Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Magic the Gathering
Category:
Gaming
News

Magic: The Gathering Arena Finally Adding Player Draft, But It’s Expensive

One of the most popular formats for Magic: The Gathering is finally making its way to Arena later this week. Arriving alongside the CCG's latest expansion, Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, players will at long last be able to participate in drafts with other people rather than exclusively against AI-controlled opponents, though you might want to hold off from celebrating - the price of entry isn't exactly modest. Divided into two variants - Premium and Traditional - the buy-in price, so to speak, for both will be 10,000 gold (in-game currency) or 1500 gems. With the closest denomination of the latter one is able to buy individually currently 1600, however, you'll essentially be paying approximately $10 for a single draft.
|

Published: Apr 14, 2020 09:42 am

This article is over 4 years old and may contain outdated information

One of the most popular formats for Magic: The Gathering is finally making its way to Arena later this week.

Recommended Videos

Arriving alongside the CCG’s latest expansion, Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, players will at long last be able to participate in drafts with other people rather than exclusively against AI-controlled opponents, though you might want to hold off from celebrating – the price of entry isn’t exactly modest. Divided into two variants – Premier and Traditional – the buy-in price, so to speak, for both will be 10,000 gold (in-game currency) or 1500 gems. With the closest denomination of the latter that one is able to buy individually currently 1600, however, you’ll essentially be paying approximately $10 for a single draft.

Potentially far cheaper than the tabletop equivalent, then, though it’ll largely be a case of individual skill (and a degree of drafting luck) that dictates if you come out the other end with a net gain in currency.

As for how each of the two modes differ and the potential rewards on offer, continue through the break below for specifics.

Traditional Draft

Entry Fee: 1500 Gems or 10,000 Gold
Event Record: Three matches (regardless of win/loss record)
Rewards:

  • 3 Wins: 3000 Gems, 6 Packs
  • 2 Wins: 1000 Gems, 4 Packs
  • 0–1 Win: 1 Pack

Premier Draft

Entry Fee: 1500 Gems or 10,000 Gold
Event Record: 7 wins or 3 losses (whichever comes first)
Rewards:

  • 7 Wins: 2200 Gems and 6 Packs
  • 6 Wins: 1800 Gems and 5 Packs
  • 5 Wins: 1600 Gems and 4 Packs
  • 4 Wins: 1400 Gems and 3 Packs
  • 3 Wins: 1000 Gems and 2 Packs
  • 2 Wins: 250 Gems and 2 Packs
  • 1 Win: 100 Gems and 1 Pack
  • 0 Wins: 50 Gems and 1 Pack

As you’d expect, hitting the highest tier of rewards will see your gem investment returned (and then some), with an additional quantity of packs thrown on top for good measure. Expecting to get consistent finishes in that bracket, however, will be unrealistic for the majority of players. To break even, you’ll need to get two and three wins in Traditional and Premier, respectively. A more achievable goal, certainly, and it’s worth noting, too, that as is the case with a paper draft, you get to keep all the cards chosen at the event’s end.

Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths and player drafts will be available in Magic: The Gathering Arena from April 16th.

We Got This Covered is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
related content