Asceticism MTG Card


Asceticism safeguards your creatures, making them harder for opponents to remove from the battlefield. Its regenerative ability conserves resources, adding efficiency to your gameplay. Instant-speed activation of regeneration ensures flexibility and game control.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Creatures you control can't be the targets of spells or abilities your opponents control. : Regenerate target creature.

"Let my ignominy build walls thicker than iron and stronger than darksteel." —Thrun, the last troll


Cards like Asceticism

Asceticism is a spell that stands out among Magic: The Gathering’s offerings for creature protection. This enchantment delivers a consistent shield with its ability to grant hexproof to all creatures you control, akin to the functionality of Plated Slagwurm which also cannot be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. Yet, Asceticism stretches its utility further with the additional feature of regenerating any creature for a cost, an option the single-creature-focused Plated Slagwurm lacks.

Another card that echoes the spirit of creature safeguarding is Spearbreaker Behemoth. While this card only grants indestructible to creatures with power 5 or greater, it certainly resonates with Asceticism’s protective nature. However, Asceticism does not discriminate on the basis of creature’s power, applying its effect universally and adding the regenerate trick to its arsenal. Then, consider Privileged Position. It provides similar widespread protection by giving other permanents you control hexproof, yet it does not cover the indispensable regenerative advantage found in Asceticism.

Through this lens, Asceticism garners respect for its comprehensive defense strategy, cutting across all creatures and not just the mightiest, amplified by the regeneration safety net that can pivot the flow of battle in a player’s favor.

Plated Slagwurm - MTG Card versions
Spearbreaker Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Privileged Position - MTG Card versions
Plated Slagwurm - MTG Card versions
Spearbreaker Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Privileged Position - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Asceticism by color, type and mana cost

Tornado - MTG Card versions
Nature's Revolt - MTG Card versions
Midsummer Revel - MTG Card versions
Saproling Burst - MTG Card versions
Verdant Succession - MTG Card versions
Unnatural Growth - MTG Card versions
Glorious Sunrise - MTG Card versions
Paradox Zone - MTG Card versions
Centaur Glade - MTG Card versions
Doubling Season - MTG Card versions
Perilous Forays - MTG Card versions
Hibernation's End - MTG Card versions
Verdant Embrace - MTG Card versions
Flourishing Defenses - MTG Card versions
Gigantiform - MTG Card versions
Vastwood Zendikon - MTG Card versions
Gutter Grime - MTG Card versions
Lost in the Woods - MTG Card versions
Primal Vigor - MTG Card versions
Raised by Wolves - MTG Card versions
Tornado - MTG Card versions
Nature's Revolt - MTG Card versions
Midsummer Revel - MTG Card versions
Saproling Burst - MTG Card versions
Verdant Succession - MTG Card versions
Unnatural Growth - MTG Card versions
Glorious Sunrise - MTG Card versions
Paradox Zone - MTG Card versions
Centaur Glade - MTG Card versions
Doubling Season - MTG Card versions
Perilous Forays - MTG Card versions
Hibernation's End - MTG Card versions
Verdant Embrace - MTG Card versions
Flourishing Defenses - MTG Card versions
Gigantiform - MTG Card versions
Vastwood Zendikon - MTG Card versions
Gutter Grime - MTG Card versions
Lost in the Woods - MTG Card versions
Primal Vigor - MTG Card versions
Raised by Wolves - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Asceticism provides a consistent protective advantage for your creatures, deterring opponents from targeting them. This creates a more resilient board state and allows you to maintain a presence on the battlefield without the fear of easily losing key creatures.

Resource Acceleration: By granting the ability to regenerate any of your creatures, Asceticism helps you preserve your resources, effectively saving mana and cards that would otherwise be spent on casting those creatures again. This contributes to greater efficiency in using your available resources each turn.

Instant Speed: While Asceticism itself isn’t an instant, its regeneration ability can be activated at instant speed. This gives you the flexibility to respond to threats at any time, which is crucial for maintaining control of the game pace and protecting your interests during critical moments.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Asceticism doesn’t ask for discarding cards but it does require you to maintain a board presence to maximize its utility, potentially leaving you more vulnerable to board wipes.

Specific Mana Cost: As a card with a color identity of green, Asceticism might not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that have a tight mana base and cannot accommodate the double green mana requirement without sacrificing consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Asceticism demands a substantial investment, and it competes with other impactful five-mana spells or creatures which might immediately alter the state of the game upon resolution.


Reasons to Include Asceticism in Your Collection

Versatility: Asceticism offers a unique blend of protection and regeneration for your creatures, making it a solid inclusion in decks that prioritize creature survivability.

Combo Potential: The ability to regenerate any creature can be particularly powerful in combinations with cards or abilities that deal damage to all creatures on the board, allowing your creatures to withstand what others can’t.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where targeted removal spells are prevalent, Asceticism’s hexproof-granting ability keeps your key creatures safe from opponents’ direct interference, providing a significant edge in matchups.


How to beat

Asceticism is a formidable enchantment in Magic: The Gathering, known for granting creatures the valuable abilities of hexproof and regeneration. Overcoming this protective shroud typically requires a multifaceted approach. One effective strategy is to employ board wipes that don’t target individual creatures, bypassing Asceticism’s hexproof protection. Cards like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict can clear the board regardless of any hexproof abilities.

Another approach is to target the Asceticism enchantment itself. Using cards that can destroy or exile enchantments, such as Disenchant or Oblivion Ring, can swiftly eliminate the shield it offers. Alternatively, employing counter magic when Asceticism is cast can prevent it from ever taking effect. Cards like Negate or Mana Leak are excellent choices for this preemptive measure.

Lastly, forcing the opponent to sacrifice creatures is a tactic that sidesteps hexproof and regeneration. Edict effects found in cards like Diabolic Edict or Liliana of the Veil can be pivotal for this strategy. By dismantling the layers of defense that Asceticism provides, players can neutralize its influence and regain control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Asceticism is an unmatched bastion of resilience for MTG players who aim to fortify their creatures against the relentless onslaught of targeted spells. By rendering your creatures nearly untouchable with hexproof and infinitely renewable with regeneration, this card anchors your board state like few others can. For those looking to forge an indomitable force and outlast opponents through tactical preservation of resources, delving into Asceticism’s potential is essential. Allow your creatures to endure the fury of battle and emerge unscathed. Swing by to deepen your understanding and integrate Asceticism into your winning strategy.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Asceticism MTG card by a specific set like Scars of Mirrodin and Mystery Booster, 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 Asceticism and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Asceticism Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2010-10-01 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12010-10-01Scars of MirrodinSOM 1102003NormalBlackDaarken
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 11252003NormalBlackDaarken
32020-09-26The ListPLST SOM-1102003NormalBlackDaarken
42023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth Art SeriesALTR 722015Art seriesBorderlessTorgeir Fjereide
52023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 2332015NormalBlackTorgeir Fjereide

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Asceticism has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2011-01-01 You may target any creature with the regeneration ability, not just one you control.