Lethal Exploit MTG Card


Lethal Exploit provides card advantage by eliminating threats and can enhance your hand size. Its instant speed capability allows for real-time strategy adjustment and opponent disruption. Despite its power, the required discard and specific mana cost can limit deck inclusion.
Lethal Exploit - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released2022-02-18
Set symbol
Set nameKamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Set codeNEO
Number107
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred bySam Guay

Text of card

Target creature gets -2/-2 until end of turn. It gets an additional -1/-1 until end of turn for each modified creature you controlled as you cast this spell. (Equipment, Auras you control, and counters are modifications.)


Cards like Lethal Exploit

Lethal Exploit finds its place within the intriguing realm of removal spells in Magic: The Gathering. An analogous card in this regard would be Murder, a classic card that simply destroys a target creature for three mana. While Lethal Exploit also focuses on the destruction of creatures, its distinct condition of requiring the creature to be tapped adds a tactical layer to gameplay not present in Murder’s straightforward approach.

Another card worthy of comparison is Doom Blade, which offers creature destruction at just two mana, but it comes with the restriction of not affecting black creatures, limiting its versatility. Lethal Exploit doesn’t have such color constraints and can be impactful against any tapped creature, irrespective of its color. Cast Down further adds to this conversation by destroying nonlegendary creatures at two mana, which aligns with Doom Blade’s cost-effectiveness but again limits targets.

Ultimately, Lethal Exploit stands out for its potential in a dynamic battlefield where tapping mechanics are at play. Providing a removal option for any tapped creature gives it a universal applicability that can prove lethal in many game scenarios, affirming its valuable position among Magic: The Gathering removal spells.

Murder - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Lethal Exploit by color, type and mana cost

Word of Command - MTG Card versions
Terror - MTG Card versions
Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Transmutation - MTG Card versions
Headstone - MTG Card versions
Urborg Justice - MTG Card versions
Imps' Taunt - MTG Card versions
Rapid Decay - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
Tainted Pact - MTG Card versions
Toxic Stench - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions
Smother - MTG Card versions
Hero's Demise - MTG Card versions
Sickening Shoal - MTG Card versions
Chill Haunting - MTG Card versions
Grim Harvest - MTG Card versions
Dash Hopes - MTG Card versions
Word of Command - MTG Card versions
Terror - MTG Card versions
Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Transmutation - MTG Card versions
Headstone - MTG Card versions
Urborg Justice - MTG Card versions
Imps' Taunt - MTG Card versions
Rapid Decay - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
Tainted Pact - MTG Card versions
Toxic Stench - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions
Smother - MTG Card versions
Hero's Demise - MTG Card versions
Sickening Shoal - MTG Card versions
Chill Haunting - MTG Card versions
Grim Harvest - MTG Card versions
Dash Hopes - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Lethal Exploit offers a significant edge by potentially removing problematic creatures from the game while helping you to maintain or even grow your hand size, keeping you well-stocked with options.

Resource Acceleration: Not only does Lethal Exploit empower you to streamline your board state by dispatching key threats, but it also excels in propelling your mana resources whenever a creature with a bounty on its head perishes.

Instant Speed: The ability to act at instant speed with Lethal Exploit gives you the tactical advantage of adaptability during the match. You can respond to opponents’ moves effectively by removing their threats in real-time or at a moment that strategically disrupts their game plan.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One hurdle players might encounter with Lethal Exploit is its discard condition. Engaging this card necessitates relinquishing another card from your hand, which may be detrimental when your alternatives are already scarce.

Specific Mana Cost: Although the mana requirement for Lethal Exploit is not overly restrictive, its need for black mana restricts its integration. Such specificity can thwart players from inserting it into multicolored decks where black mana is not abundantly accessible.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that’s considered steep by some players, Lethal Exploit might be overshadowed by lower-cost alternatives. This could potentially deter players from including it in their deck when mana efficiency is paramount.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Lethal Exploit is a card that offers a range of strategic options for different deck archetypes. Due to its ability to manipulate opponents’ graveyards and extract value from death triggers, it’s a strong addition to any deck focused on graveyard interaction or resource denial.

Combo Potential: For players who enjoy orchestrating intricate combos, Lethal Exploit can serve as a key piece. It can enable various combos by removing key creatures from the game, disrupting your opponent’s strategies while setting the stage for your win conditions.

Meta-Relevance: In metagames where creature-centric decks are prevalent, Lethal Exploit shines by offering efficient creature removal. Its utility in managing opponents’ threats often gives you a tactical edge, making it a smart tech choice in a creature-dense environment.


How to beat

Lethal Exploit is a card that demands strategic planning to combat effectively in MTG. The key lies in understanding its removal prowess and playing around it by maintaining a varied and robust board presence. Prioritizing creatures with hexproof or those that leave behind tokens upon death can mitigate the impact of this card. Equally important is holding onto instant-speed removals or protection spells that can save key creatures from Lethal Exploit’s target ability.

In addition to diversifying threats on the board, it helps to bait out the spell when you can afford the loss, which then clears a safer path for your more valuable creatures. Be wary of your opponent’s untapped mana and potential to cast this spell; thoughtful play and measured risk-taking go a long way when facing down Lethal Exploit. By keeping these strategies in mind and playing your cards with care, you can navigate around the dangers posed by Lethal Exploit, maintaining control of the board and tempo of the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Lethal Exploit MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Lethal Exploit and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Lethal Exploit has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-02-18 A creature that is equipped is considered modified no matter who controls the Equipment that's attached to it.
2022-02-18 A creature with a counter on it is considered modified no matter what kind of counter it is or which player put it on that creature.
2022-02-18 An Aura controlled by an opponent does not cause a creature you control to be modified.
2022-02-18 Only creatures can be modified. If a modified creature stops being a creature, it is no longer considered modified.