Best Free Multiplayer Games Like Arcanists: Deckbuilding, Tactics & Wizard Duels

Arcanists (Jagex, 2013) blended turn-based wizard duels with deckbuilding—a unique mix that left a void when servers shut down. While no perfect clone exists, several free games capture its strategic spirit across different genres.

Deckbuilding + Tactical Combat (Closest Strategic Feel)

• Eternal Card Game (Dire Wolf Digital): Deep CCG mechanics, generous free-to-play model, and a fantastic Draft mode. Best overall strategic successor.
• Legends of Runeterra (Riot Games): Champion-centric design, extremely player-friendly economy, and Expedition (draft) mode.
• Slay the Spire (with "Downfall" or "Co-op" mods): The gold standard for single-player roguelike deckbuilding; community mods add multiplayer.
• Monster Train (Shiny Shoe): Tower defense meets deckbuilder. "Hell Rush" offers asynchronous multiplayer competition.

Turn-Based Wizard & Spell Combat

• Wizard101 (KingsIsle): MMO with card-based combat. Free-to-play with paywalls at higher worlds.
• Card Hunter (Blue Manchu): Browser/Steam release blending D&D-style tactics with deckbuilding. Fair monetization, deep strategy. Standout for "Arcanists vibe."
• Duelyst II (Counterplay Games): Tactical grid movement combined with card play. Free-to-play.

Action / Arena Spellcasting

• Spellbreak (Official servers shut down) → Community Private Servers keep the battle royale spell-slinging alive.
• Magicka 2: Co-op chaos focused on spell combination mechanics.
• Citadel: Forged with Fire: MMO sandbox with magic-based building and combat.

Totally Free (Open Source / No Microtransactions)

• 0 A.D.: Historical RTS (not card-based).
• The Battle for Wesnoth: Deep turn-based strategy on hex grid with campaigns and multiplayer. Completely free.
• Mindustry: Tower defense/factory hybrid with multiplayer.

Verdict: Card Hunter is the closest match for tactics + cards + free + fair. Eternal and Runeterra excel if you prefer pure CCG depth.