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: 4.4k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mixed(60%)
immersive experience
helpful tutorial
strategic gameplay
multiple modes
rigged shuffler
game economy
limited formats
monetization model
matchmaker issues
server stability
pay-to-win
The general sentiment is that Magic: The Gathering Arena delivers a solid digital adaptation of the beloved card game with visually appealing animations and useful tutorials for newcomers. However, recurring challenges persist with its expensive monetization model and frustrating matchmaking system. These, alongside issues of server stability and a suspected rigged shuffler, paint a mixed picture where the game excels as an introduction for beginners but falls short on fulfilling expectations of long-term competitive play without substantial financial investment.

Positive Points

  • The game brings the Magic the Gathering experience to a digital platform, making it accessible for players who can't attend physical events.
  • Players appreciate the ability to test decks and learn the basics of MTG mechanics without spending money initially.
  • The animations and sound design add an immersive experience to the game, and the tutorial is helpful for new players.
  • MTGA offers multiple game modes and frequent new sets to keep gameplay fresh.
  • Negative Points

  • Many players criticize MTGA for being too expensive and pushing pay-to-win mechanics, with high costs for digital cards.
  • The game is criticized for its matchmaker, which often pairs players against perfectly countering decks, leading to frustrating experiences.
  • Repeated issues with server connectivity and a glitchy client that often crashes, causing frustration among players.
  • Some players note that the in-game economy heavily leans towards monetization, with free-to-play being very grind-intensive.
  • Mixed Points

  • While some players enjoy the strategic gameplay, many feel that the shuffler and random draw system are rigged or heavily manipulated.
  • The game's formats are both praised for offering variety while also criticized for lacking popular modes like multiplayer commander or being too complex.
  • Common Themes

  • The financial aspect and pay-to-win model are persistent concerns, making the game less accessible for free-to-play players.
  • The tutorial is considered good for beginners, helping them get into the game and learn the mechanics, but is seen as inadequate as players progress.
  • Many reviews mention frustration with matchmaking and shuffling as they feel it's unfairly balanced to encourage spending.
  • Updated 11/11/2025, 12:02:15 AM UTC