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). 5

  • Modern: 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.