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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: 9.1k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mixed(59%)
good introduction
play for free
digital alternative
great artwork
tutorial
server issues
accessibility
player experience
pay-to-win
rigged matchmaking
predatory economy
game mode limitations
Overall, the sentiment towards Magic: The Gathering Arena is divided. Players appreciate the game's ability to introduce new players to the Magic: The Gathering universe and its accessibility for those unable to play with physical cards. However, the game's monetization strategies and perceived rigged matchmaking are major points of criticism. While many enjoy the core gameplay and artwork, the financial barriers to building competitive decks remain a significant drawback. Players have mixed feelings about the in-depth tutorial, with some finding it useful, yet overly basic or tedious. The absence of key formats like Commander is a common complaint, illustrating that magic players miss some traditional game elements.

Positive Points

  • The game serves as a good introduction to Magic: The Gathering, especially for new players who are learning the rules.
  • Players can enjoy the game without spending money, as there are free options available.
  • It provides a digital alternative to playing Magic, which can be convenient for those unable to gather in person.
  • The art and card visuals are appreciated by many players, adding to the appeal of collecting cards.

    • Negative Points

  • Players frequently criticize the game for its pay-to-win model, with high costs required to remain competitive.
  • Matchmaking often feels manipulated, with many players facing decks that counter theirs perfectly, suggesting possible rigged mechanics.
  • The game lacks certain popular formats like Commander, leading to dissatisfaction among fans of these game modes.
  • The economy is deemed predatory, pushing players towards microtransactions to keep up with deck building demands.

    • Mixed Points

  • The tutorial is praised for teaching the basics well but is also criticized for being overly simplistic or lengthy.
  • While the game is a decent digital representation of MTG, there's criticism of bugs and server issues, impacting playability.
  • Arena makes Magic easily accessible online, but the in-game economy and matchmaking can dampen the experience for serious players.
  • Some players express love for MTG but have concerns about Arena's implementation and monetization practices.

    • Common Themes

  • Players appreciate MTG Arena for learning the game and as a practice tool before investing in physical cards.
  • There's a strong sentiment against the game's monetization practices, seen as exploitative and limiting unless money is spent.
  • Many reviews highlight issues with matchmaking being geared towards consistent engagement rather than fairness.
  • Enjoyment of playing with real people and dealing with physical cards is frequently noted as a superior experience.
    • Updated 2/22/2026, 12:01:37 AM UTC
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