GamerTake
AI Powered Steam Review Summaries
Magic: The Gathering Arena
Strategy
Free To Play
Multi-player
PvP
Online PvP
Cross-Platform Multiplayer
In-App Purchases

Magic: The Gathering Arena empowers you to discover your strategy, meet the planeswalkers, explore the multiverse, and battle friends around the world. Start playing for free, challenge your friends, unlock cards, and feel the magic of the original fantasy CCG!

Developers: Wizards of the Coast LLC
Publishers: Wizards of the Coast LLC
Release Date: May 23, 2023
Price (USD): Free
Current Players: 8.8k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mixed(60%)
Visual appeal
Teaching tools
Game formats
Convenience
Accessible learning
Monetization
Economy
Tutorial depth
Format restrictions
Pay-to-win
Matchmaking issues
Shuffler problems
Technical issues
Universes Beyond
The general sentiment towards Magic: The Gathering Arena is a mixture of admiration for its visual appeal and teaching tools and criticism for its pay-to-win mechanics and technical issues. While the game offers a convenient way to enjoy Magic online, recurring themes of patched economy and matchmaking concerns limit its overall satisfaction for many players.

Positive Points

  • The game is praised for its graphics and animations, making the experience visually appealing.
  • Magic: The Gathering Arena is an accessible way for new players to learn the game, with solid tutorials and guidance.
  • Players appreciate the ability to play Magic online and enjoy the convenience of not needing physical cards.
  • The game offers a variety of formats, allowing for diverse gameplay experiences.
  • Free-to-play players can still access a lot of content if they are willing to invest time.

    • Negative Points

  • Many players complain about the game being pay-to-win, with an economy that heavily favors those who spend money.
  • The matchmaking system is often criticized for pairing players with opponents who have decks that are direct counters to theirs.
  • The shuffler and drawing mechanics are frequently described as unfair or manipulated, leading to frustration.
  • Technical issues such as crashes, lag, and poor optimization are common complaints.
  • There is significant backlash against Universes Beyond and other crossovers, which some players feel detracts from the game's original fantasy setting.

    • Mixed Points

  • The game's monetization and economy are controversial; while some players find it manageable, others find the costs prohibitive.
  • While the tutorial is effective for new players, seasoned players find it lacking in depth and flexibility.
  • The game's format restrictions and lack of trading are contentious, especially among long-time Magic players.

    • Common Themes

  • Magic: The Gathering Arena is an accessible entry point for new players but can be overly commercialized, pushing pay-to-win mechanics.
  • Graphical and gameplay experience is generally positive, but technical issues like shuffler and matchmaking mar the experience.
  • Players who enjoy traditional paper Magic feel the digital version lacks the same depth and social interaction.
    • Updated 11/20/2025, 12:02:09 AM UTC
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