Apocalypse MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 1997-10-14 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Tempest |
| Set code | TMP |
| Number | 162 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Allen Williams |
Text of card
Remove all permanents from the game. Discard your hand.
"There is a future in which I can see only mist and a single shadow." —Oracle *en*-Vec
Cards like Apocalypse
Exploring the realms of powerful enchantments in Magic: The Gathering, Apocalypse brings a unique and potent end-game dynamic to the table. It shares space with game-enders like Jokulhaups and Obliterate, which also aim to cripple opponents by removing their resources. What makes Apocalypse particularly noteworthy is its ability to not just clear the board but also the hands, leaving players to rebuild from scratch. Jokulhaups keeps the hand intact, while Obliterate has the added advantage of being uncounterable.
Analogous to Apocalypse is Cataclysm, which forces each player to choose carefully what assets they maintain. Cataclysm, however, allows some planning as players get to keep a piece of each type of permanent, whilst Apocalypse leaves nothing behind. Additionally, we have Decree of Annihilation, which can be subtly introduced mid-game via cycling to achieve a similar effect. Though Apocalypse doesn’t offer flexibility like cycling, its sheer ability to reset the game is unparalleled. Decree of Annihilation also removes all lands, making it a closer relative to Apocalypse’s game-resetting power.
Upon examination, these cards echo the destructive might of Apocalypse, yet it is the utter sweep and surprise of Apocalypse that sets it apart from its counterparts. It catalyzes a complete restart, marking its supremacy among cataclysmic spells in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Apocalypse by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Apocalypse offers a unique and potent form of card advantage, as it can decimate an opponent’s field of resources while conserving yours. Planning ahead allows for a reset that can leave you with a superior board state.
Resource Acceleration: One of the hidden strengths of this card is its ability to break symmetrical effects to your advantage. By setting up your resources such that they recover quickly post-wipe, Apocalypse can actually accelerate your game plan relative to your opponent’s.
Instant Speed: While Apocalypse itself doesn’t have instant speed, its implication in a game often forces opponents to play as though it might. This induces a level of caution that can be strategically leveraged, effectively slowing down the pace at which opponents can safely develop their board.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Apocalypse creature demands a card be discarded to unleash its potential, a daunting trade-off when your hand is already dwindling or when each card holds crucial strategic value.
Specific Mana Cost: Its casting demands a precise blend of mana, locking it firmly within the constraints of multi-color decks and potentially hindering its adaptability in various playstyles.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost on the steeper side, it competes with other cards in the same cost range that could offer more immediate or versatile effects, possibly relegating it to a niche role rather than a standard staple.
Reasons to Include Apocalypse in Your Collection
Versatility: Apocalypse is a powerful card that can serve multiple roles depending on your deck’s strategy. Its ability to destroy all permanents can reset the board in your favor, making it a formidable card across various deck archetypes.
Combo Potential: This card can create devastating combos with cards that benefit from sweeping board resets or rely on graveyard strategies. Its synergistic potential makes it a noteworthy addition for players who like to craft game-winning interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta dominant with creature-heavy decks or complex board states, Apocalypse can act as the great equalizer, clearing the battlefield and allowing for a strategic rebuild. Its relevance in such environments can turn the tides of a match.
How to beat
Apocalypse is a powerhouse in the world of MTG, known for its sweeping effect that discards the entire hand of each player, which can drastically change the course of the game. Facing this card, one effective strategy is to utilize instant-speed spells to draw cards or generate resources before Apocalypse resolves. Having a deck that can operate efficiently with a low hand count or that is capable of quickly rebuilding resources post-Apocalypse can greatly mitigate its impact on your game plan.
Utilizing graveyard-based strategies can also turn Apocalypse’s downside into an advantage. Cards that thrive on graveyard interaction, like those with flashback or creatures that can easily be reanimated, can allow players to bounce back faster than their opponents. Ultimately, being prepared for the hand-resetting bombshell this card brings to the battlefield and crafting a strategy around resilience will be key in overcoming the devastating effect of Apocalypse.
When carefully planning around this formidable MTG card’s strengths and weaknesses, players can tip the scales in their favor. Understanding your deck’s dynamics and the tactical timing of your spells will help ensure that the catastrophic event of Apocalypse doesn’t spell the end for your hopes of victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Apocalypse MTG card by a specific set like Tempest, 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 Apocalypse and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Apocalypse has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |