Mystical Tutor | MTG Archenemy: A Fun and Unique Multiplayer Variant

Magic: The Gathering is known for its wide variety of formats and playstyles, from competitive tournament play to casual kitchen-table games. One of the more exciting and unique multiplayer formats is Archenemy, a variant that flips the game on its head by pitting one player against the rest of the group. Designed for big, swingy moments and cinematic-like gameplay, Archenemy offers an experience unlike any other format in Magic.

What is MTG Archenemy?

Archenemy is a multiplayer format where one player takes on the role of the “archenemy,” facing off against two or more opponents who work together as a team. The archenemy has access to powerful scheme cards in addition to their regular deck. These oversized cards represent world-shaking effects, twists, and advantages that give the solo player the buffs and firepower to stand against multiple opponents.

The rest of the table plays cooperatively, sharing the goal of bringing down the archenemy before their schemes and resources spiral out of control.

How the Format Works

• Decks: Each player, including the archenemy, brings a normal 60 card deck or 100-card commander deck, depending on the group’s preference.

• Schemes: The archenemy also uses a scheme deck, typically made up of 20 scheme cards. At the beginning of their turn, they reveal a scheme that provides a major advantage, such as creating free creatures, destroying enemy permanents, or ramping up mana.

• Turn Order: The archenemy always goes first and starts with 40 life (80 for Commander) to balance the numbers against them.

• Victory Condition: The archenemy wins by defeating all opponents, while the team wins if they can bring the archenemy’s life total to zero first.

  
  

What Archenemy is Fun

Epic Storytelling

Archenemy creates a dramatic narrative where one player feels like the final boss in a game. The schemes often carry flavorful names like My Genius Knows No Bounds or My Laughter Echoes, which add to the cinematic atmosphere of the game.

Cooperative Play

Unlike most Magic formats, Archenemy encourages teamwork. Players on the opposing side must coordinate their strategies, take a single turn as a team, manage resources together, and make collective decisions about who attacks, who holds back, and how to counter the archenemy’s schemes.

Big, Swingy Moments

The schemes guarantee that every game has memorable plays. From wiping the board to flooding the battlefield with creatures, the archenemy’s schemes create huge momentum shifts that keep the game exciting.

Accessibility

Archenemy is easy to pick up for casual players because the focus is less on fine-tuned decks and more on the interaction between schemes and group strategy. The asymmetric gameplay also means no two games feel the same.

How to Play Archenemy Today

Although official MTG Archenemy products have been released in the past, such as Archenemy: Nicol Bolas, many players build their own scheme decks or use print-and-play versions available online. All you need is a regular Magic deck, a group of friends, and a scheme deck to get started.

Change Up Your Game Night!

Archenemy stands out as one of Magic: The Gathering’s most entertaining casual formats. Its blend of cooperative play, over-the-top effects, and “one versus many” structure makes it feel more like a strategy board game than a traditional Magic match.

So whether you want to be the villain with overwhelming power or part of the heroic team working to take them down, Archenemy promises unforgettable games that let you play out your own story for a fresh twist at your table.