Heartless Pillage MTG Card
2017-09-29 - Number 109
2020-08-07 - Number 96
2024-04-19 - Number 14
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Abilities | Raid,Treasure |
Text of card
Target opponent discards two cards. Raid — If you attacked with a creature this turn, create a colorless Treasure artifact token with ", Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color to your mana pool."
Cards like Heartless Pillage
Heartless Pillage stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a potent resource disruption tool. In comparison to other discard spells like Mind Rot, Heartless Pillage shines by not only forcing your opponent to discard two cards but also offering a Treasure token reward when the raid condition is met. Mind Rot strictly focuses on the discard aspect without the upside of creating additional mana opportunities.
Smallpox is similar yet distinct. This card combines life loss, forced sacrifice of creatures and lands, along with discarding a card. Even though it impacts both players and lacks the direct link to Treasure tokens that Heartless Pillage provides, it’s a multifaceted disruption spell. Conversely, Blightning delivers a combination of damage and discard, presenting immediate value by depleting your opponent’s hand while also chipping away at their life total, albeit without producing any tokens for mana advantage.
In essence, while there are several options for inducing your opponent to discard cards in Magic: The Gathering, Heartless Pillage offers a unique blend of hand disruption and the added benefit of ramping, positioning it as a useful card, particularly in strategies leveraging the raid mechanic.
Cards similar to Heartless Pillage by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Heartless Pillage enables a decisive shift in the balance of cards in hand. When played, it forces an opponent to discard two cards, which can disrupt their strategic plans and offer you a significant tactical edge.
Resource Acceleration: More than just a discard spell, Heartless Pillage bolsters your mana resources. If you attack with a creature this turn, you’re granted two Treasure tokens, providing a temporary burst in mana that can accelerate your plays, be it casting large spells sooner or achieving a more diverse color range for complex plays.
Instant Speed: Despite not being instant, Heartless Pillage’s casting at sorcery speed is offset by its potent effect paired with raid. This allows you to strategically time the spell post-combat to ensure the raid condition is met, maximizing your turn sequence efficiency.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Heartless Pillage necessitates that your opponent discards cards, which might be less effective later in the game when opponents have fewer cards in hand.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes both generic and black mana, this card demands a dedicated color commitment, potentially hindering its inclusion in multi-color decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana, the balance between cost and effect can be unfavorable when compared to other disruption spells available in the format.
Reasons to Include Heartless Pillage in Your Collection
Versatility: Heartless Pillage is more than just a discard spell. As a disruptive element in midrange and control decks, it serves dual purposes by setting opponents back while propelling your strategy forward.
Combo Potential: By generating Treasure tokens, this card could shine in decks that capitalize on artifacts or need a sudden burst of mana to turn the tides. It’s a catalyst for powerful plays and unexpected combos.
Meta-Relevance: As players aim to refine their strategy in a shifting meta, Heartless Pillage could exploit the gamble many decks take by keeping a lean hand. Its relevance grows in metas where keeping opponent’s resources in check is vital to securing victory.
How to beat
Heartless Pillage is a disruptive card in MTG that can unsettle your game plan by forcing you to discard cards while potentially accelerating your opponent’s mana advantage through Treasure token creation. Overcoming this card requires a strategic approach to maintain card advantage and mitigate resource loss. A solid defense against Heartless Pillage involves maintaining a higher card count in hand, which can be achieved through efficient card draw strategies. Cards like Opt or Serum Visions can keep your options open and your hand replenished.
Moreover, utilizing low-cost, instant-speed spells allows you to keep mana available to respond or develop your board without overcommitting, leaving you less vulnerable to discard effects. Holding back key pieces and playing them only when they can impact the board immediately can also aid in preserving your hand. Additionally, counter spells can be critical in protecting your hand and thwarting your opponent’s plan. Cards such as Negate or Dovin’s Veto offer protection without putting a dent in your mana pool. Being mindful of your opponent’s mana and potential for casting Heartless Pillage will also guide your timing in both deploying threats and shielding your hand.
By understanding the impact of discard effects and adapting your strategy, you can maintain control over the game and ensure that Heartless Pillage doesn’t leave you at a disadvantage.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Heartless Pillage MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan and Double 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 Heartless Pillage 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 Heartless Pillage Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan | XLN | 109 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sara Winters | |
| 2 | 2020-08-07 | Double Masters | 2XM | 96 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sara Winters | |
| 3 | 2024-04-19 | Breaking News | OTP | 14 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Mark A. Nelson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Heartless Pillage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Heartless Pillage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-08-07 | If you've attacked with a creature this turn, you'll get a Treasure even if the target opponent discards one or zero cards. |
| 2020-08-07 | You create only one Treasure token if you attacked this turn, no matter how many creatures you attacked with beyond the first. |