Price of Progress MTG Card

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Price of Progress excels in decks that pressure opponents who utilize nonbasic lands, essentially turning each land into a potential source of damage. By potentially dealing damage equivalent to twice the number of nonbasic lands controlled by an opponent, it offers a form of indirect card advantage, diminishing the resources an opponent relies on without directly removing cards from their hand or board.

Resource Acceleration: This card does not directly contribute to resource acceleration in the traditional sense of providing mana or reducing casting costs. However, its low cost and high damage potential can accelerate the game’s pace towards a conclusion, particularly in formats like Legacy where nonbasic lands are prevalent.

Instant Speed: Operating at instant speed gives you the flexibility to cast Price of Progress during an opponent’s end step or in response to their actions, keeping them guessing your next move. This feature allows savvy players to maximize the card’s impact by choosing the most opportune moment for its devastating effect, with the aim to disrupt an opponent’s strategy or secure a win.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Price of Progress does not explicitly require a discard, its uncontrolled damage can indirectly force you to discard cards if it leads to significant life loss, compelling you to adjust your hand to respond to the unexpected life deficit. This tactical shuffle can feel like a discard in terms of opportunity cost and disrupted game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: Price of Progress requires two red mana, which can be restrictive. For multicolored decks that aren’t heavily red, this can pose a significant challenge. Decks that struggle to consistently produce the necessary red mana may find including Price of Progress in their strategy problematic.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The effect of Price of Progress is powerful, but it does come at the cost of two mana. While not expensive on the surface, in faster, more aggressive formats and matchups, spending two mana on a non-board impacting spell can potentially put you behind, especially if the opposing deck isn’t heavily reliant on nonbasic lands.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Price of Progress offers a unique dynamic in red decks, adapting well to various strategies. It can punish decks with a heavy nonbasic land composition, making it a solid choice for both aggressive and control-oriented builds that can capitalize on their opponents’ mana bases.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations with land destruction or strategies that limit the number of basics opponents control. Price of Progress can turn the tide of a game when timed with effects that prevent or discourage basic land play.

Meta-Relevance: With the prevalence of multicolored decks that rely on an array of nonbasic lands, Price of Progress has become increasingly pertinent in disrupting an opponent’s game plan. As the meta shifts towards complex mana bases, Price of Progress is an excellent inclusion, keeping such decks in check and serving as a potent finisher.

How to Beat

The MTG card, Price of Progress, is renowned for its potential to deliver massive damage in a single, efficient blow. This card impacts players with lands that aren’t basic—thus, the simplicity of your mana base can be your shield against it. When facing an opponent utilizing this card, one strategy is to prioritize basic lands in your deck construction. This minimizes the damage Price of Progress can inflict and reduces its effectiveness.

Another tactic to counter this card is through life gain or damage prevention effects. Cards that offer these abilities can absorb or negate the damage Price of Progress could deal, rendering it far less devastating. Additionally, consider instant-speed land destruction or transformation spells that can alter your non-basic lands temporarily, thereby dodging the otherwise harsh penalty right before Price of Progress resolves.

Lastly, remember that Price of Progress is a non-creature spell, so leveraging cards with counterspell abilities can also be a solid line of defense, shutting it down before it ever has a chance to upheaval your game plan. Staying one step ahead of this powerful card can mean the difference between a sweeping loss and a cunning win.

BurnMana Recommendations

The destructive power of Price of Progress in MTG is undeniable, fitting into strategies that exploit opponents’ reliance on nonbasic lands. As you craft your deck and refine your approach, consider this fiery spell for its ability to quickly shift the balance of a game, especially in the right meta. MTG is a constantly evolving game, and staying informed on card synergies, meta shifts, and strategic deckbuilding can make all the difference. Ready to deepen your MTG knowledge and enhance your gameplay? Explore our comprehensive guides and resources to make Price of Progress a cornerstone of your winning strategy.