Damnation MTG Card


Damnation is a strategic reset, negating opponent’s creature-based card advantage effectively. It enables non-creature strategies post-wipe, favoring decks built around spells and combos. Despite its sorcery speed, its game-altering effect can pivot control rapidly post-cast.
Card setsReleased in 12 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Destroy all creatures. They can't be regenerated.


Cards like Damnation

Damnation stands out among board-wiping spells in the world of MTG due to its potency and scope. It shares its fundamental effect with a classic card, Wrath of God, as both have the ability to clear the battlefield of creatures. What distinguishes Damnation, though, is its color identity—black instead of white, which allows for a different deck-building strategy. Another kin in this category is Day of Judgment, which again provides a similar effect without targeting specific creature types.

Moreover, we look at Toxic Deluge, another comparable black spell with scalable impact. While Toxic Deluge offers versatility by letting players decide the extent of damage via life payment, Damnation ensures a guaranteed sweep with no additional cost. Then we have Languish, which is a milder alternative, reducing each creature’s power and toughness, and potentially leaving the strongest survivors on the field.

Ultimately, comparing the different attributes and strategic uses of each spell, Damnation offers a valued solution for players seeking a definitive answer to a crowded battlefield in their black-themed decks in MTG.

Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Day of Judgment - MTG Card versions
Toxic Deluge - MTG Card versions
Languish - MTG Card versions
Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Day of Judgment - MTG Card versions
Toxic Deluge - MTG Card versions
Languish - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Black CoffersMono-Black Coffers ModernMono-Black CoffersModern Challenge 32 2024-04-20
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange ModernMono-Black MidrangeModern Challenge 64 2024-04-27 (1)
Grixis ControlGrixis Control ModernGrixis ControlModern Challenge 64 2024-04-21 (1)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Damnation card is a powerhouse when it comes to clearing the battlefield. By wiping all creatures off the board, you essentially reset the game state, negating any creature-based card advantage your opponent may have accrued.

Resource Acceleration: While Damnation doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it can be a key enabler for decks that thrive in the post-wrath world. By eliminating creatures, it allows strategies focusing on non-creature spells, land development, or setting up combos to proceed without the pressure of opposing threats.

Instant Speed: Although Damnation operates at sorcery speed, its impact on the game is so profound that the timing often feels as immediate as an instant. In the right deck, the turn following a Damnation is where you can capitalize on your opponents’ lack of resources, swiftly pivoting the game in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Damnation does not require a discard, running it means you risk having it stuck in your hand if black mana isn’t readily available, paralleling a disadvantage similar to that of discarding.

Specific Mana Cost: Damnation requires two black mana in its casting cost, which limits its flexibility primarily to black-centered decks or those that can reliably produce multiple mana colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including two black, Damnation can be comparatively expensive, especially when weighed against other sweepers or control options that could be available earlier in the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Damnation card is a powerhouse in decks that require a clean slate to overpower opponents. Its ability to wipe the board clean of creatures is universally applicable in various styles of play, especially in formats where creatures dominate the battlefield.

Combo Potential: This card’s sweeping effect sets the stage for various combos. Whether you’re rebuilding the board to your advantage or triggering morbid abilities that rely on creature deaths, its impact is profound and can turn the tide of the game.

Meta-Relevance: With a constantly evolving MTG landscape, Damnation maintains its importance. In metas saturated with creature-heavy strategies, this card serves as an equalizer capable of dismantling opponents’ carefully laid plans, making it a staple in decks aiming to stay competitive.


How to beat

Damnation is a powerful board wipe in Magic: The Gathering, known for its ability to clear the field of creatures, resetting the board to a clean slate. This can be devastating for decks that rely heavily on a wide array of creatures to win games. However, there are several tactics to mitigate the impact of this formidable card.

In order to effectively counteract Damnation, consider employing creatures with indestructibility or those that can regenerate. Cards like Gaea’s Revenge or Terra Stomper, which can’t be targeted by black spells, can dodge the effect entirely. Another strategy involves using creatures with the persist or undying abilities, ensuring they come back even after the wipe. Moreover, implementing counterspells such as Negate or Counterspell can prevent Damnation from being cast in the first place. Lastly, enchantments like Faith’s Reward can immediately bring your creatures back to the battlefield if they are destroyed.

Taking these measures could very well neutralize the setback brought by Damnation, allowing your strategy to endure through the potential turmoil it could cause on the playing field and maintaining your presence in the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

The path of an MTG player is filled with critical choices, especially when it comes to building a formidable deck. As you reflect on the in-depth analysis of the Damnation card, recognize the potent role it can play in elevating your strategic gameplay. Should you clear the board with an unexpected sweep or hedge against its looming threat? To enhance your deck, explore the wide range of tactics and cards that can ally with or stand resilient against such devastating effects. Embrace the dynamic landscape of gameplay and meta by incorporating or countering cards like Damnation. Uncover more insights and refine your strategies by joining our community, where the quest for the perfect deck never ends.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Damnation MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, 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 Damnation and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Damnation Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2007-02-02 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1022492015NormalBlackIan Miller
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 314172003NormalBlackRon Spencer
32002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 558622015NormalBlackKev Walker
42007-02-02Planar ChaosPLC 852003NormalBlackKev Walker
52008-01-01Magic Player Rewards 2008P08 12003NormalBlackRon Spencer
62017-03-17Modern Masters 2017MM3 632015NormalBlackKev Walker
72017-04-28Amonkhet InvocationsMP2 392015NormalBorderlessZack Stella
82019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 1212015NormalBlackSeb McKinnon
92021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 1062015NormalBlackKev Walker
102022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 4372015NormalBlackKev Walker
112022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 732015NormalBlackKev Walker
122022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3532015NormalBorderlessIan Miller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Damnation has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal