Magic: The Gathering Arena cover art

Magic: The Gathering Arena

2019Magic Digital StudioAndroid, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Mac

Magic: The Gathering - Arena is a free to play digital, collectible card game by Wizards of the Coast that places the players in the shoes of a powerful magic-user that can cast spells, summon creatures, and attack opposing players. Arena adds entire sets from the physical card game and features several modes/formats to play, including constructed, limited, and draft formats all of which also have their own season long rankings.

What it feels like

The game takes its strategic depth and competitive play seriously without irony, though with lighter fantasy flavor.

Earnest45%

What it's about

The game is rooted in Magic's fantasy multiverse of spellcasting, creatures, and planar worlds, though secondary to the card mechanics.

High Fantasy65%

How it plays

Cards are the primary units and actions of moment-to-moment combat; players cast spells and summon creatures as their core interaction. Assembling and refining a deck of cards is the central progression and strategic loop in Magic Arena. Combat unfolds in discrete alternating turns between players, each casting spells and attacking in sequence.

Card Battler95%
Deckbuilding90%
Turn-Based Combat85%
Resource Management60%
Drafting55%
Leveling & Grind40%
Class System35%

How it's structured

Direct player-versus-player competition is a core mode, with ranked season-long rankings driving engagement. Entire card sets are added in seasons with ranked formats, battle pass structure, and ongoing content updates typical of live service. Unlocking cards and building collections across seasons provides persistent progression alongside season-reset rankings.

Competitive PvP80%
Live Service65%
Meta-Progression50%
Single-Player35%

Shares Card Battler, Deckbuilding, Turn-Based Combat, Competitive PvP.

Both lean into Card Battler, Deckbuilding, Turn-Based Combat, Competitive PvP.

Card Battler95%Deckbuilding90%Turn-Based Combat90%Competitive PvP75%

Shares Card Battler, Deckbuilding, Turn-Based Combat, High Fantasy.

Both lean into Card Battler, Deckbuilding, Turn-Based Combat, High Fantasy.

Card Battler95%Deckbuilding90%Turn-Based Combat85%High Fantasy75%
Magic Duels79% match

Shares Card Battler, Deckbuilding, Turn-Based Combat, Competitive PvP.

Both lean into Card Battler, Deckbuilding, Turn-Based Combat, Competitive PvP.

Card Battler95%Deckbuilding90%Turn-Based Combat90%Competitive PvP70%

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Turn-Based Combat95%Resource Management75%Single-Player80%Competitive PvP35%
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Both lean into Competitive PvP, Resource Management, Single-Player, Meta-Progression.

Competitive PvP70%Resource Management65%Single-Player75%Meta-Progression60%
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