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Decktrove
Cruel Reality
SLZ · The Zeta Set #278 · Uncommon · released 2026-09-02
{5}{B}{B}
Enchantment — Aura Curse
Enchant player
At the beginning of enchanted player's upkeep, that player sacrifices a creature or planeswalker of their choice. If the player can't, they lose 5 life.
Cruel Reality is an uncommon black enchantment from The Zeta Set (2026). It has been printed 6 times across 4 sets, from 2017 to 2026. Recent market prices range from $2.43 to $5.97 depending on printing and finish. It is legal in Pioneer, Modern, Legacy, Vintage, Commander, Oathbreaker, Historic, Brawl and Penny Dreadful.
Format legality
Where you can play Cruel Reality in sanctioned and popular formats.
StandardNot legal
PioneerLegal
ModernLegal
LegacyLegal
VintageLegal
CommanderLegal
PauperNot legal
OathbreakerLegal
HistoricLegal
BrawlLegal
Penny DreadfulLegal
All printings (6)
Prices range from $2.43 to $5.97 across finishes. Cheapest printing: Amonkhet at $2.66.
| Set | No. | Rarity | Price | Foil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amonkhet Promos | 84s | Mythic | — | $5.97 |
| Amonkhet | 84 | Mythic | $2.66 | $2.43 |
| Amonkhet Remastered | 98 | Mythic | — | — |
| The Zeta Set This page | 278 | Uncommon | — | — |
| The Zeta Set | 157 | Uncommon | — | — |
| The Zeta Set | 36 | Uncommon | — | — |
Rulings
Official rulings from Wizards of the Coast (3).
- 2018-01-19There are many important moments in the story, but the most crucial—called “story spotlights”—are shown on cards. These cards have the Planeswalker symbol in their text box; this symbol has no effect on gameplay. You can read more about these events in the official Magic fiction at http://www.mtgstory.com.
- 2017-04-18The enchanted player chooses a permanent to sacrifice from among the creatures and planeswalkers that player controls. You don’t choose which type of permanent the player has to sacrifice.
- 2017-04-18The enchanted player can’t choose to lose 5 life if they have a creature or planeswalker that can be sacrificed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cruel Reality legal in Commander?
Yes — Cruel Reality is legal in Commander (EDH).
What formats is Cruel Reality legal in?
Cruel Reality is legal in Pioneer, Modern, Legacy, Vintage, Commander, Oathbreaker, Historic, Brawl and Penny Dreadful.
How many times has Cruel Reality been printed?
Cruel Reality has been printed 6 times across 4 sets, from 2017 to 2026.
What is the cheapest printing of Cruel Reality?
The cheapest printing is Amonkhet (#84) at about $2.66.
Who illustrated Cruel Reality?
This printing of Cruel Reality was illustrated by MSCHF.