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Writer's pictureConnor Kirkwood

Ask the AI: Top Ten Removal Spells


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Artist: DiTerlizzi

Removal spells have been a pillar of Magic the Gathering ever since Alpha was first printed. But what are the ten best removal spells ever printed? Let's Ask the AI.



What are the top ten Removal spells printed in Magic the Gathering?


Evaluating the top ten removal spells in Magic: The Gathering requires considering their versatility, efficiency, historical significance, and impact across various formats. Here’s a rundown of some of the most iconic and powerful removal spells:


1. Swords to Plowshares



Universally regarded as one of the best removal spells ever printed, Swords to Plowshares is efficient and effective, removing almost any threat for a single white mana. It’s a staple in many white decks across formats like Legacy, Vintage, and Commander due to its ability to deal with large threats early and efficiently. Its ability to exile creatures rather than destroy them makes it exceptionally powerful against indestructible or recurring threats.


 

2. Path to Exile



Similar to Swords to Plowshares, Path to Exile is a key removal spell in Modern and Commander. It offers a trade-off by ramping the opponent, but its ability to handle threats permanently makes it invaluable. Its efficiency and flexibility make it a mainstay in many competitive white-based decks.


 

3. Lightning Bolt



While not strictly a kill spell, Lightning Bolt is a versatile removal tool that can take out creatures or finish off opponents. It’s a staple in Burn decks, many aggressive red strategies, and sees play in Legacy, Modern, and Pauper. Its ability to deal damage to any target makes it highly flexible and a cornerstone of red's identity in Magic.


 

4. Fatal Push



Fatal Push revolutionized Modern and Standard upon its release, giving black decks an incredibly efficient answer to early-game threats. Its flexibility and low cost have made it a staple in many competitive decks. The Revolt mechanic allows it to scale effectively into the mid-game, adding to its versatility.


 

5. Abrupt Decay



This card’s ability to hit a wide range of permanents while being uncounterable made it a key piece in many decks, particularly in Legacy and Modern. It’s often found in midrange and control strategies, especially those involving green and black. Its uncounterability is particularly valuable in blue-heavy metagames.


 

6. Terminate



With no restrictions on its target, Terminate is a reliable removal spell in red-black decks. It has been a staple in various formats, especially Modern and Commander, for its sheer efficiency and lack of drawbacks. Its versatility makes it a key tool in any deck that can support its mana cost.


 

7. Maelstrom Pulse



Maelstrom Pulse’s ability to take out any nonland permanent, along with any copies of it, gives it incredible versatility. It’s especially valuable in formats with token strategies and has been a staple in Jund and other black-green decks. Its wide range of targets makes it a powerful tool in handling various board states.


 

8. Vindicate



The sheer versatility of Vindicate, being able to hit any permanent, makes it a valuable tool in many decks, particularly in Commander and Legacy. Its ability to deal with a variety of threats, including lands, sets it apart from more restrictive removal spells. Its flexibility ensures it remains relevant in diverse metagames.


 

9. Hero's Downfall



As one of the first spells to explicitly destroy planeswalkers, Hero’s Downfall has been a staple in Standard and continues to see play in formats like Pioneer and Commander. Its flexibility in handling both creatures and planeswalkers gives it a critical role in black control and midrange decks. Its instant speed and dual-targeting capability make it highly valuable.


 

10. Assassin's Trophy



Assassin’s Trophy offers unmatched versatility, able to destroy any permanent at instant speed for just two mana. While it ramps the opponent, its ability to handle any threat makes it a staple in black-green decks in formats like Modern and Commander. Its flexibility and efficiency have made it a key tool for dealing with problematic permanents.


 


These removal spells have earned their spots through their impact on the game, flexibility, and efficiency. They are cornerstones in various archetypes, from control and midrange to aggro and combo, and their presence has shaped the strategies and deck-building decisions in Magic: The Gathering for years.

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