Undercity Upheaval MTG Card
2023-05-12 - Number 75
2023-05-12 - Number 25
2023-05-12 - Number 125
2023-05-12 - Number 205
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Abilities | Undergrowth |
Text of card
Undergrowth — Distribute X +1/+1 counters among any number of target creatures you control, where X is the number of creature cards in your graveyard as you cast this spell. Creatures you control gain vigilance until end of turn.
Cards like Undercity Upheaval
Undercity Upheaval is an intriguing piece in the puzzle of efficient board control tools available to players. Its most direct parallel is found in cards like Damnation, which famously resets the playfield with its universal destruction of all creatures. Where Undercity Upheaval diverges is in its potential for selectivity, offering a tactical advantage in situations where retaining some creatures on the board is beneficial.
Looking deeper into MTG’s strategic card pool, Gaze of Granite emerges as another relative, but with a customizable impact. It allows destruction of nonland permanents with a converted mana cost of ‘X’ or less. Conceptually similar, Undercity Upheaval grants more flexibility by affecting the board based on a creature’s power. Meanwhile, cards like Mutilate also provide board-wiping capabilities scaled to the number of Swamps controlled, a different metric of control centered around land count.
From a strategic standpoint, Undercity Upheaval carves out its niche. It stands tall in comparison with its group-based destruction while offering unique gameplay options. Clever deck builders will recognize the card’s potential for tailored play, where consideration of creatures’ power on the board could turn the tide of the game.
Cards similar to Undercity Upheaval by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Undercity Upheaval offers a strategic advantage by allowing you to discard a card to potentially draw a card, which could be a higher value card or exactly what you need to shift the tide of the game in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: This card is a boon for those looking to ramp up their resources quickly. With an ability that potentially adds more graveyard fuel, it can set you up for powerful plays earlier than expected, especially in decks that thrive on or benefit from having a packed graveyard.
Instant Speed: The real edge of Undercity Upheaval is its instant speed. This allows you to wait for the most opportune moment to use it, perhaps in response to an opponent’s actions, or at the end of their turn to maximize your options and adaptability during your own turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Undercity Upheaval calls for a card to be discarded when you cast it. If your hand is already dwindling, further reducing your options can put you at a significant disadvantage, disrupting your game plan.
Specific Mana Cost: With a requirement for black mana, Undercity Upheaval might not fit into every deck. Players running multicolored decks might find it challenging to consistently have access to the necessary black mana without affecting their mana base’s stability.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering Undercity Upheaval’s mana cost, the impact on the battlefield might not match up with its resource demand. Other spells in your arsenal might deliver a similar or greater effect for less, leaving more room for further plays and better mana efficiency.
Reasons to Include Undercity Upheaval in Your Collection
Versatility: Undercity Upheaval offers a flexible removal option suitable for a variety of deck builds. Whether you’re playing a control deck seeking efficient board wipes or aggro decks aiming to clear the path for your creatures, this card adapts to multiple strategies.
Combo Potential: This card has clear synergy in decks that thrive on creature sacrifice for value. Its potential to combo with death-triggered abilities or as a setup for a larger graveyard-based strategy can be a game-changer.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-heavy decks dominate, Undercity Upheaval can serve as a critical reset button. Its ability to disrupt the opponents’ board while potentially leaving your strategic assets untouched makes it a tactical asset in the current meta.
How to beat Undercity Upheaval
Undercity Upheaval introduces an intriguing dynamic to the battlefield of Magic: The Gathering. This card possesses the potential to disrupt creature-heavy strategies and turn the tide of a game. To effectively navigate and counter this capacity for disruption, players should focus on diversifying their threats. Including cards in your deck that can benefit from creatures being sent to the graveyard or those that are not impacted by such board wipes becomes crucial.
Implementing graveyard recursion tactics is one wise approach to outmaneuver Undercity Upheaval. Utilizing cards that can bring creatures back from the graveyard gives you resilience against removal effects. Additionally, capitalizing on instant speed spells that can protect or regenerate your key creatures also provides a buffer against the upheaval’s impact. Investing in non-creature permanents like enchantments, artifacts, or planeswalkers can further ensure your game plan isn’t wholly derailed by Undercity Upheaval.
By strategically sculpting your deck and playstyle to anticipate and adapt to powerful board clears, Undercity Upheaval becomes less daunting. Your in-game choices and deckbuilding acumen are critical in turning potential losses into game-winning moments even in the face of sweeping disruption.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Undercity Upheaval MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine: The Aftermath and March of the Machine: The Aftermath, 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 Undercity Upheaval and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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- MTG Mint Card
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Printings
The Undercity Upheaval Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-05-12 and 2023-05-12. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-05-12 | March of the Machine: The Aftermath | MAT | 75 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Julie Dillon | |
| 2 | 2023-05-12 | March of the Machine: The Aftermath | MAT | 25 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Grady Frederick | |
| 3 | 2023-05-12 | March of the Machine: The Aftermath | MAT | 125 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Grady Frederick | |
| 4 | 2023-05-12 | March of the Machine: The Aftermath | MAT | 205 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Julie Dillon |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Undercity Upheaval 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 |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Undercity Upheaval card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-05-12 | If all of Undercity Upheaval's targets are illegal at the time the spell tries to resolve, it won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. Creatures you control won't gain vigilance. |
| 2023-05-12 | If some of the creatures are illegal targets as Undercity Upheaval tries to resolve, the original distribution of counters still applies and the counters that would have been put on the illegal targets are lost. They won't be put instead on a legal target. |
| 2023-05-12 | You choose how many targets Undercity Upheaval has and how the counters will be distributed as you cast the spell. Each target must receive at least one counter. |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.