Devils' Playground MTG Card
2016-04-08 - Number 151s
2016-04-08 - Number 151
2023-03-21 - Number 151
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Create four 1/1 red Devil creature tokens. They have "When this creature dies, it deals 1 damage to any target."
"The city is overrun. I would say burn it to the ground, but that won't be necessary." —Inquisitor Delmund
Cards like Devils' Playground
Devils’ Playground stands out as an intriguing option for players looking to populate the board with devilish tokens in MTG. This card echoes the functionality of other token-generating cards, like Dragon Fodder and Krenko’s Command, that also create a pair of creature tokens for a smaller mana investment. Yet, it is the additional fiery twist Devils’ Playground brings to the table – each devil comes armed with the ability to deal damage when it dies, providing potential board control and damage to opponents.
Reflecting on bigger impacts, there is Hordeling Outburst, a card that produces three tokens albeit at a higher cost. Although Outburst’s tokens lack the damaging ability upon death, the increased token count offers swarming strategies. Comparatively, Devils’ Playground presents a balance of both token number and added fiery effects. Another parallel might be found in Goblin Assault, which continually generates tokens and provides a constant threat, but isn’t a one-time impactful play like Devils’ Playground and lacks the direct damage capability.
In drawing parallels, the unique combination of token generation and death-triggered damage allows Devils’ Playground to hold its own among MTG’s variety of token generators, offering a blend of immediate board presence and strategic depth that can be harnessed in multiple plays.
Cards similar to Devils' Playground by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Devils’ Playground is designed to multiply your on-field presence by introducing four 1/1 red Devil creature tokens when played. This influx of tokens is a boon for players looking to expand their army and apply pressure or defend more effectively on the battlefield. Each token also comes with the ability to deal 1 damage when it dies, offering a subtle layer of potential damage to opponents or their creatures, effectively turning your board presence into a minefield for the enemy.
Resource Acceleration: While Devils’ Playground itself doesn’t provide direct mana acceleration, the four Devil tokens can become strategic assets in trade scenarios. When used alongside sacrifice mechanics or spells that capitalize on the demise of your creatures, this card can indirectly lead to increased resource availability, either by filtering through your deck faster or synergizing with cards that benefit from creatures entering the graveyard.
Instant Speed: The process of introducing Devils’ Playground into your game plan can be at sorcery speed, enabling you to set the stage for upcoming plays. It offers a significant shift in board state that your opponents must address, lest they find themselves slowly chipped away by devilish damage. Moreover, when paired with cards that grant flash or similar instant-speed play capabilities, Devils’ Playground can be transformed into a surprise play that disrupts your opponents’ strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In the case of Devils’ Playground, it does not require a discard, but it’s important for players to be aware of such mechanics in other cards that could influence hand size, affecting strategy and gameplay.
Specific Mana Cost: This card has a mana cost that is exclusively red, requiring four red mana to play. This intense color commitment can be restrictive, making it difficult to incorporate into multicolored or splash decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing a total of six mana, four of which must be red, Devils’ Playground presents a heavy investment compared to other options in the four-mana-slot creatures or spells that might provide similar or greater value more efficiently.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Devils’ Playground is a dynamic choice for decks that aim to maintain a strong board presence. The ability to spawn four Devil tokens upon casting offers an immediate impact on the game state, significantly boosting your defensive and offensive capabilities.
Combo Potential: The individual Devil tokens can be essential for various synergies, notably those that capitalize on creatures dying. Each token can be utilized to chip away at your opponent’s life total, or in conjuncture with sacrifice mechanics for even greater effects.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where small creature strategies are prevalent, Devils’ Playground can act as a countermeasure. The death-triggered damage from the Devil tokens positions the card as a unique threat that can influence your opponent’s combat decisions and shape the battlefield to your advantage.
How to beat
Devils’ Playground is a unique red card that populates the battlefield with mischief-causing devil tokens when played in Magic: The Gathering. Each of these tokens has the potential to deal damage to any target when they die, which could quickly add up against an unprepared opponent. The key to countering this onslaught lies in strategic removal and damage prevention tactics.
Board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can efficiently clear out the devil tokens without triggering their damaging ability, as these spells destroy all creatures at once. Alternatively, preventing the damage with cards like The Wanderer or utilizing life gain strategies with the likes of Radiant Fountain can help mitigate the impact of losing creatures to the devils’ pesky death triggers.
Keep in mind that timing your spells is critical. Strategic use of instant-speed removal when the opponent is lower on resources can cripple the effectiveness of their Devils’ Playground, turning a threatening situation into a manageable one. All in all, knowing when and how to neutralize these devils is the key to mastering the playground showdown.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Devils' Playground MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad Promos and Shadows over Innistrad, 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 Devils' Playground and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Devils' Playground Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-04-08 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Wayne England.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-04-08 | Shadows over Innistrad Promos | PSOI | 151s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne England | |
| 2 | 2016-04-08 | Shadows over Innistrad | SOI | 151 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne England | |
| 3 | 2023-03-21 | Shadows over Innistrad Remastered | SIR | 151 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne England |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Devils' Playground has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |