Welcome back to the How to Play Magic: The Gathering series from Star City Games. If you need to catch up, you can check out the previous article, on identifying Magic sets, or start at the beginning with The Basics.
Today we’ll cover how to use Magic: The Gathering Online (also called Magic Online or MTGO), one of two ways to play Magic digitally.
What Is Magic: The Gathering Online (MTGO)?
Magic: The Gathering Online is the original way to play Magic digitally, dating back to 2002. This version of Magic does away with any bells and whistles, distilling digital play to the closest resemblance of paper Magic.
Players have access to almost every card in the game’s history and can play any format, ranging from Vintage to Standard and everything in between. The client has built-in tournament software, allowing players to play anything from warm-up or practice games to casual formats, Commander, and the most competitive of events.
The MTGO Economy
Cards on Magic Online buy can be bought, sold, and traded as the program has its own economy based around tickets, often shortened to “tix.” Tickets not only allow you to buy cards and packs, they also are used for entry fees to events. Players can win back their entry fee and more by doing well, while also earning Play Points, a non-tradable resource that can also be used for entering events.
Leagues and Tournaments
Magic Online doesn’t use a ranked ladder system like MTG Arena, instead opting for daily tournaments and Leagues. Leagues are five-round events players complete at their own pace, earning prizes for winning at least two matches. Strong players can win more tickets than they use to enter events, letting them continue to play without purchasing tickets while building a collection.
Interface and Timer
The interface is pretty bare-bones and is only usable on PC. What it lacks in compatibility and customization is made up for in the variety of play modes and the ability to turn your unwanted cards into resources.
Playing on Magic Online also is modeled after chess, where players have a time bank they can use whenever for making decisions, so there are no ropes forcing you to make a play in a limited amount of time. If you run out of time, you will lose the match, so don’t ponder too long!
Get Started
To get started, download Magic: The Gathering Online for PC at MTGO.com.
Thanks for reading! Keep looking out for more How to Play articles from Star City Games.
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