TLDR
- MTG token packs are the “small boring thing” that makes games smoother and decks feel complete.
- Build tokens in three tiers: Universal pack (works for most decks), Archetype pack (tokens you make a lot), Deck-specific pack (for token commanders and nonsense engines).
- For custom basics, decide if you want one consistent land “set” for everything, or a theme pack per deck.
- Print in batches, label them like an adult, and store them where Future You can find them.
- If you want clean edges and consistent color, do the unsexy parts: bleed, scaling, and consistency checks.
This post helps MTG players build reusable MTG token packs and custom basic land sets with a repeatable workflow, so you stop borrowing a dry-erase token from the last person who touched it.
You know the moment.
Your deck “totally works,” then you cast the card and realize you brought zero tokens, zero basics that match, and your “Treasure” is a sideways die that now looks identical to your +1/+1 counters. It’s fine. It’s always “fine.” Until it isn’t.
Let’s fix it with a workflow that scales past one deck and one night.
Why MTG token packs matter (even if you pretend they don’t)
Rules-wise, a token is basically a stand-in marker for a permanent that isn’t represented by a card. Tokens also are not “cards” for rules purposes, even when you use a card-shaped thing to represent them. That’s the official way of saying: “use whatever, but make it clear.” (More on that in References.)
Gameplay-wise, tokens do three jobs:
- State clarity: everyone can see what exists and what it does.
- Speed: less “wait, how many Treasures do you have?”
- Vibe: yes, it matters. Your deck feels better when the accessories don’t look like a desk drawer exploded.
If you print proxies for casual play, printing tokens and basics at the same time is the easiest “why does my deck feel premium?” upgrade you can do.
The token pack framework (Good, Better, Best)
Here’s the workflow that keeps you out of token chaos without turning this into a hobby that needs a second hobby room.
| Approach | Best for | What you give up | What you actually print |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good: Universal Token Pack | Most Commander decks | Not perfectly themed | The common utility tokens + a few common creature bodies |
| Better: Archetype Packs | Multiple decks with overlap | Slight planning upfront | Separate packs for “Treasure deck,” “Go-wide,” “Graveyard,” etc. |
| Best: Deck-Specific Pack | Token commanders, engines, cubes | More time + versioning | Exact tokens your list produces, with spares |
Most people should do Good + one Better pack (usually Treasure/Clue/Food plus your favorite creature token type) and only go full “Best” when the deck truly deserves it.
The Universal Token Pack (start here)
This is your “I want to be prepared but still have a personality” kit.
Include:
- Generic creature bodies you see constantly (think common sizes and keywords)
- Utility tokens that show up across colors and sets (Treasure, Clue, Food, Map, Blood, etc.)
- A couple of blank “write-on” style tokens for the weird stuff you forgot you run
How many? Use rules of thumb, not prophecy:
- 2–4 copies for tokens you make “sometimes”
- 6–10 copies for tokens you make “a lot” (Treasure is the usual culprit)
- 12+ copies only if your deck reliably vomits tokens every turn (and you know it)
If you are guessing wildly, print a modest batch first. Your deck will tell you the truth by turn six.
Archetype Packs (the scalable middle ground)
Once you have more than a couple decks, archetype packs save time.
Common archetype packs:
- Treasure / Clue / Food pack (ramp and value decks love these)
- Go-wide creature pack (soldiers, zombies, saprolings, whatever your meta keeps birthing)
- Copy/clone pack (because someone always says “it’s a copy of that, but with…”)
This is also where you can get a little fancy without committing to a museum exhibit. Pick a consistent art vibe per pack and call it a day.
Deck-Specific Packs (for the decks that deserve it)
If your commander makes one very specific token (or your deck has “create a token that’s a copy of target…” energy), a deck-specific pack is worth it.
This pack should include:
- Every token your deck can create
- A few extra of the most common ones
- Any “tracking pieces” your deck uses constantly (monarch/initiative reminders, role tokens, etc.)
And yes, label it. Future You is not a detective.
The 10-minute token audit (how to build the list without pain)
You don’t need a spreadsheet. You need a quick scan and a sane rule.
Do this:
- Scan your list for “create” and “token” and note each token type.
- Identify the “primary token” (the thing you make the most).
- Identify the “utility tokens” (Treasure/Clue/Food style stuff).
- Decide which workflow you’re using:
- Universal pack if you just want coverage
- Deck pack if tokens are the deck’s identity
Then choose counts:
- Primary token: print enough that you can represent a “normal good game” board state, plus a few.
- Utility token: print enough to represent your most common burst turns.
- Rare token: 2 copies is usually fine.
If your deck can theoretically make 40 tokens but practically makes 8, print for the practical number. You are not required to prepare for Magical Christmas Land.
Token design choices that make games smoother
This is the part where you stop optimizing for “pretty” and start optimizing for “not annoying.”
Prioritize:
- Readable name and type line
- Clear power/toughness (big enough to read across the table)
- One or two key abilities if it matters (flying, deathtouch, lifelink, etc.)
- Consistent style per pack so you can sort fast
Avoid:
- Tiny text
- Low-contrast type
- “Borderless white gradient near the edge” if you enjoy trimming sadness
If you want your tokens to feel like real game pieces, print them at standard card size so they stack, sleeve, and store cleanly.
Custom basics workflow: stop treating your mana base like an afterthought
Custom basics are one of the highest “joy per dollar” upgrades in Magic.
And yes, basics matter even if you’re a “spells are the fun part” person. You still draw lands. You still look at them. A lot.
Rules-wise, the five basic land types are Plains, Island, Swamp, Mountain, Forest. Those names matter because a ton of cards reference them directly. So your custom basics should keep the correct names and types obvious.
Good, Better, Best for basics
| Approach | Best for | What you give up | What you print |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good: One consistent basics set | Most players | Less “theme per deck” flair | One matching cycle you use across decks |
| Better: Theme basics per deck | Commander mains | More planning | A mini-set that matches each deck’s identity |
| Best: Basics bank (cube / heavy play) | Cube builders, playgroups | Storage + sorting | Big batches you can pull from for any deck |
The “one consistent set” approach (recommended for sanity)
Pick one land cycle you like (same artist vibe, same frame vibe, same everything) and use it everywhere.
Pros:
- Fast deck building
- Easy replacements
- Your decks look intentional
Tradeoff:
- Less “this deck has its own aesthetic lore” energy
Theme basics per deck (when you want the vibe)
Match lands to:
- Commander art style
- Plane (Innistrad lands in your spooky deck)
- Color identity mood (yes, this is a real thing)
Keep it consistent inside the deck. A little variety is cool. A random pile of five different land styles is just visual noise.
Basics bank (cube and high-volume play)
If you run a cube, host drafts, or just build decks constantly, build a basics bank.
How:
- Print large batches of each basic type
- Store them sorted and labeled
- Pull what you need per deck, then return them later
This is also the workflow that makes “we’re drafting tonight” feel smooth instead of frantic.
How many basics should you print?
Don’t overthink it, but do plan for reality.
Use these practical guidelines:
- If you build a lot of Commander decks, printing 20–30 of each basic gives you a strong base.
- If you build multiple mono-color decks or a cube environment, you probably want 50–100+ of each.
- If you run colorless decks, consider whether you want Wastes as an extra pile. (Not a basic land type, but still relevant to actual decks.)
If you are the person who never has enough Mountains, congratulations on being every red player ever. Print more Mountains.
The organization part (where most people fail quietly)
You can print gorgeous token packs and custom basics and still lose the war if you store them like loose receipts.
Storage that works
- One small deck box per token pack, labeled
- One larger box for your basics bank, with dividers
- Or binder pages if you like flipping and sorting visually
Labeling that prevents chaos
Put a tiny label on the box:
- Pack name: “Universal Tokens” or “Treasure Pack”
- Version note: “v2” or “Updated Feb 2026”
- Optional: deck name if it’s deck-specific
This takes 30 seconds and saves you from the future scenario where you own three different “token piles” and none of them are correct.
Print details that matter for tokens and basics
If you want them to look clean and feel consistent, you don’t need perfection. You need three boring checks:
- Bleed and scaling so you don’t get white edges when cuts drift slightly.
- Consistency so your basics don’t look like five different printers argued with each other.
- Readable contrast so text and symbols stay crisp.
If you want deeper reads on those exact problems, I parked the best links in the References section at the end. Because we are civilized.
Quick checklist: build your packs without spiraling
- Pick a workflow: Universal, Archetype, or Deck-specific
- Audit your deck for token outputs
- Choose counts using real-game expectations
- Keep text readable and high contrast
- Print in batches, not one-off panic sessions
- Label and store like you want to find it again
FAQs
How many tokens should an MTG token pack include?
A solid universal pack is usually 15–30 cards total, with multiples of the most common token types. Deck-specific packs vary, but most land in the 10–25 range unless the deck is a dedicated token engine.
Do I need official tokens for casual play?
No. Tokens are game markers, and the rules care about clarity, not brand loyalty. Use printed tokens, dry-erase tokens, dice, or anything that makes the board state obvious.
What are the five basic land types in MTG?
Plains, Island, Swamp, Mountain, and Forest.
Should I make one big basics bank or theme basics per deck?
If you build lots of decks (or have a cube), a basics bank is the easiest long-term workflow. If you have a few pet decks and care about aesthetics, theme basics per deck is more fun, just more work.
How do I keep my tokens and basics from looking mismatched?
Use consistent source images, avoid mixing wildly different edits, and keep your brightness/contrast decisions consistent across a pack. It’s usually not a “CMYK problem,” it’s a “your files are all over the place” problem.