Vandalize MTG Card

Vandalize gives a double edge by destroying two key targets, upsetting the opponent’s game plan. Strategic use of Vandalize can be game-changing despite its higher mana cost and sorcery speed. Having a counter strategy against Vandalize involves diversification and timely protective spells.

Dragons of Tarkir (DTK)
2015-03-27 - Number 165

Mystery Booster (MB1)
2019-11-07 - Number 1093

The List (PLST)
2020-09-26 - Number DTK-165

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Sorcery

Text of card

Choose one or both — • Destroy target artifact. • Destroy target land.

"As we have learned from Kolaghan, to ruin is to rule." —Shensu, Kolaghan rider

Cards like Vandalize

Vandalize undeniably has its unique place in the pantheon of destructive red spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to take out not one but two targets—specifically a land and an artifact—underscores its strategic value. This compares well with other artifact destruction cards like Shatter, which exclusively targets artifacts for a lower cost. Shatter doesn’t impact lands, marking a significant tactical difference between the two.

Comparatively, Demolish is another similar destruction card that offers flexibility like Vandalize. It can destroy either an artifact or a land at sorcery speed, providing destructive utility at the same cost. Still, Vandalize’s advantage comes from its lack of needing to choose between the two, as it offers both effects packaged in one. On the higher end of the mana curve, we have Decimate. Although Decimate is costlier, it broadens the scope of destruction by targeting an artifact, creature, enchantment, and a land, which can prove to be a massive swing in tempo within a game.

With its dual target ability, Vandalize performs reliably within MTG’s range of red destruction spells, cementing its tactical significance in decks that revolve around resource denial strategies.

Cards similar to Vandalize by color, type and mana cost

Explosive Revelation - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Vandalize is played, it takes down two of your opponent’s critical assets at once. This can significantly disrupt their board presence and potentially leave them scrambling to recover, putting you ahead in the game.

Resource Acceleration: While Vandalize itself doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, by targeting your opponent’s land, it can indirectly enhance your position. Slowing down your opponent can be just as crucial as speeding yourself up, and with the destruction of a potential mana source, Vandalize does just that.

Instant Speed: Vandalize operates at sorcery speed, meaning it does require a more strategic approach to timing. However, the impact this card has on the battlefield can justify the planning required, leading to a game-changing turn that can tilt the match in your favor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of Vandalize is the necessity to discard a card to activate its ability. This can lead to a decrease in your hand size, potentially causing you to lose out on critical plays later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Vandalize has a specific mana cost that requires red mana. This constraint makes it less flexible and generally only suitable for decks that can reliably produce red mana. It may not be the best choice for multicolored decks that have a more diverse mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating its cost-effectiveness, Vandalize carries a somewhat high mana cost for its destructive capabilities. Players might find this to be a shortfall, especially when there are alternative cards that provide similar effects at a lower mana cost, increasing the efficiency of deck performance.

Reasons to Include Vandalize in Your Collection

Versatility: Vandalize offers flexible utility, able to destroy not just one but two target lands or artifacts. It’s a solid choice for decks looking to disrupt land-based strategies or dismantle artifact combos.

Combo Potential: Beyond simply dismantling your opponents’ board, Vandalize can work within your own strategy. It can help trigger landfall abilities or other effects that capitalize on the destruction of permanents.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that’s heavy on artifact reliance or land-based ramp, Vandalize becomes an essential tool. It can tilt the balance in your favor by systematically removing key pieces from your opponent’s game plan.

How to beat

Vandalize is a disruptive force in any MTG match, capable of throwing a wrench into the best-laid plans. It allows players to destroy not one, but two targets, be it a land or an artifact. This versatility provides a significant tempo swing, making it a spell feared on the battlefield. With the loss of crucial mana sources or key artifacts, your game might take a serious hit.

However, there are strategies to combat Vandalize’s destructive power. For starters, diversifying your land base with non-basic lands can make it less impactful, as it targets only basic lands. Investment in instant-speed counterspells can neutralize it before it wreaks havoc, securing the safety of your valuable assets. Additionally, cards that grant hexproof or shroud to your permanents or that allow you to sacrifice them for a benefit can turn an opponent’s Vandalize into an opportunity for you.

Understanding the potential aftermath of Vandalize guides you to build resilience into your deck. Devising a plan to negate its effects relies on the timely use of protective spells, a diversified land portfolio, and the awareness to keep up sufficient mana for responses. Such tactics can transform this daunting obstacle into an advantage, allowing you to maintain control over the game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Vandalize MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir and Mystery Booster, 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 Vandalize and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Vandalize Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-03-27 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Ryan Barger.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2015-03-27	Dragons of Tarkir	DTK	165	2015	Normal	Black	Ryan Barger
2	2019-11-07	Mystery Booster	MB1	1093	2015	Normal	Black	Ryan Barger
3	~~2020-09-26~~	The List	PLST	DTK-165	2015	Normal	Black	Ryan Barger

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Vandalize has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Penny	Legal