The 1997 Magic: The Gathering Fifth Edition Death Ward card. This white instant offers creature regeneration, serving as a foundational piece for vintage TCG enthusiasts.
Death Ward
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Fifth Edition
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.08 | Guide Estimate | -20% | ||
- $0.08
- Source
- Guide Estimate
- Trend
- -20%
- Price Details
30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 10, 2026
Description
The 1997 release of Magic: The Gathering Fifth Edition established a cornerstone for the trading card game, introducing a refined set of rules that defined the game's future. Within this set, card number 25, titled Death Ward, serves as a fundamental white instant. Designed by Mark Poole, this card provides a straightforward yet powerful effect: allowing players to regenerate a target creature, effectively saving it from destruction during the current turn. As a common rarity, Death Ward represents the accessible entry point for many collectors interested in the game's history. It reflects the design philosophy of the late 1990s, where simple, efficient spells were crucial for competitive play. Collectors often seek out cards from Fifth Edition to complete their sets or to appreciate the evolution of game mechanics over time. The card’s white mana cost makes it a staple in decks focused on white-based strategies, emphasizing protection and resilience. For enthusiasts of Magic: The Gathering, owning a card from Fifth Edition connects them to a pivotal era in the game's development. Whether you are building a vintage collection or simply appreciate the artistry and history of the game, Death Ward remains a significant piece of Magic lore. Its enduring presence in the game’s history highlights the importance of every card in the Fifth Edition set, making it a notable item for any serious collector’s portfolio. Collecting cards from this era offers a glimpse into the game's early competitive landscape. The straightforward design and clear rules text make it an educational piece for new players while remaining a valuable addition for veterans. By exploring the broader collection of Fifth Edition cards, collectors can appreciate the interconnectedness of the game's mechanics and the strategic depth that began to take shape during this period.
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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
Death Ward
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Mark Poole
Card Stock
English
{W}
Instant
W
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Regenerate target creature.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mana cost of Death Ward?
Death Ward has a mana cost of one white mana, making it an efficient spell to cast early in the game.
Who illustrated the Death Ward card in Fifth Edition?
The artwork for Death Ward in the 1997 Fifth Edition set was created by artist Mark Poole.
What does the regeneration ability do?
Regenerating a creature prevents it from being destroyed that turn, effectively removing it from play temporarily so it can remain on the battlefield.
Cards Named Death Ward
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.
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