Unholy Strength MTG Card


Boosts power and toughness efficiently, consolidating multiple cards’ strengths into one creature’s formidable presence. Provides a quick offensive advantage with low mana investment, exemplifying resource acceleration for faster victories. Despite sorcery speed, the strategic timing of this aura can drastically shift board dynamics and combat outcomes.
Card setsReleased in 26 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant

Text of card

Target creature gains +2/+1.


Cards like Unholy Strength

Unholy Strength is a classic aura in Magic: The Gathering that has bolstered creatures since the game’s early days. This card shares similarities with other creature buff spells like Giant Strength, offering an additional power boost. While both enhance a creature’s power, Unholy Strength is more affordable at a single black mana, perfect for early-game advantage.

Comparatively, Dark Favor involves a life cost in addition to the mana spent, yet it grants an even larger increase in power and toughness. What’s notable about Unholy Strength though, is its simplicity and immediate impact on the battlefield, making it a steadfast choice for black decks focused on quick, aggressive strategies.

Examining these alternatives, Unholy Strength remains a competitive option for players looking to increase their creature’s power efficiently. With its low-cost and straightforward effect, it’s a solid addition to decks that aim to overwhelm opponents with swift, strengthened creatures.

Giant Strength - MTG Card versions
Dark Favor - MTG Card versions
Giant Strength - MTG Card versions
Dark Favor - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Unholy Strength by color, type and mana cost

Paralyze - MTG Card versions
Evil Presence - MTG Card versions
Weakness - MTG Card versions
Imprison - MTG Card versions
Thrull Retainer - MTG Card versions
Torture - MTG Card versions
Death Watch - MTG Card versions
Leshrac's Rite - MTG Card versions
Sadistic Glee - MTG Card versions
Sarcomancy - MTG Card versions
Dread of Night - MTG Card versions
Tortured Existence - MTG Card versions
Volrath's Motion Sensor - MTG Card versions
Sicken - MTG Card versions
Darkest Hour - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Cursed Flesh - MTG Card versions
Withering Hex - MTG Card versions
Genju of the Fens - MTG Card versions
Some Disassembly Required - MTG Card versions
Paralyze - MTG Card versions
Evil Presence - MTG Card versions
Weakness - MTG Card versions
Imprison - MTG Card versions
Thrull Retainer - MTG Card versions
Torture - MTG Card versions
Death Watch - MTG Card versions
Leshrac's Rite - MTG Card versions
Sadistic Glee - MTG Card versions
Sarcomancy - MTG Card versions
Dread of Night - MTG Card versions
Tortured Existence - MTG Card versions
Volrath's Motion Sensor - MTG Card versions
Sicken - MTG Card versions
Darkest Hour - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Cursed Flesh - MTG Card versions
Withering Hex - MTG Card versions
Genju of the Fens - MTG Card versions
Some Disassembly Required - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Unholy Strength may not draw you cards directly, but its potency lies in amplifying the power of a single creature, essentially consolidating the strength of multiple cards into one fearsome entity. By increasing a creature’s power and toughness, you maximize the utility of every card on your battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: Although Unholy Strength isn’t a conventional form of resource acceleration, the boost it gives to a creature for a modest mana investment can accelerate your offensive capabilities significantly. A larger creature can mean faster victories, effectively shortening the game and reducing the need for additional resources.

Instant Speed: While Unholy Strength is an aura that’s cast at sorcery speed, the surprise factor when played pre-combat or in response to blockers can be just as impactful as an instant. The immediate augmentation of a creature can create abrupt shifts in board presence, potentially leading to favorable combat situations or surprise wins.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Enhancing a creature with Unholy Strength means dedicating your turn to a single spell, which can be a strategic drawback if your hand lack options.

Specific Mana Cost: Unholy Strength comes with a cost that requires black mana. This restriction could prevent inclusion in multicolored decks that might not always have the necessary mana available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the cost for this aura, some players find that investing one black mana for a +2/+1 boost might not be as resource-efficient compared to other buffs or creatures you could play for a similar mana investment.


Reasons to Include Unholy Strength in Your Collection

Versatility: Unholy Strength proves itself as a handy enchantment for various black decks seeking a cost-effective power boost. Its low mana cost means it can be played early on, amplifying the threat level of even the most unassuming creatures.

Combo Potential: Pair this card with creatures that benefit from increased power or have abilities that trigger upon dealing damage. The instant boost can turn the tides by allowing for surprising, high-damage plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that leans towards aggressive playstyles, Unholy Strength can reinforce your creatures’ combat capabilities, making your deck more formidable against opponents and aligning well with fast-paced, combat-centric strategies.


How to beat

Unholy Strength is a classic aura that buffs a creature’s power and toughness in Magic: The Gathering. Given its ability to significantly enhance a creature for a minimal investment, it’s often a go-to for players looking to make a quick, aggressive impact on the battlefield. When facing this card, removal spells are your ally. Cards like Disenchant or Naturalize allow you to strip away the aura with ease, diminishing your opponent’s offensive force.

To maintain control over the game, consider timing your spells to disrupt your adversary’s plans. Wait until they’ve committed to an attack or are reliant on the buffed creature. Then, wielding spot removal or mass board wipes like Doom Blade or Wrath of God will clear the path to victory. If direct removal isn’t accessible, relying on creatures with deathtouch or enough toughness to withstand the strengthened assault can stall the opponent’s momentum, granting you vital time to strategize a comeback. Therefore, while Unholy Strength can be intimidating, having the right tools in your arsenal can flip the script in your favor, showcasing the delicate balance of power present in every match of Magic: The Gathering.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Unholy Strength MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Unholy Strength and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Unholy Strength Magic the Gathering card was released in 21 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 1311993NormalBlackDouglas Shuler
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 1321993NormalBlackDouglas Shuler
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 1321993NormalWhiteDouglas Shuler
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 1321993NormalBlackDouglas Shuler
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 1321993NormalBlackDouglas Shuler
61994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 1331993NormalWhiteDouglas Shuler
71994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 1331993NormalBlackDouglas Shuler
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 1331993NormalWhiteDouglas Shuler
91995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 1661993NormalBlackDouglas Shuler
101995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 1661993NormalWhiteDouglas Shuler
111997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 2011997NormalWhiteTom Kyffin
122001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 168★1997NormalBlackGary Ruddell
132001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 1681997NormalWhiteGary Ruddell
142003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 1692003NormalWhitePuddnhead
152003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 169★2003NormalBlackPuddnhead
162005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 168★2003NormalBlackPuddnhead
172005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 1682003NormalWhitePuddnhead
182007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 1852003NormalBlackTerese Nielsen
192007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 185★2003NormalBlackTerese Nielsen
202009-04-10Duel Decks: Divine vs. DemonicDDC 472003NormalBlackTerese Nielsen
212009-07-17Magic 2010M10 1162003NormalBlackTerese Nielsen
222010-06-04Duels of the PlaneswalkersDPA 362003NormalBlackTerese Nielsen
232010-07-16Magic 2011M11 1192003NormalBlackTerese Nielsen
242014-12-05Duel Decks Anthology: Divine vs. DemonicDVD 472015NormalBlackTerese Nielsen
252022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 4251997NormalBlackDouglas Shuler
262022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 1282015NormalBlackDouglas Shuler

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Unholy Strength has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal