Digital

266 readers

3 users here now

MTG Arena and Magic Online discussion

Discussion related to Magic's digital games, including MTG Arena and Magic Online (or MODO).

Learn more about MTG Arena and Magic Online!

founded 2 years ago

MODERATORS

andrew@mtgzone.com

mike@mtgzone.com

Thoughts Online vs Arena for New Player? (self.digital)

submitted 2 years ago by q85fbfek to c/digital@mtgzone.com

10 comments fedilink hide all child comments

My wife and I just recently got into MTG and decided we want our focus to be paper, but we also like the idea of digital as we learn since it forces us to play by the rules and we can use it to test out things we're unsure about. We also like the idea of digital for times when we can't be bothered to break out decks and such. So while we'll primarily focus on paper we will invest some into digital.

We're still deciding on which digital platform to really invest our resources into, though. I like MTGO for its "close to paper as possible" philosophy, but I get the impression Arena is golden child of Wizards and likely to have more staying power long term. The ability to play Arena pretty much anywhere, including mobile, is a big benefit as well.

So for the more seasoned players out there that may have focused on one or the other, or even both, what's your experience been? Why did you lean into one versus the other?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] solidstate@feddit.de 1 points 2 years ago

I returned to Magic in 2020 after a 15 year break. I love the possibility to also play Modern or Commander on MODO, but the UI is atrocious in my humble opinion. Also, I am unwilling to pay the same amount for a Modern deck I already own in paper for the digital version. You need third party Services for renting and and and... For me, in the 21st century, it feels like actual work before you can play.

I also have my quarrels with Arena - the client is super resource intensive, the economy is quite predatory and I hate the digital-only formats and that the cards leak into eternal formats that could have been fun to play (Historic). But the UI is light years ahead from MODO and for me, that would settle the deal. Especially for casual play, I'd recommend Arena, as long as you are fine with Standard, Pioneer and Limited and can get over the "mobile game" feel of the client (DAILY DEALS, GET XP, PLAY MORE NOW).