We Are the Borg is the most mechanically distinct of the four Commander decks launching with Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek, built entirely around the set's new Assimilate keyword.
Assimilate lets you gain control of a creature, add a +1/+1 counter to it, and turn it into a Borg artifact creature, which is a strong, flavorful way to represent the Borg's signature resource-denial theme.
Unlike a typical removal-based Commander deck, this one both takes a threat away from an opponent and adds it directly to your own board, which changes how you should evaluate threats and targets.
Here is how to think about piloting and building around this deck's core mechanic.
Assimilate effects take control of a target creature, add a +1/+1 counter to it, and convert it into a Borg artifact creature, meaning the card you're targeting gets both stronger and changes creature type once it comes under your control.
That combination of a stat boost and a type change matters for any synergies in your deck that specifically care about Borg artifact creatures, since Assimilate effectively feeds your own tribal-style payoffs with cards taken directly from your opponents.
The best Assimilate targets are creatures with strong static abilities or high raw stats, since you inherit both when you take control of the card, effectively turning an opponent's best creature into one of your own biggest threats.
Avoid using Assimilate on creatures with abilities that only benefit their original controller, like abilities tied to that player's specific resources, since those effects may lose most of their value once the creature changes hands.
We Are the Borg's gameplan revolves around steadily accumulating assimilated threats while denying opponents their best resources, eventually overwhelming the table with a board built partly from other players' best creatures.
This resource-denial approach tends to win longer games specifically because it weakens opponents' boards at the same time it strengthens your own, a dual-purpose effect most removal spells don't offer.
Prioritize additional Assimilate-style effects and payoffs that specifically reward having Borg artifact creatures on your board, since stacking multiple Assimilate triggers compounds this deck's resource-denial advantage significantly.
Protection for your assimilated threats also matters, since losing a creature you've already invested a counter and a card into removing from an opponent is a bigger tempo loss than losing a card you drew normally.
If you're facing a We Are the Borg opponent, be cautious about overextending your best creatures onto the board, since a strong permanent can become an even bigger threat once assimilated and boosted with a counter.
Holding removal specifically for Borg artifact creatures, rather than only for creatures still under their original controller, is a useful adjustment when playing against this deck.
Because Assimilate is a brand new mechanic, cards built around it are likely to become sought-after staples for players building Borg or resource-denial themed decks well beyond just this precon.
Picking up extras of strong Assimilate payoffs while the set is fresh on shelves can save on secondary market costs later, once the mechanic's power level becomes clearer through wider play.
Cards central to your Assimilate strategy deserve individual protection given how much tempo and card advantage they represent. A 25-pack of magnetic one-touch holders is a practical way to protect your best Assimilate payoffs and any valuable LCARS or stardates staples you add to the deck.
This matters even more for cards you plan to trade or sell later, since condition affects value the same way it does for any other Magic staple.
A dedicated 100-card plastic deck box keeps your We Are the Borg build organized, including the commander and any Assimilate-focused upgrades you've added over time.
Having the deck fully boxed also makes it easier to bring to a local game store draft night or a casual pod without cards getting separated from the rest of the build.
It gives you control of a creature, adds a +1/+1 counter, and turns it into a Borg artifact creature.
Creatures with strong static abilities or high stats that remain valuable regardless of who controls them.
By accumulating assimilated threats while denying opponents their best resources over time.
Avoid overextending your best creatures and hold removal specifically for assimilated Borg artifact creatures.
Protect your key Assimilate payoffs with a 25-pack of magnetic one-touch holders as you build out your resource-denial strategy.
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