Havoc Jester MTG Card


Generates value through sacrificing creatures or artifacts, transforming routine plays into aggressive tactics. Enriches decks that use tokens and artifacts, converting expendable resources into direct opponent damage. Triggerable at any time, aligns with instant-speed actions for responsive and flexible gameplay strategies.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Devil
Power 5
Toughness 5

Text of card

Whenever you sacrifice a permanent, Havoc Jester deals 1 damage to any target.

To the Rakdos, screams of delight and screams of terror are one and the same.


Cards like Havoc Jester

Havoc Jester is a unique creature card that brings a particular flavor to Magic: The Gathering gameplay. It draws parallels with cards such as Mayhem Devil, which capitalizes on sacrificing permanents to deal damage to any target. While Mayhem Devil has a lower casting cost, Havoc Jester offers a beefier body and deals damage exclusively to opponents or planeswalkers, not any target. The Jester’s ability can create a damaging combo in a deck that frequently sacrifices its own permanents.

Another card that echoes Havoc Jester’s sacrifice-triggered damage is Judith, the Scourge Diva. Judith has the added benefit of pumping your other creatures’ power, but she deals damage regardless of the type of permanent sacrificed. The Jester’s five-power, however, is a more significant presence on the battlefield, especially in formats that appreciate hard-hitting creatures.

Comparatively, Havoc Jester presents an intriguing potential for decks focused on sacrifice strategies. With its unlimited potential to deal damage as you continually sacrifice permanents, it may serve as an optimum choice for red-centric, aggressive decks aiming to close games through direct damage and creature-based pressure.

Mayhem Devil - MTG Card versions
Judith, the Scourge Diva - MTG Card versions
Mayhem Devil - MTG Card versions
Judith, the Scourge Diva - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Havoc Jester by color, type and mana cost

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Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Ravaging Horde - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Thundering Giant - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Savage Firecat - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Havoc Jester shines in scenarios where you’re actively sacrificing creatures or artifacts, turning each sacrifice into potential damage against opponents. This transforms common gameplay actions into repeated value, ensuring you’re not only controlling the board but also chipping away at the opponent’s life total.

Resource Acceleration: In decks that generate numerous tokens or disposable artifacts, Havoc Jester accelerates your strategy by converting those resources into a form of aggression. It complements strategies that synergize with sacrifice mechanics, maximizing the potential of your existing resources to pressure adversaries.

Instant Speed: While Havoc Jester itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it has an ability that triggers whenever you sacrifice a permanent, which can occur at any time. This allows you to align your game plan with instant-speed actions, offering opportunities to react to your opponent’s moves by sacrificing a creature or artifact for effect and damage, thereby integrating seamlessly with instant-speed strategies.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Havoc Jester requires sacrificing another creature to trigger its ability. This can be a steep price, especially if you’re unable to maintain a board presence with disposable creatures.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise mana combination with an emphasis on red mana. Its inclusion could be restrictive for multicolor decks that struggle with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Havoc Jester faces fierce competition from other five-mana-slot creatures or spells that may have an immediate impact or present solid value without the need for additional actions.


Reasons to Include Havoc Jester in Your Collection

Versatility: Havoc Jester is an adaptable card that can slide into a variety of decks, particularly those looking to capitalize on sacrificing permanents to create punishing effects against opponents.

Combo Potential: This card works superbly in synergistic plays, using its ability to deal damage whenever you sacrifice a permanent. That opens up numerous possibilities for combinations with token generators or sacrifice-for-benefit mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-heavy decks are common, Havoc Jester serves as a reliable source of direct damage, disrupting opponent strategies and maintaining board control.


How to beat

Havoc Jester is a card that can present quite the challenge on the battlefield. As a creature that thrives on the sacrifice of other permanents, every discard or sacrifice you make can turn into direct damage against you. Beating Havoc Jester requires a twofold strategy: first, manage your board by limiting the number of creatures you sacrifice while the Jester is in play. Secondly, prioritize removing Havoc Jester from the battlefield swiftly.

Control spells such as Murder or Pacifism can efficiently address this threat by bypassing the need to engage in combat. Additionally, countering Havoc Jester before it hits the field is a sound preemptive move. Consider keeping mana open for counterspells when you suspect your opponent might cast it, or using removal spells during your turn if it’s already in play. By staying ahead of your opponent’s strategy, you can neutralize the advantage Havoc Jester offers and maintain the upper hand.

In brief, focus on prevention, efficient removal, and minimizing your own sacrifice effects to mitigate the damage and control the havoc Havoc Jester could wreak on your game plan.


BurnMana Recommendations

As you reflect on Havoc Jester’s abilities and the tactical advantage it brings to MTG deck-building, it’s clear that its full potential unfolds in the heat of the match. Tapping into its strength hinges on a thorough understanding of sacrifice mechanics and board strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned player or someone looking to spice up your red deck, Havoc Jester can be a formidable ally. We encourage you to dive deeper into this card’s synergies and combo potential by exploring our extensive resources. If you seek to refine your battlefield tactics and harness the power of Havoc Jester, our platform is your go-to source for all things MTG. Delve into articles, guides, and discussions to transform your play experience and emerge victorious in your future encounters.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Havoc Jester MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2021 and Commander 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 Havoc Jester and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Havoc Jester Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2020-07-03 and 2024-02-23. Illustrated by Jason A. Engle.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-07-03Core Set 2021M21 1492015NormalBlackJason A. Engle
22023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 2302015NormalBlackJason A. Engle
32024-02-23Ravnica: Clue EditionCLU 1382015NormalBlackJason A. Engle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Havoc Jester has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-06-23 A legendary permanent that is put into a graveyard because of the “legend rule” isn't sacrificed.
2020-06-23 Havoc Jester's ability is a triggered ability, not an activated ability. It doesn't allow you to sacrifice a permanent whenever you want; rather, you need some other way of sacrificing permanents.
2020-06-23 Havoc Jester's ability triggers when you sacrifice it. If you sacrifice other permanents at the same time, it triggers for them as well.
2020-06-23 If you sacrifice a permanent as part of casting a spell or activating an ability, Havoc Jester's ability will resolve before that spell or ability.