Anger of the Gods MTG Card


Strategically clears multiple creatures, maintaining card advantage and pacing in the game. Demands specific mana but provides potent board control, disrupting opponent’s creature-focused strategies. While it has a higher mana cost, its exile effect is unmatched in countering graveyard strategies.
Card setsReleased in 12 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Anger of the Gods deals 3 damage to each creature. If a creature dealt damage this way would die this turn, exile it instead.

There was no reason to pray. This was already an act of the gods.


Cards like Anger of the Gods

Anger of the Gods is a powerful inclusion in any MTG player’s arsenal for its ability to sweep the board clean. It’s often weighed against other red mass damage spells like Sweltering Suns, which also deals 3 damage to each creature. While both can potentially clear the battlefield, Anger of the Gods has an impactful additional benefit—it exiles any creature it kills, thwarting strategies revolving around graveyard recursion.

Another card in this conversation is Pyroclasm, a spell known for its efficiency with only a two mana investment. Pyroclasm deals 2 damage to each creature, which although less than Anger’s 3 damage, can still be pivotal during early-game scenarios. However, it’s the exile clause that keeps Anger of the Gods a step above, ensuring that creatures hit don’t come back to haunt you later in the game.

Lastly, Slagstorm provides a flexible choice, offering either 3 damage to each creature or 3 damage to each player. This flexibility can be crucial, depending on the state of the game. Still, for players focused on controlling the board and minimizing return threats, Anger of the Gods remains the premium choice.

Sweltering Suns - MTG Card versions
Pyroclasm - MTG Card versions
Slagstorm - MTG Card versions
Sweltering Suns - MTG Card versions
Pyroclasm - MTG Card versions
Slagstorm - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Izzet PhoenixIzzet Phoenix PioneerIzzet PhoenixPioneer Challenge 64 2024-03-23
Izzet Indomitable CreativityIzzet Indomitable Creativity PioneerIzzet Indomitable CreativityPioneer Preliminary 2024-03-13
Temur Indomitable CreativityTemur Indomitable Creativity PioneerTemur Indomitable CreativityPioneer League 2024-03-16
Mardu MidrangeMardu Midrange PioneerMardu MidrangePioneer Challenge 32 2024-05-02
RR PioneerPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-25
Rakdos TempoRakdos Tempo ExplorerThe Pizza Box Open: Explorer
Boros MidrangeBoros Midrange PioneerBoros Midrange*HALF PRICE FRIDAY* ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 2:00 pm
Jeskai ControlJeskai Control GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 14 2024
Izzet TempoIzzet Tempo GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024
Izzet ControlIzzet Control PioneerIzzet ControlPioneer League 2024-03-11

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With a single cast, Anger of the Gods can potentially remove multiple creatures from the battlefield, enabling you to outpace the opponent by depleting their resources while maintaining your hand.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or resources, the efficiency of this three-mana board wipe can act as a pseudo-acceleration by saving mana you would have otherwise spent on several removal spells.

Instant Speed: Though Anger of the Gods is a sorcery, its sweeping effect at such a low cost can quickly reset the board, allowing you to use your mana efficiently on your turn and keep pace with or get ahead of faster, aggressive decks.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Anger of the Gods is a potent board sweeper, one aspect to consider is that it does not directly entail a discard requirement. However, using such a powerful spell often necessitates strategic hand management to ensure you’re not depleting resources that might be crucial for subsequent turns. Careless application can therefore lead to an involuntary discard-like consequence due to a depleted hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Anger of the Gods comes with a mana cost that specifically demands both generic and red mana. This cost can present a challenge in multicolored decks that may struggle to produce the necessary red mana consistently. For players not running a deck heavily invested in the red mana pool, this card might lag behind others that meld more seamlessly with their mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card demands three mana, including double red, which is a relatively high investment for a board clear effect. Although its exile ability can be incredibly beneficial, some players might view the cost as steep compared to other options. Lower-costing alternatives may not exile, but could allow for a quicker response to threats on the board and provide a more flexible mana curve in gameplay.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Anger of the Gods offers a powerful sweep across the board, clearing away smaller creatures. It fits seamlessly into a variety of red deck strategies, ranging from control to midrange, by managing the battlefield and resetting the pace of the game.

Combo Potential: This particular card is exceptional for its ability to interact with graveyard mechanics. Players can utilize it to disrupt opponent’s strategies that hinge on creature recursion, while also enabling their own strategies in decks that benefit from clean boards, such as those playing with delve or threshold mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: Given its potency in clearing out token strategies and early aggro creatures, Anger of the Gods is a solid choice in metas dominated by these types of decks. This card is especially apt during periods when a swarm of small to mid-sized creatures tends to overrun the battlefield, ensuring you stay ahead in the game.


How to Beat Anger of the Gods

Anger of the Gods is a potent sweep spell that can clear the battlefield with its three damage to every creature. The key to overcoming this card lies in strategic play and foresight. Since creatures with four or more toughness survive the wrath of this card, consider including more robust creatures in your deck. Additionally, using creatures with indestructible or those with the ability to regenerate can offer resilience against such board-clearing tactics.

Another effective countermeasure is to use instant-speed spells or abilities that can buff your creatures temporarily, ensuring they surpass that critical three damage threshold. Cards with leave the battlefield effects or ‘death triggers’ could also work in your favor, as losing your creatures might offer you added benefits or replacements. Lastly, having counterspells ready for when your opponent casts Anger of the Gods can maintain your board presence and give you a significant advantage in the game’s momentum. With these strategies, you can turn the tides and beat the challenge presented by this formidable card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the world of MTG and discover advanced tactics for using and countering formidable cards like Anger of the Gods. As you optimize your deck, understanding the ins and outs of powerful red spells is key to dominating the battlefield. From strategizing against graveyard-based decks to mastering board control, your knowledge can vastly improve your gameplay. If Anger of the Gods has piqued your interest or if you’re looking for alternatives to tailor your deck perfectly, we’ve got the expertise to guide you. Unearth more insights and strategies by joining our community where passion and knowledge form the ultimate deck.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Anger of the Gods MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Theros, 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 Anger of the Gods and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Anger of the Gods Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2013-09-27 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1022652015NormalBlackDermot Power
22013-09-27TherosTHS 1122003NormalBlackNoah Bradley
32017-11-17Iconic MastersIMA 1162015NormalBlackNoah Bradley
42019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 8402015NormalBlackNoah Bradley
52019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 1132015NormalBlackChuck Lukacs
62019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 15032015NormalBorderlessEliz Roxs
72020-08-13Amonkhet RemasteredAKR 1382015NormalBlackYigit Koroglu
82020-09-26The ListPLST IMA-1162015NormalBlackNoah Bradley
92021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 3391997NormalBlackNoah Bradley
102022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 1022015NormalBlackYigit Koroglu
112022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 4482015NormalBlackYigit Koroglu
122022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3582015NormalBorderlessDermot Power

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Anger of the Gods 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 Anger of the Gods card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-03-19 Creatures don't necessarily have to be dealt lethal damage by Anger of the Gods to be exiled. After being dealt damage, if they would die for any reason that turn, they'll be exiled instead.