Rakdos's Return MTG Card


Rakdos’s Return offers dual utility, damaging opponents and depleting their hand, pivotal for maintaining board control. Despite sorcery speed restrictions, its timing around key opponent phases can significantly disrupt opposing strategies. Its mana cost resonates with flexibility in control and midrange decks, although high compared to alternatives.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityMythic
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Rakdos's Return deals X damage to target opponent. That player discards X cards.

When Lord Rakdos stirred from his slumber, everyone else's nightmare began.


Cards like Rakdos's Return

Rakdos’s Return is a potent force among MTG discarding and damage-dealing spells. Its closest kin is Blightning, which also combines damage with discard, albeit on a smaller scale. Rakdos’s Return offers flexibility, allowing you to scale the damage and discard level depending on the mana invested, unlike the fixed effect of Blightning. Moreover, it hits not just the hand but also the opponent’s life total, spreading the impact over two critical aspects of gameplay.

In the realm of scalable damage spells, we also have Bonfire of the Damned, which presents an alternative take with its miracle cost. Bonfire provides the edge of potentially costing less and dealing damage to creatures as well as players. However, it lacks the crucial discard feature that makes Rakdos’s Return a unique threat. Conversely, Mind Rot strictly focuses on discard, forcing two cards out of the opponent’s hand without dealing damage—that’s another example of Rakdos’s Return’s broader utility in stressing opponent resources through its two-pronged assault.

With its multifaceted ability to disrupt opponent strategies and affect the board state, Rakdos’s Return stands out in decks that aim to capitalize on both immediate and long-term advantages, particularly in the control and midrange archetypes.

Blightning - MTG Card versions
Bonfire of the Damned - MTG Card versions
Mind Rot - MTG Card versions
Blightning - MTG Card versions
Bonfire of the Damned - MTG Card versions
Mind Rot - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Rakdos's Return by color, type and mana cost

Kaervek's Purge - MTG Card versions
Dreadbore - MTG Card versions
Angrath's Rampage - MTG Card versions
Hungry for More - MTG Card versions
Fatal Grudge - MTG Card versions
Callous Sell-Sword // Burn Together - MTG Card versions
Molten Collapse - MTG Card versions
Kaervek's Purge - MTG Card versions
Dreadbore - MTG Card versions
Angrath's Rampage - MTG Card versions
Hungry for More - MTG Card versions
Fatal Grudge - MTG Card versions
Callous Sell-Sword // Burn Together - MTG Card versions
Molten Collapse - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Rakdos TransmogrifyRakdos Transmogrify PioneerRakdos TransmogrifyPioneer League 2024-04-28

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Rakdos’s Return not only deals damage to an opponent, but also forces that player to discard a number of cards equal to the damage dealt. This disruptive ability can lead to a significant advantage by depleting the resources in your opponent’s hand while you maintain board control.

Resource Acceleration: Although Rakdos’s Return doesn’t directly generate mana or Treasure tokens, it indirectly accelerates your resources by debilitating your opponent’s ability to respond. By stripping their hand of crucial spells and land cards, you stymie their development and improve your relative position on the board.

Instant Speed: As a sorcery, Rakdos’s Return can be strategically played during your main phases to maximize impact. While it does not have the flexibility of an instant, its devastating effect when timed around your opponent’s draw step or following a large spell cast can simulate an interruptive play, resetting their strategy and paving your way to victory.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Rakdos’s Return forces your opponent to discard a number of cards, but it’s contingent upon the mana spent. This requirement can fall short if you’re unable to invest enough mana to significantly impact your opponent’s hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both black and red mana to cast, Rakdos’s Return fits strictly into Rakdos decks or others that can accommodate its color demands, potentially restricting its flexibility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a scaling mana cost that impacts its effectiveness, Rakdos’s Return can be costly compared to other disruption options. In scenarios where fast tempo plays are crucial, its mana demand might hinder its playability in your deck strategy.


Reasons to Include Rakdos’s Return in Your Collection

Versatility: Rakdos’s Return is a flexible card that can be a game-changer in multiple deck archetypes. As a spell that deals damage and causes discard, it can be a powerful finisher in a control or midrange deck and can disrupt combo opponents.

Combo Potential: This card can be instrumental in strategies aiming to empty an opponent’s hand while also dealing damage. It pairs well with cards that benefit from opponents discarding or spells that get stronger with the amount of mana invested.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where control decks and hand disruption are key strategies, Rakdos’s Return holds a place as a potent tool. Its ability to impact the board and an opponent’s hand simultaneously ensures it remains a relevant choice for players facing a variety of opponents.


How to Beat

Rakdos’s Return is a notorious card that can unsettle any player with its powerful combination of discarding and direct damage. Defeating this card requires a blend of strategic foresight and timely reactions. An effective method is to employ counterspells or discard protection such as Leyline of Sanctity, which can provide immunity to the targeted discard aspect. Having instant-speed removal or hand disruption can help to prevent your opponent from ever casting Rakdos’s Return.

Another tactic involves maintaining a low hand size to minimize the damage potential of Rakdos’s Return. By playing out your hand and relying on the top of your deck, you can reduce the impact of the discard effect. Additionally, cards that offer life gain can help to counter the direct damage dealt by Rakdos’s Return. Life gain strategies may not directly interact with the spell, but they can provide a buffer to recover from the life loss.

Ultimately, while Rakdos’s Return packs a significant punch, it doesn’t have to be game-ending. With the right counters, protective measures, and playstyle adjustments, you can safeguard your hand and life total against its devastating effects, keeping you in a strong position throughout the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Rakdos’s Return is a powerhouse card that demands respect on the battlefield. Its capability to disrupt opponents through both direct damage and forced discard can turn the tide of any match. For MTG enthusiasts looking to harness the chaos of Rakdos or just enrich their collection with versatile, impactful cards, Rakdos’s Return is a must-have. The interplay of strategy and timing turns it into a compelling addition that rewards savvy players. Want to master the art of devastation with Rakdos’s Return or elevate your deck’s competitive edge? Dive deeper into strategies, synergies, and meta-defining tactics with us—your guide to becoming a formidable MTG player.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rakdos's Return MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica and RNA Guild Kit, 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 Rakdos's Return and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Rakdos's Return Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-10-05 and 2019-02-15. Illustrated by Daarken.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-10-05Return to RavnicaRTR 1882003NormalBlackDaarken
22019-02-15RNA Guild KitGK2 722015NormalBlackDaarken

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rakdos's Return has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2012-10-01 The target opponent will discard X cards even if some or all of the damage dealt by Rakdos’s Return is prevented or redirected.