Ego Drain MTG Card
2023-09-08 - Number 86
2023-09-08 - Number 12
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Target opponent reveals their hand. You choose a nonland card from it. That player discards that card. If you don't control a Faerie, exile a card from your hand.
"You've wasted your life. Let's see if I can do any better with it."
Cards like Ego Drain
Ego Drain is a card that invites comparison within the suite of life manipulation spells in Magic: The Gathering. It bears similarities to the likes of Consume Spirit. Both cards offer the dual ability to siphon life from opponents and replenish the caster’s health. However, Ego Drain is unique in its approach, as it specifically targets a player and it requires colorless mana along with its black mana cost.
Another peer in this category is Exsanguinate, a spell renowned for its scalability and potential game-ending capability in multiplayer games. While Ego Drain is fixed in the amount of life swap it can achieve, Exsanguinate’s X cost allows a player to drain life from all opponents, which makes it a formidable force in later stages of the game, although it comes with a potentially higher mana investment.
Analyzing these cards side by side, Ego Drain stands out for its straightforward execution and the consistency of its effect. It provides a reliable source of life swing that can be integral in turning the tides of the game. This pinpoint strategic option solidifies its position as a solid pick for players looking to incorporate life manipulation tactics in their MTG decks.
Cards similar to Ego Drain by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Ego Drain. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Dimir Faeries | Standard | Dimir Faeries | 2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open |
 | UB | Standard | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 19, 2024 | |
 | Dimir Control | Pioneer | Dimir Faeries | Peasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event |
 | Dimir Midrange | Standard | Dimir Faeries | 2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ego Drain is perfect for tipping the scales in your favor by drawing into your strategy while chipping away at your opponent’s resources.
Resource Acceleration: Through its mana-stealing ability, it can slow your adversary down, giving you the chance to ramp up and unleash powerful spells ahead of time.
Instant Speed: The beauty of this card lies in its readiness. Cast it seamlessly on your opponent’s turn to catch them off-guard, disrupting their plays and maintaining your momentum.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ego Drain obligates players to discard a card, which could be a drawback when your hand is already depleted or when the discarded card is essential for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands a precise combination of mana types, potentially making it a cumbersome fit in multi-colored decks that might struggle to meet the requirement consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment needed to play Ego Drain might be considered steep for its effect, especially when compared with other options available that either cost less or provide a stronger impact on the game without the downside of card loss.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ego Drain is a versatile card that can be slotted into various deck strategies. It’s particularly useful in formats where life totals can make or break a game, giving it a place in both aggressive and control builds.
Combo Potential: For players who enjoy intricate gameplay, Ego Drain offers combo potential. It can be synergized with cards that benefit from life loss or life gain, acting as a pivotal piece in complex and potentially game-winning interactions.
Meta-Relevance: As the meta shifts and adapts, Ego Drain maintains relevance. It can hinder opponents in creature-heavy formats and provide crucial life swings. Whether you’re disrupting combo decks or outpacing aggro opponents, its application is broad, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection.
How to beat
Ego Drain is a unique spell in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, presenting players with a twist on life manipulation mechanics. Much like other cards that shift life totals, understanding the nuances of this card is key to countering it effectively. To outplay an opponent using Ego Drain, it’s vital to adopt a strategy focused on life gain, card advantage, or direct disruption.
Consider incorporating cards that offer you life when you need it the most or cards that render life point strategies less effective. Employ instant-speed removal or counter spells to prevent Ego Drain from resolving, thus maintaining control over the course of the match. Efficient use of your resources is crucial, as well as keeping a watchful eye on the timing of your plays to avoid falling into a trap laid by this potential game-changer.
Ultimately, beating Ego Drain involves a combination of anticipation, strategic resource management, and the careful selection of cards that can either neutralize or bypass the life-swapping challenge it presents. By doing so, you’ll limit its impact and keep yourself one step ahead in the duel.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ego Drain // Ego Drain MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine Art Series and Wilds of Eldraine, 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 Ego Drain // Ego Drain 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 Ego Drain // Ego Drain Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-09-08 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by Valera Lutfullina.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilds of Eldraine Art Series | AWOE | 12 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Valera Lutfullina | ||
| 2 | 2023-09-08 | Wilds of Eldraine | WOE | 86 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Valera Lutfullina |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ego Drain has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |