Have you ever stared at the MTG Arena store, feeling completely overwhelmed by the dozens of colorful starter decks staring back at you? You want to jump into the action, but picking the wrong deck can feel like a waste of your hard-earned gold or gems. With so many different playstyles, colors, and mechanics to choose from, it is easy to feel lost before you even draw your first card.
Choosing the right deck is the most important step for any new player. A good starter deck teaches you the basics while helping you win games right away. However, many players end up picking a deck that does not match their personality or strategy. This leads to frustration and missed opportunities to grow your collection effectively.
In this guide, we will break down the best starter decks available in MTG Arena today. You will learn which decks offer the most power, which ones are the easiest to pilot, and how to spot the hidden gems that provide the best value for your account. We will cut through the confusion and help you find the perfect match for your playstyle.
Stop guessing and start winning. Let’s dive into our expert breakdown of the best starter decks to help you dominate the battlefield!
Top Starter Deck Mtg Arena Recommendations
- Magic: The Gathering Starter Kits are a great way to dive into a game of deep strategy, gorgeous art, fantastical stories, and a thriving fan community
- 2 decks designed for out-of-the-box play, with a Play Guide to get you started
- 2 boxes to store your decks—easy to bring to your next board game night or play at your local game store
- Includes redemption codes that unlock both decks on Magic: The Gathering Arena—letting you play both in person and online with your friends
- 5 Rare cards, including 1 rare in a shining Traditional Foil treatment, included in each deck
- Contains exciting new cards from Core Set 2021.
- A great introduction to the Magic Community.
- Contains two ready to play decks.
- Model number: MTG-M21-SK-EN
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SUCCEED—Gain an instant Magic collection. This truly astounding box boasts over 350 cards with essential staples for any color and any way you want to play.
- BORDERLESS CARDS and FULL-ART LANDS—Crown your collection with cards featuring gorgeous pieces of alternate art that fill each card; the Foundations Starter Collection includes 6 Borderless cards and 10 Full-Art Land cards
- RARES and SHINING FOILS—Collect coveted Rare and Mythic Rare cards and cards that gleam with a beautiful foil treatment; this collection includes 75 cards of rarity Rare or higher and 26 Traditional Foil cards (8 of which are Rare or Mythic Rare), plus you’ll find more in the included Play Boosters.
- 3 PLAY BOOSTERS—Whether you want to draft with friends or open packs just to see what you get, Play Boosters are specially balanced for play and fun to open, with 1–2 foil cards and 1–4 cards of rarity Rare or higher in each pack, plus the possibility of an Art card showcasing a piece of art from the set
- DECKBUILDING GUIDE—Learn how to construct your own decks with expert tips and recommendations in the included Deck Builder’s Guide booklet
- READY-TO-PLAY COMMANDER DECK FOR NEWCOMERS AND FANS: Join friends in epic battles! This Magic: The Gathering Starter Commander Deck, Chaos Incarnate (Black-Red), is ready to play straight out of the box
- INTRO TO MAGIC’S MOST POPULAR FORMAT: Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic! Learn how to play with your own deck, easy-to-follow rules, strategy tips, and reference card
- 100 CARD BLACK-RED DECK: With the Chaos Incarnate deck, embrace the chaos of war with the demon berserker Kardur, Doomscourge, and overwhelm foes with a multiplying army
- FOIL-ETCHED LEGENDARY CREATURE CARD: Includes 1 legendary creature card with gorgeous art and a foil-etched treatment. This card serves as your "commander" with unique abilities that make plays even more powerful
- INCLUDES ACCESSORIES AND DECK BOX: Also comes with 10 two-sided tokens, a deck box for storage, and punchout counters to keep track of creature buffs
- READY-TO-PLAY COMMANDER DECK FOR NEWCOMERS AND FANS: Join friends in epic battles! This Magic: The Gathering Starter Commander Deck, Draconic Destruction (Red-Green), is ready to play straight out of the box
- INTRO TO MAGIC’S MOST POPULAR FORMAT: Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic! Learn how to play with your own deck, easy-to-follow rules, strategy tips, and reference card
- 100 CARD RED-GREEN DECK: With the Draconic Destruction deck, go on the attack with Atarka, World Render, and double down on dragon damage to overwhelm foes with a multiplying army
- FOIL-ETCHED LEGENDARY CREATURE CARD: Includes 1 legendary creature card with gorgeous art and a foil-etched treatment. This card serves as your "commander" with unique abilities that make plays even more powerful
- INCLUDES ACCESSORIES AND DECK BOX: Also comes with 10 two-sided tokens, a deck box for storage, and punchout counters to keep track of creature buffs
- READY-TO-PLAY COMMANDER DECK FOR NEWCOMERS AND FANS: Join friends in epic battles! This Magic: The Gathering Starter Commander Deck, Grave Danger (Blue-Black), is ready to play straight out of the box
- INTRO TO MAGIC’S MOST POPULAR FORMAT: Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic! Learn how to play with your own deck, easy-to-follow rules, strategy tips, and reference card
- 100 CARD BLUE-BLACK DECK: With the Grave Danger deck, ally with the human wizards and siblings Gisa and Geralf and overwhelm foes with a multiplying army of zombies
- FOIL-ETCHED LEGENDARY CREATURE CARD: Includes 1 legendary creature card with gorgeous art and a foil-etched treatment. This card serves as your "commander" with unique abilities that make plays even more powerful
- INCLUDES ACCESSORIES AND DECK BOX: Also comes with 10 two-sided tokens, a deck box for storage, and punchout counters to keep track of creature buffs
- READY-TO-PLAY COMMANDER DECK FOR NEWCOMERS AND FANS: Join friends in epic battles! This Magic: The Gathering Starter Commander Deck, First Flight (White-Blue), is ready to play straight out of the box
- INTRO TO MAGIC’S MOST POPULAR FORMAT: Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic! Learn how to play with your own deck, easy-to-follow rules, strategy tips, and reference card
- 100 CARD WHITE-BLUE DECK: With the First Flight deck, take wing with the sphinx Isperia, Supreme Judge, and overwhelm foes with a squadron of flying friends
- FOIL-ETCHED LEGENDARY CREATURE CARD: Includes 1 legendary creature card with gorgeous art and a foil-etched treatment. This card serves as your "commander" with unique abilities that make plays even more powerful
- INCLUDES ACCESSORIES AND DECK BOX: Also comes with 10 two-sided tokens, a deck box for storage, and punchout counters to keep track of creature buffs
- 60-CARD THEME DECK—Accessible, ready-to-play decks filled with iconic Magic themes. A fun, fast entry into Standard format—choose a theme that fits you and jump right in
- WHAT IS STANDARD?—Standard is Magic's most-played 60-card constructed format, where you build decks from the most recently released sets. Dynamic gameplay and evolving strategies make Standard one of the most fun and popular ways to play!
- CONTENTS—1 battle-ready 60-card Angels theme deck, 1 deck box, 5 double-sided token cards, 1 strategy insert, and 1 reference card
The Ultimate Guide to Magic: The Gathering Arena Starter Kits
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a classic card game that has thrived for decades. With the digital version, MTG Arena, many players want to bring the action to their kitchen tables. Starter Kits are the perfect bridge between the digital game and physical play. These products contain two ready-to-play decks designed to teach you the ropes. If you are looking to start your journey, this guide will help you choose the right set.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a starter kit, you want a balanced experience. Look for these features:
- Two Balanced Decks: The best kits include two 60-card decks that play well against each other.
- Rulebooks and Quick-Start Guides: Quality kits include clear instructions for new players.
- Digital Codes: Most kits come with codes to unlock these same decks inside the MTG Arena app.
- Thematic Variety: Look for decks that feature different colors and playstyles so you can learn what you enjoy most.
Important Materials
The quality of your cards matters. Most starter kits use standard card stock. You should expect a smooth finish and clear, high-resolution art. The box should be sturdy enough to act as a permanent storage container for your decks. Many players also buy “sleeves” to protect their cards from spills and wear, as the included packaging is meant for storage, not long-term protection.
Factors That Affect Quality
Several things change the value of a starter kit:
- Card Power: Some kits include “Rare” or “Mythic” cards that are powerful in actual tournaments. These add significant value to the purchase.
- Playability: Poorly designed decks feel clunky. High-quality kits feature cards that work together to create fun “combos.”
- Durability: Cheap card stock bends easily. Reliable brands use thick, semi-glossy paper that holds its shape through many shuffles.
User Experience and Use Cases
Starter kits are designed for two types of people: the absolute beginner and the returning player. If you have never played, the included guide will walk you through your first turn. You will learn the phases of the game and how to use mana to cast spells. These kits are also great for parents playing with their kids or friends looking for a low-cost hobby. Because the decks are pre-built, you can open the box and start playing within minutes.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to buy anything else to play?
A: No. The kit includes everything you need, including two decks and a guide.
Q: Can I use these cards in official tournaments?
A: Yes. Most cards in these kits are “Standard legal,” meaning they are allowed in most tournaments.
Q: Are these decks good for experienced players?
A: Experienced players often buy them to practice new mechanics or to have a fair “duel” deck set for casual nights.
Q: How many players do I need?
A: These kits are designed for two players.
Q: Do the digital codes work more than once?
A: No. Each code is unique and only works for one account.
Q: Should I buy sleeves for my cards?
A: Yes. Sleeves protect your cards from skin oils and bending during shuffling.
Q: Can I mix the two decks together?
A: You can, but it is better to keep them separate to maintain the balance of the game.
Q: Are the rules for the physical game the same as MTG Arena?
A: Yes. The rules are identical, which makes learning on one platform very helpful for the other.
Q: How long does a game take?
A: A typical game with these starter decks takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Q: Can I expand these decks later?
A: Absolutely. You can buy “Booster Packs” to find new cards and customize your deck as you learn more.