Understanding MTG Game Modifications

Learn how to reimagine the game you love with creative rule changes and variants

What is an MTG Recipe?

In the context of Cantripped, a recipe is a set of custom rule modifications or game variants that transform how Magic: The Gathering is played. Unlike card alterations, these recipes change the fundamental rules, win conditions, or gameplay mechanics to create entirely new experiences.

Think of recipes as culinary instructions for your MTG experience—they provide ingredients (rule changes) and directions (how to implement them) that result in a fresh take on the familiar game you love. Just as a food recipe transforms basic ingredients into something new and exciting, an MTG mod recipe transforms the base game into novel play experiences.

Example Recipe: "Shared Destiny"

Basic Rule Change: All players draw from a single shared library created by shuffling together 20 cards from each player's deck.

Additional Rules:

Players must reveal all cards drawn
Players may cast any card drawn, using any color of mana
When a player would lose, they instead shuffle their hand and graveyard into the shared library

Result: A chaotic, unpredictable game where strategy revolves around adapting to random cards and creating unexpected synergies.

Recipe Complexity

Game modification recipes can range from simple tweaks to elaborate new game modes. Understanding complexity helps players find recipes that match their experience level and desired play style.

Simple Mods

Single rule changes that can be explained in a sentence or two. These don't fundamentally alter core game mechanics but add interesting twists.

Example: "Players may cast one spell each turn from their graveyard."

📝 No additional components needed

Moderate Mods

Multiple rule changes that work together to create a coherent variant, requiring more explanation and potentially some preparation.

Example: "Players draft cards from a shared pile each turn and life totals affect draft priority."

🎲 May need dice, counters, or tokens

Complex Mods

Comprehensive rules overhauls that introduce entirely new game mechanics, phases, or win conditions. Often require additional components or physical cards.

Example: "Deck-based mods like Factions, Quests, or Planes that add new card types and mechanics."

📎 Requires attachment files (PDFs, card images)

Attachment-Based Recipes

Some of the most exciting and complex recipes require additional components that go beyond simple rule changes. These attachment-based recipes introduce new card types, game pieces, or reference materials that enhance the gameplay experience.

📎 What Are Attachment-Based Recipes?

These recipes include downloadable PDFs, card images, or reference sheets that provide the physical components needed to play the modification. They're marked with a📎 Attachmentindicator on recipe cards.

🎴 Deck-Based Mods

Recipes that introduce new card types like Factions, Quests, Planes, or Glitches. These add entirely new mechanics and gameplay layers.

Examples: Factions Deck, Quests Deck, Planes Deck, Glitches Deck

📋 Reference Materials

Rules sheets, tracking cards, or setup guides that help players implement complex modifications correctly.

Examples: Role cards, tracking sheets, setup instructions

💡 Attachment Tips

• Print Quality: Use card stock or laminate for durability
• Organization: Keep attachment files organized in a dedicated folder
• Accessibility: Ensure PDFs are readable and well-formatted
• Updates: Check recipe pages for updated attachment versions

Recipe Dependencies

Some recipe modifications have specific requirements or considerations that affect how they can be implemented. Understanding these dependencies helps you prepare properly and select compatible recipes.

Format Dependencies

Recipes that work only with specific MTG formats like Commander, Draft, Standard, or require a specific number of players.

Component Dependencies

Recipes that require additional items like dice, counters, tokens, special cards, or tracking sheets.

Deck Dependencies

Recipes that require specific deck construction rules or work better with certain types of decks/cards.

Compatibility Tip

When combining multiple recipes, check for conflicting rules! Some modifications work beautifully together, creating rich gameplay experiences, while others may create rule contradictions or unbalanced gameplay.

Fostering Creativity

Creating your own game modifications is a rewarding way to express your creativity and deepen your understanding of MTG's mechanics. Here are some approaches to developing your own unique recipes:

Starting With a Problem

Identify an aspect of MTG that you'd like to change or improve:

"Games end too quickly in my playgroup"
"We have a player who always uses the same winning strategy"
"New players struggle to keep up with experienced ones"

Then design rule modifications that address this specific problem.

Borrowing From Other Games

Draw inspiration from mechanics in other games:

Auction/bidding systems from board games
Team dynamics from party video games
Role-playing elements from RPGs
Hidden information from social deduction games

Exploring "What If" Scenarios

Ask disruptive questions and see where they lead:

"What if players could cast spells during any phase?"
"What if life totals were shared between teammates?"
"What if losing a creature meant gaining some other advantage?"
"What if the board state periodically reset like a video game level?"

Creativity Tip

Not every rule modification will work perfectly the first time. Embrace iteration! Play-test your recipes, gather feedback, and refine your ideas. Some of the most interesting game variants have evolved through multiple revisions and collaborative improvement.

Ready to Create Your Own Recipe?

Apply what you've learned and share your creative game modifications with the community

Create a Recipe