This 2016 Magic: The Gathering Desperate Ritual card from the Treasure Chest set offers collectors a look at Wayne Reynolds' art and the card's unique Splice mechanic.
Desperate Ritual
2016 • Magic: The Gathering • Treasure Chest
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Description
The Desperate Ritual card, identified by number 65851 in the 2016 Magic: The Gathering Treasure Chest set (PZ2), is an Uncommon Arcane Instant that has become a notable piece for TCG enthusiasts. Designed by artist Wayne Reynolds, this card represents a distinct era of Magic printing where treasure chests served as a vehicle for reprints and special treatments, appealing to those who appreciate the physical diversity of the game's history. As a red mana card, Desperate Ritual provides a powerful resource advantage by adding three red mana to a player's pool. Its true strategic value, however, lies in its Splice ability. This mechanic allows players to reveal the card from their hand while casting another Arcane spell, paying an additional mana cost to add the ritual's effects to that spell. This dual functionality makes the card a flexible tool in deck construction, offering both standalone impact and synergistic potential with other Arcane-themed strategies. Collectors often seek out this print for its mechanical versatility and the high-quality artwork that defines the Treasure Chest series. The Desperate Ritual card is a prime example of how Wizards of the Coast blended iconic gameplay with collectible packaging. Whether you are building a thematic deck around Arcane spells or simply appreciating the evolution of Magic's design, this card from the Treasure Chest set offers a compelling addition to any collection. Its enduring popularity stems from its efficient mana generation and the clever integration of the Splice mechanic, which added a layer of depth to spell casting during its time in the game. For investors and hobbyists alike, the Treasure Chest series remains a significant chapter in Magic's print history. The Desperate Ritual card, with its clear rules text and impactful gameplay, stands as a testament to the game's innovative design philosophy.
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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
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Featured
Desperate Ritual
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Uncommon
Wayne Reynolds
Card Stock
English
{1}{R}
Instant — Arcane
R
Card Text
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Add {R}{R}{R}. Splice onto Arcane {1}{R} (As you cast an Arcane spell, you may reveal this card from your hand and pay its splice cost. If you do, add this card's effects to that spell.)











