Unburden MTG Card
2003-05-26 - Number 77
2017-04-28 - Number 114
2019-11-07 - Number 804
2020-08-13 - Number 131
2020-09-26 - Number AKH-114
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Abilities | Cycling |
Text of card
Target player discards two cards. Cycling (, Discard this card from your hand: Draw a card.)
Cabal initiates enter training full of hopes and fears. They graduate with neither.
Cards like Unburden
Unburden stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a tool for disrupting your opponent’s plans by compelling them to discard cards. Comparable to other discard effects such as Mind Rot, Unburden also causes a player to discard two cards. However, it has a cycling ability that sets it apart, giving players the option to trade it for a new card by paying a cycling cost. On the other hand, Mind Rot lacks this flexibility, offering only the base effect without additional options.
Moving along similar lines, Hymn to Tourach is a noteworthy comparison with its random discard aspect, which can sometimes have a more devastating effect on the opponent’s strategy than a choice discard. Although Hymn to Tourach doesn’t have cycling, it’s often considered a stronger option due to its potential to disrupt combinations or key cards accidentally. Then there’s Raiders’ Wake, which pushes discard strategies further by inflicting damage whenever an opponent discards a card, thereby enhancing the initial discard’s impact. Unburden doesn’t offer such a direct damage feature but provides the advantage of cycling for more situational flexibility.
In essence, when comparing the strategic implications and adaptability among discard-forcing spells, Unburden holds a valuable position within the choice for players who appreciate flexibility and the ability to adapt to the current game state.
Cards similar to Unburden by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Unburden. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Black Midrange | Pioneer | Mono-Black Discard | Peasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Unburden, as a strategic discard spell, often puts you ahead by disrupting your opponent’s hand while they lose two valuable cards. This can leave them struggling to maintain the momentum they need, granting you significant advantage.
Resource Acceleration: When cycled for its alternative cost, Unburden allows for the smoothing out of your mana curve, ensuring that you’re not left with dead cards in hand and paving the way for more streamlined gameplay.
Instant Speed: While Unburden itself is a sorcery, its cycling ability can be activated at instant speed. This flexibility lets you adapt to the fluid dynamics of the game, choosing the most opportune moment to either disrupt your opponent’s strategy or cycle for a new card, depending on your needs.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To cast Unburden, you have to discard a card, which can deplete your hand, especially if you’re relying on every card to strategize a win.
Specific Mana Cost: Unburden requires two black mana to play, making it a less versatile option for multicolored decks that may not have consistent access to black mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including two black, Unburden might be considered costly given that there are other spells in the format that disrupt an opponent’s hand for less mana.
Reasons to Include Unburden in Your Collection
Versatility: Unburden is a flexible card that can be used in various deck types, particularly in strategies that aim to disrupt the opponent’s hand. Its straightforward effect of causing an opponent to discard two cards can be a game-changer in any matchup.
Combo Potential: This card shows its strength when combined with other discard mechanics or when looking to capitalize on an opponent’s empty hand. In synergy with cards that benefit from opponent discards or graveyard size, Unburden can be a catalyst for powerful plays.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where hand size is critical, or against decks relying heavily on specific combos, Unburden can be an essential tool to hinder your opponent’s plans, maintaining pressure and giving you the upper hand in resource control.
How to Beat Unburden
Unburden is a nuanced spell in Magic: The Gathering that can disrupt an opponent’s hand by forcing them to discard two cards. It’s often compared to other discard spells like Mind Rot, which shares the dual discard effect without the potential to cycle. Unburden, however, offers flexibility with its cycling ability, allowing players to exchange it for a fresh card if it’s not immediately beneficial.
Similar discard options include Delirium Skeins, which affects all players and can be a double-edged sword, and Wrench Mind, whose artifact exception might reduce its efficiency. Hypnotic Specter provides a repeatable discard effect but requires a successful attack, adding a layer of strategy.
To effectively counter Unburden, players should consider keeping their hand size small or maintain a selection of low-impact cards to discard when targeted. Efficient use of resources and playing threats at an appropriate time minimizes Unburden’s impact. Additionally, cards with madness or other discard synergies can actually benefit from the spell, turning a potential setback into an advantage. Therefore, while Unburden can be potent, its impact can be mitigated with careful play and deck building strategies.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Unburden MTG card by a specific set like Scourge and Amonkhet, 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 Unburden 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
Printings
The Unburden Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2003-05-26 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-05-26 | Scourge | SCG | 77 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Wayne England | |
| 2 | 2017-04-28 | Amonkhet | AKH | 114 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 804 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 4 | 2020-08-13 | Amonkhet Remastered | AKR | 131 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | AKH-114 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Unburden has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Unburden card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-10-01 | Cycling is an activated ability. Effects that interact with activated abilities (such as Stifle or Rings of Brighthearth) will interact with cycling. Effects that interact with spells (such as Remove Soul or Faerie Tauntings) will not. |