True-to-paper Eternal format Inbound

[TsumiBand]

Behold, and rejoice in the beholding

https://youtu.be/quXFaSKfLYo

Nobody exactly knows what format it'll be though they keep throwing around the "Pioneer" word quite a bit.

I had no interest in logging in so long as their company line around such a format was "we have no current plans...." but this honestly puts me in a pretty good mood. I've enjoyed Arena for the most part and if they stay true to their word in keeping all digital cards, rebalances, and effects out of this new format then I welcome it and will gladly return to the game.

I suppose I should start taking a hard look at what's good in Pioneer? I actually have precious few non-Brawl decks, so I'm chock-full of 1-ofs. I'm already scared for my wildcards. There are also no Kithkin in Pioneer, sadge :'(

Anyway, you're all much smarter than I am, what do you think about this incoming format?

[jmlima]

I still have no clue what this new format will entail, it seems obvious it's going to be a standard only sets format, big question is with what set will this start, what's the ban list, etc but, in preparation for this I have essentially stopped crafting and I'm now just stockpiling wildcards. Which is kind of the opposite of what wotc wants people to do but hey, their actions have unintended outcomes.

[TsumiBand]

I still have no clue what this new format will entail, it seems obvious it's going to be a standard only sets format, big question is with what set will this start, what's the ban list, etc but, in preparation for this I have essentially stopped crafting and I'm now just stockpiling wildcards. Which is kind of the opposite of what wotc wants people to do but hey, their actions have unintended outcomes.

I've been largely playing the same couple of Historic Brawl decks since I started playing Arena so this is mostly what I've been doing the whole time v0v

I was always going to treat this the same way I treat all f2p games - see if it's a real game or just a series of flashing lights with a slot for my credit card, build just a handful of things to my satisfaction, grind that pile until something must change (the meta stomps me, I get bored, they finally print my beloved Kithkin, etc)

Optional next step is to actually spend real money on the game but that would require it being exceptionally good, and Arena has to really win me back if I'm gonna drop money on it. A good "just like paper" experience could be a good first step but if they fuck it up I'll just keep not logging in.

[jmlima]

... A good "just like paper" experience could be a good first step but if they fuck it up I'll just keep not logging in.

I'm actually not that fussed if it's close to paper or not, since I don't play paper it's not surprising. But I ended-up finding that, to keep with the continuous changes caused by the influx of releases, you were either in a situation where you had to pay $s or spend your entire day grinding. otherwise, by the time you accumulate enough wildcards and spent them, there's been another release, another influx of cards, and you are back to square one. Just an horrendous grind.

I used to play a lot of Heartstone F2P and it was not even remotely half as bad as arena. The big difference obviously being the fact that you did not need 20 rares just for the mana base alone.

In short, I would look for a more stable format, something that did not have alchemy and special sets would suit me just fine. I just really cannot see it happening. Reading on reddit, etc the young kids that prob make 90% of the player base want things to be 'fresh' or 'shaken up' every week or so.

[Ace/Homebrew]

Here you go!
https://magic.wizards.com/en/formats/explorer

I'm holding back judgment for a bit to see how this format feels. I'm initially optimistic.

[jmlima]

Here you go!
https://magic.wizards.com/en/formats/explorer

I'm holding back judgment for a bit to see how this format feels. I'm initially optimistic.

First hot take:

https://www.mtggoldfish.com/articles...orer-potential