Budget Alternatives to Expensive Commander Cards: Save Hundreds Without Losing Power Commander staples like Rhystic Study ($45), Mana Crypt ($180), and Cyclonic Rift ($30) are incredible cards. They're also expensive. Good news: You don't need them. This guide shows you budget alternatives that achieve similar effects for a fraction of the cost. We're talking 90% of the power for 10% of the price. All prices from our nightly TCGplayer cache as of October 2025. The Budget Philosophy What Makes a