Ratchet Bomb MTG Card
2010-10-01 - Number 196
2013-07-18 - Number 215★
2013-07-19 - Number 215
2020-08-07 - Number 284
2002-06-24 - Number 49836
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
: Put a charge counter on Ratchet Bomb. , Sacrifice Ratchet Bomb: Destroy each nonland permanent with converted mana cost equal to the number of charge counters on Ratchet Bomb.
Unpacking Ratchet Bomb’s Power
Within the landscape of artifact cards in Magic: The Gathering, Ratchet Bomb emerges as a potent tool for dealing with a plethora of threats on the board. Much like Engineered Explosives, which allows players to tailor destruction to specific mana costs, Ratchet Bomb offers flexibility to clear out swaths of permanents. However, Ratchet Bomb distinguishes itself through its mana-free activation cost, enabling resource allocation elsewhere in your strategy.
Cards like Ratchet Bomb
Ratchet Bomb shares similarities with other MTG card-wipe artifacts, such as Powder Keg and Oblivion Stone. Likened to Powder Keg, both cards hold the capacity to purge the field of tokens or low-cost nuisances. Still, Ratchet Bomb doesn’t differentiate between owned or opposing items, demanding more strategic deployment. On another front, Oblivion Stone commands board reset power but at a steeper activation price. The stone also provides the option to shield key pieces from destruction, an avenue not available to Ratchet Bomb users.
Thus, Ratchet Bomb fits uniquely into a player’s arsenal. It’s an unassuming but powerful asset ready to explode onto the scene, precisely when timing and game state align. For those seeking a cost-effective, flexible response to sprawling boards, Ratchet Bomb might just “tick” all the right boxes.
Cards similar to Ratchet Bomb by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Ratchet Bomb. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Colorless | Legacy | Legacy Preliminary 2024-04-01 | |
 | Eldrazi Tron | Modern | Eldrazi Tron | Axion Now MEGA Modern |
 | Mono-Black Coffers | Modern | Mono-Black Coffers | Modern Preliminary 2024-01-09 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ratchet Bomb offers a unique form of card advantage in that it can potentially remove multiple permanents with a single activation. This allows a player to deal with numerous threats or tokens simultaneously without spending additional cards from their hand.
Resource Acceleration: Although Ratchet Bomb itself does not directly accelerate resources, it can indirectly contribute to tempo by resetting the board. This can put a player ahead if they can more efficiently redeploy their resources post-wipe.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate Ratchet Bomb at instant speed gives players flexibility and control over timing. You can detonate the bomb in response to an opponent’s plays, possibly disrupting their strategy or removing key pieces before they have a chance to be utilized effectively.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ratchet Bomb doesn’t require a direct discard, but its mechanism indirectly influences card retention. Players often hesitate to play key low-cost permanents when Ratchet Bomb is on the board with corresponding charge counters, as they may be discarded from play, limiting strategic options.
Specific Mana Cost: Although Ratchet Bomb can be cast for zero mana, it requires an investment of time and mana to be effective. Each turn, you can only place one charge counter, unless supported by proliferate mechanics or additional investments.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its initial cost efficiency, achieving a higher impact requires several turns of charge counter placements. To remove four-cost permanents, for instance, you’ll have to invest four turns preparing Ratchet Bomb. In fast-paced games, this delayed impact can be a critical disadvantage, leaving you vulnerable to quicker strategies.
Reasons to Include Ratchet Bomb in Your Collection
Versatility: Ratchet Bomb offers a universal solution to various permanents, regardless of mana cost. Its ability to clear the board of tokens or match the specific converted mana cost needed makes it a flexible card in any deck.
Combo Potential: This card can be used tactically in combinations that revolve around artifact synergies or to set up board states that benefit from non-specific mass removal. It’s a dynamo in decks that appreciate timing and precision.
Meta-Relevance: Given the changing landscape of the MTG meta, Ratchet Bomb remains pivotal in scenarios dominated by swarms of tokens or lower-cost permanents. It’s a strategic card that can shift the tide of any match when played adeptly.
How to Beat
Ratchet Bomb is a versatile tool in MTG that can disrupt the board by destroying all nonland permanents with a specific converted mana cost. To outmaneuver this card, timing and baiting your opponent into activating it prematurely is key. Playing permanents with a varied range of mana costs can prevent you from losing your entire board to a single Ratchet Bomb. By spreading out threats, Ratchet Bomb becomes less effective, forcing your opponent to make a difficult decision about when to detonate it.
Another effective strategy is to focus on permanents that can regenerate or have indestructibility. As Ratchet Bomb’s ability doesn’t target specific permanents, it bypasses hexproof and shroud, but indestructible creatures stay intact. Prioritize playing cards with these abilities to maintain your presence on the battlefield.
Additionally, countering or removing Ratchet Bomb before it can accumulate the crucial counters can halt your opponent’s plans. Artifact removal spells like Naturalize or targeted discard effects can ensure that Ratchet Bomb never becomes a threat. By staying vigilant and using your resources wisely, you can minimize the impact of Ratchet Bomb and maintain control over the game’s state.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ratchet Bomb MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Scars of Mirrodin, 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 Ratchet Bomb 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 Ratchet Bomb Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2010-10-01 and 2020-08-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 49836 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dan Scott | ||
| 2 | 2010-10-01 | Scars of Mirrodin | SOM | 196 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Austin Hsu | |
| 3 | 2013-07-18 | Magic 2014 Promos | PM14 | 215★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dan Scott | |
| 4 | 2013-07-19 | Magic 2014 | M14 | 215 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Austin Hsu | |
| 5 | 2020-08-07 | Double Masters | 2XM | 284 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Austin Hsu |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ratchet Bomb has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ratchet Bomb card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-08-07 | If a permanent has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0. |
| 2020-08-07 | Tokens that aren't a copy of something else don't have a mana cost. Anything without a mana cost normally has a mana value of 0. |