How to Play Magic: The Gathering on PC

Magic: The Gathering has long been a staple of tabletop gaming, but if you’re looking to experience the thrill of spell-slinging without leaving your desk, there are a few brilliant ways to play on your PC.

A couple of weeks ago, we learned that I’ll get addicted to anything with pretty pictures, so I’ve once again tricked management into letting me talk about Magic: The Gathering. I know what you’re thinking, ‘Rob, surely playing IRL is better than online?’ and usually I’d agree with you, but hear me out. Inside, safe and warm; outside, cold and scary. In all seriousness, there are some genuinely great ways to play MTG online and even in VR!

From cannon relationships to iconic LGBTQ+ cards, Magic: The Gathering is jam-packed with queer characters. In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know about LGBTQ+ representation in MTG

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Playing Magic: The Gathering on Tabletop Simulator

Did someone say VR? Just like that, I’ve been activated like a Soviet sleeper agent. We’re no strangers to virtual reality gaming here on the Overclockers UK Blog, and someone (I’m not naming names) might be slightly addicted (totally not me).

Tabletop Simulator offers a customisable and immersive way to play Magic: The Gathering on PC. Unlike dedicated Magic platforms like MTG Arena and MTGO, Tabletop Simulator is a versatile sandbox that lets you play virtually any tabletop game, including Magic: The Gathering, in a fully simulated environment. The best part? You can play in VR!

Why Tabletop Simulator Stands Out:

Customisation Galore: Tabletop Simulator allows players to create their own custom decks, play with any cards they choose, and even design their own Magic games from scratch. Perfect for creating house rules and non-standard formats.

Community-Driven Content: The platform is supported by a large community that shares custom Magic mods, including full sets, themed boards, and special rulesets. This means you can find or create just about any Magic experience you can imagine, whether it’s a casual game with friends or a complex multi-deck tournament.

VR Mode: Arguably the best reason to play MTG in Tabletop Simulator is the game’s VR support. With a VR headset, you can immerse yourself in a 3D environment, where you can physically pick up cards, move pieces around the table, and interact with the game in a way that feels incredibly lifelike.

Magic: The Gathering Arena

The perfect entry point for new players, MTG Arena launched back in 2018 and has quickly become the go-to platform. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, Arena’s user-friendly design and polished visuals make it a joy to play. There’s even a fully-voiced tutorial that takes you through several matches, introducing new concepts as you play.

Why Arena is Great:

Free-to-Play: You can download and start playing MTG Arena without spending a penny. The game operates on a free-to-play model with in-game purchases available for those who want to expand their collections faster or get the latest cosmetic upgrades.

Beginner Friendly: Arena includes tutorials and guided play modes that help new players get the hang of the game. Plus, with daily quests and challenges, there’s always something to do to keep you engaged.

Formats Galore: Arena supports a variety of formats, including Standard, Alchemy, Historic, and Draft. This means you can build decks with the latest cards or dive into a draft to test your skills in a limited environment.

Visually Stunning: One of the biggest draws of Arena is its visually immersive gameplay. Spells and abilities come to life with dynamic animations, and the crisp, clean layout ensures you’re always clear on what’s happening on the battlefield.

Magic: The Gathering Online

If you’re looking for a more traditional, comprehensive experience, Magic: The Gathering Online (MTGO) might be more your speed. MTGO has been around since 2002 and offers more in-depth gameplay for players who want access to a wider array of cards and formats, including everything from Standard to Legacy and Vintage.

Why MTGO is Worth It:

Deep Card Pool: Unlike Arena, which focuses on the more recent sets, MTGO gives you access to nearly every card ever printed in Magic’s history. This makes it the platform of choice for players who love brewing decks across different formats, including those that require older, more powerful cards.

True-to-Life Economy: MTGO operates on a model where cards have real-world value, and you can buy, sell, and trade them just like in the physical game. This adds a layer of strategy to the game not found in the other online formats.

Competitive Play: MTGO is the home of competitive Magic, offering high-stakes tournaments and events for players who want to test their skills against the best. Whether you’re grinding leagues or aiming for a top finish in a Magic Online Championship Series (MOCS), MTGO provides a competitive environment that’s unmatched.

Ready To Play MTG On PC?

Whether you’re ready to jump into MTG Arena, MTGO, or any number of other online formats, Overclockers UK has you covered. From pre-built, pre-tested, and ready-to-ship for next-day delivery gaming PCs to fully custom PCs and all the peripherals you could ever want, we’ve got it all.

At Overclockers UK, we have our exciting range of pre-built PCs – Refract Gaming – and they have been updated with shiny new tech!

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Where Do You Play MTG?

There are some pretty great ways to play Magic: The Gathering on PC! Make sure to let us know what platform you play on in the comments.

*Prices correct at time of writing and PC specs are subject to change.