Sauron, the Dark Lord MTG Card


Boosts card advantage and offers strategic depth, empowering players with more in-game choices. Advances resource acceleration, enabling earlier access to powerful cards and smoother gameplay. Utilizes instant speed actions to disrupt opponents unpredictably, enhancing strategic gameplay.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Avatar Horror
Abilities Amass,Ward
Power 7
Toughness 6

Text of card

Ward—Sacrifice a legendary artifact or legendary creature. Whenever an opponent casts a spell, amass Orcs 1. Whenever an Army you control deals combat damage to a player, the Ring tempts you. Whenever the Ring tempts you, you may discard your hand. If you do, draw four cards.


Cards like Sauron, the Dark Lord

Exploring the depths of powerful planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering, Sauron, the Dark Lord introduces tactics that achieve a formidable presence on the battlefield. In contrast, we have Ob Nixilis Reignited, whose ability to draw cards and destroy creatures shares some similarity. However, Sauron brings a unique versatility with his range of abilities that can not only disrupt opponent strategies but also turn the tides with token generation.

Another planeswalker card that echoes the menacing aura of Sauron, the Dark Lord is Sorin Markov. Sorin’s ability to control an opponent’s next turn offers a direct and invasive approach akin to Sauron’s manipulation mechanic. Yet, Sauron’s ability to cast spells from opponents’ graveyards adds a layer of unpredictability that Sorin lacks. Liliana, the Last Hope also bears comparison with her creature resurrection capabilities, allowing for recurring threats much like Sauron’s initiative to summon from the void.

Assessing these formidable cards, Sauron, the Dark Lord certainly carves out a distinctive niche in MTG’s array of influential planeswalkers. His tactical diversity and powerful control over the game state earmark him as a card that can dominate in the right deck, making him an enviable asset to any player focused on a strategy of disruption and dominance.

Ob Nixilis Reignited - MTG Card versions
Sorin Markov - MTG Card versions
Liliana, the Last Hope - MTG Card versions
Ob Nixilis Reignited - MTG Card versions
Sorin Markov - MTG Card versions
Liliana, the Last Hope - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sauron, the Dark Lord by color, type and mana cost

Crosis, the Purger - MTG Card versions
Sedris, the Traitor King - MTG Card versions
A-Glamorous Outlaw - MTG Card versions
Glamorous Outlaw - MTG Card versions
Be'lakor, the Dark Master - MTG Card versions
Missy - MTG Card versions
Crosis, the Purger - MTG Card versions
Sedris, the Traitor King - MTG Card versions
A-Glamorous Outlaw - MTG Card versions
Glamorous Outlaw - MTG Card versions
Be'lakor, the Dark Master - MTG Card versions
Missy - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
ReanimatorReanimator LegacyReanimatorLegacy League 2024-01-19
Golgari ReanimatorGolgari Reanimator LegacyReanimator*HALF PRICE FRIDAY* $1K - Legacy - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 1:30 pm
Dimir ReanimatorDimir Reanimator LegacyReanimator2023 Asia Legacy Championship
Grixis ReanimatorGrixis Reanimator GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024
General FerrousGeneral Ferrous ModernGeneral FerrousModern Preliminary 2024-02-19
Grixis MidrangeGrixis Midrange GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 06 2024
Beanstalk ControlBeanstalk Control LegacyBeanstalk ControlBerlin Double Up Legacy II im Brettspielplatz 01.02.24
Rakdos ReanimatorRakdos Reanimator LegacyReanimator2023 Asia Legacy Championship
Four-color ReanimatorFour-color Reanimator LegacyReanimator2023 NA Legacy Champs

Card Pros

Immersing oneself in the world of MTG means understanding the powers and advantages that key cards provide. When players uncover the strategic depth of Sauron, the Dark Lord, they tap into a reservoir of game-changing abilities that can steer the match in their favor.

Card Advantage: With Sauron, the Dark Lord comes the capacity to manipulate the flow of the game by impacting card draw. Drawing extra cards bolsters your options, affording a diversification of strategies to overwhelm opponents.

Resource Acceleration: A character as formidable as Sauron wouldn’t be complete without the power to accelerate resources. This card empowers you by smoothing out mana production, giving access to powerful spells ahead of schedule, and ensuring you’re never starved for options.

Instant Speed: The ability to act at instant speed is what distinguishes a good player from a great one. Sauron, the Dark Lord, can alter the course of a duel when least expected, leveraging the element of surprise to disrupt the adversary’s plans.

With Sauron, the Dark Lord, players wield a card that can sway the tide of battle. Mastering its pros is a testament to a player’s acumen and an imposing threat to those across the table.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sauron, the Dark Lord requires discarding cards to capitalize on its abilities, which can deplete your hand and leave you at a disadvantage if you can’t maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Summoning Sauron, the Dark Lord demands a precise mana combination that can constrict its inclusion to decks built around those exact colors, potentially restricting deckbuilding creativity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given its mana requirements, which are substantial, Sauron, the Dark Lord competes with other cards in the same mana range that may provide more immediate board impact or versatility.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sauron, the Dark Lord is a card that can slide into a multitude of decks, seamlessly integrating into control or black-based strategies that crave powerful late-game plays.

Combo Potential: With abilities that synergize with discard mechanics and graveyard manipulation, this card opens up numerous combo opportunities for inventive deck builders.

Meta-Relevance: Given that Sauron, the Dark Lord can act as a game-changer in the right setup, its relevance grows as the meta evolves to adapt black control and midrange styles.


How to beat

Sauron, the Dark Lord emerges as a formidable presence in the multiverse of Magic the Gathering. When confronting this card, it’s essential to activate disruption strategies early in the game. Counter spells can effectively prevent Sauron from entering the battlefield, while targeted discard spells like Thoughtseize can remove him from your opponent’s grip before they gather adequate mana.

Moreover, efficient removal remains your staunch ally against this powerful adversary. Cards like Path to Exile or Murderous Rider can swiftly dispatch Sauron, should he evade your preliminary defenses. Additionally, enchantment-based removals that lock down or exile creatures can ensure Sauron’s dominion is substantially hindered. It’s crucial to control the board state and maintain pressure to prevent your opponent from gaining the momentum that a card like Sauron thrives on.

In evaluating your game plan, considering a diverse suite of spells and abilities is paramount to outmaneuvering a card of such magnitude. Maintaining a balance between proactive and reactive measures will guide you towards victory against the darkness that Sauron, the Dark Lord represents.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sauron, the Dark Lord MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Sauron, the Dark Lord and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sauron, the Dark Lord Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by 6 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 7442015NormalBorderlessJustine Jones
22023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 6752015NormalBlackKieran Yanner
32023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 2242015NormalBlackKieran Yanner
42023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth PromosPLTR 224s2015NormalBlackKieran Yanner
52023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 744z2015NormalBorderlessJustine Jones
62023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth Art SeriesALTR 212015Art seriesBorderless
72023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 8212015NormalBorderlessDominik Mayer & Anato Finnstark
82023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 3292015NormalBorderlessDominik Mayer & Anato Finnstark
92023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 3012015NormalBlackAnton Solovianchyk

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sauron, the Dark Lord has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-06-16 Amass Zombies works the same way, except you create a 0/0 black Zombie Army creature token if you don't control an Army. If the Army creature you chose isn't already a Zombie, it becomes a Zombie in addition to its other types. By combining cards with amass Orcs and amass Zombies, you can end up with an Orc Zombie Army.
2023-06-16 Amass abilities are now written as "amass
-ubtype] N." Previous cards with amass have received errata to say "amass Zombies N."
2023-06-16 As the Ring tempts you, you get an emblem named The Ring if you don't have one. Then your emblem gains its next ability and you choose a creature you control to become (or remain) your Ring-bearer.
2023-06-16 Each player can have only one emblem named The Ring and only one Ring-bearer at a time.
2023-06-16 Each time the Ring tempts you, you must choose a creature if you control one.
2023-06-16 If the creature you choose as your Ring-bearer was already your Ring-bearer, that still counts as choosing that creature as your Ring-bearer for the purpose of abilities that trigger "whenever you choose a creature as your Ring-bearer" or abilities that care about which creature was chosen as your Ring-bearer.
2023-06-16 If you don't control an Army, the Orc Army token you create enters the battlefield as a 0/0 creature before receiving counters. Any abilities that trigger when a creature with a certain power enters the battlefield, such as that of Mentor of the Meek, will see the token enter as a 0/0 creature before it gets +1/+1 counters.
2023-06-16 In the rare case that you control multiple Army creatures (perhaps because you played a creature with changeling) while you amass Orcs, you choose which of your Army creatures to put the +1/+1 counters on. If that creature isn't an Orc, it becomes an Orc in addition to its other types.
2023-06-16 Some cards refer to the "amassed Army." That means the Army creature you chose to receive counters, even if no counters were placed on it for some reason.
2023-06-16 Some spells and abilities that amass Orcs may require targets. If each target chosen is an illegal target as that spell or ability tries to resolve, it won't resolve. You won't amass Orcs.
2023-06-16 Some spells and abilities that cause the Ring to tempt you may require targets. If each target chosen is an illegal target as that spell or ability tries to resolve, it won't resolve. The Ring won't tempt you.
2023-06-16 The Ring can tempt you even if you don't control a creature. In this case, abilities that trigger "whenever the Ring tempts you" will still trigger.
2023-06-16 The Ring gains its abilities in order from top to bottom. Once it gains an ability, it has that ability for the rest of the game.
2023-06-16 To amass Orcs N, if you don't control an Army creature, create a 0/0 black Orc Army creature token. Then you choose an Army creature you control and put N +1/+1 counters on it. If that Army isn't already an Orc, it becomes an Orc in addition to its other types.