Purify MTG Card


Provides card advantage and board reset against artifact/enchantment-heavy decks, leveling the playing field. Demanding specific mana and a creature discard can limit its use, impacting your game plan. Despite alternatives, Purify’s unique ability to sweep non-creature permanents makes it a valuable asset.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Destroy all artifacts and enchantments.

"Our Mother! The sky was Her hair; the sun, Her face. She danced on the grass and in the hills." —*Song of All*, canto 23


Cards like Purify

Purify is a very unique card in Magic: The Gathering due to its powerful cleansing effect. This six mana spell can reset the game’s board significantly by destroying all artifacts and enchantments, drawing a parallel with the classic card, Cleansing Nova. While Cleansing Nova gives players a choice to destroy all creatures or all artifacts and enchantments for the same mana cost, Purify lacks the creature removal option but offers potential card advantage through its unconditional sweep of artifacts and enchantments.

Cards like Austere Command provide even more flexibility as they allow players to choose among multiple options, which can be more beneficial in various situations. However, Austere Command comes at a higher mana cost. Another similar card is Bane of Progress, which gets more powerful as it removes more artifacts and enchantments, providing a physical threat on the board in addition to the removal effect. Yet, unlike Purify, Bane of Progress is confined to the limits of a creature’s body and costs more mana.

Despite the alternatives, Purify remains an impactful card that commands attention in scenarios that require a decisive clear of problematic non-creature permanents, making it a worthy addition to any Magic: The Gathering deck that fears an overwhelming presence of artifacts and enchantments.

Cleansing Nova - MTG Card versions
Austere Command - MTG Card versions
Bane of Progress - MTG Card versions
Cleansing Nova - MTG Card versions
Austere Command - MTG Card versions
Bane of Progress - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Purify by color, type and mana cost

Wave of Reckoning - MTG Card versions
Global Ruin - MTG Card versions
Rout - MTG Card versions
March of Souls - MTG Card versions
Lonesome Unicorn // Rider in Need - MTG Card versions
Slash the Ranks - MTG Card versions
Promise of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Saltblast - MTG Card versions
Three Dreams - MTG Card versions
Evangelize - MTG Card versions
Hallowed Burial - MTG Card versions
Iona's Judgment - MTG Card versions
Increasing Devotion - MTG Card versions
Defy Death - MTG Card versions
Angelic Edict - MTG Card versions
End Hostilities - MTG Card versions
Fell the Mighty - MTG Card versions
Winds of Rath - MTG Card versions
Tragic Arrogance - MTG Card versions
Planar Outburst - MTG Card versions
Wave of Reckoning - MTG Card versions
Global Ruin - MTG Card versions
Rout - MTG Card versions
March of Souls - MTG Card versions
Lonesome Unicorn // Rider in Need - MTG Card versions
Slash the Ranks - MTG Card versions
Promise of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Saltblast - MTG Card versions
Three Dreams - MTG Card versions
Evangelize - MTG Card versions
Hallowed Burial - MTG Card versions
Iona's Judgment - MTG Card versions
Increasing Devotion - MTG Card versions
Defy Death - MTG Card versions
Angelic Edict - MTG Card versions
End Hostilities - MTG Card versions
Fell the Mighty - MTG Card versions
Winds of Rath - MTG Card versions
Tragic Arrogance - MTG Card versions
Planar Outburst - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Purify card can offer a significant edge by removing multiple threats from the game. This sweep can level the playing field and replenish your hand if played at the right moment, especially against decks that rely on enchantments and artifacts.

Resource Acceleration: By eliminating key resources of an opponent, Purify disrupts their acceleration. This strategic play can slow them down and give you time to develop your board presence and outpace their mana curve.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Purify at instant speed provides a tactical advantage. You can wait for the opportune moment to disrupt complex strategies in response to an opponent’s action, turning the tide of the game at a crucial juncture.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Purify demands that the player sacrifice a non-Eldrazi creature in addition to its mana cost, which can be a setback when resources on the battlefield are scarce or when the creature lineup is an integral part of your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: While Purify’s cleansing effect is powerful, its specific mana requirement includes white mana, potentially reducing its versatility across the multitude of deck archetypes in MTG that don’t include white or are mana-color diversified.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an investment of five mana to activate its effect, Purify stands on the higher end of the cost spectrum, especially when you consider other removal options in MTG that can accomplish similar objectives at a lower resource expenditure.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Purify is an exceptional inclusion in any deck that requires cleansing of multiple types of permanents. Its ability to destroy all artifacts and enchantments can be a game-changer in many board states.

Combo Potential: This card can function as a key component in strategies looking to exploit symmetrical destruction. Players can design their deck with fewer artifacts and enchantments, making Purify a lopsided board wipe against opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta dominated by decks that rely heavily on artifacts and enchantments for their engine and win conditions, Purify serves as a potent tool for disruption, providing a significant advantage to its wielder. Its relevance grows with the increase of such permanents in competitive play.


How to Beat Purify

Purify is an intriguing sweep option in Magic: The Gathering, offering players a way to clear multiple threats in one swoop. The spell removes all artifacts and enchantments from the game, reshaping the battlefield instantly. Facing Purify requires a strategic approach. Keeping a diverse array of threats in your deck can mitigate the impact of such board wipes. Having creatures alongside artifacts and enchantments means you’ll retain some board presence even after Purify resolves.

Deck resilience can also be bolstered by utilizing cards that benefit from going to the graveyard or those that can be easily recurred from it. Cards with abilities like Flashback or cards that have effects when they are destroyed ensure that you maintain momentum even in the face of destruction. Lastly, playing around Purify by not overcommitting enchantments and artifacts on the board and having counterspells or protective spells at the ready is key to stifling your opponent’s plans to cleanse the board.

Staying vigilant and adaptable are your best tools when Purify is a potential threat in the game. Maintain a balanced and reactive approach, and you’ll have a solid strategy to overcome the sweeping force that is Purify in your MTG matches.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Purify MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Legacy and Seventh Edition, 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 Purify and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Purify Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-02-15 and 2001-04-11. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-02-15Urza's LegacyULG 191997NormalBlackJohn Avon
22001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 31★1997NormalBlackDoug Chaffee
32001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 311997NormalWhiteDoug Chaffee

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Purify has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal