Here’s Why There Are No Free Gem Codes for MTG Arena [Alternatives]

Last updated on November 1, 2023

Jodah's Codex | Illustration by Aaron Miller

There are lots of different things you can redeem on MTG Arena. With everything from Hot Pocket promos, packs and decks to cosmetic avatars and card styles, there isn’t much you can’t get for free by buying Magic cards anyway. But unlike many other digital games, there aren’t redeemable codes for the premium currency on MTG Arena: gems.

Today I’m breaking down what there is to know about gem codes for MTG Arena, what your alternatives are, and where you can redeem codes in the first place. Ready? Let’s go!

Are There Gem Codes for MTG Arena?

Gemrazer | Illustration by Svetlin Velinov

No, there are no gem codes for MTG Arena. While there are codes that can give you prizes or other rewards, there aren’t ways to buy codes that award gems like you might buy premium currency in other games.

Why Aren’t There Gem Codes for MTG Arena?

While Wizards hasn’t officially mentioned why there aren’t gem codes, we can speculate a few reasons that might’ve resulted in them electing not to include them.

One likely factor is that gems are already sold on the MTGA Store, so having gem codes available elsewhere could lead to illegal resellers selling codes bought with stolen credit cards. It’s also likely that WotC/Hasbro wants all the purchases relating to Magic or MTG Arena to be through their own storefronts and digital marketplaces. This allows them to have exclusive access to sales and other transaction data that's useful in marketing and product development.

Gem Code Alternatives

MTGACodes

While you can’t buy codes to redeem gems exclusively, sites like MTGACodes sell other redeemable prizes from a multitude of sources including prerelease packs and bundles.

You can find just about any product or prize that was given out in code form, whether it’s completed decks, cosmetics of all kinds, or welcome boosters and starter kits.

Gray Viking Games

Gray Viking Games is another safe and reputable online retailer that sells redeemable codes for rewards on MTG Arena. Most of their products are prerelease packs and codes from other sealed products that the original opener didn’t need or want. If you're interested in GVG, make sure to check out our full review!

They often run holiday sales and rewards programs, so make sure to check back frequently if you’re a paying MTGA player.

Gem Giveaways

While there aren’t any gem codes available for purchase anywhere, content creators and WotC give out gem rewards during special events, tournaments, or other marketing campaigns. The easiest way to get one of these is to watch specifically sponsored Twitch channels during these events. You’re eligible to win one of these giveaways if you’re active in chat and watch for a specific length of time.

Tournament Winnings

Almost all the tournaments in the MTGA client reward some number of gems based on your performance afterwards. The tournaments you can enter at any point may give less gems to win, but the other championships like the Arena Open or weekend events will give increasingly larger prize pools the better you do.

How Do You Redeem a Gem Code?

If you’re lucky enough to win a nearly one-of-a-kind gem code from an event or content creator, you can redeem them on the Accounts page of the official Wizards of the Coast website. Just sign in, click “Redeem A Code,” and then type your code. The gems will automatically transfer to your account.

Wrap Up

Gemstone Caverns | Illustration by Martina Pilcerova

That wraps up everything you need to know about gem codes for MTG Arena. While it’s a little weird you can’t buy this premium currency in stores like every other video game, they’re already readily available through the digital store and a multitude of events and tournaments.

Have you ever been lucky enough to win a promo code, or have you ever bought something from a third party retailer like MTGACodes or Gray Viking Games? Let me know your experiences and success in the comments below, or in the official Draftsim Discord.

Until next time!

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