Ruthless Predation MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Abilities | Fight |
| Released | 2023-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Phyrexia: All Will Be One |
| Set code | ONE |
| Number | 182 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Pavel Kolomeyets |
Text of card
Target creature you control gets +1/+2 until end of turn. It fights target creature you don't control. (Each deals damage equal to its power to the other.)
In the Hunter Maze, today's apex predator is tomorrow's prey.
Cards like Ruthless Predation
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Ruthless Predation stands out as a formidable option for asserting dominance on the battlefield. Its mechanics draw a parallel to Overwhelm, which serves the same purpose of allocating excess combat damage to the player or planeswalker being attacked. While Overwhelm is a long-standing favorite due to its broader reach, Ruthless Predation has the added advantage of targeting only a single creature, which could result in more calculated and potentially devastating plays.
Rabid Bite offers a different approach to creature-focused mechanics, providing a simpler, less mana-intensive way to deal damage without retaliatory damage from the target creature. However, unlike Ruthless Predation, Rabid Bite doesn’t alter combat outcomes or propose the same game-ending potential. Another comparable card is Prey Upon. While it serves a similar purpose of removing blockers through a fight mechanic, it doesn’t offer the benefit of excess damage that Ruthless Predation holds, a tactical edge that could turn a tight match in one’s favor.
Considered within its niche, Ruthless Predation appeals to players seeking focused removal with the potential to exert game-ending pressure, differentiating itself as a card with the finesse to create definitive plays in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Ruthless Predation by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Ruthless Predation. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Golgari Toxic | Standard | The Pizza Box Open: Standard |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: One of the significant benefits of Ruthless Predation is its potential to tilt the scales in your favor by eliminating an opponent’s creature. This advantage effectively diminishes your opponent’s resources while you maintain card presence on the board.
Resource Acceleration: Ruthless Predation can also provide a subtle form of acceleration by clearing the way for your more potent creatures to inflict damage. This removal can hasten your victory, as fewer blockers on the opponent’s side can mean more damage getting through.
Instant Speed: The ability to play Ruthless Predation at instant speed adds a layer of unpredictability and strategic depth. You can disrupt your opponent’s plans during their turn, making it a versatile tool in both defense and at the end of their turn to clear a path for your attack.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ruthless Predation comes with the downside of needing card sacrifices from your hand to activate its fullest potential. Losing cards could set you back if your hand is already dwindling. Managing resources is key, and the requirement to discard could be a significant drawback, especially if the timing isn’t right.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s specific mana cost necessitates a dedicated color build, which might not seamlessly fit into every deck strategy. Players need to ensure they have the right mana sources to cast it, making it less of a universal fit and more of a strategic choice that requires careful deck construction.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that is on the higher end, Ruthless Predation may not be the most mana-efficient option available. There can be alternatives that offer similar effects or board presence for a lesser investment, granting opponents the advantage of deploying their strategies more swiftly.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ruthless Predation has the capability to slot into various aggressive decks, notably those aiming to amplify creature-based strategies and overrun opponents with enhanced power.
Combo Potential: This card offers synergistic opportunities with cards that thrive on having a high power total across your creatures, enabling explosive turns that could potentially end the game.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature combat is key, the ability to suddenly boost your board state can turn the tide, making Ruthless Predation a card to watch in creature-heavy metas.
How to beat
Ruthless Predation is a powerhouse card that can swing the game and lead to dramatic changes on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This potent card’s capacity to amplify a creature’s power temporarily can be a game-changer, making creature combat risky for an unprepared opponent. To mitigate the impact of Ruthless Predation, ensuring a solid defense is crucial. Cards with high toughness, the presence of indestructible creatures, or those with abilities that prevent damage like protection or hexproof offer a buffer against this surge of power.
Counter spells can also play a vital role in dealing with Ruthless Predation. By keeping mana open and a counter spell in hand, you can stop this threat before it resolves, leaving your opponent with a costly loss of both a card and the mana spent. Alternatively, using instant-speed removal spells in response to the casting of Ruthless Predation can prevent the enhanced creature from capitalizing on its newfound strength, thereby maintaining the balance on the board.
In essence, an MTG player’s best strategy against Ruthless Predation includes a mixture of preventative measures and reactive plays, tailored to disrupt or dilute the impact of such a formidable card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ruthless Predation MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Ruthless Predation 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ruthless Predation has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |