What Is Cube In MTG? Making And Maintaining A Cube In MTG

Playing Magic: The Gathering can be exciting and varied. But at some point, even the most diverse games can become boring. In any case, the scenarios and moves of the players will be guessed. And this, in turn, destroys all the randomness built into the game. Can we fix this problem? Fortunately, there is a solution.

You can try out a new MTG cube format to get a new feeling from the game. Within this format, players collect 360 cards and can play up to 8 people. But most likely, for you, such a number can seem scary. And besides, how can it be possible to gather 8 people for one playing session instead of playing solo? And, here, there is also a solution to this very problem. You can play the Cube over the Internet. This made it a versatile option for all players.

Our article will tell you the rules for building a cube for MTG. We will also tell you about what cubes exist in MTG and what advantages this format has. Stay with us; read the article to the end to master the new MTG cube format of the card game.

What Is A Cube In MTG?

MTG cube is a special format. Under this format, players can collect between 360 and 720 cards to play. The standard set of 360 cards can consist of 24 boosters of 15 cards. This is enough for 8 people to play a card game. An essential rule for collecting a cube is that each card in the Cube must be the only one of its kind.

Due to such a huge number of random cards, the game becomes as varied and unpredictable as possible.

Building a Cube is a great way to give a second life to your favorite cards, even those that don't fit in a regular deck. Each MTG Cube reflects the collector's personality, so each Cube is unique. Players can "express" themselves in Cube as with regular decks or collections. For example, assemble it in a foil version instead of the standard versions of the cards. Or, instead of the usual versions, collect promo cards: from tournaments or judges. Or you can even add alterations and cards autographed by artists.

You can collect the Cube on different topics. For example, "tribal" - zombies or vampires. In this case, the part of the MTG Cube will consist of cards of the selected type and support from spells. The second can "fight" against it. There are also some popular formats:

• Vampires. Vampire combos and spells with art depicting vampires, life drain cards, and cards from Innistrad;
• Power cube. This Magic: The Gathering Cube consists of cards of only ordinary, common, and rare;
• Standard-Cube. This type of Cube has cards that are legal in the standard;
• EDH cube. This type of Cube has cards from which you can assemble a deck for the "Commander" format.

How To Make A Cube In MTG?

Here are some general steps for making and maintaining a Cube in Magic: The Gathering:

• Determine the size and focus of your Cube. Decide how many cards you want to include in your set and what type of cards and strategies you want to focus on. This will depend on your personal preferences, the number of players, and the formats;
• Gather your cards. You can get cards for your Cube in a variety of ways. It includes buying singles, trading with other players, or using cards you already own. Remember that you will need a diverse range of card types. It includes creatures, spells, lands, and so on to create a balanced and exciting Cube;
• Organize your cards. Sort your cards into categories or themes to make building and maintaining your MTG Cube easier. You may want to create a list of the cards in your set. It includes their names, colors, and other relevant information;
• Build your Cube. Decide which cards to include and in what quantities. You can use tools and resources such as card databases and Cube lists to help you find and check cards. Consider the balance and diversity of your Cube. As well as any themes or strategies you want to emphasize;
• Play and test your set. Once you have built your Cube, it is a good idea to play with it and get a feel for its performance. You may need to make adjustments or changes to the composition of your Cube. You can base it on your experiences playing with it;
• Update and maintain your Cube. Keep track of new releases and changes to the banned and restricted list, and change your Cube. You may also want to make changes based on your personal preferences or players' feedback. It is a good idea to periodically review and update your MTG Cube to keep it fresh and interesting.

How Do You Play With A Cube In MTG?

Playing the Cube format in MTG is quite simple. To do this, you can gather a company of 8 people (including you) and play your favorite formats. To do this, you can collect cards by:

• Theme;
• Color;
• Monsters and others.

After that, each player will receive 3 boosters of 15 cards and be able to play. You can play according to the rules of the format you choose. You can also play Cube on:

• Magic online;
• Magic arena.

These two platforms offer ready-made sets of themed MTG Cube. This makes creating a cube easier if you don't like doing it. Besides, such platforms allow you to test ready-made sets and help you collect your own.

As you can see, the MTG cube format is quite easy to play. Remember to include each card in the cube in a single copy. This way, you can create more variety and randomness in the game.

The Benefits And Challenges Of Draft MTG Cube

There are several benefits to drafting with a Cube in Magic: The Gathering:

• Customization. Cubes allow players to customize their own draft experience. This can allow for a wider range of drafting options and more varied gameplay;
• Flexibility. You can use Cubes for a variety of formats. It includes Limited (draft and sealed), Constructed, and Commander. This allows for a high degree of flexibility;
• Personalization. Building and maintaining an MTG Cube is a creative process. It allows players to express their interests and preferences. Players can choose to focus on specific themes, colors, or strategies. Or they can create a more balanced and diverse set.

But there are also some challenges to drafting with an MTG Cube:

• Time and effort. Building and maintaining a Cube requires a significant time and effort investment. It's because players need to get and organize the necessary cards;
• Power level. The power level and balance of a Cube can vary depending on the cards included. This can lead to some games feeling imbalanced or uneven. Especially if the Magic: The Gathering Cube is not well-designed or maintained;
• Limited replay value. While there is some replay value in drafting a Cube many times, players may eventually become familiar with the cards and strategies. It can reduce the element of surprise and novelty;
• Cost. Acquiring the cards for a Cube can be expensive. Especially if players are looking to include high-demand or hard-to-find cards. This can be a barrier for some players who may not have the budget or resources to build a large set.

The Different Types Of Cubes In MTG

There are many different types of Cubes in Magic: The Gathering. And the specific type of it will depend on their personal preferences and goals. Here are a few examples of different types of Cubes:

1. Balanced. These MTG Cube are diverse, with a mix of card types, colors, and strategies. They provide a well-rounded drafting experience, and you can use them for various formats;
2. Themed. These Cubes focus on a specific theme or concept. It can be a particular mechanic, color combination, or strategy. They may be more specialized and focused than balanced sets. And they may be geared toward a specific format or playstyle;
3. Pauper. These Cubes use only commons, the lowest rarity of Magic: The Gathering cards. Pauper Cubes are more affordable and accessible. It's because commons are generally less expensive than other rarities;
4. Vintage. These MTG Cubes use cards from the Vintage format. It allows the use of all Magic: The Gathering cards that are not banned or restricted. Vintage Cubes are typically larger and more expensive than other types of Cubes. And they are great for experienced players with a deep knowledge of the game. Remember to use protective sleeves for these cards;
5. Commander. These Cubes are specifically for the Commander format. It uses a singleton rule (only one copy of each card is allowed). And it allows players to use a designated Commander card to lead their decks. Commander Cubes typically include a mix of cards suitable for use as Commanders;
6. Modern Masters. These Cubes use cards from the Modern Masters sets. They are sets that include a selection of powerful and sought-after cards from the Modern. Modern Masters MTG Cube is for experienced players. And it can be great for Limited and Constructed play;
7. Peasant. They are the lower rarities of Magic: The Gathering cards. Peasant Cubes are typically designed to be more affordable and accessible. People often confuse this one with pauper cubes. This format uses common and uncommon cards. While the pauper cube only has common cards.

The History And Evolution Of Cubes In MTG

Cubes have been a part of the Magic: The Gathering community since the game's early days. The concept of a "customizable draft format" was mentioned in The Duelist magazine in 1996. And the first known reference to a "Cube" was in a forum post on The Source (a Magic: The Gathering website) in 1997.

In the early days of Cubing, players typically built their sets using physical cards. And they drafted them in person. With the advent of digital platforms such as Magic Online and Arena, it has become easier to create and play with Cubes online. Some online platforms like Cube Tutor also offer tools and resources. They are specifically designed for building and drafting with MTG Cube.

Over time, the popularity and diversity of Cubes have grown. And they have become a beloved and integral part of the Magic: The Gathering community. Players have created a wide range of different types of Cubes. They focus on various themes, formats, and strategies. And they have shared their creations and experiences with others through:

• Forums;
• Blogs;
• Social media.

Recently, Wizards of the Coast released physical products like Magic: The Gathering Cubes. They are the Modern Masters and Vintage Masters set. These sets contain a selection of powerful and sought-after cards from specific formats.

Using A Cube To Play With Friends In MTG

Using a Cube to play with friends in Magic: The Gathering is a fun and flexible way to experience the game. You can use an MTG Cube to play with your friends in a few different ways. It depends on your preferences and the size of your group:

1. Drafting. You can use your Cube to draft with your friends, similar to drafting with booster packs. Players can sit around a table. And they take turns choosing cards from a "pack" of cards, passing the rest to the next player. This continues until players have chosen all the cards in the pack and opened a new one. The process continues until players have drafted all the cards in the Cube;
2. Sealed. You can use your Cube to play sealed deck games. Each player receives a "pool" of cards from which to build their deck. Players can open their pools and build their decks using only the cards they have been given;
3. Constructed. You can use your Magic: The Gathering Cube to play constructed games. The players bring their pre-built decks to play against each other. Players can use their favorite decks or build new decks using cards from their Cube;
4. Commander. You can use your Cube for Commander games. Use your set as a pool of cards to choose from when building your Commander decks.

Regardless of which MTG format you choose, using a Cube to play with friends is a great way to experience the variety and depth of Magic: The Gathering and to create your custom draft or play experience.

The Community And Culture Surrounding Cubes In MTG

With the diversity that the Cube format in MTG could give, the community of players has expanded. Thus, a lot of thematic forums and meetings have appeared. Many players have gathered in communities. They are of high interest in the further development of the MTG cube format.

Today you can find hundreds of videos on the Internet dedicated to the Cube in MTG. In general terms, the Cube format brought players together. And it helped to create a new community.

Wrapping Up

As a result, collecting a cube to play MTG can be a little difficult at first. But this format can bring a new variety to the game and make it more interesting.

The main thing is to remember the basic rules for collecting a set for a game with a large number of players. If you collect only unique cards in your set, you can make your MTG game more varied and random.

And if you don’t want to spend time selecting unique cards for the cube, you can always use:

• Video guides;
• Ready-made sets of cubes on the Internet;
• Shop to buy a ready-made cube.

In this way, you can bring many new emotions to your game. At the same time, you will not spend a lot of time and nerves assembling a cube for the MTG.

And if you are a fan of strategizing and plunging into the world of card games, you can build a cube with our guide.

FAQ

Can I Include Any Cards In A Cube?

In general, you can add any legal card in a given Magic: The Gathering format. This includes cards from all sets and all rarities and banned cards.

What Formats Can I Play With A Cube? 

You can use Cubes for a variety of MTG formats. It includes Limited (draft and sealed), Constructed, and Commander. The specific format and rules for playing with a Cube will depend on the players' preferences.

Can I Use A Cube For Competitive Play?

Yes, you can use Cubes for competitive play. And some people even play in organized tournaments or leagues using their Cubes.

Can I Customize A Cube For A Specific Theme Or Playstyle?

Many players customize their Cubes to focus on a specific theme or play style. It includes building a Cube around a particular mechanic, color combination, or strategy.