The Decaying Time Loop is a 2023 Uncommon Instant from the Magic: The Gathering Doctor Who set, featuring a unique Retrace mechanic that allows casting from the graveyard by discarding a land.
Decaying Time Loop
2023 • Magic: The Gathering • Doctor Who
No Listings Available
No listings available right now.
Price History
$0.35
Description
The Decaying Time Loop is a distinct Instant card from the 2023 Magic: The Gathering Doctor Who set, identified by card number 80 and set code WHO. Designed with a bold red mana cost of three generic and one red mana, this Uncommon card offers a strategic twist on the classic draw-and-discard archetype. Its design integrates the theme of temporal repetition, mirroring the Doctor's own experiences with time loops and fixed points in history. The card's primary ability requires the player to discard their entire hand to draw an equal number of cards, providing a massive surge of resources when timed correctly. What truly sets Decaying Time Loop apart is its Retrace ability. This mechanic allows players to cast the card from their graveyard by discarding a land card in addition to paying its mana cost. This secondary layer of strategy encourages deck builders to think about graveyard interaction and resource management, adding depth to its gameplay. For collectors of the Doctor Who crossover, this card represents a key piece of the set's narrative identity. It captures the essence of the Thirteenth Doctor's resilience and iterative problem-solving style. The flavor text, attributed to the Doctor herself, highlights the cycle of failure and improvement that defines her character, making this card not just a game piece but a thematic staple for fans of the franchise. Whether you are building a Commander deck centered around discarding and drawing or simply collecting the full Doctor Who expansion, Decaying Time Loop is a notable addition to any Magic: The Gathering library. The card's layout and type line clearly identify it as an Instant, allowing for flexible timing during both players' turns. With its unique combination of hand disruption and recovery, it remains a favorite among players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward strategies. The integration of the Retrace keyword further enhances its replayability, ensuring that even if discarded, the card can still impact the game. This makes it a versatile and engaging card for the discerning Magic: The Gathering enthusiast.
Have one of these to sell?
We'll pre-fill the product details from this catalog entry, so your listing lands on this exact page. Just add photos of your copy, pick its condition, and set your price.
Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Decaying Time Loop
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Alexander Gering
Card Stock
English
{3}{R}
Instant
R
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Discard all the cards in your hand, then draw that many cards. Retrace (You may cast this card from your graveyard by discarding a land card in addition to paying its other costs.)
"We try, it doesn't work, we try again. We learn, we improve, we fail again, but better." —The Thirteenth Doctor










