Retribution of the Meek MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Sorcery |
Released | 1997-02-03 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Visions |
Set code | VIS |
Number | 19 |
Frame | 1997 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Nathalie Hertz |
Text of card
Bury all creatures with power 4 or greater.
"Tread upon the meek, and they shall wound your feet and make you crawl." —Asmira, Holy Avenger
Cards like Retribution of the Meek
Retribution of the Meek is a notable sweep spell within Magic: The Gathering, clearing the battlefield of most creatures with power 4 or greater. A good comparison can be drawn with the card Day of Judgment, which is a straightforward sweep lacking the power restriction but removing all creatures instead. The nuanced power limitation of Retribution of the Meek allows for a more tactical approach, leaving smaller creatures unscathed.
Another relative in this category is Fell the Mighty, which offers an interesting twist by destroying creatures with power greater than a specific creature’s power you control. This allows for more precise control over which creatures are wiped. However, it comes at a higher mana cost compared to Retribution of the Meek. Then there’s Dusk // Dawn, a split card that also targets creatures with greater power but with the added bonus of retrieving smaller creatures from the graveyard later on.
Retribution of the Meek holds its ground as a valuable control tool, particular for decks that capitalize on smaller creatures, by providing a clearing mechanism that is selective and cost-effective as opposed to its counterparts.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Retribution of the Meek is known for dramatically altering the board state by destroying all creatures with power 4 or greater. This effect can often leave you with a substantial number of surviving creatures compared to your opponents, effectively providing card advantage as well as opening the path for advantageous attacks on subsequent turns.
Resource Acceleration: By removing larger, more costly creatures, Retribution of the Meek levels the playing field. This potentially hinders opponents who rely on resource acceleration to deploy their powerful beaters, meanwhile allowing you to proceed unimpeded with your own game plan without equivalent losses.
Instant Speed: While Retribution of the Meek is a sorcery, its impact on the game can be as decisive as an instant. Casting it during your main phase can drastically reduce the number of threatening creatures before they have a chance to engage in combat, which can be just as strategically valuable as an instant speed removal in certain scenarios.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the notable limitations of Retribution of the Meek is that it doesn’t come with a built-in mechanism to replenish the cards in your hand. This could be problematic, as you do not get an immediate benefit to offset the creatures you might lose when using the card.
Specific Mana Cost: This spell asks for a precise combination of colors, with its mana cost requiring white. This can restrict the flexibility of your deck-building, making Retribution of the Meek an occasional passive draw in matches where white mana isn’t readily accessible or where it conflicts with your deck’s overall mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that demands three mana, this card is at a breakpoint where players expect significant impact plays. Considering other cards available within the same range or lower, you might find more versatile options or those that offer a better cost-to-benefit ratio right off the bat. Moreover, in fast-paced games, the time taken to reach three mana without seeing an immediate high impact might put you at a disadvantage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Retribution of the Meek is a powerful inclusion for decks that favor a low-to-the-ground creature strategy, as it wipes the battlefield of larger threats, allowing your smaller creatures to dominate the play field.
Combo Potential: This card pairs excellently with effects that allow you to bounce it back to your hand or recur it from the graveyard, enabling multiple uses throughout the game and solidifying your control over creature size dynamics.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where large creatures and ramp strategies prevail, Retribution of the Meek can serve as a potent equalizer, resetting the board state in your favor and keeping opponents’ big threats in check.
How to beat
Retribution of the Meek is a classic card within Magic: The Gathering that can swing the battlefield in favor of players who prefer a low-power creature strategy. The card has the unique ability to destroy all creatures with power 4 or greater, leaving those smaller critters unscathed. This makes it an ideal inclusion in decks that capitalize on having numerous, less powerful creatures rather than a few heavy hitters.
To effectively play against Retribution of the Meek, it’s essential to diversify the power range of creatures in your deck. Including creatures with power 3 or less can ensure that you maintain a presence on the board post-wipe. Another effective strategy is to utilize indestructible or regeneration abilities to safeguard your important creatures from such sweeping removal effects. Additionally, having spells that counter sorceries or instant-speed removal to disrupt your opponent’s battle plan before they stabilize with Retribution can tilt the match in your favor.
Moreover, employing card advantage engines or recursion tactics can recover swiftly from the setback. Creatures like Eternal Witness or spells that grant card draw are critical for bouncing back and staying ahead in the game. Keeping these strategies in mind can help you anticipate and overcome the potential impact of Retribution of the Meek in a match.
BurnMana Recommendations
Mastering MTG involves more than knowing your cards; it’s about strategy and adaptability. Retribution of the Meek offers unique advantages in controlling the board by removing heavy hitters, giving players who focus on smaller creatures a chance to shine. Understanding how to counter and play against such influential cards is just as crucial. Ensure your deck can withstand sweeps, recover quickly, and maintain a competitive edge. If you’re keen on enhancing your gameplay and navigating the nuances of MTG deck building, dive deeper with us. Develop your skill set and strategize to outmaneuver opponents’ moves. Embark on your journey towards MTG expertise with BurnMana.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Retribution of the Meek MTG card by a specific set like Visions, 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 of the Meek 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Retribution of the Meek has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |