Magic: The Gathering Arena is a turn-based digital trading card game based on the legendary MTG TCG. Read on to learn everything we know about the game, including gameplay and story information.

MTG Arena Gameplay

MTG Arena is primarily a turn-based PvP experience, allowing players to engage in strategic card battles across a variety of formats and game modes based on the real-life Magic: The Gathering trading card game. The game faithfully replicates Magic's core mechanics, including card types, mana generation, and seasonal expansions, while providing players with multiple ways to acquire new cards—either by earning card packs through missions or purchasing them from the in-game store.

Depending on the game mode, players can bring their own constructed decks into battle or use pre-built decks provided for specific formats. Matches follow Magic's standard flow: players spend mana from Land cards, cast spells, summon creatures, equip artifacts and equipment, and work to reduce their opponent’s health to zero or fulfill another win condition.

What sets MTG Arena apart from other online card games like Hearthstone and Legends of Runeterra is its direct connection to the physical TCG, giving it an established player base and deep card pool right from the start. Supported by Wizards of the Coast’s ongoing expansions and balance updates, MTG Arena has a solid foundation that ensures it remains a staple in the digital card game space.

MTG Arena Story Plot

MTG Arena does not feature a traditional overarching story or a dedicated campaign mode, but it does incorporate elements of Magic: The Gathering’s expansive lore through its card flavor text, artwork, and set themes. Each expansion introduces new planes, characters, and conflicts, reflecting the larger narrative of the MTG universe. While players won't experience a structured story mode, those familiar with the TCG's ongoing plotlines will recognize references to legendary Planeswalkers, historical events, and world-shaping battles within the game’s sets.

MTG Arena Similar Games

	Hearthstone Card, Strategy
	Slay the Spire II Roguelike, Card
	Pokemon TCG Pocket Card, Multiplayer
	Dungeon Inn Strategy, Simulator, Indie

Aaron Bruce Albert..

A massive fan of roguelikes, turn-based RPGs, and open world adventure games. His gold standard games include The Binding of Isaac, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and Dragon Quest Monsters Joker.