Ego Drain MTG Card


Ego Drain draws cards and depletes opponents’ resources, offering a significant tactical advantage. The mandatory discard and specific mana cost can be cons in certain deck strategies. Its versatility and combo potential make it an attractive pick for various MTG decks.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Target opponent reveals their hand. You choose a nonland card from it. That player discards that card. If you don't control a Faerie, exile a card from your hand.

"You've wasted your life. Let's see if I can do any better with it."


Cards like Ego Drain

Ego Drain is a card that invites comparison within the suite of life manipulation spells in Magic: The Gathering. It bears similarities to the likes of Consume Spirit. Both cards offer the dual ability to siphon life from opponents and replenish the caster’s health. However, Ego Drain is unique in its approach, as it specifically targets a player and it requires colorless mana along with its black mana cost.

Another peer in this category is Exsanguinate, a spell renowned for its scalability and potential game-ending capability in multiplayer games. While Ego Drain is fixed in the amount of life swap it can achieve, Exsanguinate’s X cost allows a player to drain life from all opponents, which makes it a formidable force in later stages of the game, although it comes with a potentially higher mana investment.

Analyzing these cards side by side, Ego Drain stands out for its straightforward execution and the consistency of its effect. It provides a reliable source of life swing that can be integral in turning the tides of the game. This pinpoint strategic option solidifies its position as a solid pick for players looking to incorporate life manipulation tactics in their MTG decks.

Consume Spirit - MTG Card versions
Exsanguinate - MTG Card versions
Consume Spirit - MTG Card versions
Exsanguinate - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ego Drain by color, type and mana cost

Raise Dead - MTG Card versions
Mind Twist - MTG Card versions
Contract from Below - MTG Card versions
Spoils of War - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Despair - MTG Card versions
Mind Peel - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdling Scream - MTG Card versions
Organ Harvest - MTG Card versions
Duress - MTG Card versions
Unearth - MTG Card versions
Bubbling Muck - MTG Card versions
Chorus of Woe - MTG Card versions
Reanimate - MTG Card versions
Soul Strings - MTG Card versions
Skull Fracture - MTG Card versions
Tombfire - MTG Card versions
Innocent Blood - MTG Card versions
Restless Dreams - MTG Card versions
Cabal Therapy - MTG Card versions
Confront the Past - MTG Card versions
Raise Dead - MTG Card versions
Mind Twist - MTG Card versions
Contract from Below - MTG Card versions
Spoils of War - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Despair - MTG Card versions
Mind Peel - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdling Scream - MTG Card versions
Organ Harvest - MTG Card versions
Duress - MTG Card versions
Unearth - MTG Card versions
Bubbling Muck - MTG Card versions
Chorus of Woe - MTG Card versions
Reanimate - MTG Card versions
Soul Strings - MTG Card versions
Skull Fracture - MTG Card versions
Tombfire - MTG Card versions
Innocent Blood - MTG Card versions
Restless Dreams - MTG Card versions
Cabal Therapy - MTG Card versions
Confront the Past - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Dimir FaeriesDimir Faeries StandardDimir Faeries2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open
UBUB StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 19, 2024
Dimir ControlDimir Control PioneerDimir FaeriesPeasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event
Dimir MidrangeDimir Midrange StandardDimir Faeries2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ego Drain is perfect for tipping the scales in your favor by drawing into your strategy while chipping away at your opponent’s resources.

Resource Acceleration: Through its mana-stealing ability, it can slow your adversary down, giving you the chance to ramp up and unleash powerful spells ahead of time.

Instant Speed: The beauty of this card lies in its readiness. Cast it seamlessly on your opponent’s turn to catch them off-guard, disrupting their plays and maintaining your momentum.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ego Drain obligates players to discard a card, which could be a drawback when your hand is already depleted or when the discarded card is essential for your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands a precise combination of mana types, potentially making it a cumbersome fit in multi-colored decks that might struggle to meet the requirement consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment needed to play Ego Drain might be considered steep for its effect, especially when compared with other options available that either cost less or provide a stronger impact on the game without the downside of card loss.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ego Drain is a versatile card that can be slotted into various deck strategies. It’s particularly useful in formats where life totals can make or break a game, giving it a place in both aggressive and control builds.

Combo Potential: For players who enjoy intricate gameplay, Ego Drain offers combo potential. It can be synergized with cards that benefit from life loss or life gain, acting as a pivotal piece in complex and potentially game-winning interactions.

Meta-Relevance: As the meta shifts and adapts, Ego Drain maintains relevance. It can hinder opponents in creature-heavy formats and provide crucial life swings. Whether you’re disrupting combo decks or outpacing aggro opponents, its application is broad, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection.


How to beat

Ego Drain is a unique spell in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, presenting players with a twist on life manipulation mechanics. Much like other cards that shift life totals, understanding the nuances of this card is key to countering it effectively. To outplay an opponent using Ego Drain, it’s vital to adopt a strategy focused on life gain, card advantage, or direct disruption.

Consider incorporating cards that offer you life when you need it the most or cards that render life point strategies less effective. Employ instant-speed removal or counter spells to prevent Ego Drain from resolving, thus maintaining control over the course of the match. Efficient use of your resources is crucial, as well as keeping a watchful eye on the timing of your plays to avoid falling into a trap laid by this potential game-changer.

Ultimately, beating Ego Drain involves a combination of anticipation, strategic resource management, and the careful selection of cards that can either neutralize or bypass the life-swapping challenge it presents. By doing so, you’ll limit its impact and keep yourself one step ahead in the duel.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ego Drain // Ego Drain MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine Art Series and Wilds of Eldraine, 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 Ego Drain // Ego Drain and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ego Drain // Ego Drain Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-09-08 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by Valera Lutfullina.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine Art SeriesAWOE 122015Art seriesBorderlessValera Lutfullina
22023-09-08Wilds of EldraineWOE 862015NormalBlackValera Lutfullina

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ego Drain has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal