Underworld Dreams MTG Card


Underworld Dreams deals damage to opponents as they draw, influencing how they manage their resources. While powerful, it requires a dedicated mono-black deck to utilize its three black mana cost optimally. Its potential for combos with card-drawing penalties can lead to compelling control strategies.
Card setsReleased in 12 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Underworld Dreams does one damage to opponent for each card he or she draws.

"In the drowsy dark cave of the mind dreams build their nest with fragments dropped from day's caravan." —Rabindranath Tagore


Understanding Underworld Dreams

In the realm of MTG, Underworld Dreams is a unique enchantment that has intrigued players since its debut. Its ability to deal damage to an opponent whenever they draw a card places it in a niche category of passive control cards. The consistent damage potential makes it a formidable tool, especially in formats where card draw is prevalent.

Cards like Underworld Dreams

Underworld Dreams shares a conceptual space with cards like Nekusar, the Mindrazer and Fate Unraveler, which also capitalize on opponents drawing cards. Nekusar, the Mindrazer turns draws into a double-edged sword by dealing damage to opponents for each card they draw, while also forcing additional draws, enhancing the hurt. Fate Unraveler strikes similarly, inflicting pain on card draws, but as a creature, it also provides board presence that Underworld Dreams does not. Another card worth noting is Psychic Corrosion, which targets the opponent’s library by milling them for two cards whenever you draw a card, expanding the strategic impact beyond just damage.

Analyzing these comparisons, Underworld Dreams stands out for its direct and unavoidable damage output, which can be central to a successful strategy that taxes opponents’ resources. It’s a powerful enchantment for those looking to disrupt their opponents’ game plans with each card they draw.

Nekusar, the Mindrazer - MTG Card versions
Fate Unraveler - MTG Card versions
Psychic Corrosion - MTG Card versions
Nekusar, the Mindrazer - MTG Card versions
Fate Unraveler - MTG Card versions
Psychic Corrosion - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Underworld Dreams by color, type and mana cost

Gloom - MTG Card versions
Season of the Witch - MTG Card versions
Tourach's Gate - MTG Card versions
Withering Wisps - MTG Card versions
Funeral March - MTG Card versions
Casting of Bones - MTG Card versions
Blanket of Night - MTG Card versions
Necropotence - MTG Card versions
Hecatomb - MTG Card versions
Megrim - MTG Card versions
Recurring Nightmare - MTG Card versions
Contamination - MTG Card versions
Oppression - MTG Card versions
Maggot Therapy - MTG Card versions
Murderous Betrayal - MTG Card versions
Noxious Field - MTG Card versions
Tainted Well - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Arena - MTG Card versions
Gravestorm - MTG Card versions
Mortiphobia - MTG Card versions
Gloom - MTG Card versions
Season of the Witch - MTG Card versions
Tourach's Gate - MTG Card versions
Withering Wisps - MTG Card versions
Funeral March - MTG Card versions
Casting of Bones - MTG Card versions
Blanket of Night - MTG Card versions
Necropotence - MTG Card versions
Hecatomb - MTG Card versions
Megrim - MTG Card versions
Recurring Nightmare - MTG Card versions
Contamination - MTG Card versions
Oppression - MTG Card versions
Maggot Therapy - MTG Card versions
Murderous Betrayal - MTG Card versions
Noxious Field - MTG Card versions
Tainted Well - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Arena - MTG Card versions
Gravestorm - MTG Card versions
Mortiphobia - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Underworld Dreams is a potent engine for passive card advantage in MTG. By damaging opponents whenever they draw, it effectively turns each card they draw into a liability, potentially forcing them to deplete resources more conservatively.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or acceleration, the consistent damage from Underworld Dreams can hasten the game’s pace in your favor, pressuring opponents into making suboptimal plays to avoid the life loss, which indirectly accelerates your position to a winning state.

Instant Speed: While Underworld Dreams itself is not an instant, its ability triggers during an opponent’s draw step, which can be as disrupting as having an instant. This allows you the flexibility to develop your board and still threaten your opponent’s life total without the need to commit mana to a spell during your turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One potential downside of Underworld Dreams is that it usually requires other cards in your hand or deck that force your opponent to discard. Without such synergies, the card may underperform.

Specific Mana Cost: Underworld Dreams has a specific mana cost that includes three black mana. This can be restrictive as it demands a deck heavily skewed towards black mana sources, potentially limiting its inclusion in multicolor decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of three black mana, Underworld Dreams can be seen as an investment, which might not pay off immediately. Considering its effect, other lower-cost cards could potentially deliver more immediate impacts on the game.


Reasons to Include Underworld Dreams in Your Collection

Versatility: Underworld Dreams is a classic enchantment that has a place in decks focused on passive damage and control strategies. Its ability to damage opponents whenever they draw a card makes it useful against a variety of deck types that rely on card draw.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations with others that force opponents to draw multiple cards, amplifying its damage output significantly. It’s a great fit in decks that aim to win through alternative methods, like milling or drawing out.

Meta-Relevance: In games where opponents have decks that draw a lot of cards for advantage, Underworld Dreams can serve as a powerful deterrent and a source of steady damage. It’s particularly potent in metas where decks focus on large hand sizes or fast cycling through the deck.


How to beat

Underworld Dreams is a notorious enchantment in Magic: The Gathering that can pose a persistent threat. Often integral in black deck strategies, this card inflicts damage on opponents whenever they draw a card, consistently whittling away their life totals. While formidable, the card’s impact can be mitigated or circumvented with careful strategy.

To counter Underworld Dreams, consider cards that either neutralize enchantments directly or offer alternative forms of drawing cards that bypass its ability. Enchantment removal spells like Naturalize or Disenchant can swiftly remove Underworld Dreams from the board. Players might also employ strategies that put cards into their hand without technically drawing them, using mechanics such as ‘impulse draw’ found in cards like Anticipate or exile effects like Coiling Oracle.

Building a resilient lifegain deck is another effective strategy. Cards such as Sphinx’s Revelation or Exquisite Blood can counter the life loss from Underworld Dreams while providing you with valuable card advantage or board presence. The key to defeating such a relentless card lies in creative deckbuilding and anticipating your opponent’s strategies to stay one step ahead.


BurnMana Recommendations

The strategic depths of MTG are akin to a thriving ecosystem, ever-fluid and ripe with potential. Underworld Dreams is an intricate piece within this universe, capable of turning the tide through unyielding passive damage. With a keen understanding of its pros and cons, along with related spells that could complement or counteract its effects, you hold the power to refine your gameplay. Whether you nurture a control strategy or untangle the meta’s complexities, there’s always more to unearth. We extend an invitation to deepen your grasp on the game—join us to further harness the nuances of Underworld Dreams and enrich your MTG journey.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Underworld Dreams MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Magic Online Promos, 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 Underworld Dreams and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Underworld Dreams Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2020-01-24. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11994-06-01LegendsLEG 1241993NormalBlackJulie Baroh
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 359702003NormalBlackJulie Baroh
32003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 1682003NormalWhiteCarl Critchlow
42003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 168★2003NormalBlackCarl Critchlow
52005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 167★2003NormalBlackCarl Critchlow
62005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 1672003NormalWhiteCarl Critchlow
72005-12-09Two-Headed Giant TournamentP2HG 12003NormalBlackJulie Baroh
82007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 1842003NormalBlackCarl Critchlow
92009-07-17Magic 2010M10 1152003NormalBlackCarl Critchlow
102010-06-04Duels of the PlaneswalkersDPA 352003NormalBlackCarl Critchlow
112019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 12982015NormalBorderlessMark Riddick
122020-01-24Theros Beyond DeathTHB 1212015NormalBlackPINDURSKI

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Underworld Dreams has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Underworld Dreams 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 multiple cards are drawn at once, this card triggers once for each card drawn.
2004-10-04 In a multi-player game, it affects all opponents.
2020-01-24 If a spell or ability causes you to put cards into your hand without specifically using the word “draw,” it’s not a card drawn.