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?
I think your insight into the two platforms is pretty spot on IME. I’ve played on both and have enjoyed them both, even preferring MODO’s tabletop imitation, and I think your answer to a few questions would steer you in either direction:
Do you want to play quick games or play anywhere? If so, Arena is definitely the way to go. Being able to play at any hour, for as little as 5 minutes for a Bo1 game, on Arena is really my only option currently with 2 small kids. If you enjoy and have time for true Bo3 matches at a computer, however, MODO would be better as I think the skill level is a bit higher and you get access to all formats down the line.
Do you care about getting your money back out at some point? Arena is essentially a video game and once you buy packs or use wildcards, that’s it. You cannot trade cards and you cannot exchange them. If this doesn’t bother you, or you intend to play for free for a while as you build up a collection, Arena is great. MODO has a higher upfront cost (depending on format) and does not have a free-to-play option, but you can always sell your collection or trade your cards with others.
Do you want to play custom formats, or older formats, like Pauper, Pioneer, Modern, Legacy, or Vintage? MODO would be your only option then and I would say even Pioneer is a ways away on Arena.
Do you mind paying for every match you play? For the most part, MODO is built around “leagues” where you pay $10 for 5 matches. You get actual rewards based on your wins. There’s a free play area for constructed though, I’ve never done that. Arena has paid entry events (with either gold you get for free in the game, or gems you buy for cash) but their ranked queue is completely free to play and you can essentially play a deck forever for free in there.
You’re right that Arena is certainly WOTC’s main digital priority and has the most upside in the long term. MODO has been around for a long time though, has a stable economy, and there’s no indication they’re getting rid of it.
tl;dr: I just don’t have the time in my life to queue up for MODO leagues and if I play digitally it’s just Arena purely because of how quick and easy games are, but if I had the time and the 2 little near constant interruptions stopped a bit (😜) I would invest in MODO to play the older formats I like and because I support that style of economy much more than Arena’s which often feels predatory.
Great info, appreciate the thoughtful response!
Right now we’re using digital to help teach us the game and we’re mostly using Arena since we bought some starter kits which gave us the same decks in Arena and paper. It’s been really helpful having both forms of the same decks as we’re able to try things out that we’re unsure about. Long term I think digital will be more of a “pick up and play” type thing so we’re leaning Arena.
Yeah in that case Arena sounds like it’s definitely the right call! The new player quests really help teach the game and Arena is ideal for pick up and play.