Return to the Ranks MTG Card

Provides a vital edge by resurrecting several creatures at instant speed, altering the game’s momentum. Enhances decks through resource acceleration and seamless synergy with enter-the-battlefield effects. Requires careful deck construction, balancing mana demands and convoke costs for optimal play.

Magic 2015 (M15)
2014-07-18 - Number 29

Return to the Ranks - Jumpstart: Historic Horizons (J21)

Jumpstart: Historic Horizons (J21)
2021-08-26 - Number 118

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Rare
Type	Sorcery
Abilities	Convoke

Text of card

Convoke (Your creatures can help cast this spell. Each creature you tap while casting this spell pays for or one mana of that creature's color.) Return X target creature cards with converted mana cost 2 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Cards like Return to the Ranks

Return to the Ranks is a unique spell in Magic: The Gathering with its ability to resurrect creatures directly from the graveyard to the battlefield. Mirroring this concept, Rally the Ancestors also forgoes the traditional casting from hand, reanimating creatures temporarily for a surprise offense or defense. However, Rally returns them to the graveyard if they’re still on the battlefield at your next upkeep, a restriction not seen in Return to the Ranks.

Resurrection spells like Immortal Servitude share a bond with Return to the Ranks in theme, as both target creatures of a specific mana value. But Immortal Servitude’s fixed mana cost contrasts with Return to the Ranks’ flexible convoke mechanic, allowing resourceful players to adapt costs to the state of the board. Moreover, while Unburial Rites is another fine example, offering flashback to cast it again, it lacks the multi-target aspect of Return to the Ranks, limiting its ability to swing the momentum of the game with one fell swoop.

While evaluating counterparts, it’s evident that Return to the Ranks’ convoke ability and mass revival potential offers a rare combination that can pivot the battlefield to your favor, solidifying its place in decks that rely on creature synergy and graveyard strategy.

Cards similar to Return to the Ranks by color, type and mana cost

Gather the Townsfolk - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Return to the Ranks. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#	Name	Format	Archetype	Event
	Abzan Amalia Combo	Pioneer	Abzan Amalia Combo	Pioneer Preliminary 2024-05-04
	4c Amalia Combo	Pioneer	4c Amalia Combo	Pioneer Super Qualifier 2024-05-04

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Return to the Ranks offers a strategic edge by permitting you to bring multiple creatures back from the graveyard to the battlefield. This not only swells your ranks but fosters a potent form of card advantage that can overturn the state of the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: By enabling the comeback of key creatures that may accelerate your resource generation, this card perfectly synergizes with those featuring mana abilities or other advantageous effects upon entering the battlefield. The reanimation process itself can be a form of acceleration, bringing back creatures that contribute to your board’s mana potential.

Instant Speed: The versatility of Return to the Ranks is significantly enhanced because it can be cast at instant speed. This allows for unexpected plays, especially during the end of your opponent’s turn or in response to their actions, catching them off-guard and shifting the tide of the game dynamically.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike similar cards that offer a revival effect with no strings attached, Return to the Ranks requires you to exile cards from your graveyard to fulfill its convoke cost. For players, this can be a significant drawback if those cards could have been leveraged for better strategic advantages through other means.

Specific Mana Cost: The card’s specific mana cost demands white mana, potentially limiting its inclusion to decks heavily based around that color. Players running multi-colored decks may find this requirement somewhat restrictive and may opt for more flexible alternatives available in the vast card pool of Magic the Gathering.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the efficiency of cards that bring creatures back from the graveyard, Return to the Ranks often falls behind due to its comparably high mana cost. This can hinder its use in fast-paced games where mana economy is crucial, especially since there are options in the game that can perform similar functions for a smaller mana investment.

Reasons to Include Return to the Ranks in Your Collection

Versatility: Return to the Ranks offers a broad range of utility to decks focused on creature strategies. Its convoke mechanic allows you to mobilize your board presence, turning even the smallest creatures into valuable resources for a comeback, or to pave the way for a game-winning play. Whether you’re behind or comfortably ahead, this card adapts to the state of your game.

Combo Potential: This card shines in setups that benefit from recurrent creature effects. Its ability to bring multiple creatures back from the graveyard to the battlefield at once can set off a cascade of enter-the-battlefield triggers, synergizing with cards that look to exploit such effects. Pairing Return to the Ranks with creatures that have persist or undying can create powerful, repeating value loops.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where removal spells and board wipes are commonplace, Return to the Ranks serves as a potent recovery tool. It’s particularly relevant in a meta that’s hostile to creature-based decks, as it provides resilience against sweepers, ensuring that your threats are never truly gone. This makes it a staple consideration in white-weenie and aristocrat decks alike.

How to beat

Return to the Ranks is a card in MTG that can turn the tide of a game by bringing creatures back from the graveyard to the battlefield. This formidable card can overwhelm opponents by recovering key pieces after a board wipe or by reassembling potent combos. To effectively counter this strategy, consider using graveyard hate tools such as Rest in Peace or Tormod’s Crypt which remove cards from the graveyard, thus nullifying the potential for them to be returned. Another approach is to respond with instant-speed removal such as Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy targeting the creatures brought back during the crucial window when Return to the Ranks resolves. Proper timing and anticipating your opponent’s plays become crucial.

It’s also wise to manage your removal resources and keep track of which creatures represent the greatest threat when returned to play. Hand-disruption spells like Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek can preemptively remove Return to the Ranks from the opponent’s hand, disrupting their game plan before it takes effect. By understanding the intricacies of the card and maintaining strategic board control, players can construct a reliable defense against this powerful resurrection tactic.

BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the tactical strengths and knowing how to counter them is essential for any MTG enthusiast. Return to the Ranks is a strategic game-changer in creature-based decks, harnessing the power of the graveyard to turn the tide of battle. Mastering its convoke ability alongside managing resources are key to optimizing its use. Ready to deepen your strategic play and unlock new synergies? Harness the full potential of Return to the Ranks by learning, adapting, and staying ahead of the meta. Visit us to explore advanced strategies and build decks that capitalize on this card’s dynamic abilities.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Return to the Ranks MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2015 and Jumpstart: Historic Horizons, 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 Return to the Ranks and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Return to the Ranks Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2014-07-18 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Michael Komarck.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2014-07-18	Magic 2015	M15		29	2015	Normal	Black	Michael Komarck
2	2021-08-26	Jumpstart: Historic Horizons	J21		118	2015	Normal	Black	Michael Komarck

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Return to the Ranks 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
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2014-07-18	Because convoke isn’t an alternative cost, it can be used in conjunction with alternative costs.
2014-07-18	Convoke doesn’t change a spell’s mana cost or converted mana cost.
2014-07-18	If a creature you control has a mana ability with in the cost, activating that ability while casting a spell with convoke will result in the creature being tapped when you pay the spell’s costs. You won’t be able to tap it again for convoke. Similarly, if you sacrifice a creature to activate a mana ability while casting a spell with convoke, that creature won’t be on the battlefield when you pay the spell’s costs, so you won’t be able to tap it for convoke.
2014-07-18	Tapping a multicolored creature using convoke will pay for or one mana of your choice of any of that creature’s colors.
2014-07-18	The rules for convoke have changed slightly since it last appeared in an expansion. Previously, convoke reduced the cost to cast a spell. Under current rules, you tap creatures at the same time you pay the spell’s costs. Tapping a creature this way is simply another way to pay.
2014-07-18	When calculating a spell’s total cost, include any alternative costs, additional costs, or anything else that increases or reduces the cost to cast the spell. Convoke applies after the total cost is calculated.
2014-07-18	When using convoke to cast a spell with in its mana cost, first choose the value for X. That choice, plus any cost increases or decreases, will determine the spell’s total cost. Then you can tap creatures you control to help pay that cost. For example, if you cast Chord of Calling (a spell with convoke and mana cost ) and choose X to be 3, the total cost is . If you tap two green creatures and two red creatures, you’ll have to pay .