Virtue's Ruin is an uncommon sorcery card from Magic: The Gathering's 1997 Portal expansion, identified by card number 116. This release offers collectors a glimpse into early simplified gameplay mechanics.
Virtue's Ruin
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Portal
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$1.34 | Guide Estimate | +0.8% | ||
- $1.34
- Source
- Guide Estimate
- Trend
- +0.8%
- Price Details
30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 5, 2026
Description
Virtue's Ruin, cataloged as card number 116, is a distinct entry within the Magic: The Gathering Portal expansion released in 1997. Designed as a simplified introduction to the game, this set featured large text and basic rules, making it accessible to new players while retaining strategic depth for veterans. As an uncommon sorcery, this card allows players to eliminate all white creatures from the battlefield, showcasing the era's straightforward yet impactful design philosophy. The Portal series remains a significant chapter in trading card game history, bridging the gap between complex competitive play and casual entry points. Collectors often seek out Portal cards for their nostalgic value and unique artistic direction, which diverged from the standard sets of the time. The artwork for Virtue's Ruin was created by Mike Dringenberg, whose style contributed to the set's recognizable visual identity. For investors and hobbyists, maintaining a complete set of Portal cards requires acquiring key pieces like this uncommon sorcery. The card's mana cost of {2}{B} and its ability to clear the board make it a mechanically interesting piece of TCG history. Whether you are completing a set or exploring the roots of the game, Virtue's Ruin represents a fundamental part of the Portal legacy.
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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
Virtue's Ruin
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Mike Dringenberg
Card Stock
English
{2}{B}
Sorcery
B
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Destroy all white creatures.
All must fall, and those who stand highest fall hardest.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Portal set in Magic: The Gathering?
The Portal set was designed to introduce new players to Magic: The Gathering with simplified rules and larger text. It serves as a historical bridge between the game's early complexity and its modern accessibility, making it a favorite among collectors for its unique design and nostalgic value.
Who is the artist for Virtue's Ruin?
The artwork for Virtue's Ruin was created by Mike Dringenberg. His illustration is part of the distinctive visual style that characterized the Portal expansion, setting it apart from standard sets released during the same period.
How does Virtue's Ruin function in gameplay?
Virtue's Ruin is a black sorcery with a mana cost of {2}{B}. Its primary effect is to destroy all white creatures on the battlefield, making it a powerful board-clearing tool in formats where it is legal. Its straightforward design reflects the Portal set's goal of accessible gameplay.
Cards Named Virtue's Ruin
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.
