Ever feel lost in a sea of colorful card packs, wondering which one will spark your first epic Magic: The Gathering battle? It’s a common feeling! When you first dive into the world of Magic, staring at all those Starter Decks can feel overwhelming. You want a deck that’s fun to play right away, but how do you pick the one that matches your style without wasting your hard-earned allowance?
Choosing the wrong Starter Deck can lead to frustrating games where your cards just don’t work together. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a good Starter Deck for beginners.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly which deck to grab to start your Magic journey with confidence. Let’s explore the best entry points into the game and find your perfect first deck!
Top Magic Starter Deck Recommendations
- LEARN THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF MAGIC—Your Magic: The Gathering journey begins with a friend beside you! Play your first game in a guided battle of Aang versus Zuko. Choose your side and send your forces to your opponent while learning essential gameplay lessons
- GUIDED LEARN-TO-PLAY EXPERIENCE—Start by playing a tutorial game with two 20-card decks, each with a step-by-step guide booklet that will walk you through your first game
- CREATE THEMED DECKS—Once you’ve conquered the basics, master the remaining elements by combining any two of the eight 20-card half-decks into a full 40-card Avatar: The Last Airbender-themed deck; mix and match to try different combos!
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY—This Beginner Box includes everything you and a friend need to play, including 2 Playboards that will show you where to place your cards, 2 Spindowns to track your life totals, and 1 Rules Reference booklet to answer any questions you have along the way
- WELCOME TO THE GATHERING—Magic: The Gathering is a collectible card game that weaves deep strategy, gorgeous art, fantastical stories, and a thriving fan community all together into a card game experience like no other
- 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
- 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
- READY-TO-PLAY COMMANDER DECK FOR NEWCOMERS AND FANS: Join friends in epic battles! This Magic: The Gathering Starter Commander Deck, Token Triumph (Green-White), 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 GREEN-WHITE DECK: With the Token Triumph deck, ally with the elf cleric Emmara, Soul of the Accord, 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
- 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 Pirates theme deck, 1 deck box, 5 double-sided token cards, 1 strategy insert, and 1 reference card
- Includes a mix of AT LEAST 25 Rares/Uncommons which is half of the cards.
- Absolutely NO... Basic lands, Foreign, or silver/gold bordered cards.
- Some may contain Foils or Mythics but not all.
- Sets can range from Beta to the current Magic the Gathering set.
- Mint/Excellent condition only.
- 2 ready-to-play 60-card Magic decks (basic lands included)
- 1 traditional foil card in each deck—Cyclone Summoner and Dragonsguard Elite
- 1 Play Guide booklet
- 2 deck storage boxes
- 1 MTG Arena Code Card to unlock both decks for two people to play online at MTG Arena
- TINY TAILS, BIG ADVENTURE—Put your best paw forward and enter the world of Bloomburrow. Battle your friends with armies of adorable critters and prove that bravery comes in all sizes!
- PREPARE FOR A SPECIAL DELIVERY—Jovial troubadour Zinnia delivers the pain, plus a whole litter of offspring to overwhelm your opponents.
- EPIC MULTIPLAYER BATTLES—Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic, an epic, free-for-all battle full of strategic plays and social intrigue
- INTRODUCES 10 COMMANDER CARDS—This deck introduces 10 never-before-seen Commander cards to Magic: The Gathering, including 3 foil cards (one of which is Borderless!)
- CONTENTS—1 ready-to-play Family Matters Bloomburrow Commander Deck, a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack, 10 double-sided tokens, and 1 deck box
The Essential Buying Guide for Your First Magic: The Gathering Starter Deck
Jumping into the world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) can feel a bit overwhelming. A Starter Deck is your perfect first step! It gives you everything you need to start playing right away. This guide helps you choose the best one for you.
Key Features to Look For in a Starter Deck
When buying a Starter Deck, a few main features really matter. These elements help you learn the game and have fun immediately.
1. Deck Composition and Balance
- Card Count: Most starter decks contain 60 cards. This is the standard size for a regular game.
- Inclusion of Lands: Good starter decks include the right amount of basic land cards (like Forests or Islands). These lands power up your spells.
- Thematic Focus: Look for decks built around a specific strategy or color combination (e.g., Red/Green for aggressive creatures). This helps you understand one style of play first.
2. Included Extras
The best starter kits offer more than just the cards.
- Rulebook or Play Guide: A simple guide is crucial for new players. It explains how to set up and play your first few games.
- Playmats or Counters: Some kits include a basic playmat or cardboard tokens to track damage. These small additions improve the initial playing experience.
Important Materials and Card Quality
Magic cards are made of thick, durable card stock. You want cards that last.
Card Stock Durability
The material should feel sturdy. Thin, flimsy cards tear easily. If you plan on playing often, you might want to sleeve the cards later, but the base material should feel high quality.
Artwork and Text Clarity
The card art must look great! More importantly, the text describing what the card does must be clear and easy to read. Poor printing quality makes the game frustrating.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The overall quality of your Starter Deck depends on a few key manufacturing choices.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Current Set Relevance: Decks tied to the newest Magic set often feature more exciting, modern card designs and mechanics.
- Pre-Built Synergy: High-quality starter decks have cards that work well together. They create a clear game plan when you draw them.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Outdated Mechanics: Older starter decks might use rules or card types that are no longer emphasized in the current game. These can feel clunky.
- Repetitive Cards: If the deck contains too many identical, weak cards, it reduces the fun factor and limits strategic options.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your Starter Deck determines which one you should buy.
The Learning Experience
A great Starter Deck teaches you the core concepts: tapping lands, casting spells, and attacking. The instructions included should guide you through two or three full practice games.
Use Cases
- Learning Alone: If you only have one deck, choose one with a simple, straightforward strategy (like focusing only on big creatures).
- Playing with a Friend: If you buy two different Starter Decks, you create an immediate, balanced match-up. This is the best way to start playing against another person right away.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Starter Decks
Q: Is a Starter Deck the same as a “Welcome Deck”?
A: Sometimes they are similar, but Starter Decks are usually more robust and ready for competitive play. Welcome Decks are often simpler, designed just for learning the absolute basics.
Q: Do I need anything else besides the Starter Deck to play?
A: You only need the deck and someone to play against! Dice or counters are helpful accessories, but not strictly necessary for your very first game.
Q: How many cards are usually in a Starter Deck?
A: Typically, a standard, ready-to-play Starter Deck contains 60 cards.
Q: Can I change the cards in the Starter Deck?
A: Yes! Once you learn the basics, you can swap cards out. These decks are designed as a starting point for deck building.
Q: Are the cards in a Starter Deck rare?
A: No, most cards included are common or uncommon. They provide good gameplay, but they are not usually the most valuable, rare cards in the game.
Q: Which color combination is easiest for beginners?
A: Red (for aggressive, fast attacks) or Green (for summoning large creatures quickly) are often recommended for the easiest introduction.
Q: How long does it take to learn the game using the deck?
A: With a good guide, you can grasp the basic rules in about 30 minutes, though mastering the game takes much longer.
Q: Where should I store my Starter Deck?
A: Keep the cards in a dry place. If you do not sleeve them, keep them stacked neatly inside the original box to prevent bending.
Q: Do Starter Decks get updated every year?
A: Yes, Wizards of the Coast releases new major sets frequently, and new Starter Decks often align with these new releases.
Q: Should I buy two Starter Decks or just one?
A: If you know you have a friend who wants to learn with you, buying two different decks ensures you both have a complete, balanced set of tools to battle immediately.