The command zone is a special area for cards that have an impact on the game but aren’t treated as permanents. In the Commander format it’s where your commander starts the game. From there you can cast your commander as if you were casting it from your hand, except it’s not from your hand.

How does the command zone work in MTG?

Command Zone This is where your commander resides during the game when they are not in play. At the start of the game, each player puts their commander face up into the command zone. … If your commander would be put into your library, hand, graveyard or exile from anywhere, you may return it to your command zone instead.

Does the command zone count as outside the game?

The command zone is a special zone outside of the game, kind of like being in exile. Other than the card specifically stating on it that it has effects both in the command or on the battlefield, then your commander does not do anything until it is cast.