Hero's Downfall MTG Card


Hero’s Downfall offers instant removal of both creatures and planeswalkers, bolstering flexibility in-game. Despite its strengths, its mana requirements may demand strategic deck construction and resource allocation. The card’s versatility and meta relevance make it an essential removal tool within a variety of decks.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Text of card

Destroy target creature or planeswalker.

Destiny exalts a chosen few, but even heroes break.


Cards like Hero's Downfall

Hero’s Downfall has solidified its place as a key removal card in Magic: The Gathering, sitting alongside options such as Murder and Go for the Throat. Like Hero’s Downfall, Murder provides an unconditional way to destroy a target creature, but it lacks the ability to target planeswalkers, a feature that sets Hero’s Downfall apart. Go for the Throat, in contrast, is limited by its inability to destroy artifact creatures, making Hero’s Downfall a more flexible choice in diverse situations.

Another contender, Dreadbore, also offers the versatility of targeting creatures or planeswalkers. However, the key difference lies in Dreadbore being a sorcery, whereas Hero’s Downfall operates at instant speed, allowing players to act on their opponents’ turns for surprise plays and greater tactical advantage.

In summary, the instantaneous nature and expanded range of targets make Hero’s Downfall a formidable spell in player’s arsenals. Its capacity to disrupt opponents by removing their most threatening permanents—creatures or planeswalkers alike—at a moment’s notice makes it a highly esteemed tool in Magic: The Gathering, often giving players the edge they need in a tight contest.

Murder - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Dreadbore - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Dreadbore - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Abzan AggroAbzan Aggro StandardGolgari MidrangeThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
Grixis Hidetsugu and KairiGrixis Hidetsugu and Kairi StandardGrixis MidrangeThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
WBWB StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 19, 2024
Golgari MidrangeGolgari Midrange StandardGolgari MidrangeStandard Challenge 32 2024-02-17
Dimir ControlDimir Control GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hero’s Downfall provides a one-for-one trade, effectively removing a key creature or planeswalker from the game. This trade often works in your favor, especially when targeting high-value threats that could otherwise provide your opponent with a continuous advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While Hero’s Downfall itself does not directly accelerate resources, its cost-efficient removal clears the path for your creatures to attack and can indirectly lead to resource advantages by keeping your opponent’s board presence in check.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Hero’s Downfall at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond to threats during your opponent’s turn or at a moment that will most disrupt their strategy. This also allows you to leave mana open for counterspells or other interactions, only committing to the removal when absolutely necessary.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Hero’s Downfall offers a clean answer to troublesome planeswalkers or creatures, it doesn’t come without a cost. Playing this card means you’ll have to carefully consider your hand, as the mana expenditure can limit your options for the remainder of the turn.

Specific Mana Cost: Hero’s Downfall demands a black mana, which ties you to at least partially commit to black mana resources in your deck. This is something that players need to account for when building their decks, as not all strategies have the flexibility to accommodate such specific mana requirements.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one black, Hero’s Downfall’s mana expense is on the higher end for single-target removal spells. In fast-paced or mana-tight games, this cost can be significant, potentially delaying other plays or forcing decisions that could impact game tempo negatively.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Hero’s Downfall is a valuable addition to any collection due to its ability to target any planeswalker or creature. Its flexibility makes it a reliable removal tool in a variety of deck archetypes, from control to midrange.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies looking to capitalize on spell synergies or graveyard mechanics, enabling dynamic plays and interactions within your game plan.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where powerful creatures and planeswalkers are prevalent, Hero’s Downfall maintains its relevance. Being able to remove key players on your opponent’s board is critical, making this card a staple in many competitive decks.


How to beat Hero’s Downfall

Hero’s Downfall has earned its reputation in Magic: The Gathering as a powerful removal spell, capable of eliminating both planeswalkers and creatures alike. Its instant speed allows players to respond swiftly to threats, presenting a challenge for those aiming to protect their key pieces. Yet, like all spells in the game, smart counterplay can turn the tables. To safeguard your cards against Hero’s Downfall, consider utilizing hexproof or indestructible abilities which can fortify your cards, placing them beyond its reach.

Additionally, employing counterspells is an actionable strategy to negate its effect entirely. Countering Hero’s Downfall effectively dissipates the threat and maintains your board presence. Alternatively, baiting out this removal with less crucial creatures or playing cards that benefit when sent to the graveyard can diminish the impact of Hero’s Downfall on your game plan. Tactics like these require a blend of foresight and resource management to anticipate and neutralize your opponent’s strategies.

Hence, whether through effective board protection or strategic spell casting, overcoming the daunting Hero’s Downfall is a testament to a player’s tactical acumen, transforming a potential setback into a triumphant strategy pivot within the complex landscape of Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

If you’ve enjoyed the strategic depth offered by Hero’s Downfall, it’s clear you value versatility and control in your MTG endeavours. This card is a quintessential piece for those keen on dismantling an opponent’s strategy with precision. Enhancing your collection and gameplay extends beyond a single card. It involves ongoing learning and adaptability to the evolving dynamics of MTG. Embrace the challenge, improve your tactical decisions, and refine your deck to stay ahead of the competition. For insightful strategies, deck-building tips, and in-depth card analyses, join our community as we explore the intricacies of MTG and help you claim victory in your next duel.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hero's Downfall MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Theros, 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 Hero's Downfall and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Hero's Downfall Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2013-09-27 and 2022-09-09. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 557312015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
22013-09-27TherosTHS 902003NormalBlackRyan Pancoast
32015-01-23Fate Reforged Clash PackCP2 22015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
42019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 3122015NormalBorderlessTyler Walpole
52021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 1202015NormalBlackChris Rallis
62022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 3872015NormalBlackChris Rallis
72022-09-09Dominaria United CommanderDMC 1122015NormalBlackChris Rallis

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hero's Downfall has restrictions

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