Mandate of Abaddon MTG Card


Mandate of Abaddon enables strategic discard and resource acceleration, crucial for dynamic play. Instant speed action allows for reactive play and turn-cycle flexibility, enhancing overall tactics. High mana cost and color specificity require careful deck inclusion, weighing the pros and cons.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Choose target creature you control. Destroy all creatures with power less than that creature's power.

"I am the Arch-fiend, the Despoiler of Worlds, and by my hands shall the false Emperor fall." —Abaddon the Despoiler


Cards like Mandate of Abaddon

Mandate of Abaddon has piqued the interest of enthusiasts as a fresh tactic in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. Resembling other formidable cards like Damnation, Mandate of Abaddon’s allure is in its mass removal effect, wiping the battlefield clean of creatures. Unlike Damnation, however, Mandate of Abaddon offers a unique twist by allowing players to pay life rather than mana, potentially changing the course of the game dramatically.

Another card worth comparing is Wrath of God, an iconic spell renowned for its creature-clearing capabilities. While Wrath of God also destroys all creatures, it does so at a fixed mana cost and lacks the alternative life payment option that Mandate of Abaddon introduces. This gives Mandate of Abaddon an edge in flexibility during crucial moments.

Inspecting the panorama of removal spells, Mandate of Abaddon stands out for its distinctive payment mechanic and the potential for strategic life resource management. As players seek to balance their decks with efficient and versatile removal options, Mandate of Abaddon emerges as an innovative tool catering to a daring playstyle within the Magic: The Gathering landscape.

Damnation - MTG Card versions
Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Damnation - MTG Card versions
Wrath of God - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mandate of Abaddon by color, type and mana cost

Stench of Evil - MTG Card versions
Fatal Lore - MTG Card versions
Mind Warp - MTG Card versions
Final Strike - MTG Card versions
Persecute - MTG Card versions
Ancient Craving - MTG Card versions
Unmask - MTG Card versions
Reprocess - MTG Card versions
Befoul - MTG Card versions
Mutilate - MTG Card versions
Extinction Event - MTG Card versions
Terisiare's Devastation - MTG Card versions
Zombify - MTG Card versions
Cranial Extraction - MTG Card versions
Aphetto Dredging - MTG Card versions
Agonizing Memories - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Tutor - MTG Card versions
Memoricide - MTG Card versions
Massacre - MTG Card versions
All Hallow's Eve - MTG Card versions
Stench of Evil - MTG Card versions
Fatal Lore - MTG Card versions
Mind Warp - MTG Card versions
Final Strike - MTG Card versions
Persecute - MTG Card versions
Ancient Craving - MTG Card versions
Unmask - MTG Card versions
Reprocess - MTG Card versions
Befoul - MTG Card versions
Mutilate - MTG Card versions
Extinction Event - MTG Card versions
Terisiare's Devastation - MTG Card versions
Zombify - MTG Card versions
Cranial Extraction - MTG Card versions
Aphetto Dredging - MTG Card versions
Agonizing Memories - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Tutor - MTG Card versions
Memoricide - MTG Card versions
Massacre - MTG Card versions
All Hallow's Eve - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Mandate of Abaddon offers a strategic edge by providing decision-making power through selective discard, allowing players to tailor their hand while potentially disrupting opponents.

Resource Acceleration: This card acts as a catalyst for resource management, enabling players to gain access to additional mana sources that can accelerate their gameplay and outpace the opponent.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of Mandate of Abaddon shines at instant speed, giving players the ability to react to an evolving board state or capitalize on opportune moments during any point of the turn cycle.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Mandate of Abaddon demands a sacrifice upon casting, compelling players to discard another card. This can put players at a disadvantage, especially if they’re holding onto a reduced hand and are in dire need of all available options.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Mandate of Abaddon includes both black and red mana, demanding a commitment to these colors in your deck build. Players not running a deck that synergizes with both may find including it a challenge.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card’s mana value might be considered steep for its effect in the current playing landscape. Considering the pace of the game and the abundance of low-cost, high-impact spells, some players may view Mandate of Abaddon’s cost as a considerable investment with uncertain returns.


Reasons to Include Mandate of Abaddon in Your Collection

Versatility: Mandate of Abaddon is more than just a regular removal spell. This card can adapt to a multitude of situations providing both a threat response and strategic advantage, fitting seamlessly into various deck archetypes.

Combo Potential: With its ability to interact with graveyard mechanics, this card could serve as a key piece in intricate combos, especially in decks that manipulate the graveyard or utilize death triggers for synergistic effects.

Meta-Relevance: Considering the evolving landscape of competitive play, Mandate of Abaddon holds its ground by offering a reliable solution to prevalent creature-based strategies, maintaining its importance in the meta.


How to beat

Overcoming the challenge presented by the Mandate of Abaddon requires strategic planning and a keen understanding of its mechanics. The card’s power hinges on the accumulation of doom counters and its devastating potential to decimate opposing creatures once enough counters are gathered. To effectively counter this, it is imperative to incorporate enchantment removal within your deck. Disenchant, Naturalize, or feed the swarm offer swift solutions to dismantle the Mandate before the situation escalates beyond control. These are particularly effective if you engage them proactively, anticipating the collection of doom counters, rather than reacting after your opponent’s board has already burgeoned in strength.

Additionally, countering Mandate of Abaddon upon cast is another solid approach. Efficient counterspells like Negate or Dovin’s Veto can nip the threat in the bud, censoring its activation altogether. Lastly, an alternate line of defense involves leveraging indestructible creatures or those with regeneration abilities, rendering them impervious to the Mandate’s sweeping force. By employing these tactics, you can maintain a robust front and deny your opponents the satisfaction of a fulfilled mandate.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mandate of Abaddon has carved its niche within MTG, echoing strategy and adaptability. Recognizing its pros and cons, and the deft ways to overcome its challenges, reveals the intricate dance of strategy that MTG embodies. For those looking to enhance their gameplay or integrate new tactics, this card offers a unique combination of risk and reward. Deftly navigating its uses and countering its power can set apart the novices from the veterans. Embrace the complexity, fine-tune your deck, and explore the depth of your strategic prowess. Join us to further understand the nuances and elevate your MTG experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mandate of Abaddon MTG card by a specific set like Warhammer 40,000 Commander and Warhammer 40,000 Commander, 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 Mandate of Abaddon and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Mandate of Abaddon Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-10-07 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Games Workshop.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 402015NormalBlackGames Workshop
22022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 40★2015NormalBlackGames Workshop

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mandate of Abaddon has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-10-07 If the chosen creature is an illegal target as Mandate of Abaddon tries to resolve, it will be removed from the stack and no creatures will be destroyed.