Alchemy packs are a type of booster pack in Magic: The Gathering Arena that contain both new-to-digital cards and rebalanced cards from various sets, as well as cards from the Standard set it was released alongside. Alchemy is a digital-only constructed format on MTG Arena based on Standard that incorporates rebalanced and new-to-digital cards. The purpose of Alchemy is to create a fresher Standard format that benefits from the ability to make direct changes to digital-only cards. Alchemy features mechanics designed specifically for digital play, and players can expect more new cards alongside every Standard set release. Alchemy also includes its own cards that dont exist anywhere else, as well as sometimes reprints from cards from previous sets and some of the Magic Arena Starter Set cards.

In terms of purchasing Alchemy packs versus normal packs, it depends on the players preference and goals. Alchemy packs contain cards that are specific to the Alchemy format, so if a player is interested in playing Alchemy, they may want to purchase Alchemy packs. However, if a player is interested in cards from other formats, they may want to purchase normal packs instead.