Lonely End MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2022-12-13 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: The Brothers' War |
| Set code | YBRO |
| Number | 6 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Piotr Foksowicz |
Text of card
Choose one — • Target creature get -3/-3 until end of turn. • Remove three loyalty counters from target planeswalker. If you weren't the starting player, you gain 3 life.
Cards like Lonely End
The Lonely End is a unique removal card in Magic: The Gathering, blending targeted creature destruction with a touch of life gain. It bears resemblance to cards like Fatal Push, which efficiently dispenses with creatures at a low mana cost. However, Lonely End offers an interesting twist with its ability to provide a cushion to your life total each time it’s used.
Then let’s compare with Murder, a straightforward removal spell that eliminates any creature for three mana without additional benefits. On the flip side, Lonely End adds resilience to your game plan with the incremental life gain. Essence Extraction is another card that mirrors the removal and life gain aspects, yet it is restricted to smaller creatures and costs one additional mana, making Lonely End a potentially more versatile option in a wider range of scenarios.
When considering the broad spectrum of creature removals in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Lonely End competes well due to its dual functionality. It not only clears a path by taking out key threats but also buoys your life total, providing a significant edge in tight matchups.
Cards similar to Lonely End by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Lonely End. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Decklist | Free form | 81#CS | |
 | Esper Control | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 08 2024 | |
 | Mono-Black Ramp | Gladiator | Gladiator Games: We're Back | |
 | Mono-Black Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Dimir Control | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Abzan Planeswalkers | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Mono-Black Control | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Grixis Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Golgari Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Lonely End offers a unique twist on card advantage by allowing you to potentially eliminate an opponent’s threat while prepping for your own strategic advances.
Resource Acceleration: Solving the puzzle of maintaining a streamlined mana curve, Lonely End can be seen as a cost-effective solution, clearing the path for future plays without an onerous mana investment.
Instant Speed: The power of acting at instant speed gives you the flexibility to navigate through complex battles, making Lonely End a tactical tool that can be deployed with precision to turn the tides at a moment’s notice.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Lonely End asks for a card to be discarded in addition to its casting cost. In situations where hand size is paramount, this can be a detrimental setback, particularly when you need to maintain a variety of options at your disposal.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both black and green mana, Lonely End imposes a deck-building constraint that can be challenging in multicolored decks needing a strict mana base. Its specific requirement can potentially slow you down if you don’t draw the right mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its cost sitting at three mana, Lonely End can be considered costly compared to other removal options available in the game. Deck builders might opt for alternatives that offer more flexibility or additional benefits beyond the singular removal effect.
Reasons to Include Lonely End in Your Collection
Versatility: Lonely End provides a targeted creature removal option that can be seamlessly integrated into a wide array of black-centric or multicolor control decks. Its ability to effectively eliminate threats on the board makes it a reliable choice for any player wanting to keep the battlefield clear.
Combo Potential: The mechanics of Lonely End allow it to synergize with strategies that capitalize on death triggers and graveyard manipulation. By removing key creatures, players can set off a cascade of effects that bolster their own position while disrupting the opponent’s game plan.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where large, single threats dominate the game, Lonely End shines as an efficient answer. It’s particularly useful in taking out high-value targets, ensuring that your deck remains competitive against top-tier opponents and their most dangerous creatures.
How to Beat Lonely End
Lonely End is a unique card that can present a challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering, mainly when dealing with individual creature threats. It’s critical to understand how it functions to effectively navigate around its potential impact. Comparable to targeted removal spells like Doom Blade or Murder, Lonely End isn’t without its conditions and tactical requirements. Strategies against it include diversifying your threats to avoid over-reliance on a single creature or employing cards that grant indestructibility or hexproof to your key creatures to prevent them from becoming the target of Lonely End’s effect.
Another approach is to make use of creatures that benefit from entering the graveyard or being sacrificed, such as those with the Afterlife ability or other death-triggered abilities. This transforms Lonely End’s drawback into an advantage for your strategy. Additionally, playing around the mana cost and timing of Lonely End can be crucial. It may be beneficial to bait it out when the opponent has limited mana available or when casting it would be less optimum for them, allowing you to capitalize on their reduced resources.
Ultimately, having a deeper understanding of your deck’s mechanics and the range of your opponent’s potential plays will guide you to victory against cards like Lonely End, turning what could be a setback into a strategic opportunity.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Lonely End MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: The Brothers' War, 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 Lonely End 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Lonely End has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |