Mortify MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 26 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Instant |
Text of card
Destroy target creature or enchantment.
The eyes let flow with tears, then blood, then the very soul—the whole wrung inside out, dripping down into the blackened puddle of the past.
Cards like Mortify
Mortify stands out in the realm of removal spells in Magic: The Gathering. It draws a close comparison to other cards like Putrefy, which also targets creatures or artifacts. Putrefy offers the advantage of destroying an artifact, a diversity that Mortify lacks, but Mortify compensates with a lower converted mana cost and the ability to dismantle enchantments.
Utter End is another card worth comparing. While it comes with a steeper mana cost, it carries the power to exile any nonland permanent, offering a broader reach than Mortify. On the other hand, Anguished Unmaking pushes the envelope further by exiling any nonland permanent at the cost of 3 life, a trade-off some players are willing to make for its versatility.
Assessing these options, Mortify is cost-efficient and its enchantment removal capability places it on a favorable spot on players’ decks, especially in formats where enchantments are prolific. Its place within removal spells in Magic: The Gathering remains solid for its balanced cost and flexibility.
Cards similar to Mortify by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Mortify stands out by being an incredibly efficient answer to two types of permanents, vastly improving your ability to respond to threats on the battlefield without losing tempo. By removing key creatures or enchantments, you effectively devalue your opponent’s previous plays, tipping the card advantage balance in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While Mortify doesn’t directly accelerate resources like land or mana, its cost-effective removal can be considered a form of indirect resource acceleration. By spending just three mana to eliminate crucial threats, you preserve the resources for deploying your own strategies more effectively.
Instant Speed: Mortify’s instant speed is one of its greatest strengths. The flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s game plan on their turn—or in response to a game-changing spell or ability—gives it a significant edge. This allows savvy players to keep up the pressure while still maintaining the element of surprise and strategic control.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Mortify doesn’t require you to discard a card, managing resources is still vital when including it in your deck. Players must be strategic about when to hold back versus when to play this removal spell, considering their hand and what threats may come.
Specific Mana Cost: Mortify calls for a precise blend of mana colors—both white and black—making it a less flexible option for decks that are not tailored to a Orzhov (white-black) mana base. This may exclude it from more mono-colored or differently-aligned multicolored decks that can’t accommodate its color requirements without compromising their mana consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana, including two specific colors, Mortify can be considered to have a high cost compared to other removal spells in the game. This can be particularly relevant in fast-paced games or formats where tempo is crucial. Additionally, there are alternatives available at lower mana costs or with additional benefits, which might be a more efficient choice depending on the deck build and strategy.
Reasons to Include Mortify in Your Collection
Versatility: Mortify stands out as a flexible removal option. It allows players to address threats across two permanent types, being able to destroy both creatures and enchantments with a single card. This adaptability makes it valuable in a variety of game situations and deck builds.
Combo Potential: In decks that capitalize on spell synergies or graveyard strategies, Mortify can be more than just a simple removal spell. It can disrupt opponents while setting up your own board for powerful late-game plays, acting as a catalyst in intricate combo chains.
Meta-Relevance: With creatures and enchantments often playing key roles in many MTG formats, having a reliable answer to these cards is crucial. Mortify fits perfectly in a meta where versatile and immediate answers are required to deal with common threats.
How to beat
Mortify has been a staple in MTG decks that run black and white mana. This instant spell is known for its flexibility, able to destroy target creature or enchantment with precision. Recognized for its efficiency, it becomes essential to have a strategy against it if you’re on the receiving end. Preparing your deck with hexproof or indestructible creatures can sharply diminish Mortify’s impact. Diversifying your threats also ensures that a single removal won’t disrupt your game plan.
Considering counterplay, employing cards that benefit from being in the graveyard can turn a potential setback into an advantage. Since Mortify targets only creatures and enchantments, using artifacts or planeswalkers can also circumvent its effect. Be mindful of baiting out removals; playing an expendable creature before your key threat often prompts opponents to use Mortify prematurely, paving the way for your game-changing cards to enter the battlefield safely. Lastly, instant speed counterspells or protection spells are your direct answer to negate Mortify altogether, ensuring your vital assets remain in play and maintain your momentum.
BurnMana Recommendations
Understanding the ins and outs of Mortify is key to optimizing your MTG gameplay. With its ability to target creatures and enchantments at instant speed, it’s a powerful tool in any player’s arsenal. But every card has its nuances, and Mortify is no exception. To ensure you’re ready for any situation, consider incorporating strategies to mitigate its downsides. Whether you’re countering it or cleverly integrating it into your deck, knowledge is power. Dive deeper with us, enhance your deck-building skills, and stand prepared against every challenge. Expand your mastery over MTG – we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Mortify MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Guildpact, 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 Mortify 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 Mortify Magic the Gathering card was released in 23 different sets between 2006-02-03 and 2024-07-05. Illustrated by 7 different artists.
Show/hide all sets# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35046 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | ||
2 | 2006-02-03 | Guildpact | GPT | 122 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Glen Angus | |
3 | Magic Player Rewards 2007 | P07 | 3 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | ||
4 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 211 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Glen Angus | |
5 | 2013-03-15 | Duel Decks: Sorin vs. Tibalt | DDK | 25 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm | |
6 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 190 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm | |
7 | 2016-11-11 | Commander 2016 | C16 | 212 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm | |
8 | 2017-06-09 | Commander Anthology | CMA | 187 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Glen Angus | |
9 | 2017-08-25 | Commander 2017 | C17 | 182 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm | |
10 | 2017-11-24 | Explorers of Ixalan | E02 | 40 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm | |
11 | 2018-06-08 | Commander Anthology Volume II | CM2 | 163 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm | |
12 | 2018-08-09 | Commander 2018 | C18 | 186 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm | |
13 | 2019-01-25 | Ravnica Allegiance | RNA | 192 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anthony Palumbo | |
14 | 2019-01-25 | Ravnica Allegiance Promos | PRNA | 192 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anthony Palumbo | |
15 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1457 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm | |
16 | The List | PLST | C18-186 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm | ||
17 | The List | PLST | P07-3 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | ||
18 | 2021-03-19 | Time Spiral Remastered | TSR | 381 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Glen Angus | |
19 | 2022-09-09 | Dominaria United Commander | DMC | 161 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anthony Palumbo | |
20 | 2022-10-07 | Warhammer 40,000 Commander | 40K | 225 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Billy Christian | |
21 | 2022-10-07 | Warhammer 40,000 Commander | 40K | 225★ | 2015 | Normal | Black | Billy Christian | |
22 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Commander | ONC | 122 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anthony Palumbo | |
23 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Commander | MOC | 337 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anthony Palumbo | |
24 | 2023-06-23 | Tales of Middle-earth Commander | LTC | 269 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ilker Yildiz | |
25 | 2024-07-05 | Assassin's Creed | ACR | 243 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wangjie Li | |
26 | 2024-07-05 | Assassin's Creed | ACR | 96 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wangjie Li |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Mortify 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 |
Predh | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Mortify card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2006-02-01 | This spell isn't Modal. When it resolves, it will destroy the target if it's a creature or an enchantment, even if it changed from one to the other between targeting and resolution. |