Mind's Desire MTG Card


It gives a substantial card advantage by casting spells freely, escalating the storm count impact. Instant spells played beforehand amplify Mind’s Desire’s effect, maximizing your turn’s potential. The high mana cost and blue mana dependency can limit versatility and game tempo.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeSorcery
Abilities Storm

Text of card

Shuffle your library. Then remove the top card of your library from the game. Until end of turn, you may play it as though it were in your hand without paying its mana cost. (If it has X in its mana cost, X is 0.) Storm (When you play this spell, copy it for each spell played before it this turn.)


Cards like Mind's Desire

Mind’s Desire stands out in the realm of spell-focused decks in Magic: The Gathering, offering a powerful ability that echoes mechanics found in other notable cards. Akin to Epic Experiment, Mind’s Desire allows players to play cards without paying their mana costs, maximizing the potential of high-impact turns. While Epic Experiment limits the free casting to spells in your library up to a certain mana value, Mind’s Desire could potentially go beyond that with a high enough storm count.

Another related card is Aetherworks Marvel which, much like Mind’s Desire, lets you cast cards for free. The key difference lies in the resource that fuels this ability. Aetherworks Marvel is dependent on energy counters, which adds an extra layer of resource management to the mix. In contrast, Mind’s Desire relies on the storm mechanic, where the number of spells played within a turn boosts its effectiveness.

Mind’s Desire and Temporal Cascade also share similarities, both revolving around reshuffling the hand and library, then enabling free plays. However, Temporal Cascade offers a flexible modal choice that can affect all players, while Mind’s Desire is a more self-centric storm of possibilities for the one casting it. Mind’s Desire’s unique storm trait secures its spot as a favorite for those looking to pull off a game-winning flurry of spells in a single, decisive turn.

Epic Experiment - MTG Card versions
Aetherworks Marvel - MTG Card versions
Temporal Cascade - MTG Card versions
Epic Experiment - MTG Card versions
Aetherworks Marvel - MTG Card versions
Temporal Cascade - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mind's Desire by color, type and mana cost

Amnesia - MTG Card versions
Time Spiral - MTG Card versions
Cultural Exchange - MTG Card versions
Upheaval - MTG Card versions
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Cosmic Epiphany - MTG Card versions
Rise from the Tides - MTG Card versions
Cut Your Losses - MTG Card versions
Inspiring Refrain - MTG Card versions
Spelltwine - MTG Card versions
Flow of Ideas - MTG Card versions
Tunnel Vision - MTG Card versions
Govern the Guildless - MTG Card versions
Walk the Aeons - MTG Card versions
Reality Strobe - MTG Card versions
Mass Polymorph - MTG Card versions
Mindculling - MTG Card versions
Stolen Identity - MTG Card versions
Sea God's Revenge - MTG Card versions
Thassa's Bounty - MTG Card versions
Amnesia - MTG Card versions
Time Spiral - MTG Card versions
Cultural Exchange - MTG Card versions
Upheaval - MTG Card versions
Echo of Eons - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Epiphany - MTG Card versions
Rise from the Tides - MTG Card versions
Cut Your Losses - MTG Card versions
Inspiring Refrain - MTG Card versions
Spelltwine - MTG Card versions
Flow of Ideas - MTG Card versions
Tunnel Vision - MTG Card versions
Govern the Guildless - MTG Card versions
Walk the Aeons - MTG Card versions
Reality Strobe - MTG Card versions
Mass Polymorph - MTG Card versions
Mindculling - MTG Card versions
Stolen Identity - MTG Card versions
Sea God's Revenge - MTG Card versions
Thassa's Bounty - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Mind's Desire. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
High TideHigh Tide LegacyHigh TideLegacy Challenge 64 2024-01-07
Omni-TellOmni-Tell LegacyOmni-TellLegacy Challenge 32 2024-04-27
DoomsdayDoomsday LegacyDoomsdayLegacy League 2024-02-04
URUR LegacyLegacy League 2024-04-15
Temur CascadeTemur Cascade LegacyCreative Technique*HALF PRICE FRIDAY* $1K - Legacy - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 1:30 pm
Beseech StormBeseech Storm VintageBeseech StormVintage Challenge 32 2024-03-02
Mississippi RiverMississippi River LegacyCreative Technique1 LPL OPEN - SEASON V - Liga Paulista Legacy
Creative TechniqueCreative Technique LegacyCreative TechniqueLegacy League 2024-01-05

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Mind’s Desire offers a unique form of card advantage by potentially casting multiple spells for free. Each spell cast before it that turn increases the storm count, leading to a cascade of free spells, which can turn the tide of the game significantly in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While Mind’s Desire doesn’t directly add physical resources such as mana, it accelerates your effective resources. By potentially playing numerous spells without their mana cost, it allows you to utilize cards that would otherwise be unplayable in a single turn, effectively ramping your board state and card presence without expenditure.

Instant Speed: Although Mind’s Desire itself is a sorcery, it synergizes impressively with instant speed spells. Casting instants before your main phase increases the storm count for Mind’s Desire, magnifying its impact as soon as it hits the board. This sequencing is pivotal for crafting a game-winning turn with an overwhelming advantage.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the less talked about downsides of Mind’s Desire is the setup required to make the most of its Storm ability. It necessitates discarding or playing numerous spells before it unleashes its full potential, which can be a hefty price if your hand is running low on options.

Specific Mana Cost: Another limitation comes from its blue mana cost. The double blue in its casting cost means that it aligns best with blue-centric or blue-compatible decks, potentially restricting its versatility across various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Finally, the card commands a notable amount of mana. Six mana for a single spell is steep, and in games where tempo is key, the high mana cost can sometimes make Mind’s Desire a cumbersome draw, especially when faster, lower-cost alternatives could advance your game state more efficiently.


Reasons to Include Mind’s Desire in Your Collection

Versatility: Mind’s Desire offers an adaptable role within storm and spell-based decks. With each copy or storm copy resolving, it exponentially increases the chances of casting valuable spells for free, seamlessly integrating with various spell-casting strategies.

Combo Potential: The card is notorious for its capability to chain spells together, culminating in a game-winning turn, especially when paired with cost reducers and spells that untap lands or provide extra mana.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where combo decks are prominent, Mind’s Desire remains a critical piece. Its inclusion can turn the tide of a match, making it a consistent threat that opponents must plan to counter or disrupt.


How to beat

Mind’s Desire is a unique and potentially game-changing spell in MTG, known for its ability to churn through a deck and play multiple spells in a row without paying their mana costs. Tackling this card requires strategy and a keen understanding of how to disrupt the storm mechanic that makes it powerful. The key is to intercept the card before it triggers a cascade of free spells.

Counter spells are your first line of defense, shutting down Mind’s Desire before it can hit the stack. Holding up mana for counter magic when your opponent is likely to cast it is crucial. Should they manage to cast it, however, graveyard disruption can inhibit their capacity to utilize the storm mechanic effectively — cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void can be game-changers.

Another strategy is to limit the number of spells an opponent can play in one turn. Effects that tax or restrict spell casting, such as Rule of Law or Damping Sphere, can hinder the deck’s ability to build a high storm count. Overall, understanding the mechanics and staying prepared with answers is essential to overcome the challenge posed by Mind’s Desire and similar storm cards.


BurnMana Recommendations

With Mind’s Desire as a centerpiece in any MTG spell-heavy deck, it’s clear that it has the power to swing games in dramatic fashion. However, its full potential is only unlocked with the right support and strategy. For those interested in maximizing Mind’s Desire efficacy, it’s essential to integrate it into a deck built around the storm mechanic, ensuring that each turn packs a powerful punch. Curious about optimizing your deck to leverage Mind’s Desire’s capabilities or considering other impactful card choices to complement it? Join our community for in-depth insights and forge your path to becoming a formidable opponent at the MTG tables.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mind's Desire MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Scourge, 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 Mind's Desire and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Mind's Desire Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2003-05-26 and 2021-04-23. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 350702003NormalBlackAnthony Francisco
22003-05-26ScourgeSCG 411997NormalBlackRon Spencer
32008-01-01Judge Gift Cards 2008G08 22003NormalBlackAnthony Francisco
42014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 802015NormalBlackAnthony Francisco
52016-08-19From the Vault: LoreV16 82015NormalBlackAdam Paquette
62017-03-31Duel Decks: Mind vs. MightDDS 42015NormalBlackAnthony Francisco
72021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 802015NormalBorderlessYaya
82021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 172015NormalBorderlessMinttu Hynninen
92021-04-23Commander 2021C21 1232015NormalBlackAnthony Francisco

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mind's Desire has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernBanned
VintageRestricted
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 If the card is not played by end of turn, it remains exiled until end of game.
2004-10-04 The card is face-up when exiled.
2013-06-07 A copy of a spell can be countered like any other spell, but it must be countered individually. Countering a spell with storm won't affect the copies.
2013-06-07 Spells cast from zones other than a player's hand and spells that were countered are counted by the storm ability.
2013-06-07 The copies are put directly onto the stack. They aren't cast and won't be counted by other spells with storm cast later in the turn.
2013-06-07 The triggered ability that creates the copies can itself be countered by anything that can counter a triggered ability. If it is countered, no copies will be put onto the stack.