Can I Play MTG Arena Without Epic Games?
Yes, you can absolutely play MTG Arena without the Epic Games launcher, but with a crucial caveat. While the initial download might involve the Epic Games Store for some platforms, you don’t need to launch the game through the Epic client every time you play. Once installed, you can directly launch MTG Arena from its dedicated application icon, which can be typically found in your operating system’s equivalent of the “Programs” or Applications menu. Let’s unpack this a bit further.
Understanding the Installation Process
Why Epic Games is Initially Involved
When you download MTG Arena for PC or Mac, one of the available sources is the Epic Games Store. This is a common distribution method for many games. You might be prompted to use the Epic Games Launcher during the initial installation. However, once the game files are on your system, MTG Arena operates as a standalone application. Think of the Epic Games launcher more like a delivery service than a permanent requirement.
Launching Directly
After the installation is complete, you do not need to open the Epic Games Launcher each time you want to play. Instead, locate the MTG Arena icon (often a stylized Planeswalker symbol) in your start menu, desktop, or applications folder (or the equivalent on your operating system). Clicking this icon will directly launch the game, bypassing the need for the Epic Games client to be running or even installed.
Avoiding Confusion with Epic Games Launcher
A common point of confusion is assuming the Epic Games Launcher is necessary for every launch. This is not the case for MTG Arena after installation. The game installs itself in its own directory, separate from Epic’s usual game installation location. While Epic Games may provide update notifications for MTG Arena, it doesn’t need to be launched through Epic.
Alternative Download Sources
Remember that the Epic Games Store isn’t the only way to get MTG Arena. You can also download the game:
- Directly from the official MTG Arena website.
- Through Steam.
- On your mobile device via the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
These options provide alternatives if you’d rather not use Epic Games during any part of the installation process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MTG Arena and Epic Games
Here are 15 FAQs to further clear up any confusion about playing MTG Arena without the Epic Games launcher:
1. Is MTG Arena exclusively on the Epic Games Store?
No. While MTG Arena is available on the Epic Games Store, it’s not exclusive to it. You can also download the game directly from Wizards of the Coast’s official website, through Steam, and on mobile devices via the Google Play Store and App Store.
2. Do I need an Epic Games account to play MTG Arena?
While the initial download may require an Epic account if you choose to download the game from the Epic Games Store, you don’t need it to log in to the game. You will need a Wizards of the Coast (WotC) account to play the game, which is different from an Epic account.
3. Can I uninstall the Epic Games Launcher after installing MTG Arena?
Yes, you can uninstall the Epic Games Launcher after installing MTG Arena if you used it for the initial download. The game will continue to function normally by launching directly from its application icon, unless it is a Steam version. The Steam version does require Steam to be open to play.
4. Where can I find the MTG Arena application icon after installation?
The location of the MTG Arena application icon depends on your operating system. On Windows, you’ll typically find it in the Start Menu or on your desktop. On macOS, it will be located in your Applications folder.
5. Does MTG Arena update automatically?
Yes, MTG Arena does update automatically when a new patch is released. Depending on your installation source (official website, Steam, Epic) the update process will differ. Steam handles updates automatically, and Epic Games updates games through the Epic client, which you do not need to launch. MTG Arena itself will prompt you when an update is available and download it directly, regardless of the initial install method.
6. Is MTG Arena the same game on all platforms?
Yes, the gameplay and features are identical across PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. You can play all the same formats and access the same card collections no matter which platform you’re on.
7. What are the system requirements for MTG Arena?
For PC and Mac, you need at least 2 GB of RAM, with 4 GB recommended for optimal performance. You will also need 10 GB of free hard disk space. For mobile, iOS devices require iOS 13 or newer, while Android devices require Android 6.0 or newer.
8. Is MTG Arena free to play?
Yes, MTG Arena is free to download and play. You can build your collection through in-game rewards or purchase cards with real money.
9. Can I play MTG Arena casually?
Yes, there are several casual game modes available in MTG Arena, including Standard, Alchemy, Historic, and Explorer matches in both Best-of-One (BO1) and Best-of-Three (BO3) formats. These modes are unranked.
10. How is MTG Arena compared to MTG Online?
MTG Arena is designed for a more streamlined experience, making it more accessible to new players. It is more visually polished than MTG Online. MTG Online, however, has a larger variety of card formats available.
11. Is MTG Arena suitable for beginners?
Yes, MTG Arena is considered a great way for beginners to learn Magic The Gathering. It has tutorials and single-player challenges that gradually introduce you to the game’s rules and strategies.
12. What formats are available in MTG Arena?
MTG Arena offers various formats, including Standard, Alchemy, Historic, Explorer, Brawl, and Limited. These formats provide diverse ways to play the game.
13. Can I play old cards in MTG Arena?
Yes, formats like Historic and Explorer on MTG Arena allow you to play with older Magic cards, creating a diverse and dynamic play environment.
14. Is MTG Arena available on consoles?
Currently, MTG Arena is not available on consoles. While plans for a console release are in development, it’s not expected to be available until 2024 or beyond.
15. Is MTG Arena popular?
Yes, Magic: The Gathering and MTG Arena are both incredibly popular. Magic generated nearly $1.1 billion in revenue in 2022, showing a 7% increase from the previous year. MTG Arena is the most popular digital format of the game.
Conclusion
To reiterate, you do not need the Epic Games launcher to play MTG Arena after the initial installation. While the Epic Games Store is a possible method to download MTG Arena, you can also obtain it directly through other sources. Once installed, the game is self-sufficient and can be launched directly from its application icon, giving you seamless access to your digital Magic: The Gathering adventures. This independence makes MTG Arena convenient and user-friendly, regardless of your initial download source.