Online platforms for playing Magic: The Gathering have come a long way since the early days of text-based inputs and minimal automation. Two of the most discussed community-driven platforms are Untap.in and Cockatrice. While both allow players to connect with others around the world and enjoy their favorite Magic formats, each offers a unique experience in terms of usability, interface, community engagement, and feature set. Choosing between Untap.in and Cockatrice often depends on the kind of player you are and what kind of gameplay experience you value most.
User Interface and Visual Design
Untap.in Interface
Untap.in runs entirely in a web browser, which means there’s no need to download or install anything. Its interface is clean and fairly modern, with a focus on simplicity. The board is intuitive, and players can drag and drop cards with ease. Zones like the hand, graveyard, battlefield, and exile are clearly marked. For new players, this visual structure can make learning and navigating the game less intimidating.
Cockatrice Interface
Cockatrice, on the other hand, is a downloadable application. Its layout is functional but often feels dated. The interface prioritizes flexibility over aesthetics. While this might appeal to seasoned players familiar with MTG terminology and flow, beginners might find it slightly more challenging to get started. It does, however, allow for greater screen customization and has more detailed information tracking in some cases.
Gameplay Automation
Untap.in Mechanics
One of the most talked-about differences is automation. Untap.in is semi-automated. Actions like drawing cards, shuffling, and moving cards between zones are supported through simple buttons. However, all gameplay enforcement is manual. This means players must be responsible for following the rules, tapping lands, resolving effects, and so on. It’s a good system for casual games and house rules but can lead to disputes if not all players are on the same page.
Cockatrice Flexibility
Cockatrice follows a similar model but with a slightly more advanced scripting interface. It doesn’t enforce game rules either, but the client offers more shortcuts and batch actions for experienced players. For example, drawing multiple cards or moving entire stacks can be done more efficiently. This becomes important in formats like Commander, where large-scale actions are common.
Deck Building and Customization
Deck Management in Untap.in
Untap.in includes a deck editor that allows players to search and sort cards easily. Decks can be imported from external sources using.txt or.json formats. It also supports public and private deck libraries, making it easy to share ideas with the community. However, the platform may occasionally suffer from outdated card databases or bugs when importing less popular cards or custom sets.
Cockatrice Deck Tools
Cockatrice uses a companion application called Oracle for card data and deck construction. It supports a wide range of card formats, including custom and proxy sets. The search feature is fast and detailed, and players can easily filter by set, rarity, or keyword. One major advantage of Cockatrice is its compatibility with custom cards and unofficial formats, offering nearly limitless deck creativity.
Community and Multiplayer Features
Untap.in Community
Untap.in has a relatively casual community with players from various TCGs, not just Magic: The Gathering. Its chatroom and lobby features allow for easy matchmaking, but there’s little formal moderation. This means your experience may vary depending on who you play with. There are occasionally hosted tournaments or community events, but the platform doesn’t specialize in competitive play.
Cockatrice Community
The Cockatrice user base leans more toward competitive and semi-competitive players. Many organized communities run structured events using external Discord servers or forums. Cockatrice’s open-ended nature and scripting tools make it ideal for tournament organizers, but it requires a bit more technical knowledge to get started. For users seeking serious practice before paper events or MTGO, Cockatrice may be the better environment.
Accessibility and Performance
Browser-Based vs. Installed
Untap.in’s biggest advantage is accessibility. Since it runs entirely in a web browser, it works on nearly any device, including Chromebooks and tablets. There’s no installation process or updates to manage. However, being browser-based means it is more prone to connection drops, lag, or browser-specific bugs. It also requires a stable internet connection at all times.
Cockatrice, as a standalone application, tends to be more stable during longer sessions. It doesn’t rely on browser performance and handles complex game states more reliably. However, users must download and update both the client and the card database manually. The learning curve for installation and setup may discourage casual players.
Custom Formats and Game Types
What Untap.in Offers
Untap.in supports multiple TCGs beyond MTG, including Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon. While this adds flexibility, it also means less specialization. Custom games, rule variants, and roleplaying decks are popular on Untap, especially among casual players. Its flexibility makes it an ideal platform for formats like Oathbreaker or Planechase, where rigid rule enforcement isn’t essential.
Cockatrice for Variant Lovers
Cockatrice truly shines for those who love niche formats or want to playtest experimental cards. Its compatibility with custom sets allows users to upload fully original cards and playtest them as if they were real. Cube drafters, fan set designers, and legacy players often turn to Cockatrice for this reason. Its scripting interface also allows for more complex variants that would be difficult to manage manually on Untap.in.
Which Platform is Right for You?
- Choose Untap.inif you prefer a casual, browser-based platform with minimal setup and quick games. It’s excellent for teaching new players, testing fun brews, or playing in mixed TCG environments.
- Choose Cockatriceif you value custom card support, powerful deck-building tools, and competitive features. It’s best for dedicated MTG players looking for long-term gameplay and event hosting.
Ultimately, both platforms are amazing community projects that offer free ways to enjoy Magic: The Gathering without the need for official products. They serve different purposes but share the same goal: bringing people together through the game they love.
Whether you’re looking to draft with friends, playtest a new deck, or just casually sling spells with strangers, understanding the pros and cons of Untap.in versus Cockatrice can help you choose the best tool for your style. Untap.in shines in simplicity and ease of access, while Cockatrice delivers a more advanced, customizable experience. Try both, explore the communities, and discover which platform becomes your go-to virtual battlefield.