Apocalypse Chime MTG Card
1995-10-01 - Number 101
1996-05-02 - Number ll101sb
1996-05-02 - Number et101sb
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
, oc T: Sacrifice Apocalypse Chime to bury all cards from the Homelands expansion.
"One day, or another, perhaps I shall ring my pretty chime . . . loudly, so that all may hear." —Grandmother Sengir
Cards like Apocalypse Chime
Apocalypse Chime is a unique piece in the roster of MTG artifacts with the ability to wipe out every card from the Homelands expansion. This niche role is rare, but not entirely singular. One can draw comparisons to cards like City in a Bottle, which can eradicate all Arabian Nights cards from the game. However, City in a Bottle also affects cards in play and in players’ hands, making it much more powerful in games where Arabian Nights cards are prevalent.
In a different vein, yet still within the realm of selective removal, Golgothian Sylex also allows players to purge cards based on their expansion set identifiers. Although its effect is broader, destroying all nontoken permanents from a particular set, its higher mana cost and casting requirements set it distinctly apart from the quick activation of Apocalypse Chime. Lastly, if one considers the general theme of artifacts with sweeping effects, Nevinyrral’s Disk becomes a notable mention, capable of clearing the board of creatures, artifacts, and enchantments, it lacks the set-specific targeting but compensates with its broader utility.
When considering the tactical significance of these cards, Apocalypse Chime might niche usage limits its appeal. However, when the situation is right, its ability to drastically alter a game cannot be overlooked.
Cards similar to Apocalypse Chime by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The unique ability of Apocalypse Chime to destroy all permanents from the Homelands set can be pivotal in eliminating multiple threats at once. Though a highly situational card, in the right context, it offers significant advantage by clearing the board of specific problem cards without affecting your own.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing resource acceleration, playing Apocalypse Chime during a match against Homelands cards can effectively set your opponent back, indirectly accelerating your position by leaving them with fewer resources while you maintain your board state.
Instant Speed: As an artifact, Apocalypse Chime doesn’t operate at instant speed. However, it can be activated at any time you could cast an instant, allowing for strategic timing to best disrupt your opponent’s plans or to be deployed in reaction to imminent threats during their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When considering the impact of Apocalypse Chime, one factor to be mindful of is the requirement for the card to be in play. While this doesn’t demand a discard, it does necessitate that you have the card on the field to use its effect, which can be an issue in fast-paced games or against decks with superior board control capabilities.
Specific Mana Cost: Apocalypse Chime’s activation cost includes generic mana, which means that it doesn’t restrict which type of deck can include it. However, the need for at least two mana available at the time you wish to activate it can pose timing issues, especially in strategies that rely on utilizing all available mana each turn.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even though as an artifact, Apocalypse Chime can be a flexible addition to any deck, its initial mana investment is relatively steep. Other cards at the same cost can offer immediate and potentially higher impact plays, making the four mana cost of Apocalypse Chime challenging to justify, particularly when its board-clearing effect is so narrowly focused.
Reasons to Include Apocalypse Chime in Your Collection
Versatility: Apocalypse Chime has a very specific role but can be a game-changer in the right context. While it may not fit into every deck, it provides a unique answer to decks built around cards from the Homelands set.
Combo Potential: For those interested in a more niche collection, or in creating a sideboard with the potential to disrupt certain local metagames that favor Homelands cards, Apocalypse Chime offers a quirky but effective combo element.
Meta-Relevance: In most competitive scenes, Apocalypse Chime might not see much play. However, it can serve as a meta call in environments where Homelands cards unexpectedly surge in popularity or in casual circles where older sets are common.
How to beat
Confronting Apocalypse Chime in Magic: The Gathering can be as much a psychological hurdle as a gameplay challenge. Originating from the Homelands set, this unusual artifact can sweep away an entire board when activated correctly. Fortunately, there are strategies to ensure this card doesn’t spell the end for your side. Addressing the threat of Apocalypse Chime begins with avoiding heavy reliance on the Homelands set within your deck. Diversifying your deck’s set sources can mitigate the impact should the chime toll.
Focusing on the bait-and-switch tactic is another approach. By playing non-Homelands cards that seem more threatening, you can influence an opponent to prematurely trigger Apocalypse Chime, thereby saving your key cards for the perfect moment. Additionally, incorporating instant-speed removal or counterspells to handle the artifact before it becomes activated adds a layer of protection to your strategy.
Remembering that most match-ups will not feature this card due to its niche use, a calm and poised mindset will carry you far. When you understand the confines of its power, you turn the might of Apocalypse Chime into a mere echo against your well-prepared deck.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Apocalypse Chime MTG card by a specific set like Homelands and Pro Tour Collector Set, 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 Chime 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
Printings
The Apocalypse Chime Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1995-10-01 and 1996-05-02. Illustrated by Mark Poole.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-10-01 | Homelands | HML | 101 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | |
| 2 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | ll101sb | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Mark Poole | |
| 3 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | et101sb | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Mark Poole |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Apocalypse Chime has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |