Choosing an MTG Cube
Power level, speed, complexity, and how your group likes to win all matter when picking a cube. Use this page to choose the right vibe fast—then grab the best size for your usual player count.
TL;DR
- Modern = clean, contemporary gameplay. Strong creatures, good interaction, fewer “oops” starts.
- Legacy = older staples and sharper efficiency without going full Vintage chaos.
- Vintage = iconic high power. Big swings, broken mana, and “remember when…” drafts (Powered is the peak).
- Commander Draft = multiplayer politics, legends density, big board states, and color identity decisions.
- Micro (180) = quick, small-group cube nights (usually 2–4 players) with minimal setup.
Quick picker (60 seconds)
Do you want multiplayer Commander games?
Pick Commander Draft Cube.
Are you usually 2–4 players and want quick drafts?
Pick Micro (180).
Otherwise (traditional 1v1-style cube games):
- Want “modern Magic” pacing and clarity? Pick Modern.
- Want older cards and higher efficiency, but not the wildest power? Pick Legacy.
- Want maximum spice and huge ceilings? Pick Vintage (Powered if you want the full fireworks).
Comparison table (the stuff that actually changes the night)
| Cube type | Power band | Speed | Complexity | Best for | Pick this if you like… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern | High, but “fairer” | Medium-fast | Medium | 6–10 players, consistent drafts | Creature combat, planeswalkers, synergy decks, clean lanes, fewer non-games |
| Legacy | High | Fast | Medium-high | Players who like sharp efficiency | Strong interaction, tighter curves, older staples, high-agency games |
| Vintage | Very high (Powered is maximum) | Fast and swingy | High | Groups who want fireworks | Broken mana, iconic engines, combos, huge tempo swings, unforgettable stories |
| Commander Draft | Medium-high | Medium (bigger turns) | Medium-high | 4–8 players, multiplayer | Politics, big board states, legends, color identity puzzles |
| Micro (180) | Medium-high (depends on list) | Fast setup, quick games | Medium | 2–4 players | Quick nights, small groups, minimal sorting, “we can draft right now” energy |
Tiny pack-plan chart (15-card packs)
This is the classic cube plan used most often for Modern, Legacy, and Vintage: 3 packs of 15 per player.
| Players | Packs per player | Total packs | Total cards drafted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 12 | 180 |
| 6 | 3 | 18 | 270 |
| 8 | 3 | 24 | 360 |
| 10 | 3 | 30 | 450 |
Size shortcut
- 360 supports an 8-player “classic” draft (3×15).
- 450 supports 10 players on the same plan.
- 540/720 are about more variety and replayability (and bigger groups if you want them).
Note: Commander Draft and Micro often use different pack structures. The product page will tell you the exact draft rules we recommend for that cube.
Shop by cube type
Modern MTG Cubes (360 / 450 / 540 / 720)
Legacy MTG Cubes (360 / 450 / 540 / 720)
Vintage MTG Cubes (Powered + Unpowered)
Commander Draft MTG Cube (480)
Micro MTG Cube (180)
FAQs
If I’m buying my first cube, what should I start with?
If your group wants a consistent, contemporary experience, start with Modern 540. If your group wants the iconic high-power stories, start with Vintage 540 (Powered if you want the full fireworks).
What’s the “safe” size for most groups?
540 is the comfy default for lots of groups because it supports the classic 8-player night while adding variety and replayability.
Powered vs Unpowered Vintage: what’s the real difference?
Powered has the highest ceiling and the biggest swings. Unpowered keeps the Vintage vibe but is usually a bit more stable and less “turn-one nonsense.”
We usually have 4 players. Should we still buy a big cube?
You can, but if your nights are mostly 2–4 players and you want fast setup, Micro (180) is the easiest win.
