Ten Ways to Check the Magic: the Gathering Metagame

My usual routine when checking on the latest Magic: the Gathering deck builds and updates for Standard and Pioneer format is to check on the website MTGTop8.com and look for the recent tournament results uploads. I’ve also checked on MTG Melee during the weekend where some live coverage of the tournament is posted.

Staying informed about the Magic: The Gathering metagame is crucial for deck building and competitive play. Here are several ways to check the current state of the metagame:

  • Online Deck Databases:
  • Websites like MTGGoldfish, MTGTop8, and AetherHub compile decklists from various tournaments and online platforms. These databases often provide information on the most popular and successful decks in the current metagame.
  • Official Wizards of the Coast Resources:
  • The official Magic: The Gathering website and Wizards of the Coast’s coverage of major events offer insights into the metagame. They provide decklists, tournament reports, and analysis, especially for high-profile competitions.
  • Social Media and Forums:
  • Platforms like Reddit (such as the MTG subreddit), Twitter, and dedicated Magic forums are excellent sources for discussions about the metagame. Players often share decklists, tournament results, and insights into local metagames.
  • Content Creators and Streamers:
  • Many Magic content creators on YouTube and streaming platforms like Twitch regularly discuss and showcase decks. Following popular Magic streamers and content creators can give you a sense of what decks are currently performing well.
  • Local Game Stores and Playgroups:
  • Check with your local game store (LGS) and engage with your playgroup. Local metagames can vary, and players at your LGS can provide firsthand information about the decks and strategies prevalent in your area.
  • Tournament Coverage:
  • Watch coverage of major Magic tournaments. Events like the Mythic Championships, Grand Prix, and Players Tour showcase top-tier play and innovative deck choices. Commentary often includes an analysis of the metagame.
  • Metagame Reports:
  • Some websites and content creators release regular metagame reports or tier lists. These reports analyze recent tournament results and identify the dominant decks and strategies in the current metagame.
  • MTG Arena and Digital Platforms:
  • If you play Magic: The Gathering Arena or other digital platforms, the in-game metagame can provide insights into popular decks. Monitor the decks you encounter in ranked play or events to gauge the current metagame trends.
  • Podcasts and Articles:
  • Listen to Magic podcasts and read articles from established content creators. Many podcasts feature discussions about the metagame, and articles often provide in-depth analysis of specific decks and their performance.
  • Joining Online Communities:
  • Engage with online Magic communities on Discord, Facebook groups, or other platforms. These communities often share decklists, tournament reports, and metagame insights.

By utilizing a combination of these resources, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the Magic: The Gathering metagame. Regularly checking multiple sources will help you stay updated on emerging decks, shifts in popular strategies, and the overall landscape of the competitive scene.