Magic the Gathering
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is the world's oldest and largest collectible card game. 1 By 2025, the game has evolved to be more than just fantasy; it now includes huge collaborations with famous universes like Marvel and Final Fantasy.
Here is your guide to MTG in 2025:
1. The most popular ways to play (Formats)
In Magic, you choose a "format" that determines which cards you can use: 2
Commander (EDH): 3 The most popular format today. Often played by 4 people together. You have a deck of 100 unique cards led by a "Legendary Creature" (your Commander). Perfect for social evenings.
Standard: A format that uses only the most recent sets (from the last 3 years). 4
It is the most balanced format for new players and is the main format for the Magic 2025 World Championship (held in Oslo, August 8–10). 5Modern: A more powerful format where you can use cards dating back to 2003. Here, the strategies are fast and complex.
MTG Arena: The digital version (PC/Mobile) which is the absolute best way to learn the rules through an interactive tutorial.
2. Major releases in 2025
2025 is a special year because MTG has released a record number of "Universes Beyond" sets:
| Release | Date (2025) | Theme |
| Aetherdrift | February 14 | An intense "death race" across three planets. |
| Tarkir: Dragonstorm | April 11 | Return to the world of dragons – focus on clans and great dragons. |
| Final Fantasy | June 13 | The first Standard-legal crossover set (FF1 to FF16). |
| Edge of Eternities | August 1 | Science fantasy set in space with spaceships and aliens. |
| Marvel's Spider-Man | September 26 | The start of the big Marvel collaboration. |
| Avatar: The Last Airbender | November 21 | Based on the iconic animated series. |
3. How to get started in Norway?
Starter Kits: Buy a "Starter Kit" (e.g. Final Fantasy or Foundations ). 6 They contain two pre-made decks designed for two people to learn together.
Local Gaming Stores (LGS): Stores like Outland (Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, etc.) or local clubs host "Friday Night Magic" (FNM). 7 This is the best place to meet other players.
NM 2025: If you're in Oslo in August, the Norwegian Championship (organized by the TCG Association) is the biggest event of the year, with both tournaments and opportunities to watch. 8
4. The five colors
Each color in Magic has its own philosophy and playstyle:
⚪ White: Protection, order and many little soldiers. 9
🔵 Blue: Control, draw cards and cancel opponent's magic (counterspells).
⚫ Black: Power at any cost, zombies and destruction.
🔴 Red: Speed, fireballs, and aggressive creatures that attack immediately.
🟢 Green: Large monsters, nature and quick access to resources (mana). 10
Tip: Download MTG Arena on your mobile tonight. It's free, and you'll learn all the basic rules in about 15 minutes through their tutorial.
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