Divine Reckoning MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeSorcery
Abilities Flashback

Key Takeaways

  1. Generates card advantage by selectively culling creatures, maintaining board control with your key creature.
  2. Resource gains through virtual acceleration tip the scales by keeping your most valuable creature in play.
  3. The Flashback ability grants an unexpected second round of control, simulating instant speed for strategic plays.

Text of card

Each player chooses a creature he or she controls. Destroy the rest. Flashback (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Survival of the purest.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Divine Reckoning forces each player to choose a creature to keep, this can lead to significant card advantage as it potentially clears the board of multiple threats, leaving you with a chosen key creature to continue your strategy.

Resource Acceleration: Divine Reckoning’s powerful board-clearing effect sets opponents back on resources, giving you a virtual acceleration as you may retain your most valuable creature while opponents potentially lose multiple resources. This discrepancy can speed up your game plan relative to your opponent’s.

Instant Speed: Although Divine Reckoning is a sorcery, its Flashback ability gives it an extra layer of utility. You can play it from the graveyard at a time that’s most advantageous to you, effectively acting as an instant on the second use and surprising opponents not expecting a second wave of creature selection.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Divine Reckoning doesn’t force a discard directly, its single-target approach to board wipes might necessitate discarding other removal cards you’re holding back, since they become less valuable when you’re planning to clear the board with just one spell.

Specific Mana Cost: Divine Reckoning requires white mana – two white specifically – which can be restrictive for multicolored decks that aren’t heavily weighted toward white mana or those that struggle with color fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of four, including two white mana, Divine Reckoning can be costly compared to other board wipe options. Considering this mana investment, players might opt for more comprehensive board-clearing spells available in the game that affect all creatures for a similar, or even lower, mana cost.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Divine Reckoning stands out as a flexible sweeper that allows players to keep their most valuable creature. This adaptability makes it a strong addition to various deck types, particularly ones that hinge on powerful, single creatures.

Combo Potential: This card works seamlessly with abilities that trigger upon creatures dying or with those benefiting from controlled creature sacrifice. Its selective nature also allows for combinations that take advantage of having key creatures remain untouched during mass removal events.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies dominate, Divine Reckoning can swing games by resetting crowded battlefields while preserving your ace. It’s especially relevant when the board is cluttered with many creatures, making it a prudent choice against swarm decks.


How to beat

Confronting Divine Reckoning on the battlefield demands a strategic approach. This powerful board-wiping spell allows each player to select a single creature they control to survive the sweep. Understanding the selective nature of this card is crucial, as it can pivot the game in your favor if navigated wisely. The key is to establish a board presence with creatures that offer value even in singular form or have abilities that trigger when they die. Having a repertoire of indestructible or regenerative creatures can also diminish the impact of Divine Reckoning.

Another tack is to utilize cards that can counteract this spell’s effects. Counterspells are your best defense, neutralizing Divine Reckoning before it can resolve. Moreover, employing instant-speed spells or abilities that can save or regenerate your most valuable creatures just as Divine Reckoning is cast can be a game-changer. Lastly, remember that post-sweep is an ideal time to deploy creatures, as your opponent’s defenses will likely be down, setting the stage for you to take command of the game.

In essence, outplaying Divine Reckoning involves a careful build-up of resilient creatures, a well-timed counterspell, or a strategic follow-up play, positioning you to recover quickly and gain the upper hand.


BurnMana Recommendations

Wrapping up our deep dive into Divine Reckoning, it’s clear that this card can be a pivotal addition to your MTG arsenal. Whether it’s wresting control of a cluttered battlefield or meticulously choosing which creature will carry your strategy forward, Divine Reckoning offers both subtlety and raw power. Its singularity in preserving board presence while turning the tides cannot be overstated. For players looking to refine their decks with strategic board wipes or those aiming to counter swarming tactics, incorporating this card is a smart move. Elevate your game by mastering Divine Reckoning and other strategic MTG treasures. Continue your journey to deck-building excellence with us.


Cards like Divine Reckoning

Divine Reckoning stands out in the realm of board-wiping spells in Magic The Gathering. It bears similarity to the acclaimed Day of Judgment, as both cards clear the battlefield of creatures. Yet, Divine Reckoning allows each player to preserve their key piece on the board, providing a unique strategic advantage not present in Day of Judgment’s full sweep. This selective preservation can be crucial, depending on the board state and creatures in play.

Terminus is another comparable card that can conditionally alter the game with its Miracle cost. Like Divine Reckoning, when the conditions are optimal, Terminus can be a game-changer but acts differently by sending creatures to the bottom of the library rather than destroying them. This bypasses indestructibility and regeneration, giving it a distinctive edge in certain scenarios.

Wrath of God is an iconic staple in MTG history, known for its absolute creature removal without regeneration. While Divine Reckoning also leads to significant creature destruction, the option for each player to salvage a creature opens doors for strategies that Wrath of God would otherwise close, making it an excellent choice for decks looking to maintain board presence.

Day of Judgment - MTG Card versions
Terminus - MTG Card versions
Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Day of Judgment - Zendikar (ZEN)
Terminus - Avacyn Restored (AVR)
Wrath of God - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)

Cards similar to Divine Reckoning by color, type and mana cost

Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Armageddon - MTG Card versions
Resurrection - MTG Card versions
Cleanse - MTG Card versions
Breath of Life - MTG Card versions
Path of Peace - MTG Card versions
Vengeance - MTG Card versions
False Defeat - MTG Card versions
Ravages of War - MTG Card versions
Replenish - MTG Card versions
Gerrard's Wisdom - MTG Card versions
Decree of Justice - MTG Card versions
Presence of the Wise - MTG Card versions
Divine Congregation - MTG Card versions
Retether - MTG Card versions
Windborne Charge - MTG Card versions
Day of Judgment - MTG Card versions
Excoriate - MTG Card versions
Battle Screech - MTG Card versions
Cataclysm - MTG Card versions
Wrath of God - Commander Masters (CMM)
Armageddon - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Resurrection - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Cleanse - Legends (LEG)
Breath of Life - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Path of Peace - Portal (POR)
Vengeance - Eighth Edition (8ED)
False Defeat - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
Ravages of War - Fallout (PIP)
Replenish - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Gerrard's Wisdom - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Decree of Justice - Jumpstart 2022 (J22)
Presence of the Wise - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)
Divine Congregation - Time Spiral (TSP)
Retether - Planar Chaos (PLC)
Windborne Charge - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Day of Judgment - Strixhaven Mystical Archive (STA)
Excoriate - The List (PLST)
Battle Screech - Commander Masters (CMM)
Cataclysm - From the Vault: Annihilation (V14)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Divine Reckoning MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad and Commander 2017, 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 Divine Reckoning and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Divine Reckoning Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2011-09-30 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Greg Staples.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-09-30InnistradISD 102003normalblackGreg Staples
22017-08-25Commander 2017C17 592015normalblackGreg Staples
32019-08-23Commander 2019C19 622015normalblackGreg Staples
42023-03-21Shadows of the PastSIS 42015normalblackGreg Staples

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Divine Reckoning has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2011-09-22 Starting with the player whose turn it is, each player chooses a creature in turn order. Players will know the choice of each player who chose before them.

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