Crippling Fear MTG Card


The card’s selectivity allows precise board state manipulation, enabling tailored creature conservation. Crippling Fear requires black mana commitment, potentially limiting its inclusion in diverse decks. Its tribal synergy and meta-relevance make it a formidable tool against creature-heavy opponents.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Choose a creature type. Creatures that aren't of the chosen type get -3/-3 until end of turn.

Panic spread like wildfire as the demons of Immersturm poured into Bretagard, slaughtering as they came.


Cards like Crippling Fear

Crippling Fear is an impactful spell in MTG that significantly alters the board state. Like Languish, it affects creatures on the battlefield with its -X/-X to all creatures except those of a chosen type, but Crippling Fear provides the option to choose the creature type that is spared. This strategic element is distinct from Languish’s across-the-board creature weakening.

In comparison, we look at Extinction Event, which also requires players to choose—odd or even converted mana costs—but lacks the tribal synergy that Crippling Fear offers. Extinction Event, however, can often be less restrictive on the player’s own creatures. Then there’s Toxic Deluge, offering a flexible life payment for the magnitude of its effect, yet without the tribal selectiveness found in Crippling Fear.

When evaluating control tools, Crippling Fear stands out for its ability to preserve tribal synergies while decimating the opponents’ forces. Its place among MTG’s board sweepers is defined by its unique blend of precision and power, offering an edge in creature-centric matchups.

Languish - MTG Card versions
Extinction Event - MTG Card versions
Toxic Deluge - MTG Card versions
Languish - MTG Card versions
Extinction Event - MTG Card versions
Toxic Deluge - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Crippling Fear by color, type and mana cost

Stench of Evil - MTG Card versions
Fatal Lore - MTG Card versions
Mind Warp - MTG Card versions
Final Strike - MTG Card versions
Persecute - MTG Card versions
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Reprocess - MTG Card versions
Befoul - MTG Card versions
Agonizing Memories - MTG Card versions
Mutilate - MTG Card versions
Extinction Event - MTG Card versions
Terisiare's Devastation - MTG Card versions
Zombify - MTG Card versions
Cranial Extraction - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Tutor - MTG Card versions
Aphetto Dredging - MTG Card versions
Memoricide - MTG Card versions
Massacre - MTG Card versions
All Hallow's Eve - MTG Card versions
Stench of Evil - MTG Card versions
Fatal Lore - MTG Card versions
Mind Warp - MTG Card versions
Final Strike - MTG Card versions
Persecute - MTG Card versions
Ancient Craving - MTG Card versions
Unmask - MTG Card versions
Reprocess - MTG Card versions
Befoul - MTG Card versions
Agonizing Memories - MTG Card versions
Mutilate - MTG Card versions
Extinction Event - MTG Card versions
Terisiare's Devastation - MTG Card versions
Zombify - MTG Card versions
Cranial Extraction - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Tutor - MTG Card versions
Aphetto Dredging - MTG Card versions
Memoricide - MTG Card versions
Massacre - MTG Card versions
All Hallow's Eve - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free formMO89#CS
Mono-Black ControlMono-Black Control GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Crippling Fear affords you the potential to sweep multiple creatures off the board in one fell swoop. This pivotal play can shift the balance of a game by decimating your opponent’s battlefield presence while carefully sparing your own creatures if you share fewer creature types.

Resource Acceleration: While Crippling Fear doesn’t directly generate mana or treasure tokens, its strategic use can hinder your opponent’s resource acceleration. By removing key creatures, you reduce their ability to ramp up their mana and maintain a robust offense or defense.

Instant Speed: Although Crippling Fear is a sorcery, it deserves a mention for its role in tempo plays. While it can’t be cast at instant speed, its impactful nature can be akin to a well-timed instant, disrupting your opponent’s plans during your turn and paving the way for a swift counterstrike.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Crippling Fear brings powerful board control, it does not come without its downsides. One notable drawback is that to cast it successfully, players often need to have specific cards in hand to tailor the fear effect, which might necessitate discarding valuable assets.

Specific Mana Cost: The card’s mana cost is exclusively black, requiring two black mana sources. This can be restrictive for multi-colored decks and those that don’t have a strong black mana base, potentially leading to timing issues or even the inability to cast the spell when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of three and two black mana symbols, Crippling Fear falls on the costlier side. Decks looking for a more efficient creature wipe may opt for alternatives that, while less targeted, demand less of a mana investment, leaving resources available for other strategies during crucial game turns.


Reasons to Include Crippling Fear in Your Collection

Versatility: Crippling Fear is adaptable to a variety of black-oriented control or midrange decks. Its ability to selectively target creatures for destruction allows you to craft the board state to your advantage while preserving your key creatures.

Combo Potential: This card has strong synergy with decks that capitalize on creature type themes or graveyard strategies. It can clear the way for your own onslaught or be used defensively to disrupt opposing creature-based combos.

Meta-Relevance: With creature-heavy decks often dominating the scene, Crippling Fear serves as a tailored response. It grants you the power to decisively tilt the scales in matches where creature control is paramount for maintaining dominance.


How to beat

Crippling Fear, a potent board wipe in MTG, challenges players with its flexibility in eliminating creatures of a specified type. When facing this card, it’s crucial to diversify your creature types to mitigate the impact of the selective sweep. One strategy is to invest in indestructible or hexproof creatures, as they are not affected by such destruction effects. Additionally, playing around Crippling Fear by committing fewer creatures to the board, or holding back key creatures until after the spell is cast, ensures you maintain a presence on the table.

Utilizing counter spells is another effective method for dealing with Crippling Fear. Having a well-timed Negate or similar counter spell can prevent the board clear entirely. Similarly, one can use instant-speed creature-saving tricks, such as Selfless Saviors ability or Alseid of Life’s Bounty, to protect your most valued creatures from being swept away. These tactics not only keep your creatures safe but also can lead to a significant advantage as your opponent will have expended a crucial card with little to no effect.

Strategic planning and a keen sense of the opponent’s potential moves are key while playing against control decks that feature board wipes like Crippling Fear. By anticipating and preparing for this eventuality, you can retain control and continue to build towards victory even in the wake of destruction.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the intricacies of MTG involves understanding powerful cards like Crippling Fear. This enigmatic spell has shown its worth in controlling the battlefield and is a staple in black-centric decks. Whether you harness its power for aggressive plays or use it defensively, knowledge of its potential is crucial. By incorporating Crippling Fear into your collection, you open doors to new strategic dimensions and deck-building avenues. Interested in optimizing your gameplay and finding a place for Crippling Fear in your deck? Dive deeper with us and amplify your MTG expertise.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Crippling Fear MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Kaldheim, 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 Crippling Fear and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Crippling Fear Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2021-02-05 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Nestor Ossandon Leal.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 882862015NormalBlackNestor Ossandon Leal
22021-02-05KaldheimKHM 822015NormalBlackNestor Ossandon Leal
32021-02-05KaldheimKHM 3502015NormalBlackNestor Ossandon Leal
42021-02-06Kaldheim PromosPKHM 82s2015NormalBlackNestor Ossandon Leal
52021-02-06Kaldheim PromosPKHM 82p2015NormalBlackNestor Ossandon Leal
62022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 7452015NormalBlackNestor Ossandon Leal
72023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 8622015NormalBlackNestor Ossandon Leal

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Crippling Fear has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-02-05 Crippling Fear affects only creatures that aren't of the chosen type that are on the battlefield as it resolves. It won't affect creatures that enter the battlefield later in the turn, regardless of creature type. If a creature changes creature types later in the turn, Crippling Fear won't start or stop affecting that creature.
2021-02-05 You choose the creature type as Crippling Fear resolves, and then creatures not of that type get -3/-3. Once Crippling Fear starts to resolve, players can't respond to the choice or take any actions until Crippling Fear finishes resolving.
2021-02-05 You must choose an existing creature type, such as Fish or Artificer. You can't choose card types (e.g., artifact) or supertypes (e.g., snow).