Both Magic: The Gathering and KeyForge offer engaging gameplay experiences, but cater to different preferences. Magic: The Gathering appeals to players who enjoy deck construction and deep strategic customization, while KeyForge is ideal for those seeking a more accessible and unique experience with pre-built decks. The choice depends on the player's preferred level of complexity, deck-building interest, and desired community size.
| Attribute | Magic: The Gathering | KeyForge |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Players | Two or more | 2 players. A multiplayer variant called "Vault Assault" supports 3-5 players. |
| Game Length | Typically 20-60 minutes for a casual match. Tournament rounds are capped at 50 minutes, but games can end much faster. | 30-45 minutes once players are familiar with the rules. Beginner games can take longer, around 60 minutes or even 1.5 hours. |
| Deck Construction Required | Yes. Constructed formats require players to build decks from their own card library, usually with a minimum of 60 cards. Limited formats involve creating a deck from a limited pool of random cards. | No. KeyForge is a "unique deck game," meaning each deck is pre-built and intended to be played as-is. The "Alliance" format includes some deck building, but is not recommended for new players. |
| Initial Investment | Can range from $20 to $50,000, depending on the format and competitiveness. | The initial investment is the cost of a starter set or individual Archon decks. Starter sets contain multiple decks and game components. Individual decks are relatively inexpensive. |
| Expansion Availability | New sets are released regularly, adding new cards and mechanics to the game. | New cards are released through expansion sets. Each set typically features 7 houses, with some houses returning from previous sets and some being new. |
| Tournament Scene | A robust tournament scene exists, with pathways to Arena Championships and the Pro Tour. | KeyForge has an organized play program with tournaments at local and larger scales. Formats include Archon, Sealed, and Alliance. Vault Tours, National Championships, and World Championships are premier events. |
| Learning Curve | Initially steep, with a steady incline as you progress. | The basic rules are easy to learn. The game is intuitive. A quickstart guide is available to help new players. However, mastering the game involves understanding card interactions and strategic depth. |
| Artwork Quality | A key element that contributes to the overall theme and enjoyment. | The artwork contributes to the overall theme and enjoyment of the game. |
| Rarity/Collectibility | Cards are defined by rarity: Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Mythic Rare. | Each deck is unique, which inherently creates a sense of rarity. |
| Community Size | Over 50 million players globally as of February 2023. | KeyForge has a dedicated community. |
| Randomness Factor | Combines chance and skill. Luck is involved in drawing cards, but proper deck construction can minimize statistical variance. | There is a moderate chance element due to the unique deck construction. |
| Strategic Depth | Highly strategic gameplay that is customizable to any individual's playstyle. | KeyForge offers strategic depth. Players need to understand card types, card synergy, and adapt to the meta. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |