Abrupt Decay MTG Card


It provides instant-speed interaction, enabling strategic play at key moments in the game. Uncounterable nature ensures reliability against decks that rely heavily on counter magic. Vital in formats with low-cost permanents, complementing a variety of deck types and strategies.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Text of card

Abrupt Decay can't be countered by spells or abilities. Destroy target nonland permanent with converted mana cost 3 or less.

The Izzet quickly suspended their policy of lifetime guarantees.


Cards like Abrupt Decay

Abrupt Decay is a powerhouse in Magic: The Gathering with its targeted nonland permanent removal capabilities. A direct counterpart is Assassin’s Trophy, which provides broader removal at the expense of giving the opponent a basic land. Abrupt Decay, by contrast, boasts an uncounterable clause that is pivotal in competitive play, pushing through critical destruction even in a counter-heavy meta.

Another relative in this removal suite is Dreadbore, which harbors the ability to destroy a creature or planeswalker. However, the distinct advantage of Abrupt Decay lies in its instant speed, allowing reactive play that Dreadbore, being a sorcery, simply cannot match. Furthermore, the aforementioned immunity to counterspells can be decisive compared to other removal spells.

Considering the environment, Anguished Unmaking also shares the stage with its exile effect, but at the cost of 3 life and the risk of being countered. The lack of life payment and the cant-be-countered feature make Abrupt Decay a more attractive choice for decks not concerned with exiling or nonland permanents with higher converted mana costs.

Thus, within the realm of targeted removal spells in Magic: The Gathering, Abrupt Decay stands out with its unique set of advantages that are perfectly suited for a strategy requiring stealthy and guaranteed elimination.

Assassin's Trophy - MTG Card versions
Dreadbore - MTG Card versions
Anguished Unmaking - MTG Card versions
Assassin's Trophy - MTG Card versions
Dreadbore - MTG Card versions
Anguished Unmaking - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Abrupt Decay by color, type and mana cost

Assassin's Trophy - MTG Card versions
Grisly Salvage - MTG Card versions
Rushed Rebirth - MTG Card versions
Golgari Charm - MTG Card versions
Tend the Pests - MTG Card versions
Infuse with Vitality - MTG Card versions
Tear Asunder - MTG Card versions
Assassin's Trophy - MTG Card versions
Grisly Salvage - MTG Card versions
Rushed Rebirth - MTG Card versions
Golgari Charm - MTG Card versions
Tend the Pests - MTG Card versions
Infuse with Vitality - MTG Card versions
Tear Asunder - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Abrupt Decay. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Niv to LightNiv to Light PioneerNiv to LightPioneer League 2024-04-30
Jund ScapeshiftJund Scapeshift PioneerJund ScapeshiftPioneer Challenge 64 2024-05-05
Jund MidrangeJund Midrange PioneerJund MidrangePioneer League 2024-05-06
Golgari ScapeshiftGolgari Scapeshift PioneerGolgari ScapeshiftPioneer Challenge 32 2024-05-05
Sultai MidrangeSultai Midrange VintageSultai MidrangeVintage Challenge 32 2024-05-03

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Abrupt Decay stands out when it comes to dismantling opposing strategies without losing card value. It directly eliminates key nonland permanents, effectively managing the on-board resources and tilting the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: This card won’t directly accelerate your resources, but by disrupting your opponent’s board development efficiently, it enables you to maintain or even gain a tempo advantage, thereby indirectly contributing to your resource advancement.

Instant Speed: One of Abrupt Decay’s significant strengths is its instant speed, allowing flexible gameplay. You can strategically remove threats during your opponent’s turn or in response to an action, keeping your mana open for opportunities until it’s absolutely necessary to act.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Abrupt Decay doesn’t require discarding as an additional cost, having it in your hand without the opportunity to cast it due to mana restrictions can feel like a card disadvantage, potentially impacting your gameplay strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Abrupt Decay requires both black and green mana, which can be a hurdle in decks that aren’t optimized for a dual-color mana base or those that run three or more colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a converted mana cost of two, it’s debatable whether this is high, but there are other removal options like Fatal Push that can be more mana-efficient in certain decks and situations.


Reasons to Include Abrupt Decay in Your Collection

Versatility: Abrupt Decay is a multi-format staple that can seamlessly slot into a variety of decks, be it in Modern, Legacy, or Commander. Its ability to unconditionally destroy any nonland permanent with a mana value of 3 or less makes it a flexible removal option against a wide range of threats.

Combo Potential: While not a combo piece itself, Abrupt Decay excels in disrupting opponents’ combos and synergies. It can take out key pieces like small creatures, enchantments, and artifacts without the risk of being countered, leaving the opposition vulnerable.

Meta-Relevance: The shifting meta often sees the rise of aggressive low-cost permanents and critical utility cards that can be knocked out by Abrupt Decay. Its presence in your collection ensures you have a tool to adapt to these meta changes and maintain your competitive edge.


How to Beat

Abrupt Decay is a versatile removal tool in Magic: The Gathering, capable of dealing with nonland permanents that cost three or less. This card challenges players to adapt their strategies due to its uncounterability and low casting cost. To effectively counteract the advantages of Abrupt Decay, it is imperative to include high-impact cards with mana value above three in your deck.

Consider incorporating resilient threats that can either regenerate or have indelible effects upon entering or leaving the battlefield. Another approach involves leveraging instant-speed spells or abilities that can protect or buff your permanents at critical moments, rendering Abrupt Decay ineffective. Cards with hexproof or shroud also provide a solid defense by preventing Abrupt Decay from targeting them altogether.

Ultimately, understanding your opponent’s potential to cast Abrupt Decay and planning your plays to mitigate its efficiency can be as crucial as the cards you choose for your deck. Proper timing and threat evaluation are key to overcoming the challenge posed by this formidable card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delve into the intricacies of MTG deck building with the versatile card, Abrupt Decay. This staple is a must-have for dismantling your opponent’s strategy with its uncounterable removal. Steady your deck’s tempo and outmaneuver rivals by including this powerful tool in your collection. By understanding its pros, cons, and key comparisons, you’ll finesse your approach to matches, securing the upper hand in crucial moments. Engage with our deep dive into Abrupt Decay and assimilate tactics to counteract it, ensuring you’re fully equipped for MTG’s challenging duels. Advance your deck and gameplay with us. Dive deeper into the realm of strategic plays and elevate your MTG experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Abrupt Decay MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Return to Ravnica, 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 Abrupt Decay and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Abrupt Decay Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2012-10-05 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 596812015NormalBlackSeb McKinnon
22012-10-05Return to RavnicaRTR 1412003NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
32017-03-17Modern Masters 2017MM3 1462015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
42018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 572015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
52020-09-26The ListPLST GK1-572015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
62021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 3701997NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
72024-04-19Breaking NewsOTP 342015NormalBorderlessSean Murray

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Abrupt Decay has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-03-19 A spell or ability that counters spells can still target Abrupt Decay. When that spell or ability resolves, Abrupt Decay won't be countered, but any additional effects of the countering spell or ability will still happen.
2021-03-19 If a permanent has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0.
2021-03-19 The mana value of a token that isn't a copy of another object is 0. A token that is a copy of another object has the same mana cost as that object.