Extension not playable in standard mode

[Theodore]

Hi there,
I am new, still currently doing tutorials.

I noticed certain extension aren't playable in standard mode or alchemy. I was wondering if that's something that changes depending on updates or season?
Or are there really cards and extension that are just not playable in standard mode ever?
I don't understand the diffenrent playing mode yet, standard seemed like a good start, but is the game really telling me I gained free booster doing the tutorials that I'm not able to use? I'm confused.

Thanks for the help

[Gryfn]

Have a look at the codex at the top right (book icon next to the mail icon) for a brief description for the various formats. There should be some info in Formats -> Constructed

The following will tell you which sets are in Standard and when they will rotate out
https://whatsinstandard.com/

Cards that rotate out of Standard can still be played in non-rotating formats like Historic, etc.

[DontMisunderstand]

Standard is a rotating format. As time goes on, sets leave the Standard rotation, and newer sets add to it. Basically, only the new sets are part of Standard. Historic uses most of the cards available on Arena, and Timeless uses every single card available. I'm not entirely sure what Alchemy is myself so I can't help with that.

[mwesthoff]

If you are talking about the bonus sheet type cards they put in standard packs... most of them are illegal in standard because they are from older sets.

It's a confusing cluster ♥♥♥♥ that is for sure. For instance the most recent standard set has a different set of standard legal rares and mythic called "The Big Score" bonus sheet. The other two bonus sheets are NOT even legal in standard.

Basically you need to search the net to figure out what sets are legal .... or use the built in filter system.

I can see how someone would get the idea that some cards are not usable in any format, because the game won't even show you your collection for some of the bonus sheets. It's just a poorly implemented way to water down the card supply, that was done lazily with no regard to the user other than their wallet.

[mwesthoff]

"Breaking News", and "Special Guests" from the newest standard set, OTJ are not standard legal even though you may see the card styles from reprints (making it that much more confusing).

[Theodore]

Originally posted by Gryfn:

Have a look at the codex at the top right (book icon next to the mail icon) for a brief description for the various formats. There should be some info in Formats -> Constructed

The following will tell you which sets are in Standard and when they will rotate out
https://whatsinstandard.com/

Cards that rotate out of Standard can still be played in non-rotating formats like Historic, etc.

Thanks! I've checked the website. I'm yet to check the codex but will do soon.
But wait, does that mean that some extension won't be playable until 2026? Some aren't in the list, does that mean it won't be accessible until 2027?

[Gryfn]

Originally posted by Bee:

Originally posted by Gryfn:

Have a look at the codex at the top right (book icon next to the mail icon) for a brief description for the various formats. There should be some info in Formats -> Constructed

The following will tell you which sets are in Standard and when they will rotate out
https://whatsinstandard.com/

Cards that rotate out of Standard can still be played in non-rotating formats like Historic, etc.

Thanks! I've checked the website. I'm yet to check the codex but will do soon.
But wait, does that mean that some extension won't be playable until 2026? Some aren't in the list, does that mean it won't be accessible until 2027?

No. Btw, 'extension' is the wrong term. I think you mean 'expansion' or 'set', or even 'card'. There are several formats on MTGA. There are non-rotating formats where older cards can be played, and rotating formats like Standard (where only cards from the last 3 years can be played). Some Standard packs contain bonus cards (like reprints of older cards) that are only playable in the older formats. Have a read of the codex pages for formats and rotation.

One of the best card search engines is Scryfall. You can put in the name of a card and it will show which formats the card is legal in.
https://scryfall.com/

[mwesthoff]

The built in card search filter is also jank. If you choose standard for a deck option there is no way to over ride the filter to check for reprints for the bonus pages. It disables the ability to search.

For instance: If you wanted to check to see if "mana drain" from the "Breaking News" is a reprint that can used in standard. You need to go to a third party site to find the reprints and then change the format of your deck and then put the card in your deck and change it back to Standard format.

Like I said before, It's a poorly implemented card watering strategy that cares about nothing but profit.