Oblivion StrikeHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Oblivion Strike is a sorcery with two main characteristics: it has Devoid and it exiles a target creature. Devoid is a characteristic-defining ability that functions in all zones, meaning that even though you use black mana to cast it, the spell itself is colorless. The secondary effect is straightforward exile removal, which moves a creature directly to the exile zone rather than the graveyard.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast the spell by paying its mana cost of three generic and one black mana, and you choose a legal target creature. Upon resolution, the game checks if the target is still legal; if it is, the creature is moved from the battlefield to the exile zone. Because the spell is colorless, it can successfully target and resolve against creatures with 'Protection from Black', which would normally stop black spells from targeting them.

Common Mistakes

The most frequent error involves the Devoid mechanic. Players often forget that while the card is colorless, it still requires black mana to cast; you cannot cast it with four generic mana alone. Additionally, because it is a Sorcery, you cannot use it during an opponent's turn to stop an attack unless you have an effect that allows you to cast sorceries as though they had flash.

When to Play It

Oblivion Strike is best saved for high-value targets that are difficult to kill through normal combat or 'destroy' effects. It is particularly effective against creatures with recursive abilities or indestructible, as exile prevents them from returning to the battlefield easily.

Interaction examples

Exiling a Target

You cast Oblivion Strike targeting an opponent's creature. As the spell resolves, that creature is moved to the exile zone. It does not go to the graveyard, so abilities that trigger on death will not happen.

Managing Your Own Graveyard

Victimize

If you use Oblivion Strike to exile a threat, that creature cannot be targeted by Victimize later, because Victimize requires targets to be in the graveyard. Conversely, if you want to use Victimize yourself, you must ensure your own creatures die rather than being exiled by an opponent's Oblivion Strike.

Clearing the Board

Toxic Deluge

You can use Toxic Deluge to weaken a massive army of small creatures by paying life for X. If a single large creature survives the -X/-X effect because its toughness was too high, you can then use your main phase to cast Oblivion Strike to finish that specific survivor off permanently.