Smite the Deathless MTG Card
2023-06-23 - Number 148
2023-06-23 - Number 599
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Smite the Deathless deals 3 damage to target creature. That creature loses indestructible until end of turn. If that creature would die this turn, exile it instead.
"No living man am I!"
Cards like Smite the Deathless
Smite the Deathless fits neatly into the arsenal of cards that provide targeted removal in Magic: The Gathering. Much like its cousin, Smite the Monstrous, this card is designed to deal with large creatures, granting a certain edge to players facing off against decks with hefty titans. What sets Smite the Deathless apart is its ability to handle indestructible creatures, a trait not commonly found in removal spells. It offers a clear tactical advantage in a meta where indestructible creatures can be game-ending threats.
Another niche companion is Banishing Light, a removal that exiles any nonland permanent until Banishing Light leaves the battlefield. While not restricted to just creatures and offering a more versatile removal option, it doesn’t specifically target those with indestructible. Conversely, Murderous Rider presents a twofold solution, acting as both a creature and an instant-speed removal. However, it lacks the specificity of Smite the Deathless in dealing with indestructible threats.
Overall, Smite the Deathless highlights its worth by filling a specific need within the realm of creature removal. As decks evolve and the presence of indestructible becomes more prominent, having a targeted answer like Smite the Deathless could be crucial for maintaining control in a match.
Cards similar to Smite the Deathless by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Smite the Deathless. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Izzet Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Games: We're Back |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Smite the Deathless stands out by potentially removing multiple creatures from the game in one sweep, tipping the balance of resources heavily in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting your mana pool, removing numerous threats in one go allows for more efficient allocation of your existing resources in subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Smite the Deathless at instant speed affords you the flexibility to respond to threats immediately, rather than having to wait for your turn to address the board state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside of Smite the Deathless is that it necessitates discarding another card to play. This can be particularly troublesome when your hand is nearly empty, leaving you at a potential card disadvantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Smite the Deathless requires a precise combination of mana to cast, including white mana. This can be restrictive as it may not effortlessly fit into multicolor or colorless decks, limiting its versatility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost on the higher side, Smite the Deathless faces competition from other removal spells that offer similar or greater effects for a lower mana investment. This may cause players to choose alternatives over it when constructing their decks.
Reasons to Include Smite the Deathless in Your Collection
Versatility: Smite the Deathless offers strategic flexibility for decks looking to handle indestructible creatures, which are typically challenging to remove. Its ability to target these otherwise elusive threats gives players an edge in a variety of game scenarios.
Combo Potential: This card pairs well with effects that require destroying creatures as a cost or condition, enabling interesting interactions and fueling powerful combos within controlled and combo-centric builds.
Meta-Relevance: With metas that often feature resilient creatures and indestructible commanders, Smite the Deathless becomes a highly relevant inclusion. It serves as an efficient answer to some of the most formidable permanents that opponents might bring to the battlefield.
How to beat
Smite the Deathless is a unique card in Magic: The Gathering that can put players on the defensive. Its ability to protect players from damage dealt by creatures with indestructible can be pivotal during key battles. To effectively counter this spell, it’s important to focus on strategies that don’t rely solely on damage-dealing creatures. Consider using spells that force your opponent to sacrifice creatures, which can circumvent the protection Smite the Deathless provides.
Targeted removal spells that exile or cause opponents to put creatures into the graveyard without dealing damage are also excellent choices. Board wipes that change the rules of combat or remove indestructibility can render Smite the Deathless ineffective. Cards like Merciless Eviction or Winds of Abandon can prove to be powerful tools against decks that aim to utilize Smite the Deathless’s defensive capabilities.
Ultimately, adapting your game plan and incorporating diverse removal options can greatly improve your chances of overcoming the challenge posed by Smite the Deathless. By including answers to indestructible creatures, players can prepare their decks to tackle the hurdles this card presents in gameplay, ensuring their victory conditions remain within reach.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Smite the Deathless MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Smite the Deathless 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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Printings
The Smite the Deathless Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Alexander Mokhov.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 148 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Alexander Mokhov | |
| 2 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 599 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Alexander Mokhov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Smite the Deathless has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Smite the Deathless card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-06-16 | If Smite the Deathless doesn't deal damage to the target creature (perhaps because that damage was prevented), the additional effects will still apply. It will still lose indestructible, and it will be exiled instead of dying that turn. |
| 2023-06-16 | The damaged creature will be exiled if it would die for any reason that turn, not just if it dies due to damage from Smite the Deathless. |
| 2023-06-16 | You can target a creature that doesn't have indestructible with Smite the Deathless. It will still be exiled if it would die this turn. |