Retribution MTG Card

Offers card advantage through removal and potential cast of creatures, altering game dynamics significantly. Demands sacrifice of another card and has stringent mana requirements, challenging deck construction flexibility. Highly versatile; excels in controlling creature-heavy metas and synergizes well with combo-driven decks.

Homelands (HML)
1995-10-01 - Number 79

Masters Edition II (ME2)
2008-09-22 - Number 148

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Sorcery

Text of card

Choose two target creatures controlled by an opponent. Bury one of those creatures, and put a -1/-1 counter on the other. That opponent chooses which creature is buried.

Cards like Retribution

Retribution has made its mark as a versatile removal option within Magic: The Gathering. This card bears resemblance to other classic removal spells but comes with its own distinct advantages. For instance, Wrath of God is a well-known card that also destroys all creatures, yet Retribution allows you to selectively target and exclude your own key creatures from this fate.

While considering targeted removal, Swords to Plowshares is another fundamental card in MTG, offering a one-for-one creature removal at the cost of giving your opponent a bit of life. Retribution presents an alternate approach by potentially dealing with multiple threats without the life gain drawback for your opponent. Additionally, Damnation stands as a parallel to Wrath of God, mirroring its effects in black mana instead of white, yet again, lacking the specificity that Retribution grants a player looking to manage the board more strategically.

Comparing these options makes it evident that Retribution has a unique place among MTG’s removal spells, balancing broad impact with the ability to shield your own creatures, a potential game-changer in many scenarios.

Swords to Plowshares - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Retribution by color, type and mana cost

Draconic Intervention - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Retribution generates significant card advantage by not only removing multiple creatures from the game but also offering the chance to cast those spells later on. This dual-functionality means that you get to disrupt your opponent’s board while potentially gaining access to new resources.

Resource Acceleration: By playing Retribution, you not only handle immediate threats but also potentially accelerate your resources by casting the exiled creatures yourself. This can lead to a swift change in the tempo of the game, as you’re effectively using your opponent’s resources against them.

Instant Speed: The strength of an instant-speed removal spell cannot be overstated. The flexibility to cast Retribution on your opponent’s turn, particularly in response to an attack or critical spell, allows for optimal play decisions and surprise factor that can heavily disrupt your opponent’s strategy.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For players eager to deploy Retribution in their strategies, one should be aware of its discard requirement. Casting this spell obligates the user to forfeit another card from their hand, which could be a steep price in game scenarios where hand size is already diminished.

Specific Mana Cost: Retribution demands a precise mana arrangement to be cast, often requiring a specific combination of mana types. This requirement can potentially hinder deck flexibility, making it a challenging fit for multi-colored or mana-intensive strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the efficiency of Retribution against other options available within the vast MTG card pool, its relatively high mana cost can be a deterrent. Players might find alternative cards that provide similar or even improved effects with a lower investment, thereby optimizing their decks for quicker and more dynamic playstyles.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Retribution caters to a diverse range of strategies and fits well in decks that require precise removal. Its ability to deal with threats on the board makes it a valuable asset in both aggressive and control archetypes.

Combo Potential: Retribution can be a critical piece in decks built around spell synergies, as it can remove blockers or key combo pieces on the opponent’s side, paving the way for your own combos to unfold without interruption.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies dominate, the targeted removal provided by Retribution is especially crucial, allowing players to maintain tempo and control the pace of the game effectively.

How to beat

Retribution can be a challenging card to face down in a Magic: The Gathering matchup. With its potential to deliver a punishing blow to creatures that oppose it, Retribution has the capacity to tilt the scales in a duel. To effectively counter this card, players should consider strategies that mitigate damage or neutralize its ability to retaliate.

Using instant-speed removal spells before the Retribution’s effect resolves can ensure that your creatures are spared from its wrath. Alternatively, creatures with hexproof or protection from its color can be invaluable, providing a shield against its punishing nature. Counter spells also play a crucial role in preventing Retribution from ever taking effect. Moreover, adopting a more control-oriented playstyle and making calculated moves can keep you one step ahead, ensuring that the repercussions of this powerful card are kept in check within any game of Magic: The Gathering.

Understanding your deck’s strengths and when to play certain spells are keys to outmaneuvering Retribution. Proper timing, strategic deck building, and a good read on the opponent’s strategies transform this daunting card into a manageable challenge on your path to victory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Retribution MTG card by a specific set like Homelands and Masters Edition II, 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 Retribution and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Retribution Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1995-10-01 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by Mark Tedin.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1995-10-01	Homelands	HML		79	1993	Normal	Black	Mark Tedin
2	2008-09-22	Masters Edition II	ME2		148	1997	Normal	Black	Mark Tedin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Retribution has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2008-08-01	The player chooses which one to sacrifice as Retribution resolves. If only one of the targets is still legal at that time, then the player must choose that one to sacrifice.