How to Start Playing Magic: The Gathering on a Budget
Enjoy MTG Without Breaking the Bank
Magic: The Gathering is one of the greatest card games ever made—but let's be honest, it can get expensive fast. Between new booster sets, pricey singles, and premium accessories, it's easy to feel overwhelmed if you're just starting out.
But here's the good news: you don't need to spend hundreds to enjoy Magic. In fact, with the right strategy, you can get started with fun, competitive decks and solid accessories on a budget.
Here's how to build a great foundation without emptying your wallet.
1. Start with a Preconstructed Deck
The absolute best way to jump into Magic is by picking up a preconstructed deck. These are ready-to-play, professionally built, and surprisingly powerful for the price.
Best Budget Options:
- Commander Decks (pre-constructed) — Great value with 100 cards, a legendary creature, and a complete strategy.
- Starter Kits — Two decks in one box + a quick-start guide (perfect for new players or duos).
- Jumpstart Packs — Shuffle two themed 20-card packs together and play.
Commander decks offer the most long-term value—you can upgrade them over time instead of starting from scratch.
2. Learn to Play Before You Buy More
Before you go wild buying singles or sealed product, try learning the ropes through free or low-cost options:
- Magic: The Gathering Arena (MTGA) – A free online platform to learn game mechanics and formats. MTGA also gives multiple free decks as you progress through tutorials.
- Print proxy decks – Use basic proxies at home to test strategies before investing
- Ask friends or local stores for bulk commons – Many stores give extras away to new players
3. Budget Formats
Magic has several formats, and several are not beginner- or budget-friendly. Here are three that are ideal for low-cost play:
- Commander (Elder Dragon Highlander, or EDH) – only one of each card (singleton format), tons of preconstructed options, play in groups of people.
- Pauper – Only commons allowed, surprisingly deep and usually cheap.
- Jumpstart – Quick, themed gameplay with minimal deckbuilding.
Avoid formats like Standard or Modern if you're cost-sensitive—they rotate or require pricey staples to stay competitive.
4. Buy Bulk Lots
If you love building your own decks, look for bulk card lots, budget singles, or “mystery packs” that offer hundreds of commons and uncommons at a low price.
Things to look for:
- 100-card bulk rare boxes
- Color-specific bulk packs (e.g., "Blue Control Cards" or "Green Creatures")
Budget staples like:
- Sol Ring
- Command Tower
- Cultivate
- Murder
- Llanowar Elves
5. Protect Your Cards
Even budget decks deserve protection. You don't need premium sleeves or leather-bound deck boxes when starting out—just the basics will do.
Budget Accessories Under $10:
- Penny sleeves or Ultra Pro standard sleeves
- Plastic snap deck boxes
- Mini binders for collecting or organizing extras
6. Watch for Sales, Bundles & Events
Many online stores (including ours!) offer budget bundles, first-time buyer discounts, or event-exclusive deals.
Keep an eye out for:
- Buy one, get one offers on preconstructed decks
- Deck box + sleeve bundles
Final Tips for Budget MTG Players
- Stick to one format
- Start with a preconstructed deck
- Focus on fun, not winning
- Avoid chasing rares in booster packs (buy singles instead).
Magic is meant to be fun and flexible. You don't need to spend like a pro to play like one.