Every year, Wizards of the Coast (WotC) released a series of Challenger Decks, pre-constructed 60 card decks that allow you footing into a particular format. Usually, we see these in the form of Standard Challenger Decks which focus on Standard. WotC is trying something different this time around by adding Pioneer to the equation.
Pioneer was introduced in October 2019, which focused on cards that are legal from Return to Ravnica onwards. Pioneer is an excellent way to re-use those old Standard cards, getting mileage out of those purchases. Coming out on October 15, these Pioneer Challenger Decks are the best way to get into the format. These are brimmed with valuable cards which you can use in other formats such as Modern! If you are looking to buy these, you may want to grab some sleeves and a couple of deck boxes to get started!
If you want to upgrade these decks on release day, we have a guide with some of the best cards to pick up for the Challenger Decks!
MTG Pioneer Challenger Decks 2021 Release Day Deals
- MTG Pioneer Challenger Deck 2021 – Mono Burn (Red)
- MTG Pioneer Challenger Decks 2021 – Orzhov Auras (White-Black)
- MTG Pioneer Challenger Deck 2021 – Lotus Field Combo (Black-Green-Blue)
- MTG Pioneer Challenger Deck 2021 – Azorius Spirits (White-Blue)
MTG Pioneer Challenger Deck 2021 – Mono Burn (Red)
As the name suggests, the Mono-Red Burn Challenger Deck cares about using burn spells to win games. You have a bunch of low mana-curve of creatures to get you there, and is one of the easier decks to play in Pioneer. The Challenger Deck comes with a set of
Soul-Scar Mage
Soul-Scar Mage
Prowess
If a source you control would deal noncombat damage to a creature an opponent controls, put that many -1/-1 counters on that creature instead.
which is valuable due to its presence in Pioneer and Modern.
If you want something a little one-dimensional and want cheap upgrades as you’re in one color, Mono-Red Burn is a great starting point. Red Aggressive decks are always prevalent in Pioneer and Modern as they are able to win tournaments. Often you see these styles of decks win events in an unsolved metagame, so picking this up is a great starting point to racking up those wins!
MTG Pioneer Challenger Decks 2021 – Orzhov Auras (White-Black)
If you prefer your aggression in colors that aren’t in Red, the Orzhov Auras could be for you. Instead of using burn spells, you cast cheap creatures and attach Enchantment Auras onto them. Think of it as Pioneer’s take on Bogles without the annoying Hexproof added in.
Unlike Bogles, Orzhov Auras offers a lot of resiliency as you can recast your creatures thanks to
Lurrus of the Dream-Den
Lurrus of the Dream-Den
Companion — Each permanent card in your starting deck has mana value 2 or less. (If this card is your chosen companion, you may put it into your hand from outside the game for {3} as a sorcery.)
Lifelink
Once during each of your turns, you may cast a permanent spell with mana value 2 or less from your graveyard.
. Along with a set of
Concealed Courtyard
Concealed Courtyard
This land enters tapped unless you control two or fewer other lands.
{T}: Add {W} or {B}.
, and a single
Thoughtseize
Thoughtseize
Target player reveals their hand. You choose a nonland card from it. That player discards that card. You lose 2 life.
, these cards are valuable which make up half of the Challenger Deck’s overall value. As such, these two cards see plenty of play in Modern, which extends your purchases even further! Out of all the Challenger Decks on offer, this one includes the most value since so many of the cards are played in other formats.
MTG Pioneer Challenger Deck 2021 – Lotus Field Combo (Black-Green-Blue)
If you have a history of playing Combo decks, then Lotus Field Combo is one to consider. Out of the Challenger Decks, this one is a little tricky to play as it requires a lot of sequencing to get right. Once mastered, you’ll win a lot with the deck as there are various ways you can win with Lotus Field Combo.
Like with the other Pioneer Challenger Decks, Lotus Field Combo offers value for Pioneer and Commander players. The Challenger Deck comes with a set of
Lotus Field
Lotus Field
Hexproof
This land enters tapped.
When this land enters, sacrifice two lands.
{T}: Add three mana of any one color.
s and a copy of
Omniscience
Omniscience
You may cast spells from your hand without paying their mana costs.
which sees heavy play in Commander. Lotus Field Combo is one of the most interesting decks in Pioneer, so if you are looking to expand your playstyle, this one is a good one to get your hands on!
MTG Pioneer Challenger Deck 2021 – Azorius Spirits (White-Blue)
Rounding out the Pioneer Challenger Decks is Azorius Spirits, a tribal tempo strategy that cares about outvaluing your opponent. As the name suggests, the Challenger Deck is full of Spirits that offer built-in countermagic to extend your board. Once your opponent is out of things to do, you charge in with your army of Spirits!
If you are in the market for powerful Spirits and flyers, then this Challenger Deck is for you. You get 2
Spell Queller
Spell Queller
Flash
Flying
When this creature enters, exile target spell with mana value 4 or less.
When this creature leaves the battlefield, the exiled card's owner may cast that card without paying its mana cost.
, 1
Brazen Borrower
Brazen Borrower
Flash
Flying
This creature can block only creatures with flying.
, and 1
Selfless Spirit
Selfless Spirit
Flying
Sacrifice this creature: Creatures you control gain indestructible until end of turn.
which all see play in Pioneer, Commander, and Modern. In terms of difficulty, this is in between Mono-Red and Lotus Field Combo. A lot of your turns will depend on what your opponent does, and knowing which cards to use at the right time. If you prefer to play your MTG reactive instead of proactive, this is a great choice for you!