Strategies for Obtaining Specific Cards in MTG Arena

Arts & Entertainment

  • Author Ray Mcnally
  • Published June 29, 2023
  • Word count 4,290

If you're reading this, chances are you're on a quest to enhance your deck in Magic: The Gathering Arena (MTG Arena). Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to this digital card game, you're in the right place. This blog post is designed to help you navigate the intricate world of MTG Arena and provide you with strategies to obtain the specific cards you need to build your dream deck.

MTG Arena is a digital adaptation of the popular physical card game, Magic: The Gathering. It's a game of strategy, where you, the Planeswalker, duel against others using a deck of cards representing magical spells, creatures, and artifacts. The beauty of this game lies in its complexity and the endless possibilities that come with building and optimizing your deck.

But here's the thing: getting the right cards for your deck isn't always a walk in the park. It requires understanding the game's mechanics, making strategic decisions, and sometimes, a bit of luck. But don't worry, we've got you covered. This blog post will guide you through the process, providing you with tried-and-true strategies for obtaining specific cards in MTG Arena.

So, whether you're aiming to get that elusive Mythic Rare card or simply want to optimize your deck with the right Common and Uncommon cards, stick around. We'll delve into the basics of card acquisition, discuss effective strategies, and even share some common mistakes to avoid. By the end of this post, you'll be well-equipped to navigate your way to a stronger deck and, hopefully, more victories in the Arena.

Remember, every great Planeswalker started somewhere. With the right knowledge and strategies, you too can build a deck that rivals those of the top players. So, let's embark on this journey together, shall we?

The Importance of Getting Specific Cards for Your Deck

Welcome to the world of MTG Arena, where the strength of your deck can make all the difference between a triumphant victory and a crushing defeat. But what makes a deck strong? Is it the number of cards? The rarity? Well, while these factors do play a role, the key to a powerful deck lies in the specific cards it contains.

You see, each card in MTG Arena has its unique abilities and characteristics. Some cards are perfect for aggressive strategies, allowing you to deal damage quickly and relentlessly. Others are more defensive, providing you with the means to protect yourself and outlast your opponent. Then there are cards that offer utility, giving you the ability to manipulate the game in various ways, such as drawing more cards, controlling your opponent's moves, or even changing the rules of the game!

The magic (pun intended) of MTG Arena is that it allows you to express your personality and strategic preferences through your deck. Are you a cunning strategist who enjoys outsmarting your opponent? There are cards for that. Do you prefer brute force and direct confrontation? There are cards for that too. The possibilities are virtually endless.

But here's the catch: to build a deck that truly reflects your playstyle and strategy, you need to get specific cards. And that's where things can get a bit tricky. With thousands of cards available in MTG Arena, finding and acquiring the ones that perfectly fit your deck can be a daunting task. But don't worry, that's exactly what this blog post is for.

In the following sections, we'll explore the basics of card acquisition in MTG Arena and share effective strategies to help you get the specific cards you need. We'll also discuss common mistakes to avoid and provide tips for building a balanced deck. So, buckle up, fellow Planeswalker. It's time to take your deck-building skills to the next level!

The Basics of Card Acquisition in MTG Arena

Now that we've established the importance of getting specific cards for your deck, let's delve into the basics of card acquisition in MTG Arena. Understanding these fundamentals will provide a solid foundation for the strategies we'll discuss later.

In MTG Arena, there are several ways to acquire cards:

Opening Packs: One of the most straightforward ways to get new cards is by opening packs. Each pack contains a certain number of cards of varying rarities. You can earn packs through gameplay or purchase them directly from the store.

Drafting: Draft events are another great way to build your collection. In a draft, you'll select cards from a series of packs to build a deck and compete against other players. The cards you pick are added to your collection, regardless of your performance in the event.

Wildcards: Wildcards are special cards that can be exchanged for any card of the same rarity. You can get wildcards from opening packs or through the Vault, a special reward system that we'll discuss in more detail later.

Daily Rewards and Quests: MTG Arena offers daily rewards and quests that can earn you gold, experience, and sometimes even packs or individual cards. Completing these tasks regularly is a simple and effective way to grow your collection.

Special Events: From time to time, MTG Arena hosts special events that offer unique rewards, including exclusive cards. Participating in these events can be a fun and rewarding way to add new cards to your deck.

The Mastery System: The Mastery system is a progression system in MTG Arena that rewards you with packs, cards, and other goodies as you gain experience and level up.

Crafting with Wildcards: If you're after a specific card, crafting with wildcards is the way to go. This process allows you to exchange a wildcard for any card of the same rarity.

Remember, each method has its pros and cons, and what works best for you may depend on your specific needs and circumstances. In the following sections, we'll delve deeper into these methods and provide strategies to help you make the most of them. So, stay tuned, fellow Planeswalker. The journey to your dream deck is just getting started!

Strategy 1: Utilizing Wildcards Effectively

Wildcards, as the name suggests, are your wild card in MTG Arena. They are special types of cards that can be transformed into any card of the same rarity. This means that if you have a Rare Wildcard, you can exchange it for any Rare card of your choice. Sounds amazing, right? But as with any powerful tool, the key to making the most of wildcards lies in using them effectively.

So, how do you get wildcards? Well, there are a couple of ways. The most common method is through opening packs. Each pack you open contributes to a wildcard track, a progress bar that awards you a Rare or Mythic Rare wildcard for every six packs opened. Additionally, every pack has a chance to contain a wildcard of any rarity in place of a regular card.

Another way to earn wildcards is through the Vault. The Vault is a hidden reward system in MTG Arena that fills up as you acquire duplicate cards beyond the maximum playable amount. Once the Vault is full, you can open it to receive a number of Uncommon, Rare, and Mythic Rare wildcards.

Now, let's talk about how to use wildcards effectively. Here are a few tips:

Know Your Deck: Before you start spending your wildcards, have a clear idea of the deck you want to build. This will help you identify the specific cards you need and avoid wasting wildcards on cards that won't contribute to your strategy.

Prioritize Essential Cards: Not all cards are created equal. Some cards are more versatile or powerful than others. Identify the cards that are essential to your deck and prioritize getting those first.

Be Patient: It can be tempting to spend your wildcards as soon as you get them, but patience often pays off. Save your wildcards for the cards you really need, especially if they're Rare or Mythic Rare.

Consider the Meta: The meta, or metagame, refers to the current competitive landscape of MTG Arena. It's influenced by factors like new card releases, balance changes, and popular strategies among top players. Keeping an eye on the meta can help you make informed decisions about which cards to get with your wildcards.

Remember, wildcards are a precious resource. Use them wisely, and they can be a game-changer in your quest to build the perfect deck.

Strategy 2: Maximizing Draft Events

Draft events are a unique and exciting aspect of MTG Arena that not only offer a fun challenge but also provide a great opportunity to expand your card collection. In a draft event, you're presented with a series of card packs, and you select one card at a time to gradually build a deck. The best part? All the cards you pick during the draft are added to your collection!

Here's how you can maximize draft events to get specific cards:

Understand the Draft Format: Before you start a draft, it's crucial to understand the format. Each draft event is based on a specific set of cards. Knowing what cards are in the set can help you strategize and pick the cards that will best suit your deck.

Pick Cards Based on Your Needs: While it's tempting to pick cards based on their power level, it's often more beneficial to choose cards that fit into your deck strategy. If you're after specific cards, prioritize those over others, even if they're not the most powerful in the pack.

Rare Drafting: This is a strategy where you prioritize picking Rare and Mythic Rare cards over others, regardless of their usefulness in the draft. The idea is to build your collection of high-rarity cards, which can be beneficial in the long run.

Practice Makes Perfect: Drafting is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with practice. The more drafts you participate in, the better you'll get at identifying valuable cards and making strategic picks.

Take Advantage of Free Drafts: Occasionally, MTG Arena offers free entry to draft events as part of promotions or special events. Always take advantage of these opportunities to participate in drafts without spending any resources.

Remember, draft events are not just about winning matches. They're also about making smart choices to build your card collection. With the right strategies, you can turn each draft event into a goldmine of specific cards for your deck. Happy drafting!

Strategy 3: Making the Most of Daily Rewards and Quests

One of the best things about MTG Arena is that it rewards you just for playing the game. Every day, you can earn gold, experience, and sometimes even card packs or individual cards through daily rewards and quests. While these rewards might seem small on their own, they can add up quickly and significantly boost your card collection over time.

Here's how you can make the most of daily rewards and quests:

Complete Your Daily Quests: Every day, you'll receive a quest that asks you to perform a specific task, like casting a certain number of spells of a particular color. Completing this quest will earn you gold, which you can use to buy packs or enter events.

Win Daily Matches: In addition to daily quests, you can also earn rewards by winning matches. The more matches you win, the more rewards you get, up to a certain limit per day.

Reroll for Higher Value Quests: Not all quests are created equal. Some quests offer more gold than others. If you receive a quest with a low gold reward, you can reroll it once per day in hopes of getting a higher value quest.

Don't Miss Out on Weekly Wins: Besides daily rewards, there are also weekly rewards. By winning a certain number of matches each week, you can earn packs from the current set.

Level Up Your Mastery Pass: The Mastery Pass is a progression system in MTG Arena that rewards you with packs, cards, and other goodies as you gain experience and level up. You earn experience by completing quests and winning matches.

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to daily rewards and quests. Even if you don't have much time to play, try to log in each day to complete your quests and earn your rewards. Every little bit helps in your journey to build the perfect deck. Happy questing!

Strategy 4: Investing in Packs Wisely

Packs are the bread and butter of card acquisition in MTG Arena. Each pack you open not only gives you a selection of cards but also contributes to your wildcard track, bringing you closer to earning a Rare or Mythic Rare wildcard. However, not all packs are created equal, and knowing how to invest in packs wisely can greatly enhance your card collection.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your pack investments:

Know Your Sets: MTG Arena features multiple sets of cards, each with its unique selection of cards. Before you invest in packs, familiarize yourself with the cards available in each set. This will help you choose the packs that contain the cards you need for your deck.

Consider the Set's Rotation Status: In MTG Arena, sets rotate out of the Standard format after a certain period. When a set rotates out, its cards can no longer be used in Standard matches, though they remain playable in other formats like Historic. Investing in packs from a set that's about to rotate out might not be the best idea if you primarily play Standard.

Look at the Rarity Distribution: Different sets can have different distributions of card rarities. Some sets might have a higher proportion of Rare or Mythic Rare cards, making them a better investment if you're after these high-rarity cards.

Take Advantage of Bundle Deals: From time to time, MTG Arena offers bundle deals that give you packs at a discounted price. These deals can be a great way to boost your card collection while saving some gold or gems.

Don't Forget About the Wildcard Track: Every pack you open contributes to your wildcard track, which awards you a Rare or Mythic Rare wildcard for every six packs opened. This means that even if you don't get the cards you want from the packs themselves, you're still making progress towards getting a wildcard that you can exchange for any card of your choice.

Remember, investing in packs is a long-term game. It might take some time to get the cards you want, but with patience and strategic planning, you'll gradually build a collection that supports your deck-building goals. Happy pack opening!

Strategy 5: Participating in Special Events

Special events are a unique feature of MTG Arena that offer a break from the usual gameplay and a chance to earn exclusive rewards. These events come in various forms, from holiday-themed celebrations to competitive tournaments, and often provide unique opportunities to acquire specific cards.

Here's how you can make the most of special events:

Stay Informed: Special events in MTG Arena are time-limited, so it's important to stay informed about upcoming events. You can find information about future events in the game's event calendar or through official announcements on the MTG Arena website or social media channels.

Understand the Event Rules: Each special event has its own set of rules and rewards. Before you participate in an event, make sure you understand what's required and what you can earn. This will help you decide if the event is worth your time and resources.

Prepare Your Deck: Some special events may require you to build a deck that meets certain criteria. Take the time to prepare a strong deck that adheres to the event rules. This will increase your chances of performing well and earning the top rewards.

Don't Miss Out on Free Entries: Occasionally, MTG Arena offers free entry to special events as part of promotions or as a reward for certain achievements. Always take advantage of these opportunities to participate in events without spending any resources.

Have Fun: Above all, remember that special events are meant to be fun! They offer a chance to experience MTG Arena in a new way and to earn unique rewards. So, even if you don't get the specific cards you're after, enjoy the experience and the opportunity to try something different.

Participating in special events can be a fun and rewarding way to expand your card collection. So, keep an eye out for upcoming events and get ready to seize the opportunity when it comes!

Strategy 6: Crafting Cards

Crafting is a powerful tool in MTG Arena that allows you to create specific cards for your deck. This process involves using wildcards, which can be exchanged for any card of the same rarity. Crafting is particularly useful when you're after a specific card to complete your deck or to replace a card that's not performing well.

Here's how you can maximize your crafting strategy:

Plan Ahead: Before you start crafting, have a clear idea of the deck you want to build. This will help you identify the specific cards you need and avoid wasting wildcards on cards that won't contribute to your strategy.

Start with the Essentials: Some cards are more important to your deck than others. Identify the cards that are essential to your deck and prioritize crafting those first.

Consider the Card's Versatility: When deciding which cards to craft, consider their versatility. Cards that can fit into multiple decks or strategies can be a better investment than cards that only work in a specific deck.

Be Mindful of the Meta: The meta, or metagame, refers to the current competitive landscape of MTG Arena. It's influenced by factors like new card releases, balance changes, and popular strategies among top players. Keeping an eye on the meta can help you make informed decisions about which cards to craft.

Save Your Wildcards: Wildcards are a precious resource in MTG Arena. It can be tempting to spend them as soon as you get them, but it's often better to save them for the cards you really need, especially if they're Rare or Mythic Rare.

Remember, crafting is a strategic process. With careful planning and wise use of your resources, you can craft the perfect deck and become a formidable opponent in the Arena. Happy crafting!

Strategy 7: Utilizing the Mastery System

The Mastery System in MTG Arena is a progression system that rewards you as you gain experience and level up. It's a fantastic way to earn packs, cards, and other goodies just by playing the game. But to make the most of the Mastery System, it's important to understand how it works and how to maximize your rewards.

Here's how you can utilize the Mastery System effectively:

Earn Experience: The key to progressing in the Mastery System is earning experience. You can earn experience by completing daily quests, winning matches, and participating in events. The more experience you earn, the more rewards you unlock.

Understand the Mastery Pass: The Mastery System features two tracks: the free track and the Mastery Pass track. The free track offers rewards to all players, while the Mastery Pass track offers additional rewards to players who purchase the Mastery Pass. If you play MTG Arena regularly, purchasing the Mastery Pass can be a worthwhile investment.

Plan Your Leveling: Each level in the Mastery System offers different rewards. Some levels offer card packs, while others offer individual cards, gold, or gems. Knowing what rewards are available at each level can help you plan your leveling strategy and prioritize the rewards you want most.

Don't Miss Out on Bonus Experience: Occasionally, MTG Arena offers events or promotions that award bonus experience. Always take advantage of these opportunities to level up faster and unlock more rewards.

Keep an Eye on the Season: The Mastery System is tied to the MTG Arena seasons, which usually align with the release of new card sets. When a new season begins, the Mastery System resets, and a new set of rewards becomes available. Make sure to claim all your rewards before the season ends!

The Mastery System is a rewarding aspect of MTG Arena that offers a steady stream of rewards as you play the game. By understanding and utilizing the Mastery System, you can enhance your card collection and get closer to building your dream deck. Keep leveling up, Planeswalker!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Collecting Cards

Collecting cards in MTG Arena is an exciting journey, but it's also one that can be fraught with pitfalls. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran, it's easy to make mistakes that can slow down your progress and hinder your deck-building efforts. But don't worry, we're here to help you avoid these common mistakes:

Impulsive Spending of Wildcards: Wildcards are a precious resource in MTG Arena. It can be tempting to spend them as soon as you get them, but it's often better to save them for the cards you really need, especially if they're Rare or Mythic Rare.

Ignoring the Meta: The meta, or metagame, refers to the current competitive landscape of MTG Arena. Ignoring the meta can lead to poor card choices and ineffective decks. Always keep an eye on the meta and adjust your card collection strategy accordingly.

Overlooking Daily Rewards and Quests: Daily rewards and quests offer a steady stream of resources that can significantly boost your card collection over time. Make sure to complete your daily quests and win matches to earn these rewards.

Investing in the Wrong Packs: Not all packs are created equal. Before you invest in packs, familiarize yourself with the cards available in each set and choose the packs that contain the cards you need for your deck.

Neglecting Draft Events: Draft events are a great way to expand your card collection while also enjoying a unique and challenging gameplay experience. Don't neglect these events, as they can be a goldmine of specific cards for your deck.

Not Utilizing the Mastery System: The Mastery System offers a wealth of rewards just for playing the game. Make sure to earn experience and level up in the Mastery System to unlock these rewards.

Remember, everyone makes mistakes, and that's okay. What's important is to learn from these mistakes and adjust your strategy accordingly. With patience, strategic planning, and a bit of luck, you'll be well on your way to building an impressive card collection in MTG Arena. Happy collecting!

Tips for Building a Balanced Deck with Your New Cards

Now that you've learned how to acquire specific cards in MTG Arena, the next step is to use those cards to build a balanced deck. A well-constructed deck is key to success in the game, whether you're playing casually or competing in high-stakes tournaments.

Here are some tips to help you build a balanced deck with your new cards:

Understand Your Deck's Strategy: Every deck has a strategy or theme that guides its construction. This could be a focus on a specific color, a combination of colors, a type of card, or a specific game mechanic. Understanding your deck's strategy will help you choose the right cards for your deck.

Balance Your Mana Curve: The mana curve refers to the distribution of the casting costs of the cards in your deck. A balanced mana curve ensures that you have a mix of low-cost and high-cost cards, allowing you to play cards throughout the game.

Include a Mix of Card Types: A balanced deck includes a mix of creatures, spells, and other card types. Each card type serves a different role in the game, and having a variety of card types in your deck will give you more options during play.

Consider Card Synergies: Some cards work well together, creating powerful combos or synergies. Look for these synergies when choosing cards for your deck.

Don't Forget About Removal: Removal cards, which allow you to deal with your opponent's cards, are an important part of any deck. Make sure to include a few removal cards in your deck to handle any threats your opponent might play.

Test and Refine Your Deck: Once you've built your deck, test it in play to see how it performs. Don't be afraid to make changes and refine your deck based on your experiences.

Building a balanced deck is both an art and a science. It requires a deep understanding of the game, a keen strategic mind, and a bit of creativity. But with these tips and a bit of practice, you'll be well on your way to building a deck that can take on any challenge. Happy deck building!

Conclusion

We've journeyed through the world of MTG Arena, exploring strategies to acquire specific cards and tips to build a balanced deck. From understanding the importance of specific cards to your deck, to utilizing wildcards, maximizing draft events, making the most of daily rewards and quests, investing in packs wisely, participating in special events, crafting cards, and utilizing the Mastery System, we've covered a lot of ground.

We've also delved into common mistakes to avoid when collecting cards and shared tips for building a balanced deck with your new cards. Remember, the key to success in MTG Arena lies not just in acquiring the right cards, but also in how you use them. A well-constructed deck, a sound strategy, and a bit of luck can go a long way in this game.

But the journey doesn't end here. MTG Arena is a dynamic game, with new cards and strategies emerging all the time. So, keep learning, keep experimenting, and keep playing. And most importantly, have fun! After all, at its heart, MTG Arena is a game, meant to be enjoyed.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We hope you've found this guide helpful and that it enhances your MTG Arena experience. Happy gaming, Planeswalkers!

I started playing Magic: The Gathering way back in the late 90's. Now, I play both MTG and MTG Arena. After teaching my kids how to play, they told me to start sharing the same info with others, which I now do on the MTGA Central website at: https://www.MTGACentral.com and on social.

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