Quick Verdict
The Transformers Magic: The Gathering crossover set delivers innovative double-faced mechanics with 29 collectible cards perfect for Commander, featuring iconic characters like Optimus Prime and Megatron.
TOP RECOMMENDATIONS
Optimus Prime, Hero
Value Engine - The leader of the Autobots excels at growing your board
- ✓Bolster mechanics for +1/+1 counters
- ✓5-Color (WUBRG) identity
Megatron, Tyrant
Sacrifice - Powerful sacrifice outlet that turns artifacts into direct damage
- ✓Turns artifacts into direct damage
- ✓Grixis (Blue/Black/Red) colors
Cyclonus, the Saboteur
Combo - The most powerful Transformers commander
- ✓Generates extra turns and card advantage
- ✓Dimir (Blue/Black) colors
Soundwave, Sonic Spy
Tokens - Creates legendary Robot tokens and casts spells for free
- ✓Creates legendary Robot tokens (Ravage and Laserbeak)
- ✓Casts spells for free
The Brothers' War Collector Booster Box
Best for Collecting - Hunt for Transformers cards and Shattered Glass variants
- ✓Contains 12 Collector Booster packs
- ✓Chance to pull Transformers cards
SAFETY TECHNOLOGY Expert Analysis.
Transformers Magic: The Gathering - Complete Guide to the Crossover Set
Autobots, roll out! The Transformers Magic: The Gathering crossover represents a revolutionary moment in Universes Beyond—bringing iconic robots to the Commander battlefield.
When Wizards of the Coast announced that Transformers would join Magic: The Gathering through the Universes Beyond initiative, the reaction was immediate and passionate. The prospect of Optimus Prime battling Megatron on the same battlefield as your Commander deck captured the imagination of players from both communities—those who grew up with the iconic robot franchise and dedicated MTG enthusiasts seeking fresh mechanics and strategies.
Nearly three years after their November 2022 release, the 29 Transformers cards from The Brothers' War set remain some of the most collectible, discussed, and mechanically innovative crossover products Magic has ever produced. Whether you're a Commander enthusiast looking to build around legendary robots, a collector chasing Shattered Glass variants, or a casual player simply curious about how Transformers translate to MTG gameplay, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Set Overview: The Brothers' War Meets the Robots in Disguise
Release Details and Product Information
The Transformers cards arrived as part of The Brothers' War, released on November 18, 2022, under the Universes Beyond banner. Wizards' partnership with Hasbro produced 29 total cards: 15 legendary Transformers characters and 14 alternate-art "Shattered Glass" variants of those same characters.
The official announcement was made on October 6, 2022, creating massive anticipation in both the Magic and Transformers communities.
Release Timeline:
- Prerelease events: November 11-17, 2022
- Magic Online and Arena release: November 15, 2022
- Physical global release: November 18, 2022
- Launch parties: November 18-20, 2022
These cards appeared exclusively in The Brothers' War Set Boosters and Collector Boosters, with no availability in Limited Draft. This distribution method—making them supplemental cards within a larger set rather than a dedicated expansion—meant accessibility for players while maintaining collectibility through the Shattered Glass variants.
Format Legality and Competitive Context
This is perhaps the most important detail for deck builders: Transformers cards are NOT legal in Standard, Pioneer, or Modern formats. They exist exclusively in eternal formats.
This is perhaps the most important detail for deck builders: Transformers cards are NOT legal in Standard, Pioneer, or Modern formats. They exist exclusively in eternal formats:
| Format | Legal? |
|---|---|
| Standard | ❌ No |
| Pioneer | ❌ No |
| Modern | ❌ No |
| Commander (EDH) | ✅ Yes |
| Legacy | ✅ Yes |
| Vintage | ✅ Yes |
| Duel Commander | ✅ Yes |
This restriction is crucial: Transformers cards are designed primarily for Commander and casual play, not competitive Standard or Modern environments. Understanding this shapes how you approach building with them and what support cards you'll prioritize.
Universes Beyond and the Crossover Initiative
The Transformers cards represent Wizards of the Coast's commitment to Universes Beyond—a product line bringing external intellectual properties into Magic's gameplay. Unlike silver-bordered casual cards, Transformers cards are fully legal black-bordered cards with standard tournament legality (where applicable).
The partnership with Hasbro was momentous not just for the mechanical innovation, but for what it signaled about Magic's future: established franchises could coexist with Magic's traditional Multiverse. Since the Transformers release, we've seen subsequent Universes Beyond products like Lord of the Rings, Assassin's Creed, Final Fantasy, and others, establishing a new product category that continues to define Magic in 2025.
The Complete Transformers Roster: 15 Iconic Characters
Every Transformers card in the set is a legendary artifact creature on its front face and a legendary artifact vehicle on its back face. This double-faced design is central to their identity. Here's the complete roster with strategic context:
Autobots
Optimus Prime, Hero // Optimus Prime, Autobot Leader (3UBWR)
- Front Side Stats: 4/8 with bolster 1 at end step
- Back Side Stats: 6/8 with trample; bolsters 2 when attacking
- Unique Ability: If Optimus Prime dies, return it converted
- Deck Strategy: Counter-focused growth, works in 5-color or filtered mana bases; rewards going wide with creatures
Ultra Magnus, Tactician // Ultra Magnus, Armored Carrier (4RGWU)
- Front Side Stats: 7/7 with ward 2; puts artifact creatures from hand onto battlefield tapped
- Back Side Stats: 4/7 with haste; creatures you control gain indestructible when attacking
- Unique Ability: Converts at end of combat if attacking creatures dealt 8 or more damage
- Deck Strategy: Artifact creature focus, board protection, surprise blockers
Jetfire, Ingenious Scientist // Jetfire, Air Guardian (3U)
- Front Side Stats: 3/4 flying; sacrifices +1/+1 counters for mana and converts
- Back Side Stats: 3/3 flying with modular and mana ramp ability
- Unique Ability: Can be cast as the vehicle form directly for 3U
- Deck Strategy: Mana acceleration, counter synergies, often cast as the vehicle first
Ratchet, Field Medic // Ratchet, Rescue Racer (1W)
- Front Side Stats: 2/4 with lifelink; converts when gaining life
- Back Side Stats: 1/4 with lifelink; converts when artifacts enter graveyard
- Unique Ability: Returns artifacts from graveyard when converting
- Deck Strategy: Life gain strategies, artifact recursion, graveyard synergies
Arcee, Sharpshooter // Arcee, Acrobatic Coupe (1RW)
- Front Side Stats: 2/2 with first strike; can ping creatures for +1/+1 counters
- Back Side Stats: Similar stats with flying and counter synergies
- Unique Ability: Gains +1/+1 counters from targeted spells
- Deck Strategy: Burn synergies, Boros tempo, spell-heavy decks
Prowl, Stoic Strategist // Prowl, Pursuit Vehicle (1W)
- Front Side Stats: 3/3; exiles creatures when attacking
- Back Side Stats: 2/3; gains +1/+1 counters when exiled creatures cast
- Unique Ability: Card exile effects create growing creatures
- Deck Strategy: Combat tricks, cascade-style effects, stolen creatures
Goldbug, Humanity's Ally // Goldbug, Scrappy Scout (1WU)
- Front Side Stats: 3/3; protects attacking Human creatures
- Back Side Stats: Similar; Human spells become uncounterable
- Unique Ability: Converts after casting two spells
- Deck Strategy: Human tribal, control-resistant strategies, Azorius or Bant colors
Decepticons
Megatron, Tyrant // Megatron, Destructive Force (3UB)
- Front Side Stats: 7/5; prevents opponents casting during combat
- Back Side Stats: 4/5; sacrifices artifacts for direct damage
- Unique Ability: Generates mana based on life loss opponents suffered
- Deck Strategy: Sacrifice outlet, mono-black strategies, artifact removal
Soundwave, Sonic Spy // Soundwave, Superior Champion (1WUB)
- Front Side Stats: 3/3; casts spells for free based on creature token damage
- Back Side Stats: 2/3; creates token copies with various abilities
- Unique Ability: Creates legendary Robot tokens (Ravage or Laserbeak)
- Deck Strategy: Token synergies, odd-mana-cost synergies, Esper control
Starscream, Power Hungry // Starscream, Seeker Leader (2B)
- Front Side Stats: 4/3; converts when dealt combat damage
- Back Side Stats: 3/2 with menace and haste; makes target opponent monarch
- Unique Ability: Punishes damage, creates monarchy politics
- Deck Strategy: Monarch control, black voltron, damage punishment
Cyclonus, the Saboteur // Cyclonus, Cybertronian Fighter (2UB)
- Front Side Stats: 2/5 flying; connives when dealing damage
- Back Side Stats: 5/5 flying; grants additional beginning phases
- Unique Ability: Extra turn effects in mono-blue/black colors
- Deck Strategy: Card draw synergies, extra combat/turn strategies
Blitzwing, Cruel Tormentor // Blitzwing, Adaptive Assailant (5B)
- Front Side Stats: 6/5; doubles damage already dealt
- Back Side Stats: 3/3; grants random ability (flying or indestructible)
- Unique Ability: Punishes opponents for past damage
- Deck Strategy: Burn synergies, aristocrat decks, surprise finishers
Flamewar, Brash Veteran // Flamewar, Streetwise Operative (1RB)
- Front Side Stats: 2/2; sacrifice outlet with counter generation
- Back Side Stats: 3/2 with menace and deathtouch; exiles top of library
- Unique Ability: Sacrifice outlet creates card advantage
- Deck Strategy: Aristocrat decks, discard synergies, graveyard play
Slicer, Hired Muscle // Slicer, High-Speed Antagonist (2RR)
- Front Side Stats: 3/4 with double strike and haste; can be goaded to opponents
- Back Side Stats: 3/2 first strike and haste
- Unique Ability: Goad effects create political gameplay
- Deck Strategy: Haste strategies, combat-heavy decks, political play
Blaster, Combat DJ // Blaster, Morale Booster (1RG)
- Front Side Stats: 3/3; gives modular 1 to artifact creatures
- Back Side Stats: Similar; moves +1/+1 counters to give haste
- Unique Ability: Gruul artifact lord with counter synergies
- Deck Strategy: Artifact creature focusing, Gruul synergies, modular abuse
Unique Mechanics: How Transformers Work in Magic
The Transformers set introduced revolutionary mechanics that perfectly capture the essence of the franchise. The double-faced design, living metal ability, and convert system create unique gameplay that feels both flavorful and mechanically sound.
More Than Meets the Eye: The Alternate Casting Cost
Every Transformers card can be cast one of two ways:
- Normal cost (creature side) - Higher mana cost, enters as a legendary Robot artifact creature
- More Than Meets the Eye cost (vehicle side) - Lower cost, enters as a legendary artifact Vehicle already "converted"
For example, Optimus Prime, Hero costs 3UBWR as a creature, but you can cast it for 2UBWR to have it enter the battlefield immediately as Optimus Prime, Autobot Leader (the vehicle side).
This mechanic is revolutionary because it gives players meaningful choice. Usually, you'll want to evaluate whether the front creature or back vehicle is more powerful for your current board state. Sometimes you cast the creature and transform it when conditions align; other times you enter the field as the vehicle immediately to avoid the commander tax or because the vehicle abilities are more relevant.
Convert: The Double-Faced Card Transform
The core mechanic connecting both sides is convert—a transform effect unique to these cards. Convert is functionally similar to werewolf transform mechanics but represents a Transformer shifting between robot and vehicle forms.
Key Rules:
- Converting a card doesn't trigger enter-the-battlefield effects again
- It keeps all counters and attached auras/equipment
- Tapped/untapped status doesn't change
- Convert triggers on abilities listed on the cards (different for each Transformer)
For example, Optimus Prime converts back when the creature it boosted deals combat damage to a player. Ratchet converts when artifacts enter your graveyard. Each character has unique convert triggers matching their thematic abilities.
Living Metal: Vehicles That Act as Creatures
On the back side of every Transformers card, the vehicle form has living metal, an ability that makes it a creature during your turn. This is the solution to a classic vehicle problem: most vehicles aren't creatures and require crew to attack.
Living metal eliminates the crew requirement entirely. Your vehicle can attack on the turn it enters, block, and trigger creature-based abilities—but only on your turn. On your opponent's turn, it's a noncreature artifact and can't block or attack.
This creates interesting tactical decisions: if you're low on life, you might not want to pass the turn with a creature attacking, since it stops being a creature on your opponent's turn.
The Absence of Crew
Unlike normal vehicles, Transformers vehicles don't have crew costs. They don't require you to tap creatures to make them attackable. Instead, living metal naturally makes them creatures during your turn. This is both flavorful (robots drive themselves) and mechanically elegant—it removes a clunky activation and streamlines gameplay.
The Shattered Glass Variants: Collecting and Value
What Are Shattered Glass Cards?
The 14 Shattered Glass variants are alternate-art versions of 14 of the 15 Transformers characters (all except Goldbug, for some reason). These cards appear in "less than 1%" of The Brothers' War Collector Boosters, making them incredibly rare.
Shattered Glass depicts an alternate Transformers universe where the faction alignments are reversed—Decepticons are the heroes, Autobots are villains. The artwork reflects this dark alternate reality with darker colors, sinister poses, and inverted faction dynamics.
Collector Economics: Prices Then and Now
When Shattered Glass foils first hit the market in late 2022, prices were astronomical:
- Optimus Prime, Hero Shattered Glass Foil: Initially sold for $2,500, now trading at $518-654
- Ultra Magnus, Tactician Shattered Glass: Peak $12.57 and above, now stabilized
- Megatron, Tyrant Shattered Glass: Similarly cooled from initial highs
- Base Shattered Glass (non-foil) versions: $3-8 range
The price collapse is instructive: initial rarity-driven speculation didn't hold once the collecting frenzy cooled. Compare this to Hidetsugu, Devouring Chaos from Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, which had similar rarity but has declined even more precipitously.
Investment Takeaway: Unless you're a serious Transformers or MTG collector building a set, the Shattered Glass foils are likely past their peak value. The standard versions are far more playable and affordable, hovering around $3-7, making them accessible Commander staples.
Collecting Strategy
If you want to collect the full set:
- Budget approach: Grab standard non-foil versions for $3-7 each = ~$45-105 total
- Mid-range: Add some Shattered Glass non-foils for art variety
- Completionist: Hunt down high-end foils on eBay/TCGPlayer, accepting the premium
Many players simply acquire the characters they want to build decks with rather than collecting all 29 variants.
Deck Building: Strategies and Archetypes
Top Transformers Commanders
If you're looking to build a new Commander (EDH) deck, these are the legendary Transformers that define the format. See our top picks above for detailed recommendations.
Commander Deck Frameworks
Since Transformers cards are legal only in Commander (and Legacy/Vintage), Commander is your primary format. Each Transformers character works best in specific strategies:
Optimus Prime Bolster Deck (5-Color)
Commander: Optimus Prime, Hero
Core Strategy: Use bolster to grow your creatures while spreading +1/+1 counters across your board. Pairs with cards that reward putting counters on creatures.
Key Support Cards:
- Cathar's Crusade - Puts +1/+1 counters on all creatures when creatures enter
- Ozolith, The Shattered Spire - Preserves counters when creatures die
- Mayas, Inquisitive Scholar - Removes counters to distribute more
- Collective Effort - Distributes +1/+1 counters and gains life
- Sunburst creatures - Generate counters in color-heavy manabases
Mana Base: 5-color mana requires significant investment. Use:
- Shock lands and fetch lands (if budget allows)
- Tri-lands like Savage Lands, Mystic Confluence
- Mana rocks like Chromatic Lantern, Three Visits
Power Level: 5-6/10 (casual to mid-power)
Megatron Sacrifice Deck (Grixis)
Commander: Megatron, Tyrant
Core Strategy: Build a sacrifice outlet deck using Megatron's ability to sacrifice artifacts and deal direct damage. The mana-generation side effect creates interesting plays.
Key Support Cards:
- Ashnod's Altar - Free sac outlet, generates mana
- Viscera Seer - Sacrifice engine with surveil
- Artifact tokens - Treasures, Myr, Thopter generators
- Impact Tremors - Multiplies damage from tokens
- Warstorm Surge - Extra damage layer
Budget Consideration: Megatron pairs well with cheap mana rocks and token generators, many of which cost under $1. This is a very budget-friendly commander.
Cyclonus Draw Deck (Blue/Black)
Commander: Cyclonus, the Saboteur
Core Strategy: Leverage Cyclonus's connive ability and extra-turn effect (once converted) to draw cards and generate extra combat phases. More combo-oriented than most other Transformers.
Key Support Cards:
- Thousand-Year Storm - Copies spells when you draw
- Third Path Iconoclast - Token generation on card draw
- Snapcaster Mage - Flash creatures to trigger connive repeatedly
- Mystic Retrieval - Graveyard synergies from discarding
Power Level: 6-7/10 (tuned versions can be quite strong)
Human Tribal with Goldbug (Azorius)
Commander: Goldbug, Humanity's Ally
Core Strategy: Build around Human creatures and make them uncounterable. Goldbug protects your Human attackers.
Key Support Cards:
- Meddling Mage - Legendary Human, names cards
- Thalia, Guardian of Thraben - Legendary Human taxer
- Cathar Commando - Legendary Human with artifact/enchantment removal
- Intrepid Adversary - Pumps humans and makes threats
Power Level: 5/10 (casual, niche tribe)
Artifact Synergy and Vehicle Support
Transformers work best in artifact-focused decks. Key support categories:
Artifact Creatures/Synergies:
- Sram, Senior Edificer - Card draw engine for vehicles
- Shorikai, Genesis Engine - Pilot token generator
- Puresteel Paladin - Equipment + artifacts synergy
- Emry, Lurker of the Loch - Artifact recursion
Vehicle-Specific Support:
- Astor, Bearer of Blades - Reduces crew costs
- Feyridge Keymaster - Vehicle synergies
- Reckless Impulse - Extra vehicles generated
Counter/+1/+1 Synergies:
- Doubling Season - Doubles counter tokens
- Cathars' Crusade - Spreads counters widely
- Ozolith, The Shattered Spire - Preserves counters
Most Transformers decks at budget levels use a mix of old artifact/vehicle staples with the new Transformers cards, rather than building purely around Transformers.
Budget Deck Building ($50-150)
You can build functional Transformers Commander decks on a budget:
Budget Optimus Prime Deck (~$80)
- Optimus Prime, Hero: $4
- Colorless mana rocks (Sol Ring reprint, Darksteel Ingot, etc.): $15
- Creatures with bolster/counter synergies: $20
- Basic lands, cheap dual lands: $30
- Filler spells (removal, draw): $11
Budget Megatron Deck (~$65)
- Megatron: $4
- Artifact sac outlets (Ashnod's Altar, Viscera Seer, etc.): $8
- Token generators (Bitterblossom, Talismans, etc.): $15
- Removal and tutors: $25
- Lands: $13
The key to budget Transformers play is that support cards are mostly cheap. Most artifact and vehicle synergies cost under $2, and many efficient sacrifice outlets are under $1.
Competitive Analysis: Power Level and Tournament Viability
Format Playability Assessment
-
Commander: This is where Transformers thrive. Multiple commanders are viable at casual and mid-power tables. Cyclonus and Megatron can build into more tuned shells with combo finishes. Optimus Prime works as a value-focused deck.
-
Legacy: Functionally legal but rarely seen. Legacy has more efficient artifact and creature options. Transformers don't offer anything Legacy combo decks need.
-
Vintage: Same situation as Legacy—functionally legal but outclassed by cardpool options.
-
Casual/Kitchen Table: Excellent. The flavor and mechanical innovation make them fun and unique in casual pods.
Tournament Presence
Since their 2022 release, Transformers cards have not made a significant impact on Magic tournament results. You won't find them in Standard or Modern PTQs. Even Commander tournaments don't feature them prominently, as established commanders like Thoracle or combo commanders dominate cEDH.
However, this doesn't mean they're weak—it means they're designed for casual play and flavor-focused decks rather than competitive optimization.
Power Level Ranking
Based on competitive potential in Commander:
- S-Tier (Highly Viable): Cyclonus (extra turns), Megatron (flexible sac outlet)
- A-Tier (Solid): Optimus Prime (value engine), Ultra Magnus (lord/protection)
- B-Tier (Functional): Soundwave, Starscream, Flamewar, Blaster
- C-Tier (Niche): Arcee, Goldbug, Ratchet, Prowl
- D-Tier (Casual): Jetfire (mana too slow), Blitzwing (effect too random)
Art, Design, and Collectibility
Artwork and Visual Design
The Transformers cards feature artwork by multiple artists depicting characters in their robot forms on the front and vehicle forms on the back. The artwork quality is generally excellent, with clear differentiation between the two card faces.
Art Treatment Variants:
- Standard frame: Traditional gold-bordered card borders
- Shattered Glass frame: Same border, but with alternate art depicting the dark Transformers universe
- Foil treatments: Standard foil and special foil treatments on collector editions
The double-faced card format presents both front and back on a single card with a vertical fold—you can see both forms when looking at the full card artwork.
Flavor and Thematic Accuracy
For Transformers fans, the cards translate the franchise well:
- Optimus Prime emphasizes leadership and growth of his team (bolster mechanic)
- Megatron focuses on power and sacrifice (destructive force as a sac outlet)
- Soundwave creates loyalty through tokens (his minions)
- Starscream uses trickery and authority (monarch mechanics)
The flavor isn't perfect for hardcore franchise fans (some characters' abilities don't match their show portrayals), but it's generally thoughtful and creative.
Collectibility Factor
What makes Transformers cards collectible:
- Rarity of Shattered Glass variants - Ultra-rare special editions (1:1400 odds)
- Dual fanbase appeal - Both MTG and Transformers collectors want them
- Double-faced novelty - First time Transformers mechanics were mechanically unique
- Limited print run - Only appeared in 2022 Brothers' War boosters
- Iconic characters - Optimus Prime and Megatron are franchise pillars
However, collectibility has cooled significantly since 2022. Unless you're a completionist or serious crossover collector, standard versions are a better value proposition.
Current Market Status (December 2025)
Pricing Trends
Standard (Non-Foil) Versions:
- Most cards: $3-7
- Popular commanders (Optimus, Megatron): $4-6
- Full set (29 cards): ~$150-180
Shattered Glass Variants:
- Non-foil versions: $6-15
- Foil versions: $175-654 (heavily dependent on character popularity)
- Prices have declined 60-80% from 2022 peaks
Collector Booster Box:
- Sealed product value has stabilized
- Most boxes sell for $200-300, well below original $400 and above MSRP
- Pulling a valuable Shattered Glass card is extraordinarily rare
Market Sentiment
The Transformers cards are no longer "hot" in the secondary market, which is actually good for players. Prices have stabilized, speculative buying has ceased, and you can acquire playable standard versions at reasonable costs.
For collectors, the initial ultra-rare premium has evaporated. Shattered Glass foils are affordable relative to their peak prices but still command significant premiums over standard versions.
Where to Buy
Best Sources:
- TCGPlayer - Cheapest prices for standard versions; good foil selection
- Scryfall - Price aggregation across retailers and complete set gallery
- CardKingdom - Reliable pricing, consistent stock
- Local Game Stores - Often have copies at reasonable rates
- eBay - Best source for high-end Shattered Glass foils
Common Questions and Player Pain Points
"Are Transformers cards legal in my format?"
Answer: Legal in Commander, Legacy, Vintage only. Banned in Standard, Modern, Pioneer, and other constructed formats.
"Which Transformers commander should I build?"
Answer: Depends on your playstyle:
- Casual/Value: Optimus Prime (grows creatures)
- Combo-oriented: Cyclonus (extra turns)
- Sacrifice/Aristocrats: Megatron
- Token synergies: Soundwave
- Budget-friendly: Any of them; support cards are cheap
"How much does it cost to build a Transformers deck?"
Answer: $50-150 depending on mana base and support cards. The Transformers themselves are $3-7 each.
"Are Transformers cards good in Commander?"
Answer: Yes, but not overpowered. They're solid mid-power options that create unique gameplay. Some (Cyclonus, Megatron) can scale to higher power levels with tuning.
"What's the difference between regular and Shattered Glass versions?"
Answer: Same mechanics; different artwork. Shattered Glass is much rarer (less than 1% of Collector Boosters) and significantly more expensive ($6-654 vs. $3-7).
"Should I invest in Shattered Glass foils?"
Answer: Probably not. The initial price spike cooled dramatically, and further reprints of Transformers cards could further depress value. Buy standard versions if you want to play; only pursue Shattered Glass if you're a collector willing to pay collector's prices.
"Do Transformers cards work with artifact decks?"
Answer: Excellently. They're artifact creatures/vehicles and benefit from artifact synergies like Puresteel Paladin, Sram, and counter synergies like Ozolith.
"Can I play Transformers in Standard?"
Answer: No. They're legal only in eternal formats despite being printed in The Brothers' War.
Building Your First Transformers Deck: A Practical Example
Let's build a functional Optimus Prime bolster deck under $100:
Main Strategy: Grow creatures with +1/+1 counters while spreading bolster effects.
The Core (5 cards, ~$20):
- Optimus Prime, Hero - $4
- Cathar's Crusade - $3
- Ozolith, The Shattered Spire - $8
- Doubling Season - $5
- Hardened Scales - $2
Mana Acceleration (10 cards, ~$8):
- Sol Ring (reprint) - $2
- Cultivate - $0.50
- Kodama's Reach - $0.50
- Harrow - $0.50
- Rampant Growth - $0.50
- Five basic lands - $0
- Mana rocks under $1 each - $4
Card Draw (6 cards, ~$4):
- One with the Machine - $1
- Welcoming Home - $0.50
- Inspiring Statuary - $0.50
- Three budget draw spells - $2
Creatures (20 cards, ~$12):
- Hero of Bladehold - $2
- Blade Splicer - $1
- Elspeth Tirel token makers - $2
- Various budget creatures with bolster or counter synergies - $7
Removal (8 cards, ~$4):
- Path to Exile - $1.50
- Swords to Plowshares - $1.50
- Generic removal - $1
Lands (36 cards, ~$30):
- Five each of basic colors - $5
- Tap lands and budget duals - $25
Total: ~$78
This deck functions well at casual tables, teaches Transformers mechanics, and can be upgraded with better lands and support cards as your budget grows.
Conclusion: Why Transformers Matter to Modern Magic
The Transformers Magic crossover represents more than just crossover novelty—it demonstrates Wizards of the Coast's willingness to mechanically innovate for external partners while maintaining game balance. The double-faced card format, living metal mechanic, and convert system are elegant solutions that feel both flavorful and functional.
The Transformers Magic crossover represents more than just crossover novelty—it demonstrates Wizards of the Coast's willingness to mechanically innovate for external partners while maintaining game balance. The double-faced card format, living metal mechanic, and convert system are elegant solutions that feel both flavorful and functional.
For players, Transformers offer:
- Unique commanders with interesting mechanical hooks
- Accessible entry points into Commander (affordable cards, interesting mechanics)
- Bridge appeal to the Transformers fanbase discovering Magic
- Visual spectacle that makes gameplay engaging
For collectors, the set represents a moment in time—the first purely mechanical Transformers MTG cards—even if the ultra-rare Shattered Glass variants have cooled from their speculative peaks.
Whether you're building a competitive-casual Cyclonus deck, a casual bolster-focused Optimus Prime shell, or simply collecting the beautiful Shattered Glass artwork, the Transformers set remains a worthwhile addition to your Magic collection in December 2025.
The robots are here. The game has transformed. And three years later, the adventure continues.
Quick Reference Guide
- Legal Formats: Commander, Legacy, Vintage
- Set Details: The Brothers' War (BOT), November 2022, 29 cards
- Top Commanders: Optimus Prime (value), Megatron (sacrifice), Cyclonus (draw)
- Budget Deck Cost: $50-150 depending on mana base
- Card Pricing: Standard $3-7; Shattered Glass non-foil $6-15; Shattered Glass foil $175-654
- Where to Buy: TCGPlayer, CardKingdom, local game stores
- Best For: Commander, casual play, collectors, Transformers fans
External References
Frequently Asked Questions
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