Battle For Baldur's Gate Prerelease Information

Battle For Baldur's Gate Prerelease Information

Go for the eyes, Boo! This June D&D meets Magic once again, picking up where Adventures in the Forgotten Realms left off with Commander Legends: the Battle for Baldur's Gate! And now you can join us for a first look at this new set with a most peculiar prerelease event this June 3-5.

Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate Prerelease Overview

Ready for this? Let's take a peak at the event offerings we've got for Battle for Baldur's Gate. This time around, we're offering 6 draft prerelease events with a capacity of up to 48 players per event! The event listings are as follows:

In-Person Events

Once you've preregistered for a prerelease, you'll want to take some time to brush up on how the draft will be run. Like the original Commander Legends set, this draft uses a special format unlike anything else out there.

The Commander Legends Draft Format

Unlike most regular prerelease events, our 6 prerelease flights for Battle for Baldur's Gate will be draft events. Players will be divided up into pods of 8 for the draft, followed by 2 rounds of multi-player events.

There are several key differences that set the Commander Legends draft format apart from the rest. For starters, boosters are 20 cards! How are you supposed to draft that? Let's go over some of the key points of the format:

  • Players will draft all 3 packs by picking 2 cards at a time instead of 1.
  • Decks must be 60 cards, including a commander (so 59 cards + your commander, or 58 + 2 commanders if they have partner)
  • The colors in your deck must match the color identity of your commander.
  • You can use multiple copies of the same card if you draft them.
  • Games will be 3-4 player, multiplayer Commander format games (40 life, free for all, and commander damage will be tracked)
  • Rounds will be 90 minutes, instead of the usual 50.

In addition, players will get access to an extra year-stamped prerelease promo that they can make use of in deck construction. For more information on how we'll be running the draft, check out this WPN article. And just in case you're unfamiliar with the commander format, here's a brief overview.

Preparing for a Prerelease at Phoenix

Once you've preregistered for your event(s) of choice, there's a small checklist of things to do before prerelease weekend rolls along. If you're planning to play at one of the in-person events, here's what you'll need to be aware of:

  • Review our current guidelines regarding in-store play.
  • Wear a comfortable and well-fitted mask to the event, and be prepared to keep it on while indoors. (Please note: non-alcoholic drinks are permitted inside, but food is not, so please be prepared to eat outside if you need a snack)
  • Optional: Download the Magic Companion App for your phone or tablet, and register an account there. This isn't necessary for the event, but it does help us report our turnout to Wizards.

A note on our mask policy: After careful consideration and consultation with our team, we have decided to still require masks at tables. Our in-store play guidelines have been updated accordingly. We believe this is the best option and will allow us to still have the large pre-pandemic sized events that we know folks have enjoyed with us in the past. 

What to do during Prerelease Weekend

If you're playing in one of our in-person events, just make sure you arrive at the store before the event's start time. We recommend aiming for about 30-45 minutes prior to the event to make sure you can get checked in, find a seat, and get comfortable in the space. Many people like to trade, socialize, or pick up sleeves before the event, and it's easier if you do that ahead of start time rather than during deck construction.

Prerelease Prize Support

All of our prerelease events are run with an eye towards having the best possible time, learning, and trying out the new ideas and strategies that come with each new set. Normally this means a pack per win prize system. But because each round is a multiplayer format, that prize structure will change slightly.

During each event, we'll be keeping track of the order that players are eliminated. Prizes will be awarded based on that order:

  • 1st-2nd Place - 1 Pack
  • 3rd-4th Place - 0 Packs

These prizes will be tracked across both of the rounds of play, so players can win up to 2 additional set boosters as prizes. In addition, if a player wins both of their rounds, they'll be awarded an extra pack!

Battle For Baldur's Gate Preorders + Buy-A-Box Promo Information

During the prerelease for Battle for Baldur's Gate, we'll be offering Set and Draft boxes for sale once again! We'll have a smaller number of them available alongside an allocation of Collectors Booster Boxes, so if you want to spend prerelease weekend drafting with your friends, go preorder a box today!

Buying boxes gets you something else too — an extended border buy-a-box promo card! You'll receive one buy-a-box promo for every purchase of the following items:

  • Draft Booster Display
  • Collector's Booster Display
  • 6 Battle for Baldur's Gate Prerelease Kits
  • Set Booster Display

You'll get 1 promo per qualifying item(s) purchased. So if you preorder 6 prerelease kits and a set booster display, you'll get 2 of these lovely promo cards.

Battle for Baldur's Gate Prerelease FAQ

Here's a few commonly asked questions about prerelease events and in-store play events. If your question isn't on this list, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at the store! We're happy to answer any questions you might have.

Q: How well do I have to know Magic to play at a prerelease?

A: For this event, we suggest you have a working knowledge of Magic, the commander format, and drafting. You don't need to be a pro, but for this specific prerelease event, having a working knowledge of the game and those specific formats will really help you.

Q: What should I bring with me to the event?

A: Here's a short checklist of recommended items:

  • Required: A well fitted mask to wear while in the shop
  • A water bottle and energy bar or other dry snack (you'll need to step outside to eat it, but it's a good idea to have something if you're hungry and a round goes long).
  • Sleeves and a deck box (you also can buy these at the shop if you forget them)
  • A playmat (it helps keep your cards / sleeves clean, and it can be good to have)

Q: Should I preregister for the event?

A:  If you're able to, yes absolutely! Preregistration locks in your spot at the event. The last thing you need or want is to show up on the day of and find out we sold out the night before (which sometimes happens).

Q: If I preregister and can't make the event, what happens?

A: That depends on you! In the event you aren't able to make it to the event, you can either contact us to request a refund, or stop by as you're able to and pick up the prerelease kit we would have handed you if you had gone to the event. If we don't hear from you, we'll assume you want the prerelease kit and will hold it until the next time we see you.

    Q: Any other advice on getting ready for a prerelease?

    A: If you can, try to familiarize yourself with the set ahead of time. Keep an eye out for spoilers! By the time you're reading this, spoiler season will already have started, and you can bet that there's a few really cool looking cards and mechanics out there that need reading up on.