your friends are on tuned lists, don’t show up with a stock precon and call it “power level 7.”
4) Make it readable and consistent (especially for webcam Commander)
Custom art is awesome. Custom art with tiny name text is a gameplay tax.
If you play on webcam a lot, prioritize:
- high-contrast name line
- legible mana cost
- clean rules text
- finishes that do not turn your board into a glare festival
How to get your precon printed (without drama)
You have two clean paths:
- If you already have a decklist, use the standard decklist workflow and print it.
- If you want heavy edits or custom visuals, treat it like a customization project and build the final list first.
Start here: How to Order MTG Proxy Cards
And if you’re going full “make it mine,” this is the tool lane: Design Proxy Cards
A quick pre-print checklist (saves you from annoying mistakes)
Before you print a Commander precon proxy deck, confirm:
- 100 cards means 100 cards. Not 99 plus a dream.
- Commander is included (and correct). Yes, I have proxied the wrong commander before. It was a strong educational experience.
- Tokens you actually need are listed somewhere.
- Double-faced cards are handled the way you want (front-only vs both faces).