Decree of Pain MTG Card


Decree of Pain offers vast card draw while clearing the board, outclassing similar removal spells. Its high mana cost can compete with early game plays, requiring strategic deck construction. Despite the power, smart play involving low creature counts or indestructible creatures can counteract it.
Card setsReleased in 13 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost8
RarityRare
TypeSorcery
Abilities Cycling

Text of card

Destroy all creatures. They can't be regenerated. Draw a card for each creature destroyed this way. Cycling When you cycle Decree of Pain, all creatures get -2/-2 until end of turn.


Cards like Decree of Pain

Decree of Pain stands tall in the crowd of mass removal spells within Magic: The Gathering. This card not only wipes the board clear of creatures but also rewards you with card draw proportional to the carnage it creates. A close counterpart is Damnation, which also offers a clean sweep at a lower mana cost, however, it lacks the crucial card draw effect that makes Decree of Pain particularly devastating and resourceful in longer games.

In the realm of mass creature removal, another analogue that surfaces is Wrath of God. At a more accessible mana cost, it can disrupt the board state early on, but similar to Damnation, it forgoes the draw component, trading immediate impact for future card advantage. Finally, we should consider Blasphemous Act, which adjusts its cost based on the number of creatures on the battlefield, potentially being much cheaper than Decree of Pain. Yet again, the prime difference lies in the absence of card draw, highlighting Decree of Pain’s unique blend of destruction and refuel potential.

By analyzing the attributes and strategic depth each card brings to the table, it is apparent that Decree of Pain has a significant edge for players aiming to combine extensive removal with card advantage in Magic: The Gathering.

Damnation - MTG Card versions
Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Blasphemous Act - MTG Card versions
Damnation - MTG Card versions
Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Blasphemous Act - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Decree of Pain by color, type and mana cost

Overwhelming Forces - MTG Card versions
Army of the Damned - MTG Card versions
Worst Fears - MTG Card versions
Summon the Pack - MTG Card versions
Overwhelming Forces - MTG Card versions
Army of the Damned - MTG Card versions
Worst Fears - MTG Card versions
Summon the Pack - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Decree of Pain stands out as a board wipe that also replenishes your hand. By destroying all creatures and then drawing a card for each creature destroyed, you can drastically shift the balance of the game and refill your resources, usually ensuring a full grip of options for your next moves.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly generating mana or tokens, Decree of Pain can be considered a form of indirect resource acceleration. It clears the board of potential threats, saving the mana you would have spent on multiple removal spells. This efficiency leaves you with more available mana for future turns, accelerating your game plan.

Instant Speed: Decree of Pain’s cycling ability gives this card a flexible edge. Although the full effect of the card is at sorcery speed, cycling can be used instantaneously, allowing you to draw a card and force each opponent to discard a card at a moment’s notice. This can disrupt opponents’ plans at crucial junctures, all the while setting you up for your next strategic play.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Decree of Pain does not necessitate discarding cards directly, it can force a player to deplete their hand by compelling them to keep mana open for its casting, potentially leading to a disadvantageous card balance.

Specific Mana Cost: Decree of Pain’s casting cost is heavy on black mana, requiring BBB in its overall cost. This can be restrictive for multicolored decks that might struggle with generating enough black mana consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Decree of Pain’s mana value is on the higher end, with eight mana needed for its full effect. It competes with other high-impact spells that might be cast sooner, impeding swift board developments or early game responses.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Decree of Pain is a dynamic card that can be essential in decks seeking to control the board. Its ability to clear the battlefield of creatures while refilling your hand is invaluable, making it useful in various situations.

Combo Potential: In decks that take advantage of draw mechanics or death triggers, Decree of Pain can serve as a catalyst, enabling explosive turns that could swing the game in your favor through the mass removal and card drawing it provides.

Meta-Relevance: With creature-heavy decks often dominating play, Decree of Pain gains significance. It disrupts opponents’ board states and diminishes their resources, ensuring its relevance in many game scenarios.


How to beat

Confronting the Decree of Pain card can be a true test for any MTG player due to its board-wiping ability and card draw advantage. This card doesn’t just clear the battlefield of creatures, it also rewards the controller with drawing a card for each creature destroyed. However, no card is without its countermeasures. To effectively navigate this obstacle, players should prioritize keeping creature counts low to minimize their opponent’s card advantage.

Another strategy is to invest in creature cards that can’t be destroyed or have regeneration abilities to resist Decree of Pain’s destructive force. Additionally, deploying cards that grant indestructibility to other permanents or those that can counter sorcery spells are excellent ways to keep your army intact. Holding up mana for a well-timed counter spell like Negate or Swan Song can save your creatures and deny your opponents the satisfaction of a full sweep and a hand replenished with options.

Ultimately, planning ahead and maintaining a diverse array of defenses will ensure that the impact of Decree of Pain is minimized, and resilience is key to outlasting the devastation it brings to the board.


BurnMana Recommendations

Embracing the challenge of MTG involves both understanding your cards and predicting the landscape of the battlefield. Decree of Pain is a formidable tool that can alter the game’s direction, offering massive creature clear-out and substantial card refills. To maximize the impact of this potent spell in your collection, consider the timing and deck synergy. Whether you’re fortifying against it or wielding its power, being equipped with knowledge and counter-strategies is crucial. Expand your arsenal, refine your strategy, and adapt to the ever-evolving game. Elevate your MTG experience and thrive amidst the complexities of the game with us.


Where to buy

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

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Printings

The Decree of Pain Magic the Gathering card was released in 11 different sets between 2003-05-26 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 479852003NormalBlackMathias Kollros
22003-05-26ScourgeSCG 641997NormalBlackCarl Critchlow
32012-11-02Commander's ArsenalCM1 32003NormalBlackMathias Kollros
42013-11-01Commander 2013C13 722003NormalBlackMathias Kollros
52015-11-18Legendary Cube Prize PackPZ1 432015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
62017-08-25Commander 2017C17 1112015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
72019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 1872015NormalBorderlessIan Jepson
82022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 1982015NormalBlackEvan Shipard
92022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 198★2015NormalBlackEvan Shipard
102023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 1992015NormalBlackAntonio José Manzanedo
112023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 1482015NormalBlackCarl Critchlow
122023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 5082015NormalBlackCarl Critchlow
132023-08-04Commander Masters Art SeriesACMM 142015Art seriesBorderlessCarl Critchlow

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Decree of Pain has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal