Faithless Looting

Faithless Looting Full Guide

IDW Comics Inserts Rare
Mana Cost: {R}
Type: Sorcery
Faithless Looting Text:
Draw two cards, then discard two cards. Flashback {2}{R} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)
Artist: Karl Kopinski
Collector Number: 2
Release Date: 2012-02-29
Art crop
Cards Mentioned in This Review
These cards are referenced in the strategy guide below

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-28
TL;DR Summary

Faithless Looting is a rare sorcery that allows for aggressive card draw and graveyard manipulation. Its power level is medium-high due to its ability to draw two cards while discarding two, creating an efficient trade. The flashback keyword makes it a valuable tool in combo decks and those leveraging the graveyard.

In Commander formats, Faithless Looting finds use as a tempo accelerant, generating card advantage without overly disrupting the gameplan. It's often paired with Eldrazi Disintegrator or Golgari Findbroker to create explosive starts.

Card Mechanics & Interactions

Faithless Looting is a rare sorcery from the Planechase Anthology set. Its mana cost is {R}, and it has no power or toughness.

Rules

  • Faithless Looting has two effects:
    1. Draw two cards.
    2. Discard two cards.
  • These effects happen in order: you draw two cards, then discard two cards.
  • The card's ability to flashback allows it to be cast from the graveyard for its flashback cost of {2}{R}.
  • When casting a card with flashback, you pay the original mana cost and any additional costs as normal. Then, you exile the card.

Keyword Abilities

Faithless Looting has no keyword abilities beyond its own built-in effects.

Stack and Battlefield Functionality

When Faithless Looting is cast, it goes on the stack as a sorcery. During its resolution phase: * The first effect resolves by drawing two cards. + Any player can respond to this draw with an ability that targets the drawn card (e.g., Force of Will). + If a player responds to the draw with a spell, it will be cast on top of Faithless Looting's stack, potentially changing its order of resolution. * The second effect resolves by discarding two cards. This can affect a variety of cards and abilities, such as: + Cards that care about being in your hand (e.g., Necropotence). + Abilities that trigger when you discard a card.

When Faithless Looting is cast from the graveyard with its flashback ability: * The card goes on the stack as a sorcery, just like a regular cast. * During its resolution phase, it resolves in the same order as above: draw two cards, then discard two.

Edge Cases and Unusual Interactions

Consider the following scenarios:

  • Faithless Looting is cast on top of another spell. In this case, the effects of Faithless Looting will resolve before the other spell's effects.
  • A card with a triggered ability that triggers when you draw a card (e.g., Liliana of the Veil) would trigger twice: once for each drawn card.
  • If you have a card that cares about having two or more cards in your hand, drawing two cards with Faithless Looting might affect its functionality.

Commander-Specific Quirks

Faithless Looting is not inherently affected by any specific Commander rules. However, keep in mind that Commander games often involve multiple players and complex deck interactions. When playing this card in a Commander game: * Make sure to account for the potential effects on your opponents' cards and abilities. * Keep track of which cards have been discarded, as this can impact the functioning of cards like Necropotence.

Strategic Applications

Faithless Looting is a versatile sorcery that can be used strategically in various Commander decks, particularly those focused on red aggressive strategies. Here are some examples of how it can be utilized:

  • Red Burn: This classic Commander archetype relies on Faithless Looting to accelerate into burn spells and deal direct damage to opponents. By drawing two cards and discarding two cards, players can maintain a high tempo while exploring their deck's contents.
  • Monastery Mentor: This aggressive deck often runs Faithless Looting alongside Mentor of the Meek to create a powerful combo. By flashing back Faithless Looting with the mentor's ability, players can generate an additional card advantage and maintain momentum in the game.
  • Azorius Control: Faithless Looting can also be used as a form of "card filtering" in control decks, allowing players to draw into specific cards while discarding unwanted ones. This enables more precise control over the board state.

Some popular Commander generals that benefit from Faithless Looting include:

  • Moxopet: A powerful artifact creature that accelerates into spells and interacts with Faithless Looting's flashback ability.
  • Krenko, Mob Governor: An aggressive creature that benefits from Faithless Looting's card draw and discard abilities.
  • Dauth, the Storm Herald: A storm-themed commander that leverages Faithless Looting to generate card advantage and accelerate into powerful spells.

Faithless Looting is often seen in competitive and casual decks alike due to its adaptability. Its ability to create an additional card advantage while discarding two cards makes it a valuable addition to many Commander lists.

When building around Faithless Looting, players should focus on creating an aggressive game plan that leverages the sorcery's benefits. This may involve running high-powered burn spells, creatures with built-in removal effects, or even more instances of Faithless Looting itself.

Advanced Techniques

Faithless Looting is a versatile sorcery that offers a unique combination of card draw and disruption. Its Flashback ability allows it to be cast from the graveyard, making it an attractive option in formats where the deck has a high likelihood of reaching the late game.

One potential application for Faithless Looting is as a cantripping engine in a red devotion or burn deck. When paired with cards like Lightning Bolt and Monastery Swiftspear, Faithless Looting can provide an influx of card advantage while dealing significant damage to the opponent.

In a more aggressive strategy, Faithless Looting can be used to accelerate into early-game threats like Goblin Guide or Ball lightning. By discarding two cards after drawing two, Faithless Looting effectively trades card draw for disruption, allowing the deck to maintain a consistent pace while imposing pressure on the opponent.

A less obvious use for Faithless Looting is in combination with Griselbrand, where its ability to discard two cards becomes a benefit. When paired with Griselbrand's triggered ability, Faithless Looting can be used to draw additional cards without putting any cards into the graveyard, making it an effective tool for generating card advantage.

Faithless Looting also has potential in combo decks that rely on recursive or token-generating engines. By casting Faithless Looting from the graveyard and discarding two cards, a deck can generate tokens while maintaining a consistent draw step, allowing it to execute its combo more efficiently.

In terms of interactions, Faithless Looting can be used with Serra Disciple to generate card advantage by sacrificing creatures for additional draws. Its ability to discard two cards also makes it an effective way to interact with graveyard-based strategies that rely on Liliana, Death's Majesty or Necromancer's Stockpile.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes with Faithless Looting

Mistreating Faithless Looting as a one-shot draw spell can lead to missed opportunities for card advantage. This sorcery's value lies in its ability to draw two cards and discard two, making it an ideal combo piece for engines that benefit from both drawing and discarding.

Timing Issues: Caste Timing and Flashback

Casting Faithless Looting too early can put the player at a disadvantage, as they'll be forced to discard valuable cards immediately. It's essential to wait until the right moment, such as when the board is clear or an opponent has already played a spell. Additionally, using its flashback ability can create timing issues, as it allows for flexibility in terms of card advantage but requires careful consideration of the game state.

Misunderstood Rules: Discarding and Card Advantage

A common misconception is that discarding two cards from Faithless Looting's top-deck draw is a net loss. However, this overlooks the value of removing unwanted or problematic cards from the hand. By clearing space for more valuable draws, players can maintain card advantage and set up future plays.

Poor Synergies: Overlooking Flashback Potential

Some decks fail to capitalize on Faithless Looting's flashback ability, instead relying solely on its initial cast cost. This neglects the flexibility offered by flashing back the sorcery from the graveyard, allowing for a more responsive playstyle and increased card advantage.

Examples of Misplays

  • Casting Faithless Looting too early in the game, without considering the potential discards.
  • Failing to utilize the flashback ability, instead relying on its initial cast cost.
  • Overlooking the importance of removing unwanted cards from the hand through discarding.
Conclusion

Faithless Looting is a rare sorcery from the Planechase Anthology set, with a mana cost of 1R. Its oracle text reads: "Draw two cards, then discard two cards." This effect allows players to immediately draw additional cards while also getting rid of unwanted ones.

In terms of pricing, Faithless Looting is currently available for around $3.75 USD in near-mint condition, making it a relatively expensive card. However, its price has decreased over time, indicating that it's not as popular or sought after as other cards.

The card has been reprinted in various formats, including Commander decks. For players on a budget, there are several alternatives to Faithless Looting:

  • Maelstrom Pulse: A similar sorcery with the same mana cost (1R), but with different effects. It allows you to draw three cards and discard two.
  • Lingering Souls: Another 2-color option that lets you put three 2/2 white Zombie creature tokens onto the battlefield, creating a potential advantage.
  • Spectral Procession: A 3-color card (WUB) with an effect similar to Maelstrom Pulse. It can be used as a cheaper alternative in multi-color decks.

These cards offer comparable effects at lower prices or more affordable mana costs, making them suitable for budget-friendly Commander builds.

Here's a comparison of the prices for these alternatives:

Card Mana Cost Price
Faithless Looting 1R $3.75 (USD)
Maelstrom Pulse 1R $2.50 (USD)
Lingering Souls 2WU $2.25 (USD)
Spectral Procession WUB $1.50 (USD)

These alternatives demonstrate that players can achieve similar effects without breaking the bank.

In terms of gameplay, Faithless Looting is a powerful tool for aggressive decks and combo-heavy strategies. Its ability to draw two cards while discarding two allows players to quickly adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield.

When paired with other cards that have flashback abilities, such as Grafd Draal and Elder Deephyte, Faithless Looting becomes an even more formidable force. These combinations enable players to reuse the flashback cost of Faithless Looting, making it a valuable addition to any deck running these synergies.

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Faithless Looting is considered a staple in many red decks due to its versatility and potency. Its inclusion in any deck is a testament to the player's willingness to adapt and take calculated risks on the battlefield.

Overall, Faithless Looting is a powerful card that offers unparalleled flexibility and adaptability. Its ability to draw two cards while discarding two makes it an excellent choice for aggressive decks and combo-heavy strategies.

While its price may be steep, Faithless Looting remains a sought-after addition to many collections. For players looking to incorporate this card into their deck, there are affordable alternatives available that offer similar effects at lower prices or more accessible mana costs.

In conclusion, Faithless Looting is a game-changing card that offers unparalleled flexibility and adaptability on the battlefield. Its ability to draw two cards while discarding two makes it an excellent choice for aggressive decks and combo-heavy strategies.

Whether you're a seasoned Magic player or just starting out, Faithless Looting is definitely worth considering for your next deck build.

Deckbuilding & Synergies

Faithless Looting is a versatile and powerful sorcery that can be built around in various ways. Its ability to draw two cards while discarding two, combined with the flashback ability, makes it an excellent addition to many decks.

Commanders:

Faithless Looting works particularly well with commanders like:

  • Estrid, the Masked (G/R): Estrid's ability to exile cards and Faithless Looting's flashback make for a potent combination.
  • Atraxa, Praetors' Voice (R/B/W/G): Atraxa's ability to search for cards and Faithless Looting's draw power synergize well together.

Color Identities:

Faithless Looting is most at home in red-based decks, but it can also be included in multi-color builds. Some popular color identities that work with this card include:

  • Red Aggro: Pairing Faithless Looting with burn spells and creatures creates a aggressive deck.
  • Jeskai (R/W/U): Adding Faithless Looting to a Jeskai deck enables the player to accelerate their mana development while discarding unwanted cards.

Themes:

Faithless Looting can be incorporated into various themes, such as:

  • Card Name and Card Name (Burn/Sacrifice): These types of decks often focus on quick, aggressive plays and discard-based removal.
  • Card Name, Card Name, and Card Name (Mill/Combo): Combining Faithless Looting with mill effects and combo pieces creates a powerful draw engine.

Engines:

Some popular engines that complement Faithless Looting include:

  • Serra's Quincunx: This card allows the player to exile their hand, making it easier to utilize Faithless Looting.
  • Grapple with the Past: By exiling two cards and drawing three in return, this card provides an additional draw engine.

Synergy Cards:

Some specific synergy cards that work well with Faithless Looting include:

  • Sylvan Library: Exiling a library to search for a card can be paired with Faithless Looting's flashback to generate even more value.
  • Phantasmal Conjur: This creature's ability to exile and create tokens synergizes well with Faithless Looting.

Combo Notes:

Faithless Looting is often used as part of combo decks, where it can be cast from the graveyard using its flashback ability. Some notable combinations include:

  • Faithless Looting + Estrid's Invocation: This combination creates a powerful draw engine and card advantage.
  • Faithless Looting + Karn, Scourge of Gods: Using Faithless Looting to accelerate the player's mana development while leveraging Karn's ability to tutor for powerful artifacts.

When building around Faithless Looting, consider including cards that provide additional discard outlets or ways to exile unwanted cards. This will enable the player to maximize their draw power and create a formidable deck.

Format Roles

Faithless Looting in Commander

In Commander, Faithless Looting is a powerful tool for disrupting opponents' plans and creating card advantage. Its ability to draw two cards while discarding two allows it to generate value without significantly impacting the player's hand size.

  • Flashback: The sorcery also has flashback, allowing players to cast it from their graveyard for its flashback cost of 3R. This makes it a strong reanimation target and can be used to accelerate into powerful spells.
  • Competitive Potential: Faithless Looting is competitive in Commander as a versatile draw spell that can be used in various deck archetypes, such as combo, control, and ramp decks.

Other Formats

Faithless Looting's impact is not limited to Commander. It also has implications for other formats:

  • Banned: In Modern, Faithless Looting was banned due to its ability to generate excessive card advantage and disrupt opponents.
  • Casual Play: While it can be used in casual games, its power level makes it more suitable for competitive play.

Comparison with Other Cards

Comparing Faithless Looting to other cards reveals the following:

Card Description
Mnemic Network(https://scryfall.com/card/mnmt/126) This card has a similar draw effect but does not have flashback. It is also more expensive, with a mana cost of 2BB.

The comparison with Mnemic Network highlights the benefits of Faithless Looting's flashback ability and lower mana cost.

Price Trends

Faithless Looting's price trends reflect its competitive potential:

  • Current Prices: As of the last update, the current prices for Faithless Looting are 3.61 EUR and 3.75 USD.
  • Price History: The card's price has remained relatively stable over time, with minor fluctuations due to market demand.

Overall, Faithless Looting is a powerful draw spell that can generate significant value in Commander and other formats. Its flashback ability makes it a valuable addition to decks seeking to accelerate into powerful spells or disrupt opponents' plans.

Key Scenarios

Key Scenarios & Matchups

Faithless Looting excels in scenarios where card advantage is crucial, such as in multiplayer games with complex politics or when facing opponents with powerful board presence. Its ability to draw two cards while discarding two allows it to significantly alter the course of a game.

  • Early Game:
    • In aggressive decks, Faithless Looting can help find key removal spells or burn spells to deal damage to opponents.
    • In combo decks, it provides an additional card advantage when searching for specific cards or combinations.
  • Late Game:
    • With its flashback ability, Faithless Looting can be cast from the graveyard to draw more cards and adapt to changing circumstances.
    • It's particularly effective in combination with other draw spells or cards that generate card advantage, such as Mnemosyne.

In matchups where board presence is a significant factor, Faithless Looting struggles to make an impact. For example:

  • Against Atraxa, Praetors' Voice, who generates card advantage through his ability to draw and discard cards, Faithless Looting can be outpaced by the opponent's sheer card advantage.
  • In matchups against Sylvan Caryatid-based decks, which feature large creatures that can protect themselves with their abilities, Faithless Looting may not be able to generate enough card advantage to compete.

To maximize Faithless Looting's effectiveness in multiplayer games, consider the following:

  • Play it early to find key cards and disrupt opponents' plans.
  • Use its flashback ability in response to opponent's plays or when facing specific threats.
  • Pair it with other draw spells and card advantage generators to create a synergistic deck.

By understanding these scenarios and matchups, you can make informed decisions about how to use Faithless Looting effectively in your deck.

History & Meta

Faithless Looting has had a significant presence in Magic: The Gathering since its release. It was first printed in the Planechase set, PIDW, and is now considered a staple in many red decks.

One notable aspect of Faithless Looting's history is its interaction with other cards that have flashback abilities. Cards like Grafd Draal and Elder Deephyte allow players to reuse the flashback cost of Faithless Looting, making it a valuable addition to any deck running these combinations.

In terms of tournament presence, Faithless Looting has seen play in various formats, including Modern and Commander. Its ability to draw two cards for a relatively low cost makes it an attractive choice for decks looking to disrupt opponents or accelerate their own game plan.

EDHREC data shows that Faithless Looting is currently ranked 93rd among all cards by EDHREC popularity. This suggests that while it's not as widely played as some other cards, it still has a dedicated following and remains a valuable addition to many decks.

Faithless Looting has also appeared in iconic decks like "Toggo" and "Jeskai Combo". In the former, it helps fuel Toggo's aggressive game plan by providing additional card draw. In the latter, Faithless Looting can be used to accelerate Jeskai Combo's combo pieces and help the deck close out the game more quickly.

In terms of pricing, Faithless Looting is currently available for around $3.75 USD in near-mint condition, making it an accessible addition to most Magic players' collections.

Flavor & Lore

Faithless Looting is a cunning sorcery that allows its wielder to reap the benefits of chaos, drawing two cards from their deck while simultaneously discarding two. This card's ability to disrupt and adapt makes it a staple in any aggressive or midrange strategy.

In the world of Dominaria, Faithless Looting could be seen as an extension of the chaotic forces that seek to topple order. Cards like Ancestral Recall and Pendelton's Ultimate Dream embody the pursuit of knowledge and discovery, while Faithless Looting represents the dark side of this ambition - a reckless disregard for convention.

Players who incorporate Faithless Looting into their decks are often those who prioritize speed and adaptability over long-game plans. They're willing to take risks and navigate the unpredictable landscape of combat, much like the enigmatic planeswalker Chandra, Torch of Defiance, who wields her magical prowess with reckless abandon.

The card's rarity and relatively low mana cost make it an attractive addition to many decks, particularly those that rely on aggressive plays. However, its true power lies in its ability to disrupt opponents' plans, much like the cunning thief Griselbrand, who excels at pilfering valuable artifacts from under his foes' noses.

Faithless Looting's flashback ability allows it to be cast from the graveyard for a reduced cost, making it an ideal candidate for combo-heavy decks that rely on graveyard recursion. When paired with cards like Carnage Altar and Undergrowth, Faithless Looting becomes a game-changer, as it enables players to manipulate their graveyard and draw crucial cards at critical junctures.

In the world of Dominaria's endless struggle between order and chaos, Faithless Looting stands as a testament to the power of adaptability and cunning. Its inclusion in any deck is a declaration that its wielder will not be bound by convention or held back by fear of the unknown.

Budget/Alternatives

Budget & Accessibility Analysis: Faithless Looting

Faithless Looting is a rare sorcery from the Planechase Anthology set, with a mana cost of 1R. The card's oracle text reads: "Draw two cards, then discard two cards." This effect allows players to immediately draw additional cards while also getting rid of unwanted ones.

Price and Reprint Status

Faithless Looting is currently priced at $3.75 in USD, making it a relatively expensive card. However, its price has decreased over time, indicating that it's not as popular or sought after as other cards. The card has been reprinted in various formats, including Commander decks.

Budget-Friendliness and Commander Considerations

For players on a budget, there are several alternatives to Faithless Looting:

  • Maelstrom Pulse: A similar sorcery with the same mana cost (1R), but with different effects. It allows you to draw three cards and discard two.
  • Lingering Souls: Another 2-color option that lets you put three 2/2 white Zombie creature tokens onto the battlefield, creating a potential advantage.
  • Spectral Procession: A 3-color card (WUB) with an effect similar to Maelstrom Pulse. It can be used as a cheaper alternative in multi-color decks.

These cards offer comparable effects at lower prices or more affordable mana costs, making them suitable for budget-friendly Commander builds.

Comparison of Prices

Card Mana Cost Price
Faithless Looting 1R $3.75 (USD)
Maelstrom Pulse 1R $2.50 (USD)
Lingering Souls 2WU $2.25 (USD)
Spectral Procession WUB $1.50 (USD)

These alternatives demonstrate that players can achieve similar effects without breaking the bank.