Back to Formats

Alchemy

Digital Only

Alchemy is MTG Arena's digital-first rotating format. It features rebalanced cards that differ from their paper counterparts, digital-only mechanics like Conjure and Seek, and supplemental card releases that keep the metagame fresh and evolving.

Alchemy was created in December 2021 as a digital-first format that embraces mechanics only possible in digital Magic, along with the ability to rebalance cards.

Where to Play

MTG Arena
Deck Size60 cards
Starting Life20
Copies AllowedUp to 4
Sideboard15 cards
Players2 players (1v1)
Game Duration~20 minutes
RotationRotating

Legal Cards

Standard sets plus Alchemy-specific supplements

Deck Construction

  • Minimum 60 cards in main deck
  • Up to 15 cards in sideboard
  • Maximum 4 copies of any card (except basic lands)

Gameplay

Mulligan Rule

Best-of-One: Your first mulligan is free; after that, put one card on the bottom for each additional mulligan. Best-of-Three: Standard mulligan rules apply.

Format Management

Maintained by: MTG Arena team

Cards can be rebalanced (buffed or nerfed) instead of banned

Ban Schedule: Cards rebalanced regularly

Notes

  • MTG Arena exclusive format
  • Cards can be digitally rebalanced for better game balance
  • Rebalanced cards marked with 'A' symbol
  • Features digital-only mechanics (Conjure, Seek, Perpetual, Spellbook)
  • Receives supplemental Alchemy card releases with each Standard set
  • Rotates with Standard but on a 2-year cycle instead of 3