The Harsh Mercy rare card from Magic: The Gathering's 2002 Onslaught expansion, a white sorcery capable of clearing the board of mixed creature types.
Harsh Mercy
2002 • Magic: The Gathering • Onslaught
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Price History
$2.38
Description
Harsh Mercy, card number 39 in the Onslaught expansion, stands as one of the most impactful white sorceries released by Wizards of the Coast in 2002. This rare card challenges players to make difficult strategic decisions, as its effect forces every participant to select a specific creature type before destroying all non-matching permanents on the battlefield. The outcome is immediate and irreversible, as the destroyed creatures cannot be regenerated, making this card a formidable tool for board control in competitive play. Designed by John Matson, the card represents a pivotal moment in the Onslaught block’s narrative, where the planes of Mercadia and Odyssey were merged by the Eldrazi. The flavor text, attributed to Kamahl, reflects the moral weight of such a sweeping effect, emphasizing the burden of choosing who to save in a chaotic conflict. Collectors often seek this card not only for its mechanical strength but also for its thematic resonance within the block’s storyline., enthusiasts can explore a growing collection of Magic: The Gathering cards, including this iconic piece from the early 2000s. Whether you are building a competitive deck focused on creature type strategies or expanding your library with key set builders, Harsh Mercy offers both historical significance and gameplay utility. Its ability to wipe the board of diverse creatures makes it a versatile option in formats where board state management is critical. The card’s mana cost of {2}{W} and mana value of 3 allow it to be cast relatively early in the game, providing timely removal or board wipes when opponents have established diverse creature bases. This efficiency, combined with its rare status, has kept it in high demand among collectors and players alike. By featuring Harsh Mercy in your collection, you own a piece of Magic’s rich history that continues to influence gameplay and strategy today.
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Card Details
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Catalog Profile
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Featured Subject
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Featured
Harsh Mercy
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Rare
John Matson
Card Stock
English
{2}{W}
Sorcery
W
Card Text
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Each player chooses a creature type. Destroy all creatures that aren't of a type chosen this way. They can't be regenerated.
"There is no greater burden than choosing who to save." —Kamahl, druid acolyte







