Spectacular Showdown MTG Card


Draw extra cards to maintain hand size, allowing for strategic plays over several turns. Gain immediate mana surge for casting threats or activating game-changing abilities. Cast at instant speed to disrupt opponent’s plans and maintain momentum.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeSorcery
Abilities Goad,Overload

Text of card

Put a double strike counter on target creature, then goad each creature that had a double strike counter put on it this way. Overload


Cards like Spectacular Showdown

Spectacular Showdown is an intriguing new card for player arsenals, closely associated with spells that manipulate creature power, such as Massive Might. Like Spectacular Showdown, Massive Might provides an instantaneous power boost which can be a game-changer during combat. However, Spectacular Showdown uniquely allows the boost to be spread across multiple creatures instead of just one, diversifying its impact.

Another card to consider is Titanic Growth, which offers a more notable single-target power increase, but lacks the flexibility of affecting numerous creatures. The adaptability of Spectacular Showdown in affecting an army makes it stand out. Then there’s Invigorated Rampage, weighing in as a slightly less powerful but more versatile option. It grants the bonus of trample, in addition to powering up one or two creatures.

When pitted against its counterparts, Spectacular Showdown shines in scenarios where bolstering a fleet of creatures is crucial. Its unique selling point is the orchestration of a wide-reaching showdown in a single, potent spell, elevating it as a solid choice in tactical MTG gameplay to turn the tides of battle in your favor.

Massive Might - MTG Card versions
Titanic Growth - MTG Card versions
Invigorated Rampage - MTG Card versions
Massive Might - MTG Card versions
Titanic Growth - MTG Card versions
Invigorated Rampage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Spectacular Showdown by color, type and mana cost

Scent of Cinder - MTG Card versions
Spitting Earth - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Hammer - MTG Card versions
Rolling Thunder - MTG Card versions
Fanning the Flames - MTG Card versions
Strategy, Schmategy - MTG Card versions
Disorder - MTG Card versions
Fit of Rage - MTG Card versions
Warrior's Oath - MTG Card versions
Last Chance - MTG Card versions
Tribal Flames - MTG Card versions
Breath of Darigaaz - MTG Card versions
Lava Blister - MTG Card versions
Pyroclasm - MTG Card versions
Incendiary Flow - MTG Card versions
Embereth Shieldbreaker // Battle Display - MTG Card versions
Nahiri's Lithoforming - MTG Card versions
Mizzium Mortars - MTG Card versions
Burning Wish - MTG Card versions
Recoup - MTG Card versions
Scent of Cinder - MTG Card versions
Spitting Earth - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Hammer - MTG Card versions
Rolling Thunder - MTG Card versions
Fanning the Flames - MTG Card versions
Strategy, Schmategy - MTG Card versions
Disorder - MTG Card versions
Fit of Rage - MTG Card versions
Warrior's Oath - MTG Card versions
Last Chance - MTG Card versions
Tribal Flames - MTG Card versions
Breath of Darigaaz - MTG Card versions
Lava Blister - MTG Card versions
Pyroclasm - MTG Card versions
Incendiary Flow - MTG Card versions
Embereth Shieldbreaker // Battle Display - MTG Card versions
Nahiri's Lithoforming - MTG Card versions
Mizzium Mortars - MTG Card versions
Burning Wish - MTG Card versions
Recoup - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Spectacular Showdown provides an edge by potentially drawing multiple cards upon casting. This ensures that your hand remains full, empowering you to outmaneuver your opponent across multiple turns.

Resource Acceleration: The ability of this card to unlock mana can be a game-changer, offering an immediate surge in resources. This acceleration can be pivotal for casting larger threats or activating abilities that put you ahead in the race for board dominance.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Spectacular Showdown at instant speed cannot be overstated. It allows for strategic plays in response to your opponent’s actions, keeping them guessing and disrupting their planned sequences. Being able to interact during their turn gives you an upper hand, as you can adapt to the state of the game without sacrificing your turn’s momentum.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Spectacular Showdown introduces a drawback by asking players to discard a card to unleash its full potential. When your hand is already running low, this can be a particularly steep price to pay, possibly leaving you at a disadvantage in terms of card advantage against your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s rooted in a single color identity, this card demands a solid commitment to that color within your deck’s mana base. Players running multicolored decks might find it challenging to consistently meet the color-specific mana requirements, thus limiting its inclusion to more color-focused strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost to cast Spectacular Showdown is relatively high, which may delay your game plan. Considering this, the trade-off for such an impactful effect might not always align with faster-paced decks or those seeking to maintain tempo. While powerful, the card could potentially be outshone by lower-cost alternatives or options that offer more immediate and flexible responses to the state of the game.


Reasons to Include Spectacular Showdown in Your Collection

Versatility: Spectacular Showdown provides a unique flexibility that allows players to turn the tide of a game. It’s a perfect addition to decks that thrive on strategic combat and timing, enabling dramatic shifts in board state.

Combo Potential: This card creates opportunities for game-winning combos, synergizing with cards that benefit from multicolored spell casts or combat phase tricks. Its potential in combo-centric decks is considerable.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capability to upset stalemates or break through the defenses of control-oriented decks, Spectacular Showdown is relevant in a variety of metagames. It can act as both a trump card and a formidable enabler, making it essential for competitive play.


How to beat

Spectacular Showdown is a unique card that can turn the tide of any battle in Magic: The Gathering. When faced with this powerful enchantment, it’s important to have a strategy in place. One effective approach is to employ instant-speed removal that can dismantle the card before its effects become overwhelming. Having counter spells ready can also be crucial in preventing Spectacular Showdown from hitting the battlefield altogether.

Additionally, strategies involving graveyard hate can mitigate the recurring threats that Spectacular Showdown may attempt to leverage. Cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void can ensure that creatures don’t make an encore performance once they’ve been dealt with. Another line of play is to use indestructible or hexproof creatures, making it difficult for your opponent to exploit the card’s symmetrical effects to their advantage.

Recall that versatility is key in these encounters. Be prepared to adjust your answers dynamically, as Spectacular Showdown can create unpredictable scenarios. Flexibility and a well-rounded counter strategy will ensure that you maintain control of the game, regardless of the surprises your opponent may have in store with this potent card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the art of MTG can be as exhilarating as it is challenging, and the addition of Spectacular Showdown to your deck can be a game-changing decision. With its potential to dramatically alter the battlefield and its place in strategic combat play, it demands consideration for inclusion in your arsenal. Ready to make your opponents rue the day they stood across the table from you? Delve even deeper into the strategic possibilities that Spectacular Showdown offers. Join our community, and together, we’ll uncover the intricacies to turn every match into a memorable victory. Explore with us, and reign supreme in your next MTG duel.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Spectacular Showdown MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate and Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate, 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 Spectacular Showdown and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Spectacular Showdown Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-06-10 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 6342015NormalBlackMichal Ivan
22022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 6792015NormalBlackMichal Ivan
32024-02-09Murders at Karlov Manor CommanderMKC 1622015NormalBlackAniekan Udofia

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Spectacular Showdown has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-06-10 Because a spell with overload doesn't target when its overload cost is paid, it may affect permanents with hexproof or with protection from the appropriate color.
2022-06-10 Casting a spell with overload doesn't change that spell's mana cost. You just pay the overload cost instead.
2022-06-10 Effects that cause you to pay more or less for a spell will cause you to pay that much more or less while casting it for its overload cost, too.
2022-06-10 If you are instructed to cast a spell with overload “without paying its mana cost,” you can't choose to pay its overload cost instead.
2022-06-10 If you don't pay the overload cost of a spell, that spell will have a single target. If you pay the overload cost, the spell won't have any targets.
2022-06-10 Overload doesn't change when you can cast the spell.