How Much Does It Really Cost To Get Into Magic: The Gathering?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid MTG player and content creator in the gaming space, this is a question I get asked a lot! The answer depends greatly on how deeply you want to dive in, but here is a comprehensive breakdown:

Casual Kitchen Table Magic

For casual play with friends around the kitchen table, you can start with just a Deck Builder‘s Toolkit ($20) and maybe a Fat Pack ($40) for lands and booster packs. That $60 total investment would give you plenty of cards to build a few fun decks to play against friends learning the game too. I‘d budget $100 max if you want options to build multiple decks trying out different colors and strategies.

Friday Night Standard at Local Game Stores

To be moderately competitive at Friday Night Standard events at your local game store, a solid aggro or midrange deck will cost $150-$300 for 60-75 cards in the maindeck. You can lower costs by buying singles instead of packs. Expect around $200 average for a tier 2-3 Standard deck according to mtgtop8.com.

Competitive Constructed Tournaments

For top tier constructed decks that can truly compete at Grand Prix or Pro Tours, you‘re looking at $400 on the low end up to $1,000+ according to mtggoldfish.com for the 75 card maindeck plus 15 card sideboard. These use expensive, optimal cards like dual lands, planeswalkers, etc. The top Standard or Modern decks right now average around $700.

Limited Draft Tournaments

Get into booster draft tournaments at your local game store for as low as a $15 entry fee. This puts everyone on equal footing, as you build a deck on the spot from freshly cracked packs. A great way for beginners to get into competitive play without needing an extensive collection.

Commander/EDH Social Format

Commander preconstructed decks are available for $20-40 which gives you an out-of-box deck to start playing this popular social format. You can upgrade over time buying cool legends you like without going overboard on costs. Expect most EDH decks to be in the $150-300 range according to edhrec.com.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to offer buying advice to help new players avoid overspending as they build their collection and explore what MTG has to offer.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

Similar Posts