Ruination MTG Card


Strategically timed, Ruination can deliver a devastating setback to opponents by targeting nonbasic lands. Realizing Ruination’s full potential requires sacrificing nonland permanents, which adds a layer of complexity. Despite its constraints, Ruination’s ability to disrupt multicolored decks makes it a valuable collection piece.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Destroy all nonbasic lands.

"We have built a wall upon sand. The wall will vanish. The sand will remain." —Oracle *en*-Vec


Cards like Ruination

Ruination stands out in MTG as a powerful spell with the unique ability to upheave nonbasic lands. Its closest counterpart could be the card Armageddon, which also devastates land bases but does not discriminate, affecting all lands. In contrast, Ruination specifically targets nonbasic lands, potentially leaving basic land users unscathed. Another similar card, Wave of Vitriol, offers the same type of selective destruction but adds a nuance by allowing players to replace the destroyed nonbasic lands with basic ones from their library.

Comparing it further, we notice cards like Blood Moon which doesn’t destroy but rather neutralizes nonbasic lands by turning them into Mountains. This can be devastating but it’s not as absolute as Ruination’s wipe effect. On the eco side of mana costs, Cleansing Wildfire and Molten Rain offer more cost-effective ways to handle nonbasic lands albeit on a much smaller scale, dealing with one land at a time.

Considering the strategic implications and board impact, Ruination can potentially warp a game when timed correctly. It serves a specific role for players looking to capitalize on opponents’ diverse mana bases and can be a deciding factor in games where land type plays a key role.

Armageddon - MTG Card versions
Wave of Vitriol - MTG Card versions
Blood Moon - MTG Card versions
Cleansing Wildfire - MTG Card versions
Molten Rain - MTG Card versions
Armageddon - MTG Card versions
Wave of Vitriol - MTG Card versions
Blood Moon - MTG Card versions
Cleansing Wildfire - MTG Card versions
Molten Rain - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ruination by color, type and mana cost

Shatterstorm - MTG Card versions
Flashfires - MTG Card versions
Anarchy - MTG Card versions
Phoenix Heart - MTG Card versions
Reign of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Deadshot - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Flood - MTG Card versions
Relentless Assault - MTG Card versions
Flameshot - MTG Card versions
Bend or Break - MTG Card versions
Scorching Missile - MTG Card versions
Reckless Crew - MTG Card versions
Draconic Intervention - MTG Card versions
Demolish - MTG Card versions
Granulate - MTG Card versions
Touch and Go - MTG Card versions
Sunder from Within - MTG Card versions
Thoughts of Ruin - MTG Card versions
Inner Fire - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Slide - MTG Card versions
Shatterstorm - MTG Card versions
Flashfires - MTG Card versions
Anarchy - MTG Card versions
Phoenix Heart - MTG Card versions
Reign of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Deadshot - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Flood - MTG Card versions
Relentless Assault - MTG Card versions
Flameshot - MTG Card versions
Bend or Break - MTG Card versions
Scorching Missile - MTG Card versions
Reckless Crew - MTG Card versions
Draconic Intervention - MTG Card versions
Demolish - MTG Card versions
Granulate - MTG Card versions
Touch and Go - MTG Card versions
Sunder from Within - MTG Card versions
Thoughts of Ruin - MTG Card versions
Inner Fire - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Slide - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ruination provides a significant card advantage by removing multiple nonbasic lands from the game, effectively setting back opponents who heavily rely on these resources for their strategy.

Resource Acceleration: Although Ruination does not directly accelerate resources for the caster, it decelerates opponents’ resources, indirectly enhancing your board’s comparative strength and the speed of your plays by hindering the opponent’s land development.

Instant Speed: The power of Ruination comes from its sorcery speed, which requires careful timing to maximize its impact. The absence of instant speed means strategizing around Ruination is critical, ensuring the card’s disruptive potential is fully realized when opponents are most vulnerable.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Ruination demands that you sacrifice a nonland permanent in addition to its mana cost. This can force you to make tough decisions, especially if your board presence is critical to your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Ruination’s casting cost includes two red mana, making it challenging to incorporate in multi-color decks that may not have sufficient red mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Ruination’s mana valuation might be considered expensive when measured against other mass destruction spells. It requires a total of four mana, which could detract from your ability to cast other pivotal spells in the same turn.


Reasons to Include Ruination Mtg Card in Your Collection

Versatility: Ruination is not just another staple for red control decks. It can adapt to various playstyles, fitting perfectly into strategies aiming to disrupt opponents who rely heavily on nonbasic lands.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combination with strategies that preserve your field while resetting your opponent’s. Pairing it with cards that allow you to bounce your own lands back to your hand before Ruination resolves, you can maintain a formidable board presence while others scramble to recover.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where multicolored decks with an array of nonbasic lands are dominant, Ruination becomes a game-changing asset. Its ability to dismantle intricate land bases can give you a substantial edge, making it a timely addition to any collection with the shifting winds of the competitive scene.


How to beat

The Ruination card in Magic: The Gathering presents a unique challenge with its strong ability to wipe out all nonbasic lands, leveling the playing field for players. To effectively counter this sweeping effect, the key lies in deck composition and strategic foresight. Embracing basic lands in your deck ensures you remain unscathed by Ruination’s destructive force. Similarly, employing land indestructibility effects, such as those granted by cards like Terra Eternal or having cards like Sacred Ground in play protects your valued lands despite the Ruination attempt.

Another approach involves countering Ruination directly. Blue players can hold onto counterspells such as Cancel or Negate, waiting for the pivotal moment to neutralize this threat. Additionally, green offers solutions like Heroic Intervention, which can provide a temporary shield for all your permanents, including lands.

In essence, overcoming Ruination requires a blend of smart deck-building, possessing the right defensive spells, and timing your plays to ensure land preservation. Acknowledging Ruination as a formidable card, seasoned players prepare their strategies to either avert this catastrophy or recover swiftly in its aftermath. Planning ahead helps maintain a strong mana base, enabling you to continue casting spells and advancing your board position even after others might be set back.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the ebb and flow of MTG play is critical, especially when cards like Ruination can radically alter the battlefield. Recognizing both the advantages and potential drawbacks of such a powerful spell will set your deck apart. Whether you’re tweaking your deck to harness Ruination’s disruptive force or fortifying your own land base against it, your strategy should remain as dynamic as the game itself. For players keen on staying ahead of the curve and mastering the intricacies of the MTG realm, we’re here to guide you. Dive deeper into our insights and learn how to optimize your deck with Ruination and similar spells. Let’s navigate the shifting landscapes of MTG together.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ruination MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Commander 2011, 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 Ruination and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ruination Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2011-06-17. Illustrated by Dermot Power.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-03-02StrongholdSTH 951997NormalBlackDermot Power
22011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 1342003NormalBlackDermot Power

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ruination has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal