Top 10 Most Expensive Magic: The Gathering Instants
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) features some of the most powerful and iconic instants, many of which have skyrocketed in value due to their utility and rarity. These spells are staples in Commander, where their impact on the game often justifies their hefty price tags. Here, we’ll count down the top 10 most expensive instants.
10. Clever Concealment
Clever Concealment is a recent addition to Magic’s collection of powerful instants. With convoke, you can phase out any number of permanents, often for a discount. Its ability to protect your board state from destruction or disruption makes it a valuable tool in white decks. Its scarcity in newer print runs has contributed to its high price.
9. Enlightened Tutor
Enlightened Tutor is a one-mana instant that lets you search for an artifact or enchantment and place it on top of your library. Its flexibility makes it a vital piece for decks that rely on specific combos or powerful synergies. Its status as a Commander staple ensures its continued demand and value.
8. Deadly Rollick
Deadly Rollick is a removal spell that exiles a creature for free if you control your commander. This ability to cast for free and handle almost any threat makes it a top-tier choice in black decks. Its limited printing in Commander 2020 has kept its price high.
7. Fierce Guardianship
Fierce Guardianship is a free counterspell for non-creature spells, provided you control your commander. This card is invaluable in protecting combos or critical game pieces. It was part of the Commander 2020 preconstructed decks, and its limited supply has made it one of the most expensive blue instants.
6. Cyclonic Rift
Cyclonic Rift is one of the most iconic blue spells in Commander. Its overload cost lets you bounce all nonland permanents your opponents control, often swinging games in your favor. This ability to reset opponent's board state makes it a staple in blue decks, and its high demand has kept its price consistently high.
5. Teferi’s Protection
Teferi’s Protection is unmatched when it comes to protecting yourself and your board. By phasing out your permanents and yourself, it effectively shields you from almost all threats until your next turn. Its versatility, power, and scarcity have made it a prized card in Commander.
4. Mana Drain
Mana Drain is a counterspell that not only stops an opponent’s spell but also gives you bonus mana equal to its mana value during your next main phase. Its dual utility of disruption and ramp makes it an incredibly powerful card, and its rarity ensures its place among the most expensive instants in Magic.
3. Vampiric Tutor
Vampiric Tutor is an efficient one-mana tutor making you lose 2 life in exchange it allows you to search for any card and place it on top of your library. Its low cost and incredible flexibility make it a cornerstone for black-based Commander decks, and its utility has made it a highly sought-after and valuable card.
2. Deflecting Swat
Deflecting Swat lets you redirect a spell or ability for free if you control your commander. Its ability to turn the tide of a game by protecting key pieces or disrupting opponents’ plans makes it a must-have in many decks. Limited printings in Commander 2020 have kept its price high, reflecting its incredible utility.
1. Force of Will
Force of Will is the gold standard free counterspell. By exiling a blue card from your hand and paying 1 life, you can counter any spell, providing unparalleled protection against game-ending threats. Its legacy as a staple in Magic and its use across multiple formats have solidified its position as the most expensive instant in Commander.
Closing Thoughts
The most expensive instants in Magic: The Gathering showcase the power and utility these spells bring to the table. Each card on this list earns its high price tag through its impact, rarity, and demand among players. Whether you’re a collector or a Commander enthusiast, these cards represent the pinnacle of instant-speed gameplay.
This article uses information from EDHREC, a widely used resource among MTG players for its comprehensive statistics and insights on Commander trends and strategies.