Short answer: Yes, but also no. Long answer: Let’s break it down with some brutal honesty, personal anecdotes, and a dash of budget-friendly hope.
The Price Tag: It’s All About Format
Magic’s cost is like a booster pack. You never know what you’ll get until you commit. Here’s the breakdown:
- Modern & Standard:
Want to compete at the top? A tier 1 Modern deck can cost $500–$1,500+, and Standard rotates yearly, forcing you to rebuy staples. Yes, it’s pricey, but these decks can last years… unless a key card gets banned (cough Hogaak cough). - Pauper – The Budget Hero:
Meet Pauper, the format where only commons are legal. Decks like Mono-Blue Faeries or Boros Synthesizer cost under $100 and are wildly fun. Example: One of the most popular pauper decks being mono red Burn, synergistic commons to punch way above its weight. It’s proof you don’t need rares to sling spells. - Commander – The Wild West:
Commander can be as cheap or as expensive as your playgroup allows. Precons like Explores of the Deep ($35) are great out-of-the-box, but if your pod is running Mana Crypts and Dockside Extortionists, you’ll feel the pressure to keep up. Rule 0 conversations are key!
My Magic Money Pit (And Why I Don’t Regret It)
Let’s get personal. When I first bought a precon, (thank you Luke & Jonathan!). I swore I’d never spend more than $100 on Magic. Fast-forward to today: I’ve dropped cash on booster boxes, alt-art foils, Magicon tickets, and a Jeweled Lotus that haunts my credit card statement.
But here’s the thing: Magic is my hobby, my creative outlet, and my social lifeline. The hours I’ve spent brewing decks, laughing with friends, and chasing that dopamine rush from cracking a mythic? Worth every penny.
The Real Problem: FOMO & Power Creep
Magic’s biggest expense isn’t the cards, it’s FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Between Universes Beyond crossovers, Secret Lairs with jaw-dropping art, and power-crept staples like The One Ring, it’s easy to feel like you need to buy everything.
But here’s the secret: You don’t.
You don’t need to keep up with the Joneses’ cEDH deck.
You don’t need every Secret Lair.
You don’t need to upgrade decks every set.
How to Enjoy Magic Without Going Broke
- Set a Budget (and Stick to It):
Decide how much you’re willing to spend monthly. Use tools like TCGPlayer to track prices. - Play Pauper or Precons:
Pauper decks cost less than a video game. Precons are around $50 and playable right away. - Proxy, Baby, Proxy:
For casual play, most groups are cool with proxies. Print that Gaea’s Cradle guilt-free. - Avoid the Pack-Cracking Trap:
Buy singles (famous words from The Professor), not boosters. Your wallet will thank you. - Find Your People:
Join a playgroup that prioritizes fun over flexing. If they’re cool with jank, you’re golden.
Magic Is What You Make It
Yes, Magic can be expensive… if you let it! But it can also be affordable, social, and endlessly rewarding. The key is moderation and communication. Talk to your playgroup, resist FOMO, and remember: you don’t need a $500 deck to have fun.
Unless you’re playing Modern. Then… good luck.
Until next time: Life is a stack, and I’m here to clear it.
P.S. If you’re struggling with FOMO, just repeat after me: “I do not need the anime Smothering Tithe alt-art. I do not need it. I do not…” (Okay, fine, you need it. We all do.)