Magic: The Gathering isn’t just a game, it’s a treasure hunt where the loot gets more valuable the longer you play. Whether you’re in it for the sweet art, the climbing profits, or just reliving your glory days, there’s a collection style for everyone. Let’s dive in!
I Don’t Feel the Need to Explain My Art to You, Warren
Some people don’t care what a card does, they just want to stare at it like it’s an art piece in a museum. And to be fair, there are some incredibly beautiful Magic cards by some amazing artists. Magic’s had legendary artists like:
- Rebecca Guay (makes everything look like a fairytale)
- Seb McKinnon (has a unique and alternative style)
- John Avon (basically the godfather of cool lands)
How to flex your art cred:
- Hunt down signed copies (bonus points if you get the signature in gold sharpie)
- Complete an artist’s entire portfolio (good luck finding all those early John Avon cards now that he’s retiring)
- Obsess over alternate arts (Secret Lairs were made for you)
Pro Move: Frame your favorites.
Hear Me Out (Character Favorites)
Magic’s got more recurring characters than a soap opera. Gatewatch, Elder Dragons, Planeswalkers, and so many others. If you’re really into Magic lore this could be the type of collecting for you.
Build a character arc in cardboard:
- Start with their rookie card (like baby Jace in Lorwyn)
- Upgrade to their glow-up versions (Jace, the Living Guildpact is basically his superhero phase)
- Chase the rare promos (because foil = the best)
Why it rules: Watching Teferi go from Timebender to Hero of Dominaria is very satisfying.
Back In My Day (Nostalgia)
That feeling when you open a pack and suddenly you’re 12 years old again in your LGS and you just pulled the Mythic you wanted? Priceless.
The hits you remember:
- Your first rare (even if it was Sorrow’s Path)
- The jank you swore was good (Cockatrice wall typal, anyone?)
- Cards that smell like middle school lunchrooms (generally not for collecting, but you do you)
Warning: May cause sudden urges to rebuild your early 2000’s Friday Night Magic deck.
It’s All About the Money, Honey
Treating Magic like a second income? We respect the grind. The secondhand retail market for Magic: The Gathering cards can be incredibly lucrative.
Retirement investments:
- Reserved List bangers (Gaea’s Cradle never goes out of style)
- Graded vintage (PSA 10 Alpha anything = retirement fund)
- Meta all-stars (buy low on Sheoldred, sell high, repeat)
Hot tip: Make sure you’re checking MTGStocks with your morning coffee!
It’s Finished! It’s Finally Finished! (Set Completion)
Gotta catch ‘em all? Whoops, wrong franchise. Despite that, there are collectors out there who love owning the whole set.
The chase is real:
- Serialized cards (that 001/001 One Ring isn’t finding itself, but you should maybe lower your expectations)
- Masterpieces (because normal foils are for casuals (Just kidding, other foils in my collection. I love you.))
- Every variant (regular, extended, borderless, oil-slicked, whatever’s next)
Reality check: Your binders might weigh more than a small child, but if it makes you happy we aren’t here to judge.
This Is My Favorite Show (Universes Beyond & Sealed)
For those who like their Magic with extra franchises, there’s the Universes Beyond sets. While many fans find these sets controversial because of the turn away from traditional Magic: The Gathering stories, others voraciously love and defend them.
Why it’s addictive:
- Lord of the Rings fans can finally make their dream Gandalf deck
- Warhammer 40K players get to say “FOR THE EMPEROR” while overflowing the board with space marines
- Sealed collectors get to stare at boxes and imagine what’s inside (forever)
Hot Take: Keeping boxes sealed isn’t hoarding, it’s “long-term asset management.”
End Step
At the end of the day, collecting Magic is about whatever makes you grin like a small child when you open your binder. Whether that’s:
- A page of every Chandra ever printed
- Your childhood Shivan Dragon in a fancy graded slab
- A closet full of unopened Doctor Who booster boxes (Seriously, no judgment)
…it’s your collection, your rules.
Ready to start your treasure hunt? We’ve got the goods from single cards to sealed!
Talk to us on social! What’s your collection vibe?
Haelee has been a dedicated Magic: The Gathering player since 2003, she enjoys Commander, and regularly plays with her friends. With 14 years of experience in marketing, creative writing, and a background in theater tech, she brings a unique perspective to both her gameplay and storytelling. Known for her creative mind and deep appreciation for Magic’s lore, Haelee resides in Washington state with her wife, and cats.