Magic: The Gathering (MTG) has captivated players since its debut in 1993. With thousands of cards released over decades, determining which are the absolute best can be a daunting task. However, certain cards have left an indelible mark on the game, thanks to their powerful abilities, historical significance, and lasting impact on the metagame. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 Magic: The Gathering cards of all time, shedding light on what makes them stand out and why they are considered the best MTG cards.
Criteria for Ranking the Best Magic Cards
To identify the best Magic cards, we considered several factors: impact on the game, versatility, power level, and historical significance. Cards that have defined or changed gameplay, influenced deck strategies, or held their value over time were given special consideration. This approach ensures that the selections are not only powerful but also pivotal to the history and evolution of MTG.
Black Lotus
Card Overview: Black Lotus, one of the most iconic and sought-after cards in Magic’s history, is a part of the original Alpha, Beta, and Unlimited sets. Its simple yet powerful effect allows a player to add three mana of any single colour to their mana pool for zero mana.
Why It’s the Best: Black Lotus is renowned for its game-breaking potential. The ability to provide an immediate boost of three mana with no cost makes it a staple in many historical and vintage decks. Its utility in enabling powerful plays early in the game cannot be overstated. The card’s rarity and the fact that it’s banned in almost all formats further solidify its status as one of the best Magic cards.
Ancestral Recall
Card Overview: Ancestral Recall, another card from the Alpha set, allows a player to draw three cards for a single blue mana or forces an opponent to draw three cards for one blue mana. It's efficiency and low cost make it a favourite in many deck types.
Why It’s the Best: Ancestral Recall’s power lies in its ability to provide significant card advantage with minimal mana investment. In competitive play, drawing three cards for one mana can drastically increase a player’s chances of finding crucial cards or strategies. Its role in the game’s early and competitive eras, especially in Vintage, cements its place among the best Magic cards.
Time Walk
Card Overview: Time Walk is a card that allows its controller to take an extra turn after their current turn for just two mana. This simple effect of effectively skipping the opponent’s next turn has profound implications.
Why It’s the Best: Time Walk’s ability to grant an additional turn for a minimal cost provides an unparalleled advantage in gameplay. The card’s power to disrupt opponents’ strategies while allowing its controller to advance their own position makes it a formidable force. Its historical use in powerful decks and its impact on gameplay dynamics underscore its status as one of the best Magic cards.
Tarmogoyf
Card Overview: Tarmogoyf, from the Future Sight set, is a creature card that grows in power and toughness based on the number of card types in all graveyards. For example, if there are six different card types in graveyards, Tarmogoyf becomes a 6/7 creature.
Why It’s the Best: Tarmogoyf’s strength lies in its scalability and efficiency. For a low mana cost, it can become a substantial threat, making it a key component in many Modern and Legacy decks. Its ability to grow larger as the game progresses and its synergy with graveyard strategies make it a staple in competitive formats, solidifying its position as one of the best Magic cards.
Jace, the Mind Sculptor
Card Overview: Jace, the Mind Sculptor, from the Zendikar set, is a planeswalker card with four powerful abilities: brainstorming, fatesealing, bouncing a creature, and a game-winning ultimate ability. His versatility and strong abilities make him a force in many formats.
Why It’s the Best: Jace, the Mind Sculptor’s diverse abilities offer significant value in various situations. His ability to manipulate the top of a player’s library, bounce problematic creatures, and control the board makes him one of the most influential planeswalkers ever printed. His dominance in Standard, Modern, and Legacy formats highlights why he is considered one of the best Magic cards.
Honorable Mentions
While these five cards are often hailed as the pinnacle of MTG’s history, several other cards have also made significant impacts on the game. Cards like Demonic Tutor for its tutoring ability, Mox Sapphire for its mana acceleration, and Force of Will for its countering capability are worth noting. Each of these cards has played a crucial role in defining various decks and strategies throughout Magic’s history.
In Summary
The best Magic cards are those that not only excel in their abilities but also shape the game’s history and evolution. From the game-breaking Black Lotus to the versatile Jace, the Mind Sculptor, these cards have left a lasting legacy and remain favourites among players who have been fans for a long time.
If you have any questions or want to discuss the best Magic cards further, contact us at Obsidian Games. We’re here to help!
