Fading Hope MTG Card


Combining bounce effects and scrying, Fading Hope excels in controlling tempo and improving card quality. Despite its benefits, Fading Hope’s one blue mana cost may limit its use in multicolor decks. Its strategic advantage makes it a robust tool in decks focusing on tempo plays and ETB effects.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Scry

Text of card

Return target creature to its owner's hand. If its mana value was 3 or less, scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom of your library.)

"At least I won't become one of . . . those things."


Cards like Fading Hope

Fading Hope has found its niche within the roster of bounce spells in Magic: The Gathering. It bears resemblances to cards like Unsummon, known for its straightforward ability to return a creature to its owner’s hand. Where Fading Hope shines is in its Scry 1 benefit, which Unsummon lacks, granting the caster additional insight into their upcoming draws. The card also has a conditional clause that allows it to cost zero mana if the target creature’s power is four or greater, enhancing its utility in scenarios where large threats loom on the battlefield.

Another comparison could be drawn to Vapor Snag, a card that also bounces creatures but inflicts 1 point of damage to the creature’s controller. While the added damage can be relevant, Fading Hope’s Scry bonus tends to have a more lasting impact on the game’s outcome. Then there is Into the Roil, a versatile bounce spell with a kicker cost that draws a card if paid. Fading Hope, being one mana cheaper, offers an economical alternative, especially valuable in tempo-driven blue decks.

In analyzing the qualities of similar bounce spells, Fading Hope presents a compelling choice, combining cost-efficiency with the strategic advantage of Scry, particularly in decks aiming to maintain tempo and board control.

Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Vapor Snag - MTG Card versions
Into the Roil - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Vapor Snag - MTG Card versions
Into the Roil - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Fading Hope by color, type and mana cost

Ancestral Recall - MTG Card versions
Jump - MTG Card versions
Sleight of Mind - MTG Card versions
Twiddle - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Siren's Call - MTG Card versions
Power Sink - MTG Card versions
Blue Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Spell Blast - MTG Card versions
Magical Hack - MTG Card versions
Riptide - MTG Card versions
Winter's Chill - MTG Card versions
Mind Bend - MTG Card versions
Denied! - MTG Card versions
Hydroblast - MTG Card versions
Whispers of the Muse - MTG Card versions
Ertai's Trickery - MTG Card versions
Force Spike - MTG Card versions
Opt - MTG Card versions
Envelop - MTG Card versions
Ancestral Recall - MTG Card versions
Jump - MTG Card versions
Sleight of Mind - MTG Card versions
Twiddle - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Siren's Call - MTG Card versions
Power Sink - MTG Card versions
Blue Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Spell Blast - MTG Card versions
Magical Hack - MTG Card versions
Riptide - MTG Card versions
Winter's Chill - MTG Card versions
Mind Bend - MTG Card versions
Denied! - MTG Card versions
Hydroblast - MTG Card versions
Whispers of the Muse - MTG Card versions
Ertai's Trickery - MTG Card versions
Force Spike - MTG Card versions
Opt - MTG Card versions
Envelop - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Bant PoisonBant Poison StandardBant PoisonStandard League 2024-05-05
UGUG PioneerPioneer League 2024-05-09
Izzet Ensoul ArtifactIzzet Ensoul Artifact PioneerIzzet Ensoul ArtifactPioneer Preliminary 2024-05-08
Izzet AggroIzzet Aggro StandardIzzet AggroStandard League 2024-05-06
Simic HeroicSimic Heroic StandardSimic HeroicTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: May 6, 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Fading Hope, you’ll not only return an unwanted creature to its owner’s hand, potentially disrupting their strategy, but you’ll also have the opportunity to scry 1 if the creature’s power is two or less. This grants you the ability to sift through your deck and enhance the quality of your draws, keeping you one step ahead in the game.

Resource Acceleration: While Fading Hope doesn’t directly generate mana like some other spells, the tempo advantage it provides can be crucial. By setting your opponent back, you create virtual resource acceleration, as your board state and mana availability can ideally outpace theirs following the bounce effect.

Instant Speed: Flexibility is key in MTG, and Fading Hope being an instant means you can adapt to the battlefield as it evolves. React in the middle of combat, surprise an opponent in the end step, or simply use the card when it’s most advantageous for you without having to commit resources on your own turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One possible downside for players considering Fading Hope is the absence of a discard requirement. While not having to toss a card from hand could seem positive initially, it sometimes means less synergy with strategies that capitalize on graveyard play or discard benefits.

Specific Mana Cost: Fading Hope requires a single blue mana, which is great for mono-blue or two-color decks, but might be restrictive for multicolor decks needing a more flexible mana base. This specificity can narrow deck-building options for those looking to maintain a stable mana curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given that Fading Hope costs one blue mana to cast, it’s affordable but not without competition. There are instances where other instant spells with similar effects may provide additional benefits for the same or lower cost, potentially making them more appealing depending on the deck’s overall strategy.


Reasons to Include Fading Hope in Your Collection

Versatility: Fading Hope provides strategic flexibility by allowing you to temporarily remove a target creature your opponent controls. This can efficiently disrupt your opponent’s plays or protect your valuable creatures by resetting them to your hand.

Combo Potential: This instant has great synergy with cards that capitalize on enter-the-battlefield (ETB) effects. By returning creatures to your hand, you can re-trigger these abilities for additional value.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment rich with creature-based strategies, Fading Hope shines as a defensive tool that keeps aggressive decks at bay while also filtering your next draw, helping you maintain card quality in longer matches.


How to beat

Fading Hope is a notable instant spell in MTG, revered for its capacity to return a creature to its owner’s hand. This can interrupt combos, save a creature from destruction, or simply reset an opponent’s board development. To counteract the disruptive power of Fading Hope, sustaining a robust hand size is crucial. Cards with the mechanic “Flash” can be key, allowing players to wait until the end of an opponent’s turn to play creatures, minimizing the window for Fading Hope to be used effectively.

Moreover, playing creatures with “Enter the Battlefield” effects can nullify Fading Hope’s impact, turning the opponent’s tempo play into an unintended benefit for you. Additionally, holding instant-speed removal or counterspells can be a game-changer, as they provide the means to eliminate a threatening creature or negate Fading Hope as it’s cast. Keeping in mind these strategies and adapting your gameplay can help you maintain control against the tide of uncertainty that Fading Hope brings to the table.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the ebbs and flows of MTG is key to mastering its intricate strategies, and the inclusion of versatile spells like Fading Hope can be pivotal. With its potential to shift game tempo and capitalize on creature-based synergies, it’s a valuable asset for blue-focused decks. Taking into account the balance of card advantages, tempo play, and strategic flexibilities, Fading Hope can be a game-changer in your collection. Ready to embrace a new tactical edge and refine your deck’s capabilities? We encourage you to dive deeper into the strategic nuances this card offers. Enhance your MTG experience and elevate your gameplay by learning more with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Fading Hope MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Midnight Hunt and Innistrad: Double Feature, 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 Fading Hope and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Fading Hope Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-09-24 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Rovina Cai.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight HuntMID 512015NormalBlackRovina Cai
22022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 512015NormalBlackRovina Cai

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Fading Hope has restrictions

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