Cruel Ultimatum

Description

Released in 2017 as part of the Archenemy: Nicol Bolas expansion, Cruel Ultimatum (Card #82) is a rare sorcery that defines high-impact gameplay in Magic: The Gathering. Designed with a mana cost of {U}{U}{B}{B}{B}{R}{R}, this seven-mana card represents the pinnacle of strategic decision-making for players controlling blue, black, and red mana sources. The card's design encapsulates the overwhelming power associated with the Archenemy theme, offering a devastating dual-effect resolution that can instantly shift the balance of a match. The gameplay effect requires careful targeting but yields significant advantages. Upon resolution, the target opponent must sacrifice a creature of their choice, discard three cards from their hand, and lose five life points. Simultaneously, the controller gains life equal to the damage dealt, returns a creature card from their graveyard to their hand, and draws three additional cards. This combination of disruption, resource acceleration, and card advantage makes the card a centerpiece for aggressive and control-oriented strategies alike. Illustrated by Todd Lockwood, the card stands as a notable entry in the E01 set code, appealing to both competitive players and completists building their Archenemy collections. The three-color identity ensures it remains a versatile and sought-after asset for decks capable of supporting its high casting cost. Whether used to dismantle an opponent's board or to fuel a comeback through graveyard recursion, Cruel Ultimatum offers a compelling experience for veteran and casual players of the trading card game.