MTG Arena is designed to provide a fair and enjoyable gaming experience, but occasionally, players may encounter opponents who engage in behaviors that disrupt the game or violate its rules. Knowing when and how to report such players is essential for maintaining a positive gaming environment. This article outlines the reasons for reporting players in MTG Arena and provides a step-by-step guide on how to submit a report effectively.
When to Report MTG Arena Players
Understanding when it’s appropriate to report a player is crucial to ensure reports are valid and actionable. Below are the primary reasons to consider submitting a report for player misconduct in MTG Arena.
Roping
MTG Arena’s timer system is designed to keep matches moving smoothly. Players have access to an overall match timer and a per-turn timer, represented by an hourglass icon. Quick play can earn up to three hourglasses, which provide extra time when a player’s turn exceeds approximately two minutes, triggering the "rope" (a visible timer). If all hourglasses are depleted and the overall timer runs out, the turn is automatically passed, and repeated delays can result in an automatic concession.
Some players, however, intentionally delay their turns by waiting until the rope appears, even when no complex decisions are required. This tactic, known as “roping,” is particularly frustrating when the opponent is clearly losing but prolongs the game unnecessarily. Such behavior can be reported as it disrupts the spirit of fair play.
Exploiting Bugs
Exploiting bugs or glitches in MTG Arena to gain an unfair advantage is another reportable offense. These exploits vary depending on the bug but often involve actions that disrupt gameplay or cause technical issues for opponents. For example, during the game’s beta phase, some players repeatedly clicked on the Mastery Cat to slow down or crash their opponent’s game, rendering it unplayable. Such intentional abuse of game mechanics warrants a report to ensure fair competition.
This guy just mulled to 1 card and spammed the cat and it literally lagged my GOOD pc not resolving cards unless I restarted every turn. :)))) thanks a**hole
by inMagicArena
Inappropriate Usernames
MTG Arena enforces rules against offensive or inappropriate usernames. Despite preventive measures by Wizards of the Coast (WotC), some players may bypass filters with inappropriate names. Reporting such usernames helps maintain a respectful gaming community.
Hacking or Suspicious Play
While rare, hacking or suspicious gameplay, such as unexplained actions that seem impossible within the game’s rules, can also be reported. If a player’s actions suggest cheating or manipulation of the game’s mechanics without a clear explanation, contacting support for investigation is appropriate.
Stalling with No Win Conditions
Some players construct decks designed to stall the game indefinitely, often with no viable win condition. For instance, using cards like Nexus of Fate in combination with Azcanta, the Sunken Ruin to repeatedly shuffle and loop cards can extend a match far beyond reasonable limits. While not explicitly against the rules, such strategies can be considered unsportsmanlike if they excessively prolong a game without progress. Reporting such behavior may prompt review by WotC to assess whether it violates the game’s intended spirit.
When Not to Report MTG Arena Players
Not all frustrating behaviors warrant a report. For example, spamming emotes, while annoying, can be mitigated by disabling emotes in the game settings. Similarly, perceived issues like a “broken shuffler” often stem from the natural randomness of card draws rather than a bug. Randomness can lead to streaks of bad luck, such as drawing no lands or poor hands, but this is part of the game’s design and not a reportable issue. Reporting should focus on clear rule violations or misconduct, not personal frustrations or bad luck.
How to Report MTG Arena Players
If you encounter a player engaging in reportable behavior, follow these steps to submit a report through the MTG Arena support system. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure your report is actionable.
Navigate to the MTG Arena Support Website
Visit the MTG Arena support website and ensure you are logged into your Wizards account. To access the report submission form, you may need to click on a support article first, as the “Submit a Request” button is sometimes hidden until you interact with the site.
Select “Submit a Request”
Locate and click the “Submit a Request” link, typically found at the top right of the support page.
Choose “Report Conduct”
In the dropdown menu labeled “What would you like to contact us about?”, select “Report Conduct” to indicate you are reporting player misconduct.
Complete the Report Form
Fill out all required fields in the form:
Type of Report: Select “Player/Person.”
Where Did This Occur?: Choose “MTG Arena.”
Description: Provide a detailed explanation of the incident, including the opponent’s username and specific details of their misconduct (e.g., roping, bug exploitation, or inappropriate username).
Attachments: Include relevant evidence, such as screenshots or video clips (e.g., stream recordings). Additionally, attach the game’s HTML log file, which records match details and can help WotC investigate. To find the log file, check your MTG Arena installation folder (typically under Logs in the game’s directory) or refer to the support site for instructions.
Submit the Report
Once all fields are completed and attachments are uploaded, click the “Submit” button to send your report to WotC.
What to Expect After Reporting an MTG Arena Player
After submitting your report, you will receive an automated confirmation email from WotC. If further information is needed, the support team may follow up with you. If your evidence, such as screenshots or log files, clearly demonstrates misconduct, the reported player may face consequences ranging from a temporary suspension to a permanent ban, depending on the severity of the offense. WotC is committed to maintaining a fair gaming environment and takes reports seriously, particularly for issues like bug exploitation or hacking.
Reporting a player in MTG Arena is a straightforward process that helps uphold the integrity of Magic: The Gathering. By understanding when to report—such as for roping, exploiting bugs, inappropriate usernames, hacking, or stalling—and following the proper steps, you contribute to a better gaming experience for all players. Always ensure your report includes detailed information and evidence to assist WotC in their investigation. For additional guidance or to stay updated on MTG Arena, visit the official support website or follow their updates on social media platforms like Twitter.
Source: MTG Arena Support
