MTG Arena is launching Ranked Brawl, a dedicated ranked queue that brings competitive structure to one of its most beloved formats in Magic: The Gathering. Brawl ranks as the second most-played Constructed format on the platform, underscoring its strong following among players who enjoy singleton commander decks. This new mode directly addresses community calls for skill-based matchmaking and ranked progression while preserving the format's unique appeal and strategic depth.
Ranked Brawl is a ranked Constructed format featuring most of the same rules as its unranked counterpart but with a different banned list philosophy and a matchmaking system designed to promote competitive play. Like the standard version, decks contain 100 cards and include one legendary creature, planeswalker, Vehicle, or Spacecraft as your commander. Other than basic lands, only one copy of any given card can be in the deck unless otherwise stated on the card, and cards must match the color identity of your commander. Players start with 25 life, but unlike the normal version, there is no free mulligan in Ranked Brawl, similar to other ranked formats.
Matchmaking for the format considers a player's Constructed rank and rating to find an opponent of a similar skill level. Completing matches will affect a player's rank and ultimately contribute to their season reward eligibility. Unlike Unranked Brawl, deck composition is not a factor for matchmaking in this new mode. This setup encourages dedicated players to climb the ranks through consistent performance and strategic depth.
The introduction of this format reflects ongoing efforts by Wizards of the Coast to balance casual enjoyment with competitive integrity in Magic: The Gathering. Developers analyzed player data and feedback to create distinct queues that better serve different audiences. As a result, MTG Arena now offers more tailored experiences that align with individual playstyles and goals.
When is Ranked Brawl coming to MTG Arena?
Ranked Brawl will arrive on MTG Arena on June 23 with a dedicated rollout that allows players to access it through existing play tabs. The format builds upon established mechanics while introducing adjustments suited for ranked competition. Early testing phases will help refine the experience before full integration.
In addition, developers plan to incorporate Ranked Brawl Metagame Challenges into the regular schedule moving forward. These events will provide opportunities for players to test their skills in competitive settings. Further explorations, such as Qualifier Play-In Weekends, may follow depending on the format's popularity and overall reception among the community.
What are the banned cards in Ranked Brawl?
The banned cards in Ranked Brawl are as follows:
Ajani, Nacatl Pariah
Nadu, Winged Wisdom
Lutri, the Spellchaser
Oko, Thief of Crowns
Old Stickfingers
Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer
Rusko, Clockmaker
Tamiyo, Inquisitive Student
Wrenn and Six
Tajic, Legion's Valor
With the addition of competitive Ranked Brawl to MTG Arena, Wizards of the Coast will now grant wildcard refunds for any future bans in both Ranked Brawl and Unranked Brawl after this release. For future Ranked Brawl bans, players will receive one wildcard for each crafted banned card they have a copy of in their collection, similar to how bans work for restricted cards in Timeless. We will not be issuing any wildcards for the initial banned list.
This policy ensures fairness for players investing in the format over time. It demonstrates a commitment to supporting the community as the format evolves. Adjustments to the banned list will be data-driven to maintain balance and diversity.
The new format also includes a modified Ranked Brawl limited-time event running from June 2 to June 15 with no entry fee, allowing players to experience the format early using the established banned list. This preview period gives enthusiasts a chance to build decks and practice strategies ahead of the full launch. The official release date of Ranked Brawl on MTG Arena is June 23.
MTG Arena players who favor singleton commander decks now gain access to proper ranked ladders, skill-matched opponents, and a thoughtfully curated banned list that supports healthy competition. The new wildcard refund system for future bans offers meaningful protection for crafted collections, encouraging long-term investment in the format. Regular Metagame Challenges and possible qualifier weekends will further embed Ranked Brawl into the competitive ecosystem.
