Pile On MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 4 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Instant |
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.
Cards similar to Pile On by color, type and mana cost
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.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Orzhov Midrange | Standard | Orzhov Midrange | ~~ Izzet Explosive Experiment Event | |
Sultai Combo | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 15 2024 | ||
Dimir Midrange | Pioneer | Dimir Midrange | Pioneer League 2024-04-05 | |
Orzhov Control | Standard | Orzhov Control | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 18, 2024 | |
Orzhov Aggro | Pioneer | Orzhov Midrange | UOL MKM Pioneer League | |
Golgari Insidious Roots | Standard | Golgari Insidious Roots | Standard League 2024-03-08 | |
Sultai Insidious Roots | Standard | Sultai Insidious Roots | GAME ON Store Championship | |
Abzan Counters | Standard | Abzan Midrange | Japan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor | |
Golgari Mill | Standard | Sultai Insidious Roots | BLACK - FRI - 11AM - Chicago 75K Standard Open | |
Golgari Tokens | Standard | Sultai Insidious Roots | The 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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- 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
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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.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine | MOM | 122 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Javier Charro | |
2 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Promos | PMOM | 122p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Javier Charro | |
3 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine | MOM | 361 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Javier Charro | |
4 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Promos | PMOM | 122s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Javier Charro | |
5 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor Commander | MKC | 134 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Javier Charro |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pile On has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Standard | Legal |
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Alchemy | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Future | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Brawl | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |