Phyrexian Purge MTG Card

Phyrexian Purge offers board control by removing multiple threats, gaining a competitive edge in the game. Instant speed casting allows Phyrexian Purge to disrupt opponent strategies unexpectedly. Despite its power, the card’s specific mana requirements could limit deck building options.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Rare
Type	Sorcery
Released	1996-10-08
Set symbol
Set name	Mirage
Set code	MIR
Number	273
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Robert Bliss

Text of card

Pay 3 life per target: Destroy any number of target creatures.

Only those who have nothing have nothing to fear.

Cards like Phyrexian Purge

Phyrexian Purge’s role in shaking up the battlefield makes it a standout removal spell within the landscape of Magic: The Gathering. It draws parallels with cards such as Supreme Verdict, known for its ability to wipe the board, however, Phyrexian Purge offers targeted precision. Unlike Supreme Verdict’s indiscriminate destruction, Phyrexian Purge allows you to surgically remove threats based on their power. Where Supreme Verdict guarantees an uncounterable solution, Phyrexian Purge balances the scales by requiring life payment proportional to the power of the creatures it destroys.

Likewise, Fire Covenant is a card that shares the ‘pay life for removal’ feature with Phyrexian Purge. The primary difference lies in the flexibility of Fire Covenant to divide damage across multiple creatures as needed, potentially offering more control over the battlefield. However, it is restricted to damaging as opposed to outright destroying as Phyrexian Purge does. Comparatively, Toxic Deluge presents an alternative with its ability to adjust the degree of creature removal at a cost of life, yet it affects all creatures rather than selective ones, which is a critical differentiator.

While each of these spells finds its niche in player strategy and gameplay dynamics, Phyrexian Purge is particularly valued for its combination of life points strategy and precision targeting, positioning it as a powerful choice for players sculpting the perfect deck in Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to Phyrexian Purge by color, type and mana cost

Widespread Brutality - MTG Card versions

In Thrall to the Pit - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Phyrexian Purge can deal with multiple creatures at once, potentially clearing the board of threats and giving you a significant lead in controlling the game.

Resource Acceleration: This card can set your opponent back significantly in terms of board presence while you maintain your own, effectively accelerating your position relative to theirs.

Instant Speed: Phyrexian Purge’s capability to be cast at instant speed offers you flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s plays during their turn, leaving them vulnerable at a time they least expect.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The mechanical design of Phyrexian Purge involves a discard requirement. This aspect can be a substantial drawback for players during a game. Being forced to toss another valuable card from your hand to utilize Phyrexian Purge can be especially taxing when your hand size is already dwindling.

Specific Mana Cost: Phyrexian Purge demands a precise type of mana to cast, which is a challenging factor for deck building. This card necessitates black mana, thereby restricting its integration predominantly to decks that run on black mana sources or mana-fixing capabilities.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Phyrexian Purge delivers a potent effect, its mana cost is notably steep when matched against other options in the competitive landscape. With a requirement of three black mana and one of any color, assembling the necessary resources to play this card could slow down your overall game strategy, leaving you vulnerable to faster decks.

Reasons to Include Phyrexian Purge in Your Collection

Versatility: Phyrexian Purge offers a flexible removal option able to handle multiple threats at once. This card can slot into various deck types, especially where managing the board is crucial to your strategy.

Combo Potential: For those who enjoy crafting intricate combos, Phyrexian Purge can serve as a catalyst. It clears the way for your win conditions or interacts favorably with death-triggered abilities your creatures might have.

Meta-Relevance: In environments dominated by creature-based strategies, Phyrexian Purge can swing games in your favor. Its ability to disrupt your opponents’ board state while sparing your own creatures can be a game-changer, making it a valuable card in competitive play.

How to beat

Phyrexian Purge is a potent removal spell in MTG that demands strategic planning to overcome. One effective method to counteract its impact is to diversify your creature’s toughness. Since Phyrexian Purge targets creatures with the same toughness, presenting your opponent with a variety of toughness levels can spread the risk and make it less likely that the card will clear your entire board in one fell swoop. Another approach is to utilize creatures with indestructible or those that can regenerate, as these abilities can render Phyrexian Purge’s effect null and void.

Moreover, keeping instant-speed spells that boost toughness or hexproof abilities can be invaluable in protecting your creatures. When you anticipate or spot Phyrexian Purge on the stack, such spells can change the toughness of your creatures or make them untargetable, thereby saving them from destruction. Lastly, playing with cards that have beneficial effects when they die or are put into the graveyard can ensure that even if Phyrexian Purge resolves, you can still glean some advantage and maintain momentum in the game.

In essence, when crafting your deck and playing against Phyrexian Purge, foresight and flexibility become key. Adapting your gameplay to the threats posed can tilt the scales in your favor, showing that even the most formidable cards have their Achilles’ heel in MTG.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Purge MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Phyrexian Purge and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Purge has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2009-10-01	The life payment is an additional cost, paid at the time you cast Phyrexian Purge. You don’t get any life back if the spell is countered, or if one or more targets have become illegal.