Pillage MTG Card
1996-06-10 - Number 76
1997-08-13 - Number pm76sb
1997-08-13 - Number jk76
1999-04-21 - Number 198
1999-08-04 - Number mlp198
2000-01-01 - Number 5
2001-04-11 - Number 207
2001-04-11 - Number 207★
2001-12-01 - Number 18
2008-09-22 - Number 146
2018-03-16 - Number 144
2019-06-14 - Number 139
2019-11-07 - Number 1024
2002-06-24 - Number 35994
2020-09-26 - Number A25-144
| Card sets | Released in 15 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Bury target artifact or land.
"Were they to reduce us to ash, we would clog their throats and sting their eyes in payment." —Lovisa Coldeyes, Balduvian Chieftain
Cards like Pillage
Pillage has been a part of Magic The Gathering’s history for quite some time, esteemed for its dual destruction ability. It’s often weighed against cards like Stone Rain chiefly because both share the essence of land disruption. Pillage, distinct for its versatility, can target artifacts as well – a boon that Stone Rain does not offer. But it’s the capacity to simultaneously dismantle an opponent’s mana base and artifact utility that sets Pillage apart.
Another kin in the realm of disruption is Molten Rain. While the two mana cost for each is identical, Molten Rain brings something unique to the table – it can inflict damage. Destroying a nonbasic land also deals 2 damage to the land’s controller, an additional effect you won’t get with Pillage. Nonetheless, Pillage remains a catch-all answer to multiple threats even without the damage output. Then there is Demolish, which also mirrors the utility of Pillage by allowing the destruction of an artifact or land, but it lacks the robust reputation Pillage has earned over the years.
The strategic depth of MTG ensures that each card is subject to the context of use, though Pillage’s adaptable nature continues to make it a formidable option in the array of red destruction spells.
Cards similar to Pillage by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Pillage. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gruul Midrange | Modern | Gruul Midrange | Modern Challenge 64 2024-02-18 |
 | Land Destruction | Modern | Land Destruction | Modern Preliminary 2024-01-15 (1) |
 | Decklist | Free form | Canadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed | |
 | Gruul Ponza | Modern | Gruul Midrange | Last Chance Qualifier Ghent |
 | Gruul Land Destruction | Modern | Land Destruction | NRG Series $10,000 Showdown - Madison, Wisconsin (Modern) |
 | UR | Pauper | Pauper Challenge 32 2024-01-21 | |
 | Burning Oath | Free form | Middle School World Championships |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pillage offers the strategic advantage of removing an opponent’s land or artifact, effectively reducing their resources while you maintain your own card count.
Resource Acceleration: While Pillage itself does not directly accelerate resources, its capacity to hinder an adversary’s land development can indirectly speed up your own game plan relative to theirs.
Instant Speed: Although Pillage operates at sorcery speed, its disruptive nature can be crucial in setting the pace, ensuring you stay a step ahead by affecting your opponent’s board on your turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside of Pillage is that it doesn’t have a discard requirement but it is a non-flexible card, meaning once you commit to casting it, you’re targeting one specific artifact or land. This can lead to a disadvantage if your opponent has multiple threatening permanents and you’ve dedicated your turn to removing just one.
Specific Mana Cost: Pillage demands a specific mana investment of one red and two generic mana, which can be restrictive. This cost requires a commitment to red mana sources in your deck, potentially limiting the variety of spells you can play.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the effect of destroying an artifact or a land is powerful, the three mana cost of Pillage is relatively steep when compared to other disruption spells in MTG. Players may opt for more mana-efficient alternatives that offer similar or better utility.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Pillage is a flexible card that can be a key player in various deck types. It shines in environments where disrupting your opponent’s resources is crucial, allowing it to fit seamlessly into control strategies or red-based destruction decks.
Combo Potential: Its ability to destroy both artifacts and lands opens up synergies with decks focused on land denial or artifact recursion strategies, providing a tactical edge against a wide array of opposing setups.
Meta-Relevance: As metagames shift, the significance of resource denial can surge. Pillage possesses the capability to hinder opponent’s development, making it a strategic addition during times when artifact-heavy decks or ramp strategies dominate the play scene.
How to beat
Dealing with a card like Pillage in MTG requires strategy and a calm demeanor at the battlefield. Recognized for its ability to dismantle an opponent’s resources, Pillage not only destroys a land but also prevents that land from being regenerated, putting pressure on an opponent’s mana base. To counter this card, it’s essential to diversify your land types and include nonbasic lands that might not be as susceptible to Pillage’s reach.
Another effective technique is to use counter spells to negate Pillage before it can do its dirty work. This proactive defense can keep your vital lands in play and maintain the flow of your own game. Also, having instant-speed land retrieval spells can be a saving grace, quickly replacing what was lost. Cards with such capabilities allow players to keep a solid footing despite the attempted disruption.
Lastly, take preemptive measures – being aware of the opponent’s deck archetype can hint at the inclusion of Pillage, and playing around this knowledge can put you one step ahead, protecting your mana base and your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pillage MTG card by a specific set like Alliances and World Championship Decks 1997, 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 Pillage 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 Pillage Magic the Gathering card was released in 13 different sets between 1996-06-10 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-06-10 | Alliances | ALL | 76 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Kane Ferguson | |
| 2 | 1997-08-13 | World Championship Decks 1997 | WC97 | pm76sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Richard Kane Ferguson | |
| 3 | 1997-08-13 | World Championship Decks 1997 | WC97 | jk76 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Richard Kane Ferguson | |
| 4 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 198 | 1997 | Normal | White | Richard Kane Ferguson | |
| 5 | 1999-08-04 | World Championship Decks 1999 | WC99 | mlp198 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Richard Kane Ferguson | |
| 6 | 2000-01-01 | Arena League 2000 | PAL00 | 5 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Richard Kane Ferguson | |
| 7 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 207 | 1997 | Normal | White | Bradley Williams | |
| 8 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 207★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Bradley Williams | |
| 9 | 2001-12-01 | Deckmasters | DKM | 18 | 1997 | Normal | White | Richard Kane Ferguson | |
| 10 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35994 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Richard Kane Ferguson | ||
| 11 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 146 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Richard Kane Ferguson | |
| 12 | 2018-03-16 | Masters 25 | A25 | 144 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
| 13 | 2019-06-14 | Modern Horizons | MH1 | 139 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
| 14 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1024 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
| 15 | The List | PLST | A25-144 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pillage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |