Surviving the Wasteland: Is MTG’s Fallout Commander Deck Worth Your Caps in 2025?

In March 2024, Wizards of the Coast released one of their most ambitious Universe Beyond crossovers to date: Magic: The Gathering’s Fallout Commander Decks. Now, over a year later, these post-apocalyptic preconstructed decks continue to captivate both MTG veterans and Fallout enthusiasts alike. But are they worth picking up in 2025’s evolving Commander meta? Let’s scavenge through the wasteland of information to find out.

The Fallout Collection: What’s in the Vault?

The Fallout Commander collection features four distinct preconstructed decks, each capturing a different aspect of the beloved video game franchise:

1. Hail, Caesar (Mardu – Red/White/Black) – Led by Caesar, Legion’s Emperor and Mr. House, President and CEO, this deck focuses on token generation and aggressive strategies.
2. Scrappy Survivors (Naya – Red/Green/White) – Commanded by the goodest boy in the wasteland, Dogmeat, Ever Loyal, this deck specializes in equipment and aura strategies.
3. Science! (Jeskai – Blue/White/Red) – With Dr. Madison Li at the helm, this deck utilizes the Energy mechanic and artifact synergies.
4. Mutant Menace (Sultai – Black/Green/Blue) – Featuring the Wise Mothman as commander, this deck employs radiation mechanics and mill strategies.

Each deck contains 100 cards, including:

• 2 foil legendary creature cards (potential commanders)
• 98 non-foil cards
• 1 foil-etched display commander
• 10 double-sided tokens
• 1 Collector Booster Sample Pack
• Full deck accessories (box, life wheel, strategy insert)

Current Price Point: Caps Required

As of June 2025, the entire bundle of all four decks retails for approximately $153, representing an 11% discount from the original MSRP. Individual decks typically retail between $40-45 each, though prices fluctuate based on demand and availability.

For comparison, buying each deck separately would cost around $170, making the bundle a reasonably good deal for those wanting the complete collection.

The Pros: What Makes These Decks S.P.E.C.I.A.L.

1. Thematic Excellence

The decks excel at capturing the Fallout universe’s unique atmosphere. From the isometric-style full-art basic lands reminiscent of classic Fallout games to iconic characters like Dogmeat and Mr. House, the collection is packed with flavorful references that Fallout fans will appreciate.

2. Unique Mechanics

The introduction of the Radiation mechanic and Junk tokens provides fresh gameplay experiences that fit perfectly with the Fallout theme while offering interesting strategic options not found in standard Magic products.

3. Competitive Viability

The Mutant Menace deck in particular stands out as one of the stronger preconstructed Commander decks of recent years, with powerful mill effects and creature enhancement through the Radiation mechanic.

4. Collectible Value

With 154 unique Universes Beyond cards spread across the four decks, these have maintained their value since release, suggesting good long-term collectible potential.

5. Accessibility

All four decks are playable right out of the box, requiring no additional purchases to enjoy a complete Commander experience.

The Cons: Radiation Warnings

1. Inconsistent Deck Quality

According to reviews, the decks vary significantly in power level. While Mutant Menace is considered strong, the other three decks may require more substantial upgrades to compete at higher-level tables.

2. Mechanical Limitations

Some reviewers have pointed out that certain decks, particularly Science! with its Energy mechanic, feel somewhat clunky and may not flow as smoothly as other preconstructed options.

3. Price Point Concerns

While the current bundle price of $153 represents a discount from original retail, it’s still a significant investment compared to standard Commander precons.

4. Missed Flavor Opportunities

Several reviewers have mentioned confusion about certain design choices, such as Dogmeat not having the Partner or Companion mechanic despite being a companion character in the games.

5. Upgradability Challenges

Some of the unique Fallout-specific mechanics may limit straightforward upgrade paths compared to standard Commander products.

Community Reception: What’s Being Said on Reddit and Beyond

The Magic and Fallout communities have had over a year to evaluate these decks, and opinions have coalesced around several key points:

On Reddit:

• Multiple threads mention the Fallout Commander decks as having been among “the fastest-selling Commander decks of all time” when they were first released, though they have since been surpassed by the Final Fantasy collection.
• Collectors have noted that the decks have maintained their value reasonably well, making them a decent investment for those who can afford them.
• The Mutant Menace deck receives consistent praise for its power level and cohesive strategy, while Science! tends to be considered the weakest of the four.
• Fallout fans particularly appreciate the attention to detail in representing characters, locations, and themes from the games, though some have expressed disappointment about specific character implementations.

From Review Sites:

• Goonhammer’s detailed reviews praise the thematic elements but question some mechanical choices, particularly highlighting missed opportunities with character abilities not matching their game counterparts.
• Several reviewers note that Dogmeat, Ever Loyal has become a popular commander choice beyond just the preconstructed deck, finding homes in various Naya equipment/aura builds.

Is It Worth Your Caps in 2025?

After weighing the evidence, here’s my verdict on who should consider investing in these decks today:

Worth It For:

1. Fallout Enthusiasts – If you love the Fallout franchise, these decks offer an unparalleled fusion of your favorite post-apocalyptic world with Magic.
2. Collectors – With limited print runs and strong thematic elements, these maintain good collectible value.
3. Casual Commander Players – All four decks provide enjoyable, thematic gameplay experiences right out of the box.
4. Mutant Menace Seekers – If you’re only getting one deck, Mutant Menace offers the strongest competitive potential.

Consider Alternatives If:

1. Budget-Conscious Players – At ~$40 per deck or $153 for the bundle, there are more economical Commander options.
2. Competitive Players – While Mutant Menace is solid, players seeking highly optimized decks will need to invest in significant upgrades.
3. Those Seeking Modern Mechanics – If you’re looking for the latest MTG innovations, the 2025 Commander decks may offer more cutting-edge design.

Final Thoughts: War Never Changes, But Your Commander Deck Can

The Fallout Commander collection remains a successful marriage of two beloved franchises, offering genuine value for fans of either universe. While not without flaws, these decks deliver on their promise of bringing the wasteland to your tabletop with style and flair.

Whether you’re a Brotherhood of Steel loyalist, an Institute scientist, or just someone looking to explore new Commander strategies, these decks offer something special, provided you can spare the caps.

Purchase these Fallout Magic the Gathering Commander Decks on eBay.

What’s your experience with the Fallout Commander decks? Have you modified them with any standout upgrades? Share your wasteland wisdom in the comments below!