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Magic: The Gathering Arena ruined me.
I wasn’t expecting to fall so hard.
For starters, it’s swimming with terms that aren’t always explained on the cards themselves.
Next, there are at least half a dozen match types that require different deck combinations.
This caused me to bounce off Magic: The Gathering on repeat for a long time.
I’m a total convert, and it’s all MTG Arena’s fault.
However, it differs from the tabletop version in a couple of key ways.
If you ask me, it’s one of the best ways to learn.
Because each color has a distinct playstyle, its a good way of learning what you prefer.
(The gnarly undead monsters black is known for help, naturally.)
Honestly, Arena is the reason I’ve gotten into Magic in such a big way.
But I couldn’t get on with them, or they left me cold.
Being able to break out a thoroughly annoying black deck, though?
That ticked all the boxes, and I was suddenly all in.
This removes guesswork and nips mechanical questions in the bud before they can derail a session.
Are you allowed to use this specific ability, at this moment?
Can you play this card?
You’ll soon find out, for better or worse.
It’s a lot easier to construct something kick-ass if you’ve bought a metric crap-ton of boosters.
Nonetheless, the same could be said of the original tabletop version.
I’m impressed by how much you could get your hands on without ever spending a dime, too.
The free side of the mastery track will spit out the occasional booster, too.
No, I wouldn’t go so far as to say the app is ‘generous.’
But it doesn’t feel outrageous or overpriced compared to paper.
Honestly, Arena is the reason I’ve gotten into Magic in such a big way.
It helped me finally understand what can be an intimidating game.
I’m obsessed with Magic: The Gathering now, and it’s all Arena’s fault.
For something else to play, be sure to check out thebest board gamesand thebest tabletop RPGs.
