Trading card games, otherwise known as TCGs, have enraptured players for decades. Not only are they a lot of fun, but they offer the thrill of strategy, immersive lore, and the excitement of competition. In 2025, there are plenty of tabletop and trading card games to choose from, but one can’t argue that two of the biggest names in the genre today are Magic: the Gathering (aka MTG) and Disney Lorcana. At first glance, these two games have seemingly nothing in common, but their similar game mechanics and sought-after promos make them two excellent picks among the community. But the question remains for new players: which game is easier to learn?
The teams from Ozzie Collectables and CollectFest have come together to break down both games and help beginners make their choice.
Magic: The Gathering - The Pioneer of TCGs
Okay, we’d be remiss not to start with one of the titans in the TCG world. MTG has been a cornerstone of the trading card game industry since its launch all the way back in 1993. With more than thirty years of history under its belt, this nineties baby has evolved from a niche hobby into an intricate gaming empire that is known for drawing in both professional and casual players alike.
How easy is it to learn?
Mechanics: MTG offers a pretty standard array of mechanics, with multiple card types (creatures, instants, sorceries, enchantments, and more) and a resource system based on land cards.
Strategy: While one can arguably learn the basics relatively quickly, mastering Magic requires a deeper understanding of good deck-building, resource management, and strategy.
Starter Experience: Wizards of the Coast provide a beginner-friendly tutorial on their website and plenty of starter decks. The sheer volume of mechanics and interactions can be a bit overwhelming, though, so we recommend starting with something basic and less competitive. If you’re not sure where to start, head to your local game store or an event near you running a casual tournament, such as a game of Commander or Friday Night Magic (FNM).
Disney Lorcana - The Newcomer with a Disney Twist
It’s time to talk about the new kid on the block. Disney Lorcana launched only a couple years ago in 2023. In no way just limited to Disney lovers, many consider it a fresh take on TCGs, blending beloved characters with a streamlined game-play system. It’s designed to appeal to both casual players and seasoned trading card game enthusiasts, and brings a more accessible entry point to the world of TCG.
How easy is it to learn?
Mechanics: Lorcana uses a simple ink-based resource system, making it easier for some to grasp than MTG’s land system.
Strategy: The game is designed to be accessible, with a focus on questing for lore rather than directly attacking opponents. There are, however, a number of moves that it’s possible for players to make on each turn, so complex strategy options are still possibly.
Starter Experience: Lorcana’s publisher, Ravensburger, constantly places an emphasis on the easy-to-understand angle of beginner tutorials, making it an ideal game for younger players and newcomers. There are also a tonne of starter decks available. However like all TCGs, the easiest way to learn will always be to have someone sit you down and teach you - which also happens to be the most fun way to learn a new game in our opinion.
So… what does the community say?
At Ozzie Collectables, a retailer in Melbourne, and CollectFest, a well-known Australian gaming convention, TCG fans from all backgrounds weighed in on which game they think is easier to pick up. The general consensus was this.
Magic: the Gathering appeals to players who enjoy deep strategy and complex gameplay mechanics, which can be daunting for beginners. That said, if people take the right approach, it still absolutely has the potential to be beginner-friendly, and it’s been around for long enough that there are plenty of resources out there to help new players pick up the game.
Disney Lorcana is a lot more beginner-friendly on paper, with an intuitive resource system and clear objectives that makes it easier to learn and play casually. However, recent sought-after chase cards and new sets make it an increasingly competitive space, and there is still plenty of room for complex strategic play.
The final verdict: which is easier to learn?
Like a lot of things in life, we’re gonna say that this one mainly comes down to preference. Whilst it’s undeniable that both games offer fantastic experiences for TCG enthusiasts, the general consensus of the community is that Disney Lorcana is the easier game to pick up on short notice, but Magic: the Gathering has more info out there when it comes to learning the game on a long-term basis. Disney Lorcana features intuitive mechanics with a design focusing on accessibility, which makes it a great starting point for newbies. Magic, on the other hand, rewards those willing to invest a little more time in mastering its more complex mechanics. Both games, however, are a lot of fun!
For newbies looking for a fun, easy to pick up experience, Disney Lorcana is probably the way to go. But for those eager to dive into a rich and competitive game, Magic: the Gathering remains the best classic challenge.
Which game do you prefer? Let us know in the comments and explore both with Ozzie Collectables and CollectFest!