Lab Report 045: The Climb to Diamond… and Why It Doesn’t Shine

Lab Report 045: The Climb to Diamond… and Why It Doesn’t Shine

So it's 12:10 AM on June 27th, and I just hit Diamond on MTG Arena. I should be thrilled, right? But honestly… it doesn’t feel worth it.

Don't get me wrong—I love Magic. But Arena? It feels like a hollow grind sometimes. The system doesn't feel fair. Two wins in a row, and suddenly you're mana screwed for the next five games? It's hard not to feel like the matchmaking is rigged, like it’s nudging you toward spending money just to stay afloat. And I’m just not buying into that.

I’ll still play Arena—don’t worry—and I’ll still make videos about it too. But my heart? My heart belongs to paper Magic. There's something real and refreshing about sitting across from someone, cracking packs, slinging spells, laughing at bad draws and wild topdecks. That’s where the true joy lives.

So from now on, I’m going to lean into what brings me actual joy: playing paper Magic, selling cards, and continuing to refine Arcane Nexus over at www.darkritual.site. That’s where the spark is. That’s what feels real.

No shade if Arena is your jam. But for me, I’m not spending money or devoting all my free time to chasing digital rank. I’d rather put that energy into building something lasting—sharing decks, stories, and tools with the community I love.

Stay magical, friends.

~ MaD SaXXon, aka Tibalt’s Apprentice 🔥

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