Unlocking Brawl Mode In Mtg Arena A Step By Step Guide For New And Returning Players

Brawl Mode in Magic: The Gathering Arena (MTG Arena) offers a dynamic, fast-paced alternative to traditional formats. It’s designed for quick matches, high variance, and accessible entry—perfect for players looking to unwind or test unconventional decks. Yet, despite its appeal, many new and returning players struggle to locate or unlock Brawl Mode. Unlike Standard or Historic, Brawl doesn’t appear immediately on the main menu, leading to confusion. This guide clarifies exactly how to access Brawl Mode, what it entails, and how to make the most of it.

Understanding Brawl Mode: What You Need to Know

Brawl Mode is a casual, singleton format where players use 60-card Commander-style decks with a legendary creature as their commander. However, unlike traditional Commander, Brawl games are faster, typically lasting 15–25 minutes, and are played one-on-one rather than multiplayer. It uses the same card pool as Standard, meaning only currently legal Standard sets are playable. This keeps the format fresh and aligned with the evolving meta.

The format emphasizes creativity and accessibility. Players can build around fan-favorite commanders like Teferi, Hero of Dominaria or Vivien, Champion of the Wilds, using cards they may already own from Standard play. Brawl also features unique events and weekly challenges that reward experience, gold, and occasionally wildcards.

“Brawl is our way of bringing the Commander spirit into the digital competitive ecosystem without sacrificing speed or balance.” — Ian Duke, Senior Game Designer at Wizards of the Coast

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking Brawl Mode

Unlike other modes, Brawl isn’t unlocked through progression or level milestones. Instead, it’s hidden behind a simple but non-obvious interface path. Here’s how to access it:

1. Launch MTG Arena and log into your account. Ensure you’re updated to the latest version of the client.
2. Navigate to the Play screen—this is the main hub after logging in, showing options like Ranked, Casual, and Events.
3. Look for the “Events” tab located at the bottom of the screen, next to “Play” and “Store.” Click or tap it.
4. Scroll through the available events. Brawl Mode appears as a rotating event, not a permanent fixture. It’s typically labeled “Brawl” with a unique theme or modifier (e.g., “Freeform Brawl” or “Brawl Challenge”).
5. Select the Brawl event when it’s active. You’ll be prompted to either use an existing Brawl deck or build a new one.
6. Build or import a valid Brawl deck meeting the format rules: 60 cards, singleton except for basic lands, one legendary creature as commander.
7. Enter the event by paying the entry fee (usually 2,000 Gold or 400 Gems) or using a Brawl Ticket if available.

Once entered, you’ll play up to seven matches over a set period (usually one week), earning rewards based on wins. Note: Brawl Mode is not always available—it rotates in and out of the Events menu every few weeks.

Tip: Check the Events tab weekly. Brawl often returns with new themes, such as “Elemental Mayhem” or “Planeswalker Power,” offering fresh incentives to participate.

Building Your First Brawl Deck: Practical Tips

Since Brawl uses Standard-legal cards, you don’t need a massive collection to start. Focus on synergy, resilience, and tempo. Because games are shorter than traditional Commander, prioritize early interaction and efficient threats.

• Choose a commander with immediate impact—someone who does something on turn three or four, like Lukka, Coppercoat Outcast, whose ability can swing a game quickly.
• Include 20–22 lands. With no mana rocks in Standard, consistent land drops are critical.
• Run versatile removal such as Eliminate, Binding the Old Gods, or Sheoldred's Edict.
• Aim for a curve that peaks at 4–5 mana. High-cost spells are riskier in a 1v1, time-constrained format.
• Use the in-game deckbuilder filter to search “Brawl Legal” cards and avoid accidental inclusions.

Do	Don't
Use your commander’s ability as a win condition	Overload on expensive, slow finishers
Include 2–3 card draw engines	Ignore color identity restrictions
Test your deck in Practice mode first	Forget to save a backup copy before modifying

Real Example: Returning Player Successfully Re-enters Brawl

Jamie hadn’t played MTG Arena in nearly a year. After hearing about Brawl from a friend, she logged back in expecting to find it under “Play Modes.” Frustrated by its absence, she nearly quit again—until she discovered the Events tab. Seeing a “Freeform Brawl” event running, she decided to try it.

Using leftover Standard cards, she built a Simic deck around Yidaro, Wandering Monster, focusing on counters and evasion. She paid the 2,000 Gold entry fee (earned from daily quests) and played three matches that weekend. Despite losing two, she earned enough rewards to cover her entry and unlock a wildcard. More importantly, she reconnected with the game’s community feel—and now checks for Brawl every Sunday.

This scenario reflects a common experience: Brawl is easy to miss but rewarding once found.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brawl Mode always available in MTG Arena?

No. Brawl appears periodically in the Events tab, usually every 2–3 weeks. Its availability depends on the seasonal schedule and special promotions. Keep an eye on official announcements or community calendars for predicted return dates.

Can I use any legendary creature as a commander in Brawl?

Most legendary creatures are allowed, provided they are legal in Standard and meet Brawl’s format rules. Some are banned if deemed too powerful. Check the official Brawl ban list on the MTG Arena website for updates.

Do I need a new deck for each Brawl event?

No. Once you build a Brawl-legal deck, you can reuse it in future Brawl events—as long as the format hasn’t rotated and your commander is still legal. You can also modify existing decks to fit new themes or restrictions.

Maximizing Value from Brawl Events

Brawl isn’t just for fun—it can be a source of meaningful rewards. Most events offer escalating prizes: more wins equal better payouts. A typical structure includes:

• 1 win: 500 Gold + cosmetic boosters
• 3 wins: 1,000 Gold + 1 Rare Wildcard
• 5+ wins: 2,500 Gold + 1 Mythic Wildcard + exclusive avatar or border

To maximize value, treat Brawl like a mini-tournament. Prepare your deck in advance, schedule play sessions when you’re focused, and track your progress. Even two wins can offset the entry cost if you’re strategic.

Tip: If you’re close to 3 wins but struggling, consider finishing later in the week when opponents may be less active or fatigued.

Conclusion: Take the Leap Into Brawl

Unlocking Brawl Mode in MTG Arena isn’t about meeting levels or achievements—it’s about knowing where to look and when to act. By understanding its rotating nature, building a flexible deck, and engaging strategically, both new and returning players can enjoy one of the game’s most creative and accessible formats. Whether you’re testing a pet deck, chasing wildcards, or simply enjoying a break from ranked ladders, Brawl offers a refreshing twist on Magic’s digital experience.

🚀 Ready to dive into Brawl? Open MTG Arena today, check the Events tab, and enter your first Brawl match. Share your favorite commander build or ask for deck tips in the forums—your next great MTG moment could be one legendary creature away.