MTG Arena runs evergreen events for each available constructed format and for each game mode. These events provide a way for players to compete with each other for rewards in gems, packs, and Play-In Points. Read about the most recent change in structure to the events on April 28, 2022 here.
This guide will aim to provide complete details for each of the events, as well as decklists with proven results players can use. You can navigate every guide using the table below:
Explorer is a constructed non-rotating format for Magic: The Gathering Arena. It is a “true-to-tabletop” format using all the Pioneer-legal cards (only Standard sets from Return to Ravnica onwards, initially using the same banlist) available on MTG Arena.
It will act as MTG Arena’s bridging format to Pioneer, and eventually will be retired over the next few years when all cards are introduced to mirror the format.
Our full range of resources are available for Explorer in the below sections:
One-on-one with a 60 card minimum for the main deck and up to 15 cards in their sideboard. Player can add and swap out cards from their sideboard after the first game.
These cards may also be accessed during the game through cards such as:
Please note, not all cards from before Ixalan are currently available on MTG Arena, as they have been introduced to the game via supplemental products such as Historic Anthology, Remastered sets, and Jumpstart. Standard sets are noted in bold.
Streets of New Capenna
Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Innistrad: Crimson Vow
Innistrad: Midnight Hunt
Adventures in the Forgotten Realms
Strixhaven
Kaldheim
Zendikar Rising
Core 2021
Ikoria Lair of Behemoths
Theros Beyond Death
Throne of Eldraine
Core Set 2020
War of the Spark
Ravnica Allegiance
Guilds of Ravnica
Core Set 2019
Dominaria
Rivals of Ixalan
Ixalan
Hour of Devastation
Amonkhet
Aether Revolt
Kaladesh
Eldritch Moon
Shadows over Innistrad
Oath of the Gatewatch
Battle for Zendikar
Magic Origins
Dragons of Tarkir
Fate Reforged
Khans of Tarkir
Magic 2015
Journey into Nyx
Born of the Gods
Theros
Magic 2014
Dragon’s Maze
Gatecrash
Return to Ravnica
Banned Cards
Below is the list of cards that are currently banned in Explorer, initially same as the Pioneer banlist. It may diverge based on the metagame.
Cards will not be readjusted like in Alchemy or Historic, but banned like they would be in tabletop formats and players will be granted Wildcard compensations as per normal procedure.
Below are some sample decklists that achieved the maximum wins required for the event. These can vary from fun brews to proven decks that are prevalent in the metagame.
