Cleanse MTG Card


Cleanse is a powerful card for targeting black creature-heavy strategies, providing a robust counterplay. Utilizing Cleanse requires awareness of the meta, knowing when it can have the most profound impact. In addition to its board clearing ability, Cleanse adds a psychological edge, making opponents wary.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

All black creatures in play are destroyed.

The clouds broke and the sun's rays burst forth; each foul beast in its turn faltered, and was gone.


Cards like Cleanse

Cleanse in Magic: The Gathering belongs to the unique niche of mass removal spells. It draws certain parallels with Wrath of God, which removes all creatures from the battlefield but does not differentiate based on color, as Cleanse does with its ability to clear the board of all black creatures.

Another comparable spell is Cleansing Nova, a more versatile card which, beyond creature extermination, also empowers you with the option to destroy all artifacts and enchantments. The spell, however, is color indiscriminate and works at a broader level.

Day of Judgement, similar to Cleanse, eradicates all creatures but completely misses black color targeting. Its cost is slightly reduced, contributing both advantages and disadvantages to the game.

Reviewing these alternatives, Cleanse holds its ground with color targeting ability making it particularly useful in games that heavily feature black creatures. Despite the presence of mass removal spells, Cleanse’s specific color focus sets it apart in Magic: The Gathering.

Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Cleansing Nova - MTG Card versions
Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Cleansing Nova - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Cleanse by color, type and mana cost

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Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Armageddon - MTG Card versions
Resurrection - 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
Day of Judgment - MTG Card versions
Presence of the Wise - MTG Card versions
Divine Congregation - MTG Card versions
Retether - MTG Card versions
Windborne Charge - MTG Card versions
Excoriate - MTG Card versions
Battle Screech - MTG Card versions
Cataclysm - MTG Card versions
Great Teacher's Decree - MTG Card versions
 

Benefits of Playing Cleanse

Card Advantage: Cleanse inherently does not grant direct card advantage. However, played smartly at the right moment, it can set your opponent back several cards. The card disproportionately affects multicolored decks and creates a card advantage in mismatched battles.

Resource Acceleration: The savvy use of Cleanse offers a resource acceleration in terms of nullifying potential threats from your opponent’s side. Though it doesn’t directly influence the mana pool, it helps conserve your mana that would otherwise be spent tackling multicolored threats.

Instant Speed: Cleanse is a sorcery speed card which implies that it needs the main phase to be cast. However, its impact can be equivalent to playing an instant card when used strategically, decimating your opponent’s momentum by wiping out a variety of multicolored creatures in a single stroke.


Cons of Cleanse MTG

Discard Requirement: Cleanse doesn’t require you to discard a card to play it, however, it may potentially lead to the depletion of white mana cards in your deck. Managing your resources wisely while anticipating a Cleanse play is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: Cleanse has a specific mana cost, requiring three white mana. Therefore, it may not fit into all deck archetypes, as it necessarily constraints your deck to include sufficient white mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its powerful effect of destroying all black creatures, its comparatively high mana cost of four; three of which must be white, can be a substantial requirement, especially in the early-to-mid game stages. There might be other cards that could deliver comparable effects for less Mana investment.


Reasons to Include Cleanse in Your Collection

Versatility: Cleanse, a classic card from the Legends set, can be adaptable in different gaming scenarios due to its capability to destroy all green creatures. It can greatly adapt to diverse deck structures and strategies focusing on white color spells or control mechanisms.

Combo Potential: With a suitable mix of cards, Cleanse can lead to destructive combos. Coupled with cards that force opponents to play green creatures, Cleanse can dramatically alter the game, making it an asset in decks targeting specific creature types or colors.

Meta-Relevance: While Cleanse’s relevance varies as meta shifts, its ability to unequivocally eliminate all green creatures could be a decisive advantage in contexts where green creature-heavy decks dominate. Ultimately, owning Cleanse provides a strategic edge in confrontations against green creature-centric strategies.


Similar Cards

Cleanse in Magic: The Gathering belongs to the unique niche of mass removal spells. It draws certain parallels with Wrath of God, which removes all creatures from the battlefield but does not differentiate based on color, as Cleanse does with its ability to clear the board of all black creatures.

Another comparable spell is Cleansing Nova, a more versatile card which, beyond creature extermination, also empowers you with the option to destroy all artifacts and enchantments. The spell, however, is color indiscriminate and works at a broader level.

Day of Judgement, similar to Cleanse, eradicates all creatures but completely misses black color targeting. Its cost is slightly reduced, contributing both advantages and disadvantages to the game.

Reviewing these alternatives, Cleanse holds its ground with color targeting ability making it particularly useful in games that heavily feature black creatures. Despite the presence of mass removal spells, Cleanse’s specific color focus sets it apart in Magic: The Gathering.


How to Beat Cleanse

Cleanse, a powerful sorcery from MTG, has the ability to destroy all green creatures, casting a widespread impact on the battlefield. As with all cards, there are ways to counter its potentially devastating effect.

One effective method is utilizing spells that cancel sorcery spells. Use Counterspell or Dispel, which can counter Cleanse before it makes contact. These are blue spells that have the effect of nullifying sorcery or instant spells. Therefore, keeping them ready when your opponent plays Cleanse could save your green creatures from destruction.

An alternative is to make your creatures indestructible or give them protection from white using spells like Lazotep Plating or Selfless Spirit. This can prevent the damaging effect of Cleanse on your creatures.

Finally, remember that Cleanse affects all green creatures on the battlefield. This means it can potentially destroy the opponent’s green creatures too if they have any. So, timing the activation of your preventative measures is key. Wait for them to also suffer the consequences of Cleanse before protecting your creatures, making your opponent regret their choice.

Understanding these strategies can give you the upper hand, helping you turn the tide of battle, even in the face of such a potent card like Cleanse in MTG.


Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the rich landscapes of Magic the Gathering requires strategy, insight, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re planning your next big win or fine-tuning your deck for maximum impact, there’s always room to elevate your game. As you continue to delve into the MTG universe, remember that it’s not just about the single triumphs but the continuous journey towards mastery. We invite you to keep exploring this fascinating world, discovering new techniques, and unearthing valuable cards to ensure your next match is more than just a game, but a Big Score. Ready to level up your play? Join us to learn more and become the ultimate MTG champion.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cleanse MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Masters Edition III, 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 Cleanse and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Cleanse Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Phil Foglio.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11994-06-01LegendsLEG 51993NormalBlackPhil Foglio
22009-09-07Masters Edition IIIME3 51997NormalBlackPhil Foglio

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cleanse has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderBanned
LegacyBanned
OathbreakerBanned
VintageBanned
DuelLegal
PredhBanned