Ashes of the Abhorrent MTG Card


It prevents opponents from leveraging their graveyard, providing a strategic edge in the match. Its life-gain ability is beneficial, particularly during critical moments of gameplay. This card’s specificity to white mana could limit its versatility in diverse decks.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Players can't cast spells from graveyards or activate abilities of cards in graveyards. Whenever a creature dies, you gain 1 life.

"Let no trace of the vampires' foulness remain."


Cards like Ashes of the Abhorrent

Exploring the dynamics of graveyard control in Magic: The Gathering, Ashes of the Abhorrent stands out with a unique set of abilities. It draws parallels to Rest in Peace, another influential card that ensures no cards stay in graveyards. However, Ashes of the Abhorrent adds a twist by also denying players the ability to cast spells from graveyards or activate abilities of cards in graveyards, which directly counters strategies revolving around key cards like Snapcaster Mage and Dreadhorde Arcanist.

Then there is Samurai of the Pale Curtain, a creature with a similar graveyard-nullifying effect. Unlike Ashes of the Abhorrent, it affects the battlefield presence by being a creature which could either be beneficial or a weakness depending on the situation. It’s also more narrow, focusing on ensuring that cards going to the graveyard are exiled instead of offering the additional hindrance to cards that target graveyard interactions.

Assessing the scope of these cards, Ashes of the Abhorrent is designed for a meta rich with graveyard tactics. Its dual-purpose mechanic not only disrupts opponent strategies but also subtly cushions you with life gain for every cast from the graveyard, thereby carving its niche within the MTG’s array of strategic card options.

Rest in Peace - MTG Card versions
Snapcaster Mage - MTG Card versions
Dreadhorde Arcanist - MTG Card versions
Samurai of the Pale Curtain - MTG Card versions
Rest in Peace - MTG Card versions
Snapcaster Mage - MTG Card versions
Dreadhorde Arcanist - MTG Card versions
Samurai of the Pale Curtain - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ashes of the Abhorrent by color, type and mana cost

Blessing - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Red - MTG Card versions
Island Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: White - MTG Card versions
Crusade - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Blue - MTG Card versions
Hallowed Ground - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Artifacts - MTG Card versions
Energy Storm - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Black - MTG Card versions
Ward of Lights - MTG Card versions
Gossamer Chains - MTG Card versions
I'm Rubber, You're Glue - MTG Card versions
Absolute Grace - MTG Card versions
Serenity - MTG Card versions
Mageta's Boon - MTG Card versions
Seal of Cleansing - MTG Card versions
Absolute Law - MTG Card versions
Sacred Ground - MTG Card versions
Pacifism - MTG Card versions
Blessing - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Red - MTG Card versions
Island Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: White - MTG Card versions
Crusade - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Blue - MTG Card versions
Hallowed Ground - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Artifacts - MTG Card versions
Energy Storm - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Black - MTG Card versions
Ward of Lights - MTG Card versions
Gossamer Chains - MTG Card versions
I'm Rubber, You're Glue - MTG Card versions
Absolute Grace - MTG Card versions
Serenity - MTG Card versions
Mageta's Boon - MTG Card versions
Seal of Cleansing - MTG Card versions
Absolute Law - MTG Card versions
Sacred Ground - MTG Card versions
Pacifism - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ashes of the Abhorrent provides a unique form of card advantage by denying opponents the benefits of card interactions from their graveyard. This disruption can indirectly translate to gaining the upper hand as it can significantly hinder strategies that rely on graveyard mechanics.

Resource Acceleration: While Ashes of the Abhorrent doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, its ability to prevent players from casting spells from graveyards or targeting cards in graveyards for effects can accelerate your resource dominance by effectively nullifying your opponents’ potential resources and strategies.

Instant Speed: Despite being an enchantment, Ashes of the Abhorrent impacts the game at speed akin to instant speed effects. It starts working immediately upon hitting the battlefield, disrupting the opponents’ plans without delay. Additionally, its passive ability to gain you life whenever a creature dies can be a timely benefit in games where life totals are critical.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Ashes of the Abhorrent doesn’t have a discard requirement, it’s important to note that cards that do can be tricky to play. Pitching cards from your hand can hinder your strategy if not timed perfectly or if you’re already struggling with card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Ashes of the Abhorrent demands white mana, necessitating its inclusion in a deck with access to this color. This requirement potentially limits the card’s versatility, as decks without white mana cannot utilize its graveyard-controlling abilities.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring two mana might seem reasonable, but in a game where speed can be crucial, the cost-to-effect ratio of Ashes of the Abhorrent could be less appealing compared to other graveyard hate options. This can be particularly prominent in formats where low-cost alternatives are available.


Reasons to Include Ashes of the Abhorrent in Your Collection

Versatility: Ashes of the Abhorrent serves a dual role as both graveyard hate and a source of life gain, rendering it useful in a variety of deck archetypes, particularly those looking to stifle graveyard-based strategies while stabilizing against aggressive opponents.

Combo Potential: This enchantment adds a layer of protection for your own strategies by interrupting your opponents’ graveyard plays and combos, ensuring that any creatures hitting the bin don’t come back to haunt you. Plus, it offers incremental life gain to support your long-term game plan.

Meta-Relevance: In a game format where decks frequently rely on graveyard tactics or when the meta is filled with recursion-based strategies, Ashes of the Abhorrent can become a critical piece to outmaneuver opponents, making it a noteworthy addition to your collection that stays relevant across multiple metagames.


How to beat

Ashes of the Abhorrent is a unique card that challenges the graveyard strategies so common in Magic: The Gathering. Players often leverage their graveyards for recurring creatures, reanimating powerful spells, or simply as a resource with cards like Snapcaster Mage. Ashes of the Abhorrent throws a wrench in these tactics by preventing players from casting spells from graveyards or activating abilities of cards in graveyards.

To overcome this card, consider strategies that don’t rely heavily on the graveyard. Deck types that focus on direct damage, enchantments, or even creature-heavy builds can sidestep the restrictions posed by Ashes of the Abhorrent. Another approach is to use artifact or enchantment removal spells to dispatch Ashes of the Abhorrent from the battlefield. Naturalize, Disenchant, or Thrashing Brontodon offer straightforward solutions. Recognize that while Ashes of the Abhorrent can stifle certain styles of play, versatile decks that aren’t solely dependent on their graveyard will have the upper hand against this particular piece of disruption.

In summary, the key to beating Ashes of the Abhorrent lies in adaptability and a well-rounded deck that doesn’t lean too heavily into graveyard-based mechanics, coupled with a keen sense of timing for using removals to restore your strategy’s full range of motion.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the implications of Ashes of the Abhorrent in your MTG arsenal can be game-changing. Whether you’re looking to bolster your deck’s defenses against graveyard-centric tactics or simply seeking to expand your collection with versatile cards, considering how Ashes of the Abhorrent can impact gameplay is crucial. In a meta that heavily features graveyard play, this enchantment could be the edge you need. Ready to sharpen your approach and adapt to the ever-evolving strategies of the battlefield? Dive deeper with us and discover how to optimize your deck with Ashes of the Abhorrent for that strategic advantage.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ashes of the Abhorrent MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan Promos and Ixalan, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Ashes of the Abhorrent and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ashes of the Abhorrent Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2017-09-29. Illustrated by Daarken.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12017-09-29Ixalan PromosPXLN 2p2015NormalBlackDaarken
22017-09-29IxalanXLN 22015NormalBlackDaarken
32017-09-29Ixalan PromosPXLN 2s2015NormalBlackDaarken

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ashes of the Abhorrent has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ashes of the Abhorrent card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2017-09-29 Activated abilities contain a colon. They’re generally written “
-ost:
-ffect].” Some keyword abilities (such as embalm from the Amonkhet set) are activated abilities and will have colons in their reminder text. Triggered abilities (starting with “when,” “whenever,” or “at”) are unaffected by Ashes of the Abhorrent.
2017-09-29 Ashes of the Abhorrent doesn’t stop players from playing land cards from the graveyard if an effect allows them to do so.
2017-09-29 If a creature dies at the same time that Ashes of the Abhorrent is destroyed, you’ll gain 1 life.