Descent of the Dragons MTG Card


Instantly enhances board state by swapping any number of creatures for powerful Dragon tokens. Requires sacrificing own creatures, best executed with a solid presence on the field. Demands heavy red mana investment, making it a feature in red-centric decks.
Descent of the Dragons - Dragons of Tarkir
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityMythic
TypeSorcery
Released2015-03-27
Set symbol
Set nameDragons of Tarkir
Set codeDTK
Number133
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred bySteve Prescott

Text of card

Destroy any number of target creatures. For each creature destroyed this way, its controller puts a 4/4 red Dragon creature token with flying onto the battlefield.

Dragons emerge from tempests fully formed and terribly hungry.


Cards like Descent of the Dragons

Descent of the Dragons stands out in the realm of red transformation spells in MTG. Its closest relative is the notable Dragonshift, which also turns creatures into imposing Dragons. Descent of the Dragons, however, uniquely destroys all target creatures you control first, then replaces them with 4/4 red Dragon creature tokens with flying, a colossal swing in board presence.

Dragon Tempest is another card that shares thematic ties, offering a buff to flying Dragons but lacks the transformative aspect. It is excellent for a Dragon-heavy deck, accelerating the threat with haste and dealing damage upon their arrival. Descent of the Dragons excels in turning even the most humble creatures into a brood of Dragons, drastically altering the board state.

To wrap it up, Descent of the Dragons is a powerhouse for those looking to make an explosive impact on the game. It’s a spell that offers not only creature removal but also a remarkable army in return. While other cards might offer bits and pieces of this effect, none do so with the same dramatic flair as Descent of the Dragons does.

Dragonshift - MTG Card versions
Dragon Tempest - MTG Card versions
Dragonshift - MTG Card versions
Dragon Tempest - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Descent of the Dragons by color, type and mana cost

Jokulhaups - MTG Card versions
Wildfire - MTG Card versions
Rain of Salt - MTG Card versions
Burning of Xinye - MTG Card versions
Wake of Destruction - MTG Card versions
Pulverize - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Wind - MTG Card versions
Liquid Fire - MTG Card versions
Chaotic Transformation - MTG Card versions
Slice and Dice - MTG Card versions
Surge to Victory - MTG Card versions
Reversal of Fortune - MTG Card versions
Mindblaze - MTG Card versions
Feral Lightning - MTG Card versions
Undying Flames - MTG Card versions
Rally the Horde - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Awakening - MTG Card versions
Jaws of Stone - MTG Card versions
Hellion Eruption - MTG Card versions
Death by Dragons - MTG Card versions
Jokulhaups - MTG Card versions
Wildfire - MTG Card versions
Rain of Salt - MTG Card versions
Burning of Xinye - MTG Card versions
Wake of Destruction - MTG Card versions
Pulverize - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Wind - MTG Card versions
Liquid Fire - MTG Card versions
Chaotic Transformation - MTG Card versions
Slice and Dice - MTG Card versions
Surge to Victory - MTG Card versions
Reversal of Fortune - MTG Card versions
Mindblaze - MTG Card versions
Feral Lightning - MTG Card versions
Undying Flames - MTG Card versions
Rally the Horde - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Awakening - MTG Card versions
Jaws of Stone - MTG Card versions
Hellion Eruption - MTG Card versions
Death by Dragons - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Descent of the Dragons transforms any number of target creatures into 4/4 red Dragon creature tokens with flying. This creates a potential for massive card advantage, as it can turn late-game useless creatures into threats or convert multiple creatures at once, gaining you a significant number of powerful tokens.

Resource Acceleration: While Descent of the Dragons doesn’t directly produce additional mana, transforming low-cost creatures into formidable dragons allows for a surge in resource value. This can rapidly accelerate the quality of your battlefield presence, effectively using your resources to apply critical pressure on the opponent.

Instant Speed: Although this spell operates at sorcery speed, the immediate and dramatic impact on the board mirrors the strategic advantages of instant-speed spells. By waiting for the right moment to play Descent of the Dragons when opponents are tapped out or unable to respond, you ensure a successful transformation and an overwhelming advantage.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When casting Descent of the Dragons, you’ll need to have some of your own creatures on the battlefield to target. This prerequisite of sacrificing your own board presence can backfire if you don’t have sufficient creatures to convert into Dragons or if doing so leaves you vulnerable to your opponent’s next move.

Specific Mana Cost: Descent of the Dragons has a mana cost that is exclusively red, requiring six mana including four red symbols. This steep requirement makes it less versatile, limiting it to decks heavily skewed towards red mana production or that have specific mana-fixing capabilities to ensure it can be cast on time.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost of playing Descent of the Dragons is a lofty six mana, which means you may find yourself unable to cast it until the later stages of the game. Meanwhile, your opponent could be developing their board or executing their strategy, potentially setting you at a significant disadvantage before you can unleash your Dragons.


Reasons to Include Descent of the Dragons in Your Collection

Versatility: Descent of the Dragons brings a unique twist to any game with its ability to transform all creatures into 4/4 red Dragon creature tokens. Its adaptability shines in various builds, from transforming expendable creatures into formidable threats to resetting the board in your favor.

Combo Potential: This card is a cornerstone for innovative combos. Imagine pairing it with cards that profit from sacrificing creatures or those that gain bonuses whenever a creature dies or a Dragon enters the battlefield; the possibilities for synergy are vast.

Meta-Relevance: Given its power to sweep the board and leave a squadron of Dragons in its wake, Descent of the Dragons can pivot games against creature-heavy decks. In a meta swarming with token generators or decks dependent on key creatures, this card could drastically alter the battlefield dynamics in your favor.


How to beat

Descent of the Dragons is a powerful card that can sway the tide of any Magic: The Gathering match with its ability to transform your lackluster creatures into formidable 4/4 red Dragon creatures with flying. The key to besting this transformational marvel lies in timing and disruption. Control decks that have access to counterspells such as Negate or Dovin’s Veto can stop Descent of the Dragons in its tracks, preventing your opponent from ever unleashing their draconic horde.

Players can also turn to removal spells that can clean up multiple creatures at once, like Wrath of God or Damnation, right before you suspect the spell might be cast. This will leave the opponent with fewer creatures to turn into Dragons, making their Descent less impactful. These global removal spells are especially valuable as they handle not only the impending dragons but existing threats as well.

Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense – applying pressure so your opponent never reaches a stable enough board state to effectively play their game-changing spell. Aggressive decks can lower the opponent’s life total and force them to use their creatures defensively, making Descent of the Dragons far less menacing. Awareness of the setup and proactively countering the conditions for Descent of the Dragons will ensure your victory on the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Whether you’re a seasoned planeswalker or new to the multiverse of MTG, Descent of the Dragons is a card that can add an exciting dynamic to your deck. With its ability to transform any number of creatures into a flock of flying Dragons, it can be a game-changer. It pays to be strategic in its application, considering the prerequisites and mana cost. To harness the full potential of Descent of the Dragons, we recommend exploring synergistic cards and combos that maximize your fiery onslaught. Dive deeper into strategies and decks that could be elevated by this powerful card by joining our community and learning how to shape your matches into victories.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Descent of the Dragons MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir, 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 Descent of the Dragons and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Descent of the Dragons has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2015-02-25 If a creature is targeted but not destroyed (for example, if it regenerates or has indestructible), it won’t count toward the number of Dragon tokens put onto the battlefield.