Despark MTG Card


Despark excels by targeting only key permanents with mana value four or greater, ensuring impactful removal. At two mana and instant speed, it adds strategic depth, providing removal at critical gameplay moments. Mana requirements limit use to certain decks, demanding careful mana base consideration for optimal play.
Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Exile target permanent with mana value 4 or greater.

Liliana whispered to whatever consciousness Oketra and Bontu had left. "You are the gods. He is the usurper. You know what to do."


Cards like Despark

In examining Despark’s place among removal options in Magic the Gathering, we see its uniqueness in its targeted exile effect. It’s akin to cards like Anguished Unmaking, which can exile any nonland permanent at the cost of three life in addition to its mana cost. Despark, however, is more mana-efficient but restricts targets to those with mana value 4 or greater.

Comparably, Utter End offers another parallel, exiling any nonland permanent without life cost but at a higher mana value of four. Despark stands out for its lower mana requirement, making it a more accessible option early in the game. Even more similar is Vindicate, a versatile spell that can destroy any permanent regardless of mana value, but without the exile component that makes Despark advantageous against indestructible threats.

Each of these cards has its niche, but Despark shines in a meta full of high-value targets, combining efficiency and powerful exile removal—a necessity for decks contending with formidable permanents crossing the four mana threshold.

Anguished Unmaking - MTG Card versions
Utter End - MTG Card versions
Vindicate - MTG Card versions
Anguished Unmaking - MTG Card versions
Utter End - MTG Card versions
Vindicate - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Despark by color, type and mana cost

Vanishing Verse - MTG Card versions
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Zealous Persecution - MTG Card versions
Executioner's Swing - MTG Card versions
Orzhov Charm - MTG Card versions
Final Payment - MTG Card versions
Dire Tactics - MTG Card versions
Afterlife Insurance - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Orzhov GriefOrzhov Grief ModernOrzhov ScamGrand Open Qualifier Prague 2024
Orzhov ControlOrzhov Control ModernOrzhov MidrangeGrand Open Qualifier Prague 2024
Niv to LightNiv to Light PioneerNiv to LightSat. 9:30 AM U.S. Regional Championship - Dreamhack Atlanta 2023

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Despark is a powerful removal tool that can dispatch high-value threats on the board. By targeting only permanents with a converted mana cost of four or greater, it ensures that what you’re removing is often a key piece of your opponent’s strategy, tipping the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: As a two-mana spell, Despark is highly efficient. While it doesn’t directly accelerate your own resources, it helps maintain a leaner and more effective mana curve, keeping your options open for playing other cards in your hand.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Despark at instant speed offers the flexibility to answer threats during your opponent’s turn or in response to an action, allowing for more strategic depth and surprise tactics.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Despark does not require players to discard, it does necessitate having both white and black mana available, restricting which decks can utilize it efficiently.

Specific Mana Cost: Despark calls for a precise combination of white and black mana, which could pose a hurdle in a multicolored deck already strained for mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although costing only two mana, Despark has a restriction on targets—only being able to exile permanents with mana value four or greater—which means lower cost threats may remain unchecked on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Despark displays its flexibility by being an instant-speed removal option that can target any high-cost threat across various formats. Its ability to exile anything with a converted mana cost of four or greater makes it relevant in nearly any match.

Combo Potential: In a deck that manipulates the cost of spells or the board state, Despark can serve as a key piece, effortlessly removing expensive permanents that could otherwise hinder your game plan.

Meta-Relevance: In a landscape dotted with powerful planeswalkers and formidable creatures, Despark earns its spot by being an efficient answer to many format-defining cards. It is particularly crucial in limited formats or any environment where high-impact permanents dictate the pace of the game.


How to beat

Despark is a potent removal option in Magic: The Gathering, targeting cards with a converted mana cost of four or greater. This efficiency makes it a favorite in decks against big threats. However, there are strategies to navigate around its restrictions. Keeping your most impactful cards at a mana cost of three or less is one method, thereby falling outside of Despark’s reach. This pushes opponents to have alternative answers to your threats.

Another effective approach is to include cards that can counter spells or protect your crucial pieces from being targets. Instant spells such as Negate or Dive Down can shield your valuable creatures or planeswalkers at the critical moment. Also, utilizing abilities that regenerate or grant indestructibility to your permanents can nullify Despark’s effect, preserving your game position while potentially wasting an opponent’s resources.

In essence, flexibility in deck building and anticipating removal options like Despark are key to maintaining an edge. Through careful planning and by choosing the right mix of spells and abilities, you can mitigate its impact and continue to execute your strategy without interruption.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the delicate balance of MTG’s complex gameplay means recognizing the power cards like Despark bring to the table. With its precision in exiling high-cost threats, Despark is a formidable addition to any deck that can accommodate its white and black mana requirements. As strategies evolve and the meta shifts, keeping ahead means understanding the nuances behind each card’s strengths and weaknesses. Dive deeper into the multiverse of MTG with us, and refine your collection with cards that can potentially turn the tide of battle in your favor. Learn more and craft your ultimate deck with Despark as your cornerstone removal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Despark MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark and Commander 2020, 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 Despark and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Despark Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2019-05-03 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-05-03War of the SparkWAR 1902015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
22020-04-17Commander 2020C20 2092015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
32021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 1222015NormalBorderlessKiritada
42021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 592015NormalBorderlessMark Tedin
52021-07-23Forgotten Realms CommanderAFC 1842015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
62022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 8412015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
72022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 1241997NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
82023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 3222015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Despark has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-05-03 If a permanent has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0.