Destroy

Destroy is a keyword action.

By color

White

White is best at destroying enchantments (Demystify). Early in Magic's history, it also had artifact destruction (Disenchant) in its wheelhouse. White has a few spells that destroy attacking or tapped creatures (Vengeance), but generally prefers to exile creatures instead of destroying them. White also has board wipes that destroy all permanents of a certain type, regardless of controller (Wrath of God, Armageddon). Flavorwise, destruction in white is portrayed as a result of magical or divine power.

Blue

Blue has the least destruction of any color, compensating for this with counterspells and spells that return permanents to owner's hands. A few spells (Rapid Hybridization) have been printed in blue that destroy a creature but reward the controller of the destroyed creature with a creature token.

Black

Since the printing of Terror in Alpha, black has been the color of creature destruction in all forms. Occasionally, black also receives land destruction (Sinkhole). Flavorwise, destruction in black is portrayed as a result of pollution, murder or demonic power.

Red

Red has many spells which destroy lands (Stone Rain) and artifacts (Smelt). While it does have a number of cards that destroy multiple creatures, red spells generally do not directly destroy creatures but instead kills them by dealing direct damage. Flavorwise, destruction in red is portrayed as a result of something been burned, exploded, or obliterated in a volley of rock.

Green

In Arabian Nights, green received Desert Twister that allowed destruction of any permanent. Since then, green has lost the ability to destroy creatures without flying, but retains destruction of creatures with flying (Plummet) as part of its theme of flying hate. It has a number of spells to destroy artifacts or enchantments (Naturalize), and occasionally also receives land destruction. Flavorwise, destruction in green is portrayed as a result of being overwhelmed by forces of nature.

See also

• Land destruction