Dark Ritual MTG Card


Dark Ritual excels at early game acceleration, enabling potentially winning moves within fewer turns. Despite its power, it’s best suited for decks with heavy black mana dependence. It’s a high-risk, high-reward card that can significantly impact game tempo.
Card setsReleased in 50 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Add 3 black mana to your mana pool.


Cards like Dark Ritual

Dark Ritual offers a burst of mana at a low cost in MTG, reminiscent of the power spike provided by cards like Cabal Ritual. While both rituals grant an immediate mana advantage, Dark Ritual is more efficient, trading one black mana for three at an instant speed. On the other hand, Cabal Ritual nets you two black mana for two, or five if you have threshold, making it a potential late-game powerhouse.

Considering other mana accelerants, Desperate Ritual can be paralleled. This red spell also produces three mana; however, it costs one additional mana and slots into the Arcane spell type, enabling synergy with other Arcane cards. It’s an important distinction for decks capitalizing on synergies and instant speed actions. Another contender is Dark Petition, which provides three black mana as well but with a significantly higher cost and the added benefit of card search if spell mastery is met; thus, it serves a different role in terms of utility and strategy.

In the realm of MTG, Dark Ritual stands out for its early game explosiveness and versatility, being a staple for many decks looking to leap ahead in the power curve from turn one.

Cabal Ritual - MTG Card versions
Desperate Ritual - MTG Card versions
Dark Petition - MTG Card versions
Cabal Ritual - MTG Card versions
Desperate Ritual - MTG Card versions
Dark Petition - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Dark Ritual by color, type and mana cost

Howl from Beyond - MTG Card versions
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Disembowel - MTG Card versions
Howl from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Sacrifice - MTG Card versions
Darkness - MTG Card versions
Marsh Gas - MTG Card versions
Deathlace - MTG Card versions
Gravebind - MTG Card versions
Misinformation - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Tutor - MTG Card versions
Dredge - MTG Card versions
Vendetta - MTG Card versions
Coffin Purge - MTG Card versions
Defile - MTG Card versions
March of Wretched Sorrow - MTG Card versions
Fatal Push - MTG Card versions
Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight - MTG Card versions
Fade from Memory - MTG Card versions
Duh - MTG Card versions
Aesthetic Consultation - MTG Card versions
Stop That - MTG Card versions
Disembowel - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Dark Ritual. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
BGBG PauperPauper League 2024-04-25
Beseech StormBeseech Storm LegacyBeseech StormLegacy Showcase Challenge 2024-04-21
Golgari ScamGolgari Scam LegacyGolgari ScamLegacy League 2024-04-23
Dimir ControlDimir Control LegacyDimir ControlLegacy Challenge 32 2024-04-24
ReanimatorReanimator LegacyReanimatorLegacy League 2024-04-21
DoomsdayDoomsday VintageDoomsdayVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-21
Oops! All SpellsOops! All Spells LegacyOops! All SpellsLegacy Challenge 32 2024-04-24
The EPIC StormThe EPIC Storm LegacyThe EPIC StormLegacy Challenge 32 2024-04-21
Cycle StormCycle Storm PauperCycle StormPauper Preliminary 2024-04-22

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though not providing direct card draw, Dark Ritual offers an indirect advantage by enabling powerful spells to be cast much earlier than normal, potentially overwhelming the opponent before they can establish a board presence.

Resource Acceleration: By offering a sudden burst of three black mana for the low cost of one, Dark Ritual serves as a key accelerant, crucial for explosive starts and swift combo finishes.

Instant Speed: Its instant nature permits flexibility, allowing players to weave Dark Ritual into their strategy at the most opportune moment, either to respond to an opponent’s move or to catch them off guard with a game-changing play.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Dark Ritual mandates the availability of a black mana source right off the bat, which can be a setback in opening hands without the necessary mana fixing or in multi-color decks where black mana may not be readily accessible.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost solely in black, Dark Ritual’s efficiency is largely confined to mono-black or heavily black-inclined decks. It’s less versatile in comparison to more flexible mana generators.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Dark Ritual’s cost is low, its return equates to a temporary boost rather than a lasting resource advantage. Some players may argue that the three black mana can be less impactful later in the game or when the mana curve is already satisfied without the need for such acceleration.


Reasons to Include Dark Ritual in Your Collection

Versatility: Dark Ritual offers a burst of early mana acceleration that is a fit for various decks, especially those that aim to cast high-cost spells much earlier in the game. This can give any deck running black mana a significant speed advantage.

Combo Potential: This card has a storied history in enabling explosive combos. Its capacity to provide three black mana with a single mana investment makes it a powerful enabler for combo decks seeking to unleash devastating sequences that can often lead to an early victory.

Meta-Relevance: In metagames dominated by fast-paced aggression or high-impact plays, Dark Ritual can help tip the scales. It keeps decks competitive by providing the necessary resources to engage with powerful plays or establish board presence far before opponents can set up their defenses.


How to beat

Dark Ritual is a quintessential spell for players looking to get ahead in the early stages of the game, allowing them to access three black mana for the mere cost of one. This surge in available resources can lead to powerful plays that may quickly tilt the game in favor of the player who casts it. Nevertheless, strategizing against Dark Ritual can be quite straightforward.

Counterspells are a player’s first line of defense, halting Dark Ritual and its potential impact right in its tracks. Cards like Mana Leak or Spell Pierce, which are common in blue decks, can effectively negate the Ritual before it resolves. Beyond direct counters, discard spells like Thoughtseize or Duress can preemptively strip Dark Ritual from an opponent’s hand before they even have a chance to play it.

Another tactic involves minimizing the advantages provided by the additional mana. Playing a control strategy with plenty of removal can help mitigate the threats accelerated by Dark Ritual. While it may allow for a quick burst, without a follow-up, the card effectively becomes a loss of card advantage to the caster. By preparing for and disrupting these key moments, players can navigate past the initial onslaught to a stable and controlled board state.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the tactical depths of MTG with Dark Ritual, a card that grants you a mana boost when you need it most. Whether you’re enhancing a mono-black deck or crafting a new combo strategy, understanding the nuances of this classic spell could be your ticket to victory. It’s a balancing act of risks and rewards, where each play could dramatically alter the course of the game. For those who harness its power correctly, Dark Ritual can turn the tide to your favor. Learn more with us and add this iconic spell to your winning arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dark Ritual MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Dark Ritual and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Dark Ritual Magic the Gathering card was released in 45 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 13 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 981993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 991993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 991993NormalWhiteSandra Everingham
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 991993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 991993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
61994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 991993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
71994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 991993NormalWhiteSandra Everingham
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 991993NormalWhiteSandra Everingham
91995-01-02Media InsertsPMEI 382015NormalBlackTom Fleming
101995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 1291993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
111995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 1291993NormalWhiteSandra Everingham
121995-06-03Ice AgeICE 1201993NormalBlackJustin Hampton
131996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC gb1291993NormalGoldSandra Everingham
141996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC ll1291993NormalGoldSandra Everingham
151996-07-01Rivals Quick Start SetRQS 181993NormalWhiteSandra Everingham
161996-10-08MirageMIR 1161997NormalBlackJohn Coulthart
171996-12-31Introductory Two-Player SetITP 191993NormalWhiteSandra Everingham
181997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 1531997NormalWhiteClint Langley
191997-10-14TempestTMP 1181997NormalBlackKen Meyer, Jr.
201998-10-12Urza's SagaUSG 1271997NormalBlackTom Fleming
211999-08-04World Championship Decks 1999WC99 js1271997NormalGoldTom Fleming
221999-10-04Mercadian MasquesMMQ 1291997NormalBlackRebecca Guay
231999-11-12Battle Royale Box SetBRB 181997NormalWhiteClint Langley
242000-10-01Beatdown Box SetBTD 211997NormalWhiteClint Langley
252001-08-08World Championship Decks 2001WC01 tvdl1291997NormalGoldRebecca Guay
262001-12-01DeckmastersDKM 41997NormalWhiteJustin Hampton
272002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 361682003NormalBlackMark Hyzer
282006-07-21Coldsnap Theme DecksCST 1202003NormalBlackJustin Hampton
292009-01-01Judge Gift Cards 2009G09 12003NormalBlackMark Hyzer
302009-04-10Duel Decks: Divine vs. DemonicDDC 452003NormalBlackClint Langley
312009-09-04PlanechaseHOP 242003NormalBlackClint Langley
322010-03-19Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the CoalitionDDE 182003NormalBlackTom Fleming
332011-01-10Masters Edition IVME4 741997NormalBlackSandra Everingham
342013-08-23From the Vault: TwentyV13 12003NormalBlackClint Langley
352014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 1132015NormalBlackClint Langley
362014-12-05Duel Decks Anthology: Divine vs. DemonicDVD 452015NormalBlackClint Langley
372015-05-06Tempest RemasteredTPR 932015NormalBlackKen Meyer, Jr.
382017-04-28Amonkhet InvocationsMP2 212015NormalBorderlessRichard Wright
392018-03-16Masters 25A25 822015NormalBlackClint Langley
402019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 6112015NormalBlackClint Langley
412019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 11702015NormalBorderlessFrank Frazetta
422020-09-26The ListPLST A25-822015NormalBlackClint Langley
432020-09-26The ListPLST DDE-182003NormalBlackTom Fleming
442021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 892015NormalBorderlessRien.
452021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 262015NormalBorderlessRobbie Trevino
462021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 7832015NormalBlackClint Langley
472022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 196★2015NormalBlackWonchun Choi
482022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 1962015NormalBlackWonchun Choi
492022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 3941997NormalBlackSandra Everingham
502022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 972015NormalBlackSandra Everingham

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dark Ritual has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricBanned
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerBanned
GladiatorLegal
CommanderLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
TimelessLegal