What is the Point of Devoid in MTG?
Devoid is a characteristic in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) that can appear on any card type, making it colorless regardless of its mana cost. In other words, a card with devoid is not limited to a specific color and can be played in any color combination. But what’s the point of devoid? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of devoid and how it impacts gameplay.
What are the Benefits of Devoid?
Devoid allows cards to be played without regard to their original color. This means that you can play a card that would normally be restricted to a specific color combination without worrying about its color identity. For example, a card that would normally be limited to a mono-blue deck can be played in a tri-color deck with devoid. This flexibility opens up new possibilities for deck-building and strategy.
Color Identity vs. Devoid
Color identity is a concept in MTG that defines the colors of a card. A card’s color identity is determined by the mana symbols in its mana cost and the color indicated on its card type line. Devoid, on the other hand, ignores a card’s color identity, making it colorless. This means that a card with devoid can be played in any color combination, regardless of its color identity.
Devoid and Colorless Lands
Devoid lands are lands that have devoid and can be played in any color combination. These lands can be used to fix colors and provide additional mana without worrying about their original color. For example, a devoid land that normally only produces white mana can produce any color of mana in a tri-color deck. This flexibility is especially important in decks that rely on multiple colors.
Devoid and Devotion
Devoid can also affect devotion, a mechanic that requires players to have a certain number of creatures or other permanents of a specific color to trigger certain abilities. Devoid allows players to ignore the color identity of a creature and count it towards devotion. This means that a player can use a creature with devoid to trigger devotion in a deck that would otherwise not be able to use it.
Examples of Devoid Cards
Some examples of cards with devoid include:
- Lands: Devoid lands like Mist-Ridden Gorge or Scoured Barrens can be played in any color combination.
- Creatures: Cards like Catacomb Sifter or Vizkopa Guard have devoid and can be played in any color combination.
- Instants: Cards like Devoid Curse or Devoiding can be played in any color combination and have an effect that ignores color identity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, devoid is a powerful mechanic in MTG that allows cards to be played without regard to their original color. Devoid lands can provide additional mana and flexibility, while creatures with devoid can be used to trigger devotion in any color combination. Whether you’re building a mono-colored deck or a tri-colored deck, devoid can provide the flexibility you need to succeed.