Magus of the Abyss MTG Card


Magus of the Abyss can gain consistent card advantage by forcing opponent creature sacrifices each upkeep. The sacrifice requirement and specific mana cost are significant considerations for deck-building strategies. Despite its costs, Magus of the Abyss provides versatility and strong meta relevance in creature-heavy formats.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Power 4
Toughness 3

Text of card

At the beginning of each player's upkeep, destroy target nonartifact creature that player controls of his or her choice. It can't be regenerated.

He climbs a staircase of falling souls, fighting the continuous pull of the void.


Cards like Magus of the Abyss

Magus of the Abyss holds a distinctive position in Magic: The Gathering, particularly among creature cards that manipulate the board state. Its kinship is closest to Avatar of Woe, both demanding tactical play, as each can systematically destroy other creatures. Yet, Magus of the Abyss requires a sacrifice each upkeep, offering a rhythmic control not found in Avatar of Woe’s instant, albeit costly, activation.

Akin to Magus of the Abyss is Fleshbag Marauder, which also creates a situation where players must sacrifice creatures. However, the Marauder’s effect is a one-time occurrence upon entering the battlefield, contrasting Magus’s recurring ability. Then there’s the infamous Sheoldred, Whispering One, a card that likewise enforces regular sacrifices from opponents. Sheoldred’s power extends further, also reanimating your creatures each turn, underlying a higher power level than Magus.

In appraising their capabilities and the strategic depth they provide, Magus of the Abyss is valued for its persistent threat and the pressure it exerts, carving out its own place among Magic: The Gathering’s creature-based control cards.

Avatar of Woe - MTG Card versions
Fleshbag Marauder - MTG Card versions
Sheoldred, Whispering One - MTG Card versions
Avatar of Woe - MTG Card versions
Fleshbag Marauder - MTG Card versions
Sheoldred, Whispering One - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Magus of the Abyss by color, type and mana cost

Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions
Crowd of Cinders - MTG Card versions
Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions
Crowd of Cinders - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Harnessing the power of Magus of the Abyss allows you to systematically dismantle your opponent’s side of the board, potentially gaining significant card advantage over time as you remove key creatures from the game while maintaining your own.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly contributing to resource acceleration, the presence of Magus of the Abyss can indirectly speed up your game strategy by keeping your opponent’s resources at bay, ensuring they spend valuable turns and cards reacting to your threats rather than advancing their own position.

Instant Speed: While Magus of the Abyss is a creature and doesn’t operate at instant speed, this powerful card can create a pseudo-instant speed effect. By threatening an activation at the beginning of your upkeep, you can force your opponent to play around your potential to disrupt their board at a critical moment every turn. This allows you to essentially dictate the pace of the game, often putting you in a favorable position as you maneuver through each match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Magus of the Abyss necessitates a heavy sacrifice, asking you to forfeit one of your creatures during each of your upkeeps. This can quickly deplete your board presence and may not always be sustainable, particularly in creature-centric decks.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands two black mana, which can sometimes be a challenge, especially in multicolored decks. This requirement potentially restricts its inclusion to predominantly black decks or those with a reliable mana base to support its casting cost.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana total, including two black, Magus of the Abyss may be seen as an expensive investment when considering other available options for controlling the battlefield. Players often evaluate the cost-to-effect ratio and might opt for alternatives that offer more immediate or versatile interaction with the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Magus of the Abyss is highly adaptable and can be a game-changer in multiple deck archetypes. Its ability to destroy creatures can be integrated into control decks seeking to maintain a clear board or into sacrifice strategy decks that capitalize on destroying their own creatures for value.

Combo Potential: This card has the inherent ability to enable and be part of combos. It synergizes well with cards that grant indestructibility or undying to your creatures, turning it into a recurring threat that can systematically dismantle your opponent’s board.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta dominated by creature-based strategies, Magus of the Abyss stands out as a potent tool. It can continuously disrupt your opponents’ board state, removing key threats and potentially forcing them to alter their game plan, which makes it a relevant choice for competitive play.


How to beat

Magus of the Abyss is a formidable force in MTG, known for its ability to force players to sacrifice creatures during each upkeep, making it a serious threat on the board. To turn the tide against this powerful creature, seasoned players know that swift removal spells are the key. By incorporating instant-speed removal like Path to Exile or the versatile Assassin’s Trophy, you can effectively neutralize the threat before it dismantles your creature base. Moreover, utilizing creatures that can regenerate or have indestructible is another savvy strategy to ensure your side of the battlefield remains unaffected by the Magus’s ability.

Artifact removal can also be an effective weapon against Magus of the Abyss. Cards that specifically target artifacts like Disenchant or Abrade can disrupt the synergy that makes Magus a considerable problem, especially if it’s equipped with artifacts enhancing its capabilities. Lastly, counterplay measures such as countering the spell before it settles or using cards that grant your creatures hexproof or shroud will prevent Magus of the Abyss from targeting them, ensuring your creatures’ safety and maintaining board presence.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Magus of the Abyss MTG card by a specific set like Future Sight 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 Magus of the Abyss and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Magus of the Abyss Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2007-05-04 and 2020-08-07. Illustrated by Kev Walker.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12007-05-04Future SightFUT 702003NormalBlackKev Walker
22017-08-25Commander 2017C17 1152015NormalBlackKev Walker
32020-08-07Double Masters2XM 972015NormalBlackKev Walker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Magus of the Abyss has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-08-07 Even though the player whose upkeep it is chooses the target creature, you control the ability. An opponent can't target a creature with hexproof they control.
2020-08-07 The triggered ability can target a creature with indestructible. It won't be destroyed.