Field of Ruin MTG Card
2017-09-29 - Number 254
2019-11-07 - Number 1667
2020-01-24 - Number 242
2021-03-19 - Number 407
2021-09-24 - Number 262
2022-01-28 - Number 262
2023-04-21 - Number 400
2023-06-23 - Number 308
2020-09-26 - Number XLN-254
2023-06-23 - Number 77
| Card sets | Released in 10 setsSee all |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Land |
Text of card
: Add to your mana pool. , , Sacrifice Field of Ruin: Destroy target nonbasic land an opponent controls. Each player searches his or her library for a basic land card, puts it onto the battlefield, then shuffles his or her library.
Cards like Field of Ruin
Field of Ruin shines as an archetypal land destruction card within Magic: The Gathering, often compared to other notable cards with similar effects. Ghost Quarter might come to mind, strikingly similar as it, too, destroys any land at no cost. Where Field of Ruin diverges is its requirement of two mana to activate and its assurance that both players will Search their libraries for a basic land card and put it into play, thus maintaining a balance of power.
Another parallel exists with Tectonic Edge, which shares the land-crippling ability. Tectonic Edge, however, can only be activated targeting a player who controls four or more lands, presenting a strategic advantage in the late game, in contrast to the early and mid-game utility that Field of Ruin offers. Crucible of Worlds forms a strategic synergy with Field of Ruin, allowing players to persistently utilize their land destruction and gain board control.
Considering the subtle differences in conditions and benefits, Field of Ruin establishes itself as a preferred choice for many players. It enables resource denial while keeping the playing field even, an aspect that strategically fits into numerous deck archetypes and play styles.
Cards similar to Field of Ruin by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Field of Ruin. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Golgari Midrange | Standard | Golgari Midrange | Pro Tour Thunder Junction |
 | Dimir Control | Standard | Dimir Control | Pro Tour Thunder Junction |
| Dimir Midrange | Standard | Dimir Midrange | Pro Tour Thunder Junction |
 | Azorius Control | Pioneer | Azorius Control | Pioneer League 2024-04-25 |
 | Mono-Black Discard | Pioneer | Mono-Black Discard | Pioneer Preliminary 2024-04-24 |
 | Azorius Artifacts | Standard | Azorius Artifacts | Standard Preliminary 2024-04-24 (1) |
 | Mono-Black Coffers | Modern | Mono-Black Coffers | Modern Preliminary 2024-04-24 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Field of Ruin shines by disrupting an opponent’s nonbasic land strategy, potentially hampering their game plan and thus indirectly contributing to your card advantage. Additionally, because both players get to search for a basic land, you prevent falling behind on your own land resources.
Resource Acceleration: While Field of Ruin itself doesn’t accelerate resources in the traditional sense of ramping, it does ensure you can replace the sacrificed land, keeping your land drops consistent. This maintenance of land count can be crucial for playing higher-cost cards on curve.
Instant Speed: The ability of Field of Ruin to destroy a land at instant speed gives you the flexibility to wait for the most opportune moment, such as in response to an activation of the targeted land’s ability or during an end step to minimize your opponent’s ability to make use of the mana in a given turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Field of Ruin doesn’t force you to discard a card, it does demand sacrificing itself. This self-sacrifice is a one-off effect, potentially limiting its power over the course of a long game.
Specific Mana Cost: Field of Ruin requires two generic mana to activate, which can present a speed bump in situations where you are aiming to develop your own board or hold mana for other spells.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although the activation cost isn’t exorbitant, the requirement to spend two mana in addition to tapping the land can be a significant investment in the early game when mana is at a premium. Other land destruction options might offer more cost-effective solutions.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Field of Ruin offers a diverse utility as a land card, fitting seamlessly into various deck archetypes. Its ability to destroy target nonbasic land means it can be a vital tool against decks that heavily rely on specific lands to execute their strategy.
Combo Potential: This card not only disrupts opponents but also allows for strategic land searches. Players can combo Field of Ruin with landfall abilities or other effects that trigger on playing lands, potentially multiplying the benefits every time it’s activated.
Meta-Relevance: In the constantly evolving meta of MTG, decks with strong manabases often dominate. Field of Ruin serves as an equalizer, offering an answer to powerful nonbasic lands like utility lands, dual lands, or any key land-based threats in the current environment. Including it in your collection ensures you have a ready response to such strategies.
How to beat
Field of Ruin presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, subtly disrupting your meticulously crafted land base. This versatile land has the power to target and destroy any non-basic land, simultaneously offering each player a basic land as a replacement. Despite its equal exchange on the surface, Field of Ruin can strategically dismantle decks heavily reliant on certain non-basic lands for combo executions or mana fixing.
To outmaneuver Field of Ruin, it’s wise to incorporate a variety of basic lands in your deck to cushion against its land-searching effect. Employing a resilient mana base that’s not overly dependent on non-basic lands can mitigate the disruption caused by Field of Ruin. Additionally, cards that grant lands indestructibility or hexproof offer a sturdy line of defense, keeping your crucial lands safe from destruction. Debate also persists about running enchantments that limit land destruction or quickly replenish your field after a strategic setback.
Adaptability is key when confronting Field of Ruin. Being prepared with countermeasures and maintaining a flexible land composition can ensure you’re not caught off guard by this tactical land’s ability to alter the course of the game. Ultimately, anticipating and mitigating Field of Ruin’s impact can lead to a more robust and resilient strategy overall.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Field of Ruin MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan and Mystery Booster, 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 Field of Ruin 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
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Printings
The Field of Ruin Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by 4 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan | XLN | 254 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dimitar Marinski | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1667 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dimitar Marinski | |
| 3 | 2020-01-24 | Theros Beyond Death | THB | 242 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jung Park | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | XLN-254 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dimitar Marinski | ||
| 5 | 2021-03-19 | Time Spiral Remastered | TSR | 407 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dimitar Marinski | |
| 6 | 2021-09-24 | Innistrad: Midnight Hunt | MID | 262 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Ostrowski | |
| 7 | 2022-01-28 | Innistrad: Double Feature | DBL | 262 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Ostrowski | |
| 8 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Commander | MOC | 400 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Ostrowski | |
| 9 | Tales of Middle-earth Art Series | ALTR | 77 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Shahab Alizadeh | ||
| 10 | 2023-06-23 | Tales of Middle-earth Commander | LTC | 308 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Shahab Alizadeh |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Field of Ruin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Field of Ruin card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-03-19 | If the target land is an illegal target by the time Field of Ruin's ability tries to resolve, the ability doesn't resolve. No players search for a basic land card or shuffles. If the target is legal but not destroyed (most likely because it has indestructible), each player does search and shuffle. |