In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about the MTG Arena Starter Kit 2021. We’ll examine its contents, and discuss if the latest MTGA Starter Kit is worth it for you. This way, you’ll have an easier time deciding if you want to purchase it or not.
The Starter Kit releases on August 6th, 2021. With that said, let’s start with taking a look at what you’ll get in the box.
MTG Arena Starter Kit 2021 Contents
Each MTG Arena Starter Kit 2021 contains:
- 2 pre-constructed Magic decks (with 60 cards each)
- 1 Play Guide (with quick rules explanations)
- 2 cardboard deck boxes
- 1 MTG Arena code card (unlocks both decks for two different accounts on MTG Arena)
Let’s examine these a bit closer.
MTG Arena Starter Kit 2021 Decks
There are two 60-card decks in the box. They are Standard legal, and ready to play — right out of the box. Since Wizards made this product for beginners, these aren’t too complicated, but still have lots of stuff that makes Magic interesting.
For example, each deck contains five rares. This means you’ll get a total of ten rares. All of them are quite exciting to play with.
Naturally, they are well-balanced against each other, as Wizards pay special attention to this whenever they release a pair of decks together.
Black-Green
The first deck contains both black and green cards. Green is known for efficient creatures, while the black color often has good removal spells. The deck features some good creatures and a small +1/+1 counters theme. This deck is probably better for players who like more straightforward plans.
Rares
The five rares (often the strongest cards), you’ll get in this one are:
Creatures (24)
Spells (9)
Lands (27)
Red-Blue
The other starter deck contains blue and red cards. Blue cards are often tricky, providing you with card draw and tempo plays. Red has good aggressive creatures and spells that deal damage. This is a better option for players who like to make fancy plays, but it isn’t overly complicated, since it’s still a product aimed at beginners.
Rares
The five rares are:
Creatures (24)
Spells (9)
Lands (27)
Note: The decks are somewhat different between the ones from Amazon and ones from your local game store or Walmart. The decklists above are in the Starter Kits from Amazon.
Deck Boxes
You’ll also get two cardboard boxes, where you can store your decks. However, there are some problems with these.
First up, they aren’t of the highest quality. If you’re planning on carrying them around in a backpack, they can get beat up pretty quickly.
Second, if you decide to sleeve your cards, there usually isn’t enough room to comfortably hold the sleeved deck. If you’re wondering why you should sleeve your cards, it’s because it protects your cards from wear and tear and makes shuffling easier. You can find some examples of the best MTG sleeves here.
You can solve this problem by also getting a deck box, preferably one from Ultimate Guard. Their products are always of a high quality, and can last for a very long time, possibly even a lifetime. The Sidewinder deck box you see below can fit one of your sleeved decks.
If you want, you can also check our other suggestions for the best MTG deck box.
Arena Code
Lastly, we should also talk about the Arena code. There’s a single code in the product, but it’s redeemable twice for both decks.
So both you and your friend can get both of the deck on MTG Arena. Commons and uncommons that you already own four copies of, count towards your Vault progress.
Don’t forget to also check the list of all currently available free MTG Arena codes.
MTG Arena Starter Kit 2021 Review: Is it Worth Buying?
While it depends on various things, a short answer would be: Yes, if you’re a beginner. Why? Let’s see.
First up, it’s a great entry point for a new player. You get two decks, which is enough to start your first game of Magic right away.
Finally, its price is quite low, especially compared to other MTG products. Since it’s a product meant for two players, you can even buy it together with a friend, and split the price. You both end up with one of the decks, plus unlock both on MTG Arena.
If you aren’t a beginner, then it’s probably not the optimal purchase for you. You might be better off by buying something like a Commander precon, which will contain stronger cards on average. However, if you want some cards included in the deck, then it suddenly becomes a much better deal, thanks to its low price. (Check it on Amazon.)
Conclusion
That’s all about the MTG Arena Starter Kit 2021. If you have any further questions about it, feel free to leave a comment below. We’ll get back to you as fast as we can.
If you want more useful articles for new Magic players, you can check the following ones:
The ooze is the foil, not the dragonsguard.
That’s correct, thanks for pointing it out. I’ve fixed it now.
Does the arena code actually work? I saw a review on Amazon saying the person has problem with the code and didn’t get the cards, I also bought this item but delivery it’s until a few days from now but after I order it I went thru the pictures and code card shows it expires July 2021, but this sets are not release until august 6? Is that why the other person had problem with the code? I’m worried for the same reason because I also order it base on the fact I could used the code to play in arena if anyone has any updates let me know
I don’t know which product the person bought, but maybe they got the previous version of the deck and that code might’ve expired. The code you get from the new version, which just released will surely work for some time – if it somehow doesn’t work you should contact Wizards’ customer support, but it probably won’t be necessary.
I bought the 2021 starter kit from Amazon and entered the code.
1 the code confirmed
2. Neither deck showed up in my account
3. I’m not sure if I even got the cards either. There should be an easy way to see what you have. A log file or database sheet.
That’s weird. You should contact Wizards’ Support. They are usually quite responsive.
I just bought this kit so two of my friends can start learning magic together.
The code has an expiration date of july 1st 2026
Thanks for sharing!
I have 3 of these decks and the codes from 3 can i redeem all 3
Usually you’re only able to redeem a single code from a specific product.
Any advice on actually playing Asmodeus? He seems like a burden more than anything given the rest of the deck. Thanks!
Asmodeus is certainly a hard card to make it worthwhile. However, if you want to optimize it, you certainly have some options.
First option – without changing the deck. You want to play more defensively. Leave creatures back to block, use removal spells on opposing attackers which you can’t block (like flyers). This way you’ll come into the late game with higher life total. You’ll be able to use both of Asmodeus’ abilities, to draw 7 additional cards. With such a big card advantage you’ll probably be able to overwhelm your opponent.
Second option – with changing your deck. Try to include more cheap interactive removal spells, like Power Word Kill. This way you’ll have removal spells early on, and when you’ll try to draw more spells in the late game with Asmodeus, you’ll be able to immediately kill an opposing creature. If you’re playing a non_standard format you can also use something like Dark Ritual, which will give you a bunch of mana. You’ll be able to use it early to power out Asmodeus two turns earlier, and in the late game to cast more of the cards you drew with it. So, if you pair Asmodeous with cheap and effective good spells, it’ll preform better.
Hope this helps you.
Thanks, awesome tips!