Direct Challenge is a way for you to play directly against your friends in Magic: The Gathering Arena.
Your display name, including the five-digit # associated with your account.
This is visible on your Profile page as well as the Direct Challenge Play Blade.
Tip:If you click your name on the Play Blade, it will automatically copy it to your clipboard to make it easier to share!
Your opponent's display name, including the five-digit # associated with your account.
Display names are cAsE sEnSiTiVe. You most include proper capitalization when entering your opponent's display name!
A Constructed Deck with a minimum of 60 cards.
Click the "Direct Challenge" Banner.
Click the "Direct Challenge" Icon, located in the top right of the Home page (the crossed swords by "Adjust Options" and "Learn More").
The Direct Challenge Play Blade.
Your Display Name + five-digit #. This will be autofilled by the system, and you can click you display name to copy it to your clipboard to share with your friends.
Your Opponents Name + five-digit #. By default this is blank, however it will store a list of several of your recent opponents. As a reminder, you need their cAsE sEnSiTiVe display name and the five-digit # associated with the account.
On the Direct Challenge Play Blade, you must enter your opponents display name and select a deck before clicking "Play". You can also select your opponent's display name from a drop down menu if you have previously challenged them to a game. The system will automatically save your last five opponents.
Once you hit Play you will be taken to the matchmaking screen. From there, the system will wait for your opponent to challenge you in return before putting you into a match.
How do I find the 5-digit # associated with my display name?
Your display name (including the five-digit #) is automatically shown on the Direct Challenge Play Blade; clicking your name while in the Direct Challenge Play Blade will copy it to your clipboard. You can also view this at any time on your Profile page.
How do I find my opponent's display name?
Currently, you must ask for your opponent's name outside of the game system. Reminder that display names are cAsE sEnSiTiVe.
How do my opponent's know I've challenged them to a game?
There is no in-game notification that someone has challenged you to a game. A game will only start once both players have challenged each other.
How long do we have to challenge each other?
Once a player has entered the matchmaking screen, the system will wait up to 60 minutes before timing out.
Direct Challenge only requires players to have a constructed deck with a minimum of 60 cards that are currently in their collection. There is no maximum deck size. This allows you to play Standard, Singleton, Pauper, or even your own homebrewed variant. Please note that the current system only enforces the 60 card minimum deck. If you and your opponent agree to play Pauper and they play a Turn 3 Gigantosaurus, the system won't stop them.
Does Direct Challenge affect my Player Rank?
No. Though your Rank Icon will display in the match loading screen, the game results will not increase or decrease your current Player Rank.
Do I earn in-game rewards when playing Direct Challenge matches?
No. Matches played via Direct Challenge will not count towards any Daily or Weekly Quest progression, including Wins.
Games played via Direct Challenge are Best of One. If you wish to sideboard, you must edit your deck before challenging your opponent again.
When are other social features (such as a friends list) coming?
While we have not set a date for additional social features, it is something the development team is working on!