Ready to dive into the competitive world of Pioneer in Magic: The Gathering? The Pioneer Challenger Decks 2022 are here to provide you with the perfect entry point. Launched on November 4, 2022, these ready-to-play decks are meticulously crafted to be your first step into the thrilling Pioneer format. Each of the four unique decks contains everything you need to start battling and embark on your competitive journey.
What are Pioneer Challenger Decks?
For players eager to jump into competitive Magic: The Gathering, Challenger Decks are an ideal starting point. These pre-constructed decks are designed to be playable right out of the box in their respective formats. The Pioneer Challenger Decks 2022 are specifically tailored for the Pioneer format, offering a fantastic way to experience diverse strategies and competitive gameplay without the need to build a deck from scratch.
Each Pioneer Challenger Deck 2022 comes packed with:
- A complete, tournament-legal 60-card Pioneer deck.
- A 15-card sideboard for strategic adaptability between games.
- 5 double-sided tokens and 6 double-faced helper cards to enhance gameplay.
- A sturdy deck box that holds up to 75 sleeved Magic cards, perfect for storage and transport.
With four distinct Magic The Gathering Pioneer Decks to choose from, players worldwide can find a playstyle that resonates with them. These decks are available in English, German, French, and Japanese, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience. Let’s explore each of the Pioneer Challenger Decks 2022 in detail.
Pioneer Challenger Decks 2022: Meet the Decks
The Pioneer Challenger Decks 2022 offer a diverse range of strategies, each representing a popular and competitive archetype within the Pioneer format.
Izzet Phoenix (Blue-Red)
Izzet Phoenix Pioneer Challenger Deck Box
Alt text: Izzet Phoenix Pioneer Challenger Deck 2022 box art featuring Arclight Phoenix rising from flames, representing the blue-red spellslinger strategy.
The Izzet Phoenix deck is all about speed and spellcasting prowess. This blue-red deck focuses on controlling the early game with efficient spells, setting the stage for explosive turns where you cast a flurry of instants and sorceries. The payoff? Summoning fearsome creatures like Arclight Phoenix from your graveyard and unleashing the powerful Crackling Drake. This deck is perfect for players who enjoy a fast-paced, synergistic game plan that rewards smart spell sequencing and resource management.
Izzet Phoenix Decklist:
##### Creature (8)
2 [Arclight Phoenix](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BArclight%5D+%5BPhoenix%5D)
2 [Thing in the Ice](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BThing%5D+%5Bin%5D+%5Bthe%5D+%5BIce%5D)
4 [Crackling Drake](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BCrackling%5D+%5BDrake%5D)
##### Sorcery (13)
2 [Expressive Iteration](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BExpressive%5D+%5BIteration%5D)
4 [Chart a Course](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BChart%5D+%5Ba%5D+%5BCourse%5D)
4 [Treasure Cruise](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BTreasure%5D+%5BCruise%5D)
3 [Pieces of the Puzzle](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BPieces%5D+%5Bof%5D+%5Bthe%5D+%5BPuzzle%5D)
##### Instant (18)
3 [Izzet Charm](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BIzzet%5D+%5BCharm%5D)
3 [Lightning Axe](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BLightning%5D+%5BAxe%5D)
2 [Fiery Impulse](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BFiery%5D+%5BImpulse%5D)
2 [Flame-Blessed Bolt](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BFlame-Blessed%5D+%5BBolt%5D)
4 [Consider](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BConsider%5D)
4 [Opt](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BOpt%5D)
##### Land (21)
2 [Sulfur Falls](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BSulfur%5D+%5BFalls%5D)
4 [Temple of Epiphany](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BTemple%5D+%5Bof%5D+%5BEpiphany%5D)
4 [Shivan Reef](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BShivan%5D+%5BReef%5D)
1 [Steam Vents](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BSteam%5D+%5BVents%5D)
6 [Island](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BIsland%5D)
4 [Mountain](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BMountain%5D)
60 Cards
##### Sideboard (15)
2 [Sweltering Suns](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BSweltering%5D+%5BSuns%5D)
3 [Abrade](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BAbrade%5D)
2 [Lava Coil](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BLava%5D+%5BCoil%5D)
4 [Mystical Dispute](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BMystical%5D+%5BDispute%5D)
1 [Invasive Surgery](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BInvasive%5D+%5BSurgery%5D)
3 [Narset, Parter of Veils](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BNarset,%5D+%5BParter%5D+%5Bof%5D+%5BVeils%5D)Dimir Control (Blue-Black)
Dimir Control Pioneer Challenger Deck Box
Alt text: Dimir Control Pioneer Challenger Deck 2022 box art featuring a shadowy figure manipulating water, symbolizing the blue-black control and disruption strategy.
For players who prefer a more strategic and reactive approach, the Dimir Control deck is an excellent choice. This blue-black deck excels at disrupting your opponent’s plans, answering threats with precise removal and counterspells. Cards like Fatal Push, Drown in the Loch, and Sinister Sabotage ensure you stay in control, while powerful finishers like Torrential Gearhulk and Shark Typhoon close out the game. If you enjoy outmaneuvering your opponents and winning through calculated plays, Dimir Control is for you.
Dimir Control Decklist:
##### Planeswalker (2)
2 [Narset, Parter of Veils](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BNarset,%5D+%5BParter%5D+%5Bof%5D+%5BVeils%5D)
##### Creature (4)
2 [Torrential Gearhulk](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BTorrential%5D+%5BGearhulk%5D)
2 [Murderous Rider](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BMurderous%5D+%5BRider%5D)
##### Sorcery (2)
2 [Extinction Event](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BExtinction%5D+%5BEvent%5D)
##### Instant (25)
3 [Dig Through Time](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BDig%5D+%5BThrough%5D+%5BTime%5D)
2 [Drown in the Loch](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BDrown%5D+%5Bin%5D+%5Bthe%5D+%5BLoch%5D)
4 [Censor](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BCensor%5D)
3 [Sinister Sabotage](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BSinister%5D+%5BSabotage%5D)
4 [Fatal Push](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BFatal%5D+%5BPush%5D)
1 [Mystical Dispute](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BMystical%5D+%5BDispute%5D)
2 [Heartless Act](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BHeartless%5D+%5BAct%5D)
2 [Negate](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BNegate%5D)
4 [Consider](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BConsider%5D)
##### Enchantment (1)
1 [Shark Typhoon](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BShark%5D+%5BTyphoon%5D)
##### Land (26)
4 [Temple of Deceit](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BTemple%5D+%5Bof%5D+%5BDeceit%5D)
2 [Drowned Catacomb](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BDrowned%5D+%5BCatacomb%5D)
1 [Watery Grave](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BWatery%5D+%5BGrave%5D)
4 [Field of Ruin](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BField%5D+%5Bof%5D+%5BRuin%5D)
7 [Island](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BIsland%5D)
8 [Swamp](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BSwamp%5D)
60 Cards
##### Sideboard (15)
2 [Mystical Dispute](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BMystical%5D+%5BDispute%5D)
2 [Languish](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BLanguish%5D)
2 [Test of Talents](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BTest%5D+%5Bof%5D+%5BTalents%5D)
2 [Cry of the Carnarium](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BCry%5D+%5Bof%5D+%5Bthe%5D+%5BCarnarium%5D)
2 [Go Blank](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BGo%5D+%5BBlank%5D)
2 [Cling to Dust](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BCling%5D+%5Bto%5D+%5BDust%5D)
3 [Duress](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BDuress%5D)Gruul Stompy (Red-Green)
Gruul Stompy Pioneer Challenger Deck Box
Alt text: Gruul Stompy Pioneer Challenger Deck 2022 box art depicting a powerful beast amidst a forest, representing the red-green aggressive and creature-heavy strategy.
If you prefer overwhelming force and aggressive tactics, Gruul Stompy is your deck. This red-green deck is built to apply early pressure with mana creatures like Llanowar Elves and Elvish Mystic, accelerating into powerful threats ahead of schedule. Crush your opponents with formidable creatures like Glorybringer and Questing Beast. Gruul Stompy is perfect for players who love to attack relentlessly and close out games with raw power and speed.
Gruul Stompy Decklist:
##### Planeswalker (2)
2 [Chandra, Torch of Defiance](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BChandra,%5D+%5BTorch%5D+%5Bof%5D+%5BDefiance%5D)
##### Creature (18)
2 [Questing Beast](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BQuesting%5D+%5BBeast%5D)
4 [Glorybringer](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BGlorybringer%5D)
4 [Scavenging Ooze](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BScavenging%5D+%5BOoze%5D)
4 [Llanowar Elves](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BLlanowar%5D+%5BElves%5D)
4 [Elvish Mystic](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BElvish%5D+%5BMystic%5D)
##### Sorcery (8)
4 [Lovestruck Beast](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BLovestruck%5D+%5BBeast%5D)
4 [Mizzium Mortars](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BMizzium%5D+%5BMortars%5D)
##### Instant (7)
4 [Bonecrusher Giant](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BBonecrusher%5D+%5BGiant%5D)
3 [Abrade](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BAbrade%5D)
##### Land (25)
4 [Karplusan Forest](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BKarplusan%5D+%5BForest%5D)
1 [Stomping Ground](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BStomping%5D+%5BGround%5D)
4 [Rockfall Vale](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BRockfall%5D+%5BVale%5D)
7 [Mountain](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BMountain%5D)
9 [Forest](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BForest%5D)
60 Cards
##### Sideboard (15)
1 [Abrade](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BAbrade%5D)
4 [Cindervines](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BCindervines%5D)
3 [Shifting Ceratops](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BShifting%5D+%5BCeratops%5D)
3 [Rending Volley](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BRending%5D+%5BVolley%5D)
4 [Flame-Blessed Bolt](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BFlame-Blessed%5D+%5BBolt%5D)Orzhov Humans (White-Black)
Orzhov Humans Pioneer Challenger Deck Box
Alt text: Orzhov Humans Pioneer Challenger Deck 2022 box art featuring a group of determined human soldiers, representing the white-black creature swarm and anthem strategy.
If you enjoy commanding armies and overwhelming opponents with numbers, the Orzhov Humans deck is for you. This white-black deck focuses on creating a wide board of Human creatures and boosting their power with anthem effects like Rally the Ranks. Cards like Thalia’s Lieutenant and Luminarch Aspirant further enhance your human synergy, leading to a powerful and synergistic creature-based strategy. This deck is perfect for players who like to swarm the board and achieve victory through coordinated attacks.
Orzhov Humans Decklist:
##### Creature (30)
2 [Giant Killer](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BGiant%5D+%5BKiller%5D)
4 [Luminarch Aspirant](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BLuminarch%5D+%5BAspirant%5D)
4 [Thalia, Guardian of Thraben](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BThalia,%5D+%5BGuardian%5D+%5Bof%5D+%5BThraben%5D)
4 [Thalia's Lieutenant](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BThalia%5D+%5BLieutenant%5D)
4 [Bloodsoaked Champion](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BBloodsoaked%5D+%5BChampion%5D)
4 [Kitesail Freebooter](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BKitesail%5D+%5BFreebooter%5D)
4 [Dauntless Bodyguard](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BDauntless%5D+%5BBodyguard%5D)
4 [Thraben Inspector](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BThraben%5D+%5BInspector%5D)
##### Sorcery (2)
2 [Bloodchief's Thirst](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BBloodchief%5D+%5BThirst%5D)
##### Instant (2)
2 [Dire Tactics](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BDire%5D+%5BTactics%5D)
##### Enchantment (4)
4 [Rally the Ranks](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BRally%5D+%5Bthe%5D+%5BRanks%5D)
##### Land (22)
4 [Caves of Koilos](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BCaves%5D+%5Bof%5D+%5BKoilos%5D)
4 [Concealed Courtyard](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BConcealed%5D+%5BCourtyard%5D)
1 [Godless Shrine](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BGodless%5D+%5BShrine%5D)
2 [Mutavault](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BMutavault%5D)
4 [Unclaimed Territory](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BUnclaimed%5D+%5BTerritory%5D)
4 [Secluded Courtyard](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BSecluded%5D+%5BCourtyard%5D)
3 [Plains](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BPlains%5D)
60 Cards
##### Sideboard (15)
1 [Giant Killer](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BGiant%5D+%5BKiller%5D)
2 [Containment Priest](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BContainment%5D+%5BPriest%5D)
2 [Sungold Sentinel](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BSungold%5D+%5BSentinel%5D)
3 [Portable Hole](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BPortable%5D+%5BHole%5D)
4 [Sunset Revelry](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BSunset%5D+%5BRevelry%5D)
3 [Duress](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5BDuress%5D)What’s Inside Each Pioneer Challenger Deck?
Beyond the powerful strategies, each magic the gathering pioneer deck is designed to be a complete package for players. Inside each box, you’ll find:
- A 60-card main deck: Ready for Pioneer format battles right away.
- A 15-card sideboard: Providing strategic options to adapt to different matchups in games two and three.
- 5 Double-sided tokens: Representing various in-game tokens needed for the deck’s strategy. For example, Izzet Phoenix includes Treasure and Clue tokens, while Dimir Control features Shark tokens.
- 6 Double-faced helper cards: Useful aids for tracking game states or providing quick rules reminders.
- A Deck box: A convenient and stylish way to store and protect your Pioneer Challenger Deck.
Legality and Availability
The Pioneer Challenger Decks 2022 are legal in the Pioneer format of Magic: The Gathering. These decks are designed to be tournament-ready as is, allowing you to take them to your local game store or online events and start playing competitive Pioneer immediately.
These decks were released on November 4, 2022, and are available worldwide in English, German, French, and Japanese. You can find them at your local game store, online retailers like Amazon, and wherever Magic: The Gathering products are sold.
Note regarding Izzet Phoenix and Expressive Iteration: The Izzet Phoenix Pioneer Challenger Deck 2022 includes two copies of Expressive Iteration. While a powerful card, it is currently banned in the Pioneer format. However, the deck is still legal for tabletop play in Pioneer as long as it remains unchanged from its pre-constructed state. For Magic Online play, the two copies of Expressive Iteration are replaced with one copy of Pieces of the Puzzle and one copy of Fiery Impulse to comply with the online format’s ban list.
Get Started in Pioneer Today!
The Pioneer Challenger Decks 2022 offer an incredible opportunity for players to jump into the exciting and diverse Pioneer format. Whether you prefer the aggressive spellslinging of Izzet Phoenix, the controlling mastery of Dimir Control, the brute force of Gruul Stompy, or the creature swarm of Orzhov Humans, there’s a deck here for you. Pick up your favorite magic the gathering pioneer deck and start your journey in Pioneer today!
Pioneer Challenger Decks 2022 are available now at your local game store and online. Don’t miss out on this fantastic entry point to competitive Magic: The Gathering!
