Massacre MTG Card
2000-02-14 - Number 58
2010-11-08 - Number A44
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
If an opponent controls a plains and you control a swamp, you may play Massacre without paying its mana cost. All creatures get -2/-2 until end of turn.
Cards like Massacre
Massacre is a unique powerhouse in the realm of board-clearing spells in Magic: The Gathering. It finds company with the likes of Wrath of God, a classic card known for its ability to reset the battlefield by destroying all creatures. Where Massacre distinguishes itself is with its potential no-mana cost if an opponent controls a Plains and a white creature. Wrath of God, while consistent in its effect, always requires four mana to cast.
Another kin to Massacre is Damnation, offering a similar all-encompassing creature destruction, albeit with a static four mana cost in black. While it doesn’t provide the same conditional cost benefit, it’s an equally powerful sweeper in the right deck. Then comes Toxic Deluge, which also allows the conservation of mana through its varied life payment and can adjust the scale of destruction based on the amount of life paid.
Whether it’s choosing the cost-efficient flexibility of Massacre, the absolutism of Wrath of God, or the mana-life balance of Toxic Deluge, each card offers a distinct approach to controlling the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering, with Massacre carving out its niche through conditional cost advantage.
Cards similar to Massacre by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Massacre offers an exceptional benefit by potentially clearing multiple creatures from the board with a single card. This sort of sweep can tilt the balance in your favor, creating a card advantage that can be difficult for opponents to overcome.
Resource Acceleration: While Massacre itself doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, the significant removal of opponents’ threats can indirectly accelerate your game plan. Without an opposing army to contend with, your resources can be allocated to more proactive plays that further your win conditions.
Instant Speed: One of Massacre’s key features is its ability to be cast at instant speed, allowing you strategic flexibility. You can end your opponent’s turn with a cleared board or disrupt their combat phase, all without missing a beat in your own strategy. This adaptability puts you at a distinct advantage, keeping them guessing while you stay one step ahead.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Massacre magic card demands the player to discard another card, which can be a major drawback during crucial moments of gameplay, especially when your hand size is critical.
Specific Mana Cost: Massacre’s mana cost requires two black mana, which can be restrictive for decks that are not heavily invested in black mana or are multi-colored and might struggle to produce the necessary mana consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Massacre card’s casting cost is on the upper end, and while its effect is potent, there are times when a player might consider more feasible alternatives due to the faster pace of some games or the need for more immediate impact with lower mana resources.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Massacre is a card that offers a board wipe option for decks that need to control the battlefield against creature-heavy strategies. Its ability to slot into various decks makes it a dependable choice for players looking to stabilize the game.
Combo Potential: This card can be effectively combined with other board control elements or cards that benefit from the death of creatures, such as those with morbid abilities or graveyard synergies, broadening your tactical options.
Meta-Relevance: Given its efficacy in dealing with aggro decks and token swarms, Massacre has maintained its relevance in various formats, especially where such strategies are prevalent, making it a crucial card for competitive play.
How to beat
Massacre is a potent control tool in MTG, occasionally turning the tide of matches with its sweeping effect. This card can clear the battlefield of numerous creatures at once, particularly affecting players who rely on low-cost creatures. It’s most effective when used strategically, at a point where setting your opponent back outweighs the card’s negative impact on your own side of the board.
To counteract Massacre, it’s essential to understand its mechanics. Players can mitigate its effects by prioritizing the casting of creatures with toughness greater than two. Additionally, having instant-speed spells that can buff your creatures’ toughness in response to a Massacre can save them from being destroyed. Also, since Massacre can be played without spending mana under certain conditions—specifically if an opponent controls a Plains and you control a Swamp—taking control over the land types in play can be crucial.
Therefore, adapting your land base or holding back on playing creatures until after Massacre has been used, can considerably nullify its advantage. Assessing the timing and weighing the cost will guide you to outplay an opponent’s Massacre, securing your position in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Massacre MTG card by a specific set like Nemesis and Magic Online Theme Decks, 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 Massacre 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 Massacre Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2000-02-14 and 2010-11-08. Illustrated by Pete Venters.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000-02-14 | Nemesis | NEM | 58 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 2 | 2010-11-08 | Magic Online Theme Decks | TD0 | A44 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Massacre has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |