Pile On MTG Card


Transforms complex board states into advantages by targeting multiple creatures for cascading effects. Instant speed allows for disruptive and protective play, enhancing Pile On’s adaptability. Pile On demands strategic hand management due to discard conditions, adding a layer of complexity.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeInstant
Abilities Convoke,Surveil

Text of card

Convoke (Your creatures can help cast this spell. Each creature you tap while casting this spell pays for or one mana of that creature's color.) Destroy target creature or planeswalker. Surveil 2. (Look at the top two cards of your library, then put any number of them into your graveyard and the rest on top of your library in any order.)


Cards like Pile On

Pile On offers a unique twist to creature combat scenarios in the vast universe of Magic: The Gathering. It’s reminiscent of cards like Lure, which compels all possible creatures to block a single attacker. Pile On takes a slightly different approach by allowing for the dispersion of excess damage to another creature the defending player controls, offering strategic flexibility in battle.

Comparatively, Prey Upon stands out as a straightforward fighting spell enabling a creature you control to deal damage equal to its power to a creature you don’t control. However, unlike Pile On, it doesn’t allow for damage overflow or tactical reassignment, making it less adaptable in multifaceted combat situations. Another parallel can be drawn with Pit Fight from the gatecrash set, granting a similar encounter but at instant speed. Even though it provides the speed advantage, it still lacks the nuanced control over damage that Pile On offers.

In essence, when evaluating the dynamics and capabilities in creature-based combat, Pile On demonstrates a special operative edge that could turn the tide of skirmishes, marking its position as a potentially game-altering spell in players’ arsenals.

Lure - MTG Card versions
Prey Upon - MTG Card versions
Pit Fight - MTG Card versions
Lure - MTG Card versions
Prey Upon - MTG Card versions
Pit Fight - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Pile On by color, type and mana cost

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Burden of Greed - MTG Card versions
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When Fluffy Bunnies Attack - MTG Card versions
Chill to the Bone - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Corruption - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Trap - MTG Card versions
Sewers of Estark - MTG Card versions
Feast or Famine - MTG Card versions
Nocturnal Raid - MTG Card versions
Slaughter - MTG Card versions
Snuff Out - MTG Card versions
Death Bomb - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Haze - MTG Card versions
Insidious Dreams - MTG Card versions
Hagra Mauling // Hagra Broodpit - MTG Card versions
Hostile Negotiations - MTG Card versions
Baleful Mastery - MTG Card versions
Death Pulse - MTG Card versions
Irradiate - MTG Card versions
Burden of Greed - MTG Card versions
Shriveling Rot - MTG Card versions
Hideous Laughter - MTG Card versions
When Fluffy Bunnies Attack - MTG Card versions
Chill to the Bone - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Corruption - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Trap - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Pile On. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Orzhov MidrangeOrzhov Midrange StandardOrzhov Midrange~~ Izzet Explosive Experiment Event
Sultai ComboSultai Combo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 15 2024
Dimir MidrangeDimir Midrange PioneerDimir MidrangePioneer League 2024-04-05
Orzhov ControlOrzhov Control StandardOrzhov ControlTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 18, 2024
Orzhov AggroOrzhov Aggro PioneerOrzhov MidrangeUOL MKM Pioneer League
Golgari Insidious RootsGolgari Insidious Roots StandardGolgari Insidious RootsStandard League 2024-03-08
Sultai Insidious RootsSultai Insidious Roots StandardSultai Insidious RootsGAME ON Store Championship
Abzan CountersAbzan Counters StandardAbzan MidrangeJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor
Golgari MillGolgari Mill StandardSultai Insidious RootsBLACK - FRI - 11AM - Chicago 75K Standard Open
Golgari TokensGolgari Tokens StandardSultai Insidious RootsThe Pizza Box Open: Standard

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Pile On is stellar for turning the tide during complex board states, providing the tools to outpace your opponents. The ability to target multiple creatures can cascade into a substantial card advantage, potentially clearing the opponent’s side of blockers, or removing multiple threats at once.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly impacting mana resources, Pile On’s potential to remove key creatures can accelerate your path to victory. By neutralizing mana dorks or other creatures that provide resource advantages to your opponent, you maintain a more aggressive posture on the board.

Instant Speed: The convenience of instant speed elevates Pile On’s flexibility, allowing for strategic timing that can interrupt your opponent’s plans. With the capability to cast it during the opponent’s turn or in response to an action, Pile On can upset combat math or protect your own interests when most advantageous.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable downside of Pile On is the discard condition it imposes. Players must let go of another card from their hand to deploy this one. This can pose a strategic dilemma, especially when faced with the choice of holding onto key cards for later turns or using this card to influence the current state of play.

Specific Mana Cost: Pile On’s mana requirements include a non-generic cost that demands a specific type of mana to cast. This limitation can restrict its seamless integration into a variety of deck types, as it necessitates a commitment to the colors within its mana cost, potentially impacting the deck’s overall mana base and consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluated against other cards in its category, Pile On’s mana expense may appear as a significant investment. Players often consider the cost-to-benefit ratio, and in decks where efficiency is paramount, the relatively high mana cost of Pile On could be deemed less advantageous, especially in a meta that favors speed and early board presence.


Reasons to Include Pile On in Your Collection

Versatility: The charm of Pile On lies in its ability to adapt across various gameplay situations. This card seamlessly integrates with decks looking to manipulate creature strengths, working wonders in green-centric or creature-heavy builds.

Combo Potential: With the knack for turning the tide in combat, Pile On offers synergies with cards that track the number of spells cast or those that benefit from buffing creatures, amplifying your strategic options.

Meta-Relevance: Given its proficiency at enhancing creature combat capabilities, Pile On thrives in a meta where board presence dictates the pace. It’s particularly impactful in metas where timely creature boosts can disrupt opponent strategies or secure game-winning advantages.


How to beat

The card Pile On presents a unique strategic component in Magic: The Gathering, adding an interesting dynamic to creature-based combat. To effectively counter this card, consider employing instant-speed removal or damage spells which can eliminate the target creature before Pile On can resolve. Including cards in your deck with abilities like First Strike or Flash can disrupt your opponent’s battle plans, as these can engage and potentially remove the target before Pile On can affect the outcome of combat.

Another effective strategy is to maintain board control with sweepers or creatures that can manage multiple threats at once, therefore reducing the efficacy of Pile On’s ability to tip a crucial combat in your opponent’s favor. It’s also useful to anticipate the times when your opponent might be holding Pile On and play conservatively, avoiding overextension into a combat scenario where the card could turn the tide.

To summarize, overcoming Pile On involves a mix of preventive measures, precise timing, and board control. Regularly evaluating the battlefield and potential risks will diminish the impact Pile On can have and ensure your creatures come out on top more often than not. With these techniques, Pile On becomes less of a threat and more of a manageable aspect of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the tactical depth of MTG can often lead to game-changing discoveries, and Pile On is a prime example of such potential. With its distinct ability to impact the battlefield, mastering Pile On’s intricacies can transform your deck’s performance. Whether you’re streamlining your collection or seeking to disrupt the meta, understanding the nuances of this card is crucial. For those eager to evolve their gameplay and leverage the unique advantages of Pile On, we extend an invitation to venture further. Discover strategies, deck-building insights, and optimize your combat tactics—join the passionate community learning with us today.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pile On MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine and March of the Machine Promos, 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 Pile On and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Pile On Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by Javier Charro.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 1222015NormalBlackJavier Charro
22023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 122p2015NormalBlackJavier Charro
32023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3612015NormalBlackJavier Charro
42023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 122s2015NormalBlackJavier Charro
52024-02-09Murders at Karlov Manor CommanderMKC 1342015NormalBlackJavier Charro

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pile On has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal