Taken by Nightmares MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Scry |
| Released | 2023-09-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Wilds of Eldraine |
| Set code | WOE |
| Number | 112 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Artur Treffner |
Text of card
Exile target creature. If you control an enchantment, scry 2.
Dying in your sleep is never peaceful when Ashiok is involved.
Cards like Taken by Nightmares
Taken by Nightmares is a distinctive piece in the panorama of control spells in Magic: The Gathering. It draws parallels with cards such as Thoughtseize, which allows players to glimpse their opponent’s hand and pluck out a nonland card. However, Taken by Nightmares goes a step further, exiling a creature or planeswalker card while also dishing out damage to the card’s controller based on its mana cost.
In a similar vein, we have Inquisition of Kozilek – another disruptive card that lets you look at an opponent’s hand and snatch a card with a cost of three or less. While it does not deal damage like Taken by Nightmares, its lower casting cost can make it a more accessible option early in the game. Then there’s Duress, which targets noncreature, nonland cards in an opponent’s hand. It’s an efficient way to disrupt strategies without spending much mana, although it doesn’t affect the battlefield directly as Taken by Nightmares does, with no removal or damage.
Assessing similar cards, Taken by Nightmares offers MTG players a potent combination of disruption and direct damage that can significantly set back an opponent’s strategy. Its specific targeting and damage component position it as a formidable choice in decks focused on resource denial and control.
Cards similar to Taken by Nightmares by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Taken by Nightmares. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rakdos Aggro | Pioneer | Peasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Taken by Nightmares shines by delving into your opponent’s deck and strategically snagging a spell. This not only boosts your hand with additional options but also disrupts their strategic plans, giving you an upper hand.
Resource Acceleration: On top of nabbing a spell, you also set a nightmare token on the field. This token is a ticking time bomb for your adversary, potentially accelerating your board presence and pressuring their resources.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Taken by Nightmares at instant speed provides flexibility in your play. Respond swiftly to threats or wait until your opponent is unguarded, all while keeping up the tempo and saving mana for the perfect moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Taken by Nightmares requires discarding a card as an additional cost to cast it. While this can fuel graveyard synergies, it may be a setback when your hand is already depleted, forcing you to give up crucial resources.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost includes two black mana, which might restrict its inclusion in multi-colored decks. Decks not heavily focused on black mana could struggle to meet the casting requirements at critical moments in a match.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a relatively steep cost of four mana, including two that are color-specific, there may be times when other lower-cost cards could create a similar impact without the discard stipulation. Players often weigh options that offer more flexibility with mana expenditure, especially in fast-paced games where every turn counts.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Taken by Nightmares is a card that seamlessly integrates into various deck archetypes, particularly those that thrive on disrupting opponent strategies and gaining card advantage.
Combo Potential: This card opens up possibilities for combos with cards that benefit from opponents discarding or cards being put into graveyards, amplifying its impact within a carefully constructed combo deck.
Meta-Relevance: In metagames where control and graveyard-based strategies are prevalent, Taken by Nightmares can become a key tool for gaining an edge over the competition by hindering opponent’s plans and maintaining card superiority.
How to Beat
Taken by Nightmares is a spell that poses a unique challenge for Magic: The Gathering players. This card can disrupt the flow of the game by targeting key creatures, often leaving opponents struggling for a rebound. Yet, like all powerful cards in MTG, there are strategies to mitigate its impact or even turn the tables.
Firstly, include cards in your deck that grant hexproof or shroud to your creatures as it prevents Taken by Nightmares from choosing them as targets. You should also consider diversifying your threats across different card types. Since Taken by Nightmares affects only creatures, having enchantments, artifacts, or planeswalkers as alternative win conditions can dilute its effectiveness. Moreover, instant-speed removals or sacrifice outlets allow you to benefit from a creature before it succumbs to the spell. Lastly, playing around the casting cost by pacing the deployment of your threats more carefully or using counter spells effectively can often negate the efficacy of Taken by Nightmares and keep your key pieces active and unharmed on the battlefield.
Understanding your opponent’s deck and predicting the appearance of such control cards can be as vital as the cards you play. A combination of tactical foresight and smart deckbuilding ensures that even a spell as disrupting as Taken by Nightmares won’t spell doom for your MTG game plan.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Taken by Nightmares MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine, 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 Taken by Nightmares 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 Taken by Nightmares has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |