Does Magic: The Gathering sound too complicated for you? You need not worry, as D3 Go’s Magic: The Gathering – Puzzle Quest combines elements of the classic card game with Match 3 elements. This new game is available for both Android and iOS mobile devices, and it does involve a lot of strategy, as you’ll have a chance to try to “craft the perfect deck” and cast your share of spells. In other words, you can think about this as a mobile game that combines the depth of the Magic: The Gathering universe with the casual-themed simplicity of Match 3.
If this game still sounds a bit too challenging for your liking, or if you’re having trouble reconciling two different genres with each other (even with Match 3 RPGs common enough to have their own category), we recommend you read on as we now bring you our exclusive list of Magic: The Gathering – Puzzle Quest tips, tricks and strategies that touches on the game’s basics, and then some.
1. You Have Time To Plan Things Out
One general rule in Match 3 games is that you may be limited to a certain number of moves per level, but you still have all the time in the world to plan things out in advance. One move could mean the difference between completing the level and failing it, and what you basically want to do here is to make one single move count as much as possible. In Magic: The Gathering – Puzzle Quest, the importance of one move is amplified, as that could be the game-changer that allows you enough mana to summon more than one card.
2. Check Your Hand Regularly
On the surface, many gamers see Match 3 and nothing else. But there’s more to that than meets the eye, and you also have to remember that this is a TCG, or trading card game as well.
Your hand will show you all cards that are on standby, with your deck’s top card getting played once you’ve got sufficient mana to do so. So with that in mind, make it good practice to regularly check your hand at least once per turn. Who knows, you may need to make some tweaks to your strategy, such as summoning a new card instead of charging an existing one.
3. Keep Your Support Cards Protected
Unlike most other TCGs, Magic: The Gathering – Puzzle Quest doesn’t appear to have any means for players to move support cards on their end. Instead, the game seems to place the support cards on its own, and that’s one reason why it’s always a good idea to be prepared at all times and ensure that these cards are protected. Shift other elements around, and remember – a lot of your success will depend on how you defend; we suggest being as disorganized as possible when trying to protect support cards. You don’t want your opponent to string together a formidable combo, or combos.
4. Don’t Overlook The Optional Objectives
Just because they’re optional doesn’t mean you should let them pass. As you may notice, all levels in the story campaign come with one main, and mandatory objective, and two optional ones. For example, you may be asked to complete a battle within a given number of turns, or asked to finish said battle with as little damage as possible. Try to achieve these secondary goals so that you can win some experience tokens, as well as mana crystals that should allow you to cast more spells.
5. You Can Match Planeswalker Cards Early On
Putting things in perspective of the game, the first planeswalker ability of Nissa is to draw one card. That doesn’t sound too exciting, to be honest, but you can still match planeswalker pieces even if she’s all you’ve got. As her second ability, Nature’s Gift, allows a +3/+3 advantage for any cards you have on the field, you can feel free and match those planeswalker pieces early on in your game. You will, however, have to wait a bit, as Nissa only unlocks the above ability once she reaches Level 14.
6. Experiment While You Can
The game allows you to work with different types of cards. For example, attackers are your main offensive cards, and they can go for your opponent fast, furious, and effective. Berserkers fulfill a similar role, but turn things up to the proverbial eleven. Defenders are the tanks that make up for their lack of offense with unique damage absorption capabilities. Take note of these basics and you’ll be able to create a deck that’s as close as you can get to your desired playing style.
Want more tips and hints for the game ? Be sure to head over to our Magic: The Gathering – Puzzle Quest ultimate guide, which contains even more tips and tricks.