Expunge MTG Card

Card draw advantage when meeting threshold, solidifying control in gameplay. Instant speed allows for tactical responses, enhancing in-game strategy. The cycling ability adds to deck fluidity, especially in graveyard-centric decks.

Urza's Saga (USG)
1998-10-12 - Number 135

Vintage Masters (VMA)
2014-06-16 - Number 118

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Abilities	Cycling

Text of card

Destroy target nonartifact, nonblack creature. That creature cannot be regenerated this turn. Cycling (You may pay and discard this card from your hand to draw a card. Play this ability as an instant.)

Cards like Expunge

Expunge is an intriguing removal spell in the realm of MTG, offering a solid combination of effects. This card echoes the functionality of other removal spells, such as Murder, which eliminates creatures without condition. However, Expunge brings a unique twist, only allowing the removal of nonartifact creatures and potentially at a lower cost if cast with the advantage of its cycling ability.

Disfigure is another card worthy of comparison, renowned for its mana efficiency. It requires only one black mana, considerably less than Expunge, but it only reduces a creature’s power and toughness by two. This limitation means it cannot deal with larger threats as decisively as Expunge. Ultimate Price also serves as a similar option; restricted by its limitation to only target monocolored creatures, it exemplifies the trade-offs in different removal strategies each card presents.

Ultimately, in evaluating Expunge alongside its counterparts, it holds a noteworthy spot within the array of removal spells in MTG, balancing cost with flexibility and offering strategic depth particularly in formats where cycling can be a significant advantage for deck fluidity.

Cards similar to Expunge by color, type and mana cost

Decks using this card

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

#	Name	Format	Archetype	Event
	Fluctuator	Premodern		Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Expunge is an asset in maintaining lead in card utility, permitting the removal of a target creature while unfolding the potential for card draw if its threshold condition is met.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly a means of resource acceleration, the efficient mana cost of Expunge aids in preserving resources for further plays within the turn, leading to an indirect acceleration of game tempo.

Instant Speed: Its instant speed is a tactical boon, allowing players to react swiftly to threats on the battlefield. This flexibility also enables more strategic decisions during both the player’s and opponent’s turns, effectively keeping them ahead in the game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Expunge necessitates the surrendering of a card from your hand, which can be a strategic setback when your hand size is critically depleted.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting requirement that includes black mana, Expunge can’t be included in decks that lack the proper mana base, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing the mana investment against the card’s capability can be enlightening; at three mana, there are alternative removal options that might offer a lower cost or additional benefits that could be more beneficial in your deck’s strategy.

Reasons to Include Expunge in Your Collection

Versatility: Expunge is easily adaptable across various deck archetypes. Its flexibility to be used as both creature removal and a way to push through damage makes it valuable in numerous game scenarios.

Combo Potential: This spell synergizes well with graveyard-based strategies, especially when you’re aiming to cycle through your deck and exploit death triggers or benefit from casting spells from the graveyard.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment teeming with creature-dependent decks, Expunge stands out as an efficient tool to remove key threats. Its usability in both mainstream and budget decks increases its relevance in the current metagame.

How to beat

Expunge serves as a versatile removal tool in many decks particularly in formats where monoblack is a strong contender. This card has the potential to disrupt your game plan by targeting and destroying your creatures that are not black or artifact. One effective strategy to overcome Expunge involves diversifying your board presence. Incorporating creatures that have hexproof or indestructible attributes can neutralize the threat posed by Expunge. Additionally, playing cards that can regenerate your creatures or grant them protection from black temporarily deflects the effect of Expunge and ensures your key creatures survive.

Another tactic is to put pressure on your opponent’s mana. Since Expunge has a cycling ability that can be activated if your opponent is short on targets, encouraging them to use their mana elsewhere can limit their use of Expunge to its full advantage. Moreover, being strategically careful when advancing your non-black, non-artifact creatures onto the battlefield when your opponent might have untapped mana for Expunge can be crucial. Sometimes, having a read on your opponent’s hand and playing around this removal can make all the difference in maintaining board control.

All in all, while Expunge can pose a threat to many strategies, there are numerous effective methods to mitigate its impact and maintain your footing in the game. Utilizing these tactics, players can adeptly navigate around this problematic card and keep their creatures safe from its grasp.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Expunge MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Vintage Masters, 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 Expunge and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Expunge Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by Christopher Moeller.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1998-10-12	Urza's Saga	USG		135	1997	Normal	Black	Christopher Moeller
2	2014-06-16	Vintage Masters	VMA		118	2015	Normal	Black	Christopher Moeller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Expunge has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2008-10-01	Cycling is an activated ability. Effects that interact with activated abilities (such as Stifle or Rings of Brighthearth) will interact with cycling. Effects that interact with spells (such as Remove Soul or Faerie Tauntings) will not.