Unearth — Magic: The Gathering card

Unearth

{B}
Sorcery

Return target creature card with mana value 3 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Cycling {2} ({2}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

*No matter how deep you bury it, some evil refuses to stay dead.*

Set Double Masters 2022
Rarity Common
Mana Value 1
Artist Jehan Choo
Collector # 96
Scryfall

Why Play Unearth

Aggressive decks love the cheap reanimation effect to bring back fallen threats like Monastery Swiftspear or Dragon Hatchling for continued pressure. The cycling ability provides excellent flexibility, letting you dig for action when you don't need the graveyard effect or when your yard is empty. Play it early to recover from removal or sweepers, or cycle it away in matchups where the three mana value restriction limits your targets.

Format Notes

Pauper represents its strongest showing, where the mana value restriction hits most relevant creatures and the cycling provides crucial card selection for black decks. Modern occasionally sees play in aggressive strategies or graveyard-based builds, though competition from other reanimation spells is fierce. Legacy and Vintage rarely feature the card due to more powerful alternatives, while Commander players appreciate the low cost and flexibility despite the mana value limitation.

Combos & Synergies

Pairs excellently with self-mill effects like Satyr Wayfinder or Grisly Salvage to stock your graveyard with cheap creatures. Carrion Feeder and other sacrifice outlets create powerful synergy loops, letting you repeatedly sacrifice and reanimate the same creature for value. The cycling ability works beautifully with madness cards like Fiery Temper, turning Unearth into a cantrip that enables additional spells when you don't need the reanimation effect.

Learn More

Sorcery Cantrip Graveyard Modern Commander Pauper