If you play Magic: The Gathering (MTG), you’ve probably asked yourself at some point: Are foil cards better? It’s a fair question. They look shiny. They feel a little more special. They can even be worth more money. But does that make them better?
Let’s break it down. We’re not going to just say “yes” or “no” because the real answer depends on what kind of player you are, how you use your cards, and what you care about most.
First Things First: What Are Foil Cards?
In Magic: The Gathering, a foil card is a special version of a regular card that has a reflective, shiny finish. Most foils have a holographic sheen that catches the light, especially when you tilt the card. These aren’t new. Foils have been around since the late ‘90s and have been part of almost every set ever since.
Today, there are multiple types of foils: traditional foils, etched foils, textured foils, and more. Some are subtle. Some are super flashy. It all depends on the printing method and the set they came from.
Foils are found in booster packs, Collector Boosters, and Secret Lair drops, often carrying alternate art, showcase borders, or special treatments. Their collectible nature has evolved alongside the game itself, giving players more choices and more ways to show off their style.
Why Some Players Love Foil Cards
Let’s start with the pros, because there are definitely some good reasons to like foil cards.
1. They Look Cool.
This is the obvious one. A foil version of your favourite commander just feels good. The shine, the shimmer, the way it catches light, it just hits different. If you’re someone who cares about the look of your deck, foils bring extra flair.
2. They Feel More Special.
Whether it’s nostalgia, rarity, or just personal preference, foil cards often feel like collectibles. Even if the card has no extra gameplay value, having the foil version can make it feel like you’re playing something premium.
3. They Can Be Worth More.
This isn’t always the case, but many foil versions of cards are more valuable on the secondary market. Cards with alternate art, promos, or low print runs in foil form can fetch a decent price.
4. They’re Popular in Casual Formats.
Commander players, in particular, love foils. It’s a format that encourages personal expression, and foiling out a deck is a way to show off style and commitment to a favourite strategy or theme.
5. They Make Great Gifts.
A foil card or a full foil deck makes for an impressive present, especially when it includes cards your friend actually plays. Even players who don’t go out of their way to buy foils will usually appreciate receiving them.
But Are There Any Downsides?
Foil cards aren’t perfect, and depending on how you play, a few of these drawbacks might matter.
1. They Curl.
This is the most common complaint. Many foil cards, especially from recent sets, tend to warp or curl due to humidity and how they’re printed. The “foil pringle” problem is real.
2. Tournament Legality Can Be a Problem.
In official events, visibly curled or warped cards might be considered marked. Judges can require you to swap them out, which isn’t ideal if your tournament deck is all foils.
3. They Can Be Distracting.
Foils reflect light more than regular cards. This can make them harder to read or cause glare in well-lit rooms, which isn’t always great for focus during games.
4. Not All Foils Are Created Equal.
Some sets have better-quality foils than others. Etched and textured foils generally hold up better than traditional ones, but results can vary. Not every foil treatment looks or feels premium.
5. They're More Expensive.
Foils often cost significantly more than non-foil versions. For casual players or those on a budget, that price jump may not be worth it, especially when the gameplay is exactly the same.
So, Are Foil Cards Better?
The truth is: it depends. For some players, absolutely. For others, not really.
Foils might be better if:
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You play casually and like your cards to stand out.
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You enjoy collecting premium or alternate versions of your favourites.
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You want to personalize your deck with a little extra shine.
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You like having cool conversation pieces or gift-worthy cards.
Non-foils might be better if:
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You play in tournaments and need consistency and clarity.
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You want to avoid curling, glare, or storage issues.
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You’re building a deck on a budget.
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You care more about performance than presentation.
Neither is wrong. It all comes down to what kind of Magic player you are.
A Few Quick Tips If You’re Buying Foils
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Store them carefully. Use sleeves and keep them flat to avoid warping.
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Check prices. Not all foils are worth more, some drop in value fast.
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Buy what brings you joy. If a foil version makes you excited to play, that’s reason enough.
What About Special Treatments?
There’s a whole world of fancy foil treatments now. There are textured, extended-art, retro frames, borderless, and serialized. These are usually found in premium products and collector packs. They can be more expensive, but also more collectible.
Some of these versions also hold their shape better and age well in binders. They can add a layer of “wow” to your deck or collection that goes beyond just the shine.
Final Thoughts
So, are foil cards better? In some ways, yes. In other ways, not really. And that’s kind of the point.
It’s not about one version being objectively better than the other. It’s about what fits your playstyle, your collection goals, and your personal taste.
Some players love the flash. Others prefer function. You can enjoy Magic just as much either way.
If foils make your deck feel more exciting or help you appreciate your cards more, go for it. And if you’re happy with non-foils that do the job just fine, that’s great too.
Come visit us at Obsidian Games or check out our online store. We’ve got what you need, shiny or not.
