The 2008 Shards of Alara foil release of Cruel Ultimatum is a seven-mana sorcery that defines high-stakes gameplay in Magic: The Gathering.
2008 • Magic: The Gathering • Shards of Alara
No listings available right now.
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$25.00 | Guide Estimate | +25.1% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 30, 2026
Cruel Ultimatum, card number 164 from the Shards of Alara expansion, stands as a formidable presence in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Released in 2008, this foil rare card requires a significant mana investment of seven total mana, split across black, red, and blue colors. The card's design and mechanics reflect the complex strategic depth that collectors appreciate in the Shards of Alara set. As a sorcery, it can only be played during the main phase, offering a dramatic shift in board state when cast. The card’s effect is symmetrical yet aggressive, forcing a target opponent to make difficult choices. They must sacrifice a creature of their choice, discard three cards from their hand, and lose five life. In return, the caster gains significant advantage by returning a creature card from their own graveyard to their hand, drawing three additional cards, and gaining five life. This balance of disruption and resource generation makes it a memorable piece for any Magic: The Gathering collection. The foil treatment adds visual appeal, making it a desirable item for enthusiasts who value both gameplay utility and aesthetic quality. Collectors often seek this card to complete their Shards of Alara sets or to add a powerful spell to their library for various formats.
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.
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Cruel Ultimatum
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Ralph Horsley
Card Stock
English
Foil
{U}{U}{B}{B}{B}{R}{R}
Sorcery
B, R, U
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Target opponent sacrifices a creature of their choice, discards three cards, then loses 5 life. You return a creature card from your graveyard to your hand, draw three cards, then gain 5 life.
There is always a greater power.
FAQ
Cruel Ultimatum is a multi-colored card that utilizes black, red, and blue mana. Players must have the appropriate mana sources available to cast this seven-mana sorcery.
The card forces an opponent to sacrifice a creature, discard three cards, and lose five life. The caster then returns a creature from their graveyard, draws three cards, and gains five life.
Cruel Ultimatum is a rare card in the Shards of Alara set. The foil version is particularly sought after by collectors for its shiny finish and strategic value.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.
