Buzz
Magic: Legends, an online action RPG that’s free to play and inspired by the enduring Magic: The Gathering (MTG) card game, has launched its open beta phase, now accessible on PC.
While the game’s world and narrative are sure to captivate dedicated MTG enthusiasts, newcomers with minimal PC gaming experience might initially find its Diablo-style mechanics a bit unconventional. However, seasoned MTG players will recognize familiar elements in Magic: Legends’ gameplay, and there are plenty of guides to help beginners get accustomed to its dynamic combat system.
Exploring the World of Magic: Legends
Magic: Legends unfolds in the same expansive multiverse as the MTG card game and its accompanying novels, showcasing familiar settings, iconic characters, and rich lore.
Gamers assume the role of one of six available Planeswalkers, venturing into dungeons, defeating monsters to collect loot and gain experience, which enhances their abilities and unlocks new powers. These newfound skills are then used to tackle tougher foes, who yield even better rewards, creating a rewarding cycle of progression.
While it follows the classic action-RPG formula, Magic: Legends innovates by integrating the deck-building and card-based mechanics of the MTG card game into its high-speed gameplay, offering a fresh twist on the genre.
The Connection Between the MTG Card Game and Magic: Legends
Instead of relying on fixed attacks and skills, as seen in games like Diablo or Path of Exile, every character in Magic: Legends draws their abilities from a 12-card deck. These cards enable players to attack foes, summon allies, heal, and perform other actions typical of MTG gameplay.
During gameplay, you have access to a “hand” of four cards, which represent the abilities you can use at any time. As you use these cards, new ones are randomly drawn from your deck to replenish your options.
Unlike the traditional MTG card game, cards you play aren’t discarded. Instead, they cycle back into your deck, allowing you to draw and use them again later. This ensures you always have actions to take during combat, though the available options constantly shift.
Players can also personalize their decks, much like in the physical card game. Legends provides pre-made decks aligned with MTG’s iconic colors—Red, Blue, Green, White, Black, and multi-color options. As you progress, you can earn new cards and gear (or buy in-game card packs) to modify your deck, creating powerful combos, summoning tougher creatures, or casting more potent spells.
Resources to Help New Players Get Started
While Magic: Legends offers a wealth of gameplay mechanics, the aspects most familiar to MTG veterans are likely to stand out. If you’re diving into Magic: Legends, I recommend spending a few hours playing solo to familiarize yourself with the controls and the overall gameplay rhythm.
For additional guidance, the official Magic: Legends YouTube channel features a variety of video tutorials, including introductions to the six playable characters, deep dives into the lore, and explanations of the game’s numerous systems.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore the game’s official forums, wiki, and subreddit for tips on deck building, character customization, finding teammates, and more.
Don’t stress if it takes a while to get the hang of things; Magic: Legends offers a fresh take on the MTG universe, making it a worthwhile experience for fans. Plus, since it’s free to download and play, there’s no risk in giving it a try.
