Can You Play Magic Online Without Paying?
The short answer is: yes, you can technically play Magic Online (MTGO) without paying, but with significant limitations. While MTGO doesn’t have a monthly subscription fee, accessing the full breadth of what the platform offers requires financial investment. Let’s unpack what that means and explore the nuances of playing MTGO on a budget.
Understanding the MTGO Economy
Unlike its free-to-play counterpart, Magic: The Gathering Arena (MTGA), MTGO operates within a different digital economy. It’s much closer to the physical card game, with a trading and purchasing system built in. Here’s a crucial breakdown:
The Initial Barrier
You can’t just download and jump into MTGO completely free of charge. There is a small initial fee to create a new account. This is a barrier not present in MTGA. Think of it as buying the initial starter kit into the world of MTGO.
The Card Economy
Once inside, unlike MTGA where you can earn cards through gameplay, MTGO requires you to acquire your cards either by trading with other players or by purchasing them through the platform’s marketplace, which are in-game currencies. This means to build competitive decks, or even try out some casual decks, you’ll likely need to invest real money or have a stock of cards for trade from when you used to play the paper version.
The “Free” Play Experience
The “free” portion comes in because you can play a limited number of games on a basic account without any subscription fees. This basic access gives you some opportunity to familiarise yourself with the client and try some very basic decks. However, the restrictions are severe. You won’t be able to participate in most of the formats or events that offer the best rewards and overall more engaging gameplay that makes MTGO attractive to players. You will quickly find you’re held back by the lack of cards.
How to (Almost) Free-to-Play MTGO
While true free-to-play is extremely limited, here are strategies to minimize spending on MTGO:
Focusing on the Trading Market
If you have a collection of physical cards, the most efficient free way into the game would be selling them, using the funds on trading on MTGO, and rebuilding digital versions of the decks. Skilled players who understand the market can acquire cards using value trades. The MTGO economy is very close to the physical card game’s economy. Some players treat MTGO like a digital stock market, buying and selling cards as their values fluctuate. It’s important to understand card values and market trends to make savvy trades and get the most out of your digital collection.
Budget Deck Building
When you do start spending, try to create decks using budget options. Instead of jumping into the most expensive tier-1 decks, focus on more affordable, but still fun, strategies. This might mean building Pauper decks or sticking to less popular formats where card prices tend to be lower.
Utilizing Event Rewards
The most common way to play without paying is to spend money on the initial entry fee, compete in events, and use the prizes to fund future events. If you win some prizes, you might be able to use them to trade for other cards or purchase more entries into events. This is a common strategy among those playing at all levels of the game. It’s not always going to be profitable, but it is a method of making the experience cost less.
15 Frequently Asked Questions About MTGO
Here are some of the most common questions that players have regarding MTGO:
1. What is the difference between MTGO and MTGA?
MTGO is designed to replicate the physical card game experience closely, with a full trading system and access to nearly all MTG cards. MTGA, on the other hand, is a more streamlined and visually appealing digital experience, designed for a broader audience and focusing on newer formats. MTGO has the older formats which are not available in Arena, and MTGA has much improved graphics and user experience.
2. Does MTGO have all the Magic cards?
Yes, almost all cards from core sets after Seventh Edition and expansions after Alliances are available on MTGO, including those on the Reserved List which are not reprinted in paper format.
3. Is MTGO beginner-friendly?
Not really. MTGO’s interface and complex economy can be challenging for new players. MTGA is generally more beginner-friendly with better tutorials and a simpler economic system. The barrier to entry, in terms of both game knowledge and the need to purchase cards, is much higher with MTGO.
4. What are the popular formats on MTGO?
MTGO is home to a wide range of formats, including Vintage, Legacy, Modern, Pioneer, and Pauper, as well as the popular Commander format, which is less supported in MTGA. MTGO is primarily geared towards those who play these formats, and these cards are not available in Arena.
5. How much does it cost to build a competitive deck on MTGO?
The cost of building a competitive deck on MTGO varies greatly, depending on the format. Standard decks might be relatively affordable, while decks in formats like Modern or Legacy can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It is not unusual to pay hundreds for a competitive deck.
6. Is there a monthly fee for MTGO?
No, MTGO does not have any monthly fees, but you must buy a starting kit and cards to build a viable deck.
7. How do I obtain cards on MTGO?
You can obtain cards on MTGO through trading with other players, purchasing them with “tix” (the MTGO currency), and winning them as prizes from events. Tix are purchased with real money, which makes starting the game expensive.
8. Is there a way to try out MTGO before investing?
Yes, the free account allows limited play, but it is extremely restrictive. If you are very unsure if you want to play, it is not the worst option, but if you are wanting to play a variety of games with different decks, it is not a realistic option.
9. What is the “Deck Brewer’s Pass All-Access” on MTGO?
The Deck Brewer’s Pass All-Access is a time-limited pass that gives you access to almost all cards on the platform for a week for a set fee. It is a good option to try out a wide variety of different strategies, but it is not a good option for long-term play.
10. Is MTGO better than MTGA?
It depends on your preferences. MTGO is for players seeking the most authentic MTG experience with access to older formats, while MTGA is better for newer players and those who prefer a free-to-play model and a more polished digital experience.
11. Can I play Draft on MTGO without spending money?
Yes, but you will need to trade cards or buy digital packs with real money, as in MTGA – draft is still going to require an initial payment, even if you’re using rewards to play future events.
12. Does MTGO offer a good place to play “Commander”?
Yes, MTGO is one of the best places to play Commander online. There is more support for it on this client than in MTGA.
13. What are “tix” in MTGO?
“Tix” are the primary currency used in MTGO, and they can be used to purchase cards, entry to events, and for other in-game services. They are purchased with real money.
14. What is MTG Forge?
MTG Forge is a free software that allows you to play MTG against an AI or real players, though it’s not a well-supported mode. It supports a wide range of formats, and it is a good option for practising, or seeing how a certain card works.
15. Is it still worth getting into MTGO in 2024?
If you love older formats or want the most authentic MTG experience, then yes. However, it requires financial investment, and its user interface may feel clunky compared to modern online games. For most, the better option is going to be playing Arena, but it depends on what formats you’re interested in.
Conclusion
While technically, you can dip your toes into Magic Online without spending a dime, the experience is severely limited. To truly enjoy the game, especially in the more competitive and engaging formats, you’ll need to invest in cards and tickets. Whether that investment is worth it depends on your personal preferences and how important playing the older formats are to you. If you’re comfortable in a free to play setting and enjoy the streamlined digital experience, MTGA will likely be a better option for you. However, if you want to play formats that aren’t available on MTGA, MTGO may be a good investment. Ultimately, understanding the costs and limitations will allow you to make an informed decision on which platform to play.