Plunge into Darkness MTG Card


It provides deep deck digging and can accelerate game plans by sacrificing life or creatures. Instinct speed play offers flexible reactions to opponents, improving turn efficiency. The card requires a black mana base and may lead to risky low life situations.
Plunge into Darkness - Fifth Dawn
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeInstant
Abilities Entwine
Released2004-06-04
Set symbol
Set nameFifth Dawn
Set code5DN
Number57
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJustin Sweet

Text of card

Choose one Sacrifice any number of creatures, then you gain 3 life for each sacrificed creature; or pay X life, then look at the top X cards of your library, put one of those cards into your hand, and remove the rest from the game. Entwine (Choose both if you pay the entwine cost.)


Cards like Plunge into Darkness

Plunge into Darkness stands out in the realm of Magic: The Gathering for its unique offerings in the strategy of life manipulation and card selection. It’s a card that allows payers to sacrifice any number of creatures to gain that much life or pay any amount of life to look at that many cards from the top of their library, then put one of those cards into their hand. One might draw parallels with Infernal Contract, which also deals with a substantial life cost in exchange for card advantage but lacks the creature sacrificing flexibility.

When examining cards with similar life-for-reward mechanics, Phyrexian Arena is a noteworthy mention, providing a steady draw with a consistent life payment each turn. Though the Arena doesn’t offer the immediacy or potential scale of card selection that Plunge into Darkness provides. Another comparable card is Ad Nauseam; however, this allows a player to reveal cards until they choose to stop and lose life equal to the total converted mana cost, which can result in a substantial card advantage at a potentially high risk.

Each of these cards offers a delicate balance between risk and reward, but Plunge into Darkness gives players a unique control over how deep into darkness they dare to delve, making it an intriguing and potent choice in the right setting.

Infernal Contract - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Arena - MTG Card versions
Ad Nauseam - MTG Card versions
Infernal Contract - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Arena - MTG Card versions
Ad Nauseam - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Plunge into Darkness by color, type and mana cost

Word of Command - MTG Card versions
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Sickening Shoal - MTG Card versions
Chill Haunting - MTG Card versions
Grim Harvest - MTG Card versions
Dash Hopes - MTG Card versions
Word of Command - MTG Card versions
Terror - MTG Card versions
Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Transmutation - MTG Card versions
Headstone - MTG Card versions
Urborg Justice - MTG Card versions
Imps' Taunt - MTG Card versions
Rapid Decay - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
Tainted Pact - MTG Card versions
Toxic Stench - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions
Smother - MTG Card versions
Hero's Demise - MTG Card versions
Sickening Shoal - MTG Card versions
Chill Haunting - MTG Card versions
Grim Harvest - MTG Card versions
Dash Hopes - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Orzhov ComboOrzhov Combo ModernOrzhov Scam#30 Last Chance Qualifier: Modern

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Plunge into Darkness offers a significant edge by allowing you to dig deep into your deck. It channels card selection at crucial moments to ensure you draw into your key pieces or answers, essential for steering the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: This card has the potential to fast-track your game plan. By paying life—a resource you can afford to trade—you accelerate your board presence, enabling explosive plays that can outpace your opponents.

Instant Speed: The ability to play Plunge into Darkness at instant speed gives you strategic flexibility. React to your opponents’ moves by refining your hand and board state on the fly, getting the most out of your turn cycle.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable drawback of Plunge into Darkness is that it often necessitates a critical trade-off. Players must sacrifice a significant portion of their life points or a number of creatures to fuel its powers. This can leave them in a precarious position, dangerously low on life or resources, which opposing players can quickly capitalize on.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting requirements for Plunge into Darkness include both black and generic mana, making it a card that firmly fits into black decks or those that can comfortably accommodate a splash of black mana. Decks without access to black mana will be unable to utilize this card, limiting its overall versatility in a player’s arsenal.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost not on the lower end of the spectrum, Plunge into Darkness might not be the most efficient option available. It competes with other cards that offer similar or better utility in terms of card selection or life gain strategies without such a steep mana investment or risky life expenditure.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Plunge into Darkness offers flexible choices to adapt to various in-game situations, from preserving life to digging deep for that crucial card.

Combo Potential: This card can set up powerful combos, especially in decks that thrive on life manipulation or require specific pieces for a game-winning sequence.

Meta-Relevance: In formats where life totals are a resource and combo decks prevail, Plunge into Darkness can play a crucial role by swiftly assembling key components or disrupting opponent strategies.


How to beat

Plunge into Darkness offers MTG players a unique choice for life manipulation and card selection. This flexible card enables a player to pay any amount of life in exchange for looking at that many cards from the top of their library, then putting one into their hand and exiling the rest. Alternatively, you can sacrifice any number of creatures to gain that much life. It also includes entwine, which allows for both options at an additional cost.

To effectively counter this card, control or disruption strategies are key. Using counter spells to prevent Plunge into Darkness from resolving can neutralize its effects before they come into play. Another strategic point is to maintain pressure on the opponent’s life total, making the cost of using Plunge into Darkness less appealing or too risky. Removal spells that can handle creatures before they can be sacrificed are also valuable, as they limit the ability to gain life and thus the utility of the card.

Overall, to beat Plunge into Darkness, stay alert to disrupt the combo pieces or strategies it supports, manage your disruption tools wisely, and apply pressure to the opponent’s life total to make the costs of using Plunge into Darkness outweigh its benefits.


BurnMana Recommendations

MTG is a game of skill, deep analysis, and adaptation. Plunge into Darkness exemplifies these elements by offering unique strategies for card advantage, life manipulation, and instant speed play. As you craft your decks and refine your strategies, consider how this card can offer you the edge in various situations, be it securing a combo or maintaining momentum. Embrace the cunning tactics that black mana brings to your plays. For those digging deeper into MTG’s strategic depths, Plunge into Darkness might be a beacon in your arsenal. Enhance your gameplay and navigate the delicate balance of risk versus reward with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Plunge into Darkness MTG card by a specific set like Fifth Dawn, 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 Plunge into Darkness and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Plunge into Darkness has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-12-01 Assuming the entwine cost has been paid, the effect is (1) sacrifice any number of creatures, (2) gain 3 life for each sacrificed creature, (3) choose X, (4) pay X life, and (5) look at the top X cards of your library, put one into your hand, and exile the rest.
2004-12-01 Everything other than the mode/entwine choice (and paying the , of course) is done on resolution.