Languish MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 4 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
All creatures get -4/-4 until end of turn.
Life is such a fragile thing.
Cards like Languish
Languish is a powerful card in Magic: The Gathering, allowing players to wipe the board of creatures with a potent -4/-4 debuff. It finds kinship with Damnation, which offers a full-scale destruction effect, eliminating all creatures on the battlefield without bias. Languish allows for more surgical precision, giving players the ability to potentially spare key creatures from devastation.
In comparison, we have Ritual of Soot, which strictly targets creatures with converted mana cost 3 or less, acting more like a scalpel than the broadsword that is Languish. Then there’s Toxic Deluge, offering flexibility in determining the extent of its board sweep through life payment, which can be more advantageous than the static effect of Languish in certain strategic scenarios.
To wrap up, while Languish doesn’t always guarantee a cleared board, its cost efficiency and selective range make it an optimal choice for players who seek control over the board without completely resetting the play environment.
Cards similar to Languish by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Languish. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mono-Black Control | Pioneer | Mono-Black Discard | HBMO24 - GenX Comics and Games Pioneer 5k | |
Sultai Combo | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 15 2024 | ||
Mono-Black Discard | Pioneer | Mono-Black Discard | Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-02-25 | |
Four-color Combo | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 10 2024 | ||
Abzan Midrange | Modern | Abzan Midrange | Modern Preliminary 2024-02-19 | |
Esper Control | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 06 2024 | ||
Dimir Control | Pioneer | Dimir Control | Pioneer Showcase Challenge 2024-02-11 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: In the strategic realm of card interplay, Languish shines by bypassing the downsides of single-target removal. With its potential to clear multiple creatures off the board, it bolsters your position by indirectly generating card advantage over your opponent who may lose numerous assets to one of your single spells.
Resource Acceleration: While Languish does not directly contribute to resource acceleration like mana ramp spells, its proficiency lies in leveling the playing field. By resetting the board state when opponents overextend their creature resources, it allows for a recalibration of strategy and a chance to deploy your threats on a cleaner battlefield.
Instant Speed: Despite Languish being a sorcery, its impact is akin to that of an instant-speed wrath effect in certain game scenarios. Post-Languish, the ability to follow up with immediate threats or answers during your main phase can replicate the tempo advantage often granted by instant-speed interactions.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Languish requires both black mana and generic mana, needing a total of four mana (2BB) to cast. This specific mana combination can potentially restrict its inclusion to only certain types of decks that can reliably generate both resources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Languish might arrive too late in games against aggressive decks that have already established a strong board presence. Additionally, its cost makes it less favorable when compared to other sweepers or board clearing options that might have a lower mana requirement or offer additional benefits.
Board Impact Limitation: While effective at clearing out smaller creatures, Languish only reduces the toughness of creatures by -4/-4. This means it won’t always be able to deal with larger threats on the board, potentially leaving you at a disadvantage against decks with high-toughness creatures.
Reasons to Include Languish in Your Collection
Versatility: Languish is a potent addition to any deck that requires a solid board wipe option. Its ability to reduce the toughness of each creature by -4/-4 allows it to clear a multitude of threats while sometimes keeping your own creatures intact, making it a flexible choice in various strategies.
Combo Potential: This card can be particularly powerful in decks that thrive on graveyard synergy or benefit from having creatures in the graveyard. It can set up combos by filling your graveyard with fodder for subsequent spells or abilities.
Meta-Relevance: In metas dominated by aggressive creature decks, Languish serves as a crucial reset button. It excels in configurations that require regular board control to stabilize and get ahead of opponents specializing in creature-based tactics.
How to beat
Overcoming the challenges posed by the card Languish in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic foresight and a deck that can withstand its sweeping effect. Languish is known for debuffing creatures on the field by reducing their strength and toughness. To navigate around it, consider integrating indestructible creatures into your strategy. Cards that bolster your creatures’ stats or provide them with temporary protection from effects can also be key in outlasting the impact of Languish.
Alternatively, prioritize cards that have enter-the-battlefield effects or death triggers. This way, even if your creatures fall victim to Languish, you’ll still extract value from them. Utilizing graveyard retrieval methods can also turn a seemingly devastating Languish into a mere setback, allowing you to reclaim and redeploy your key creatures. Remember, while Languish can be a formidable obstacle, a well-prepared deck and a tactical approach can turn the tides in your favor.
In conclusion, Languish can be a major turning point in any game of Magic: The Gathering, but with the right combination of resilience, adaptability, and foresight, you can effectively counteract its power and maintain the upper hand.
BurnMana Recommendations
Mastering the art of MTG involves not only understanding individual card strengths but also recognizing their potential within the broader context of your deck and play style. Languish can be a game-changer, deftly clearing the board to give you a strategic advantage. Whether it’s curbing the onslaught from an aggressive opponent or setting the stage for your own creatures to dominate, this card offers a unique blend of versatility and power. Explore the synergies Languish has with your existing cards, and consider how it can enhance your overall strategy. Dive deeper with us and unlock the full potential of your deck, refining your skills to control the board and outmaneuver your adversaries in MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Languish MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Origins Promos, 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 Languish 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Languish Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2015-07-17 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 57592 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Simpson | ||
2 | 2015-07-17 | Magic Origins Promos | PORI | 105s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Simpson | |
3 | 2015-07-17 | Magic Origins | ORI | 105 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Simpson | |
4 | 2015-07-17 | Magic Origins Promos | PORI | 105 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Simpson | |
5 | 2016-11-11 | Commander 2016 | C16 | 114 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Simpson | |
6 | 2018-06-08 | Commander Anthology Volume II | CM2 | 67 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Simpson | |
7 | 2018-11-16 | Game Night | GNT | 31 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Simpson | |
8 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 246 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Simpson | |
9 | 2023-06-23 | Tales of Middle-earth Commander | LTC | 202 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sean Vo |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Languish has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |