Magic: The Gathering fans can finally play Arena on mobile devices starting Jan. 28. Unfortunately, Arena is currently limited to certain Android devices and even then, only those devices that meet specific specs.
Released on the same date as the latest Magic set, Kaldheim, the mobile version of Arena is currently live on the Google Play store. The minimum specs required to play Arena are:
- Android Version: 6.0 (Marshmallow) or newer
- RAM: 4GB or more
- Graphics API: OpenGL ES 3.0
- Texture Compression: ETC2
Required Chipsets
- Kirin 970
- Snapdragon 845
- Exynos 9810
Features missing from the Arena app
The app is “early access” by Wizards of the Coast. As the app continues to be developed, the recommended specs are expected to be lowered, allowing more players access to the game. Wizards of the Coast expects to have more information on an iOS release closer to the launch of the next Magic set, Strixhaven: School of Mages.
Since Arena is still in early access, multiple features players may be familiar with are absent from the app. Social features like the Friends List and in-game messaging are not in the Arena app. Players are also unable to access their sideboard during drafts, so all cards chosen must remain in the main deck until the drafting portion is complete. Then, during the deck construction portion of the draft, players will be able to move cards to their sideboard. Players are also unable to redeem codes through the Arena app. Instead, players will have to redeem codes through their Wizards Account page or the PC client of the game.
Wizards of the Coast also cautions against competing in Magic: The Gathering esports events on the Arena app. Gameplay and connection issues may cause complications for players during matches.
Magic: The Gathering Arena is set to release on other Android devices, as well as iOS and tablet devices later this year. The release window for other devices is not available at the time of this writing but is expected later this year.
Published: Jan 29, 2021 09:55 am