Settle the Score

Settle the Score was released in 2018 as part of the Dominaria expansion, a set designed to celebrate the history of Magic: The Gathering by returning to its foundational plane. Mechanically, the card was designed to support the set's focus on historic cards and loyalty counters, functioning as a targeted removal spell that provides a versatile utility by pumping a planeswalker. It represents the darker, tactical side of the conflict on Dominaria, fitting into the set's broader narrative of the Phyrexians and other threats facing the world's inhabitants.

The artwork for the card was illustrated by Victor Adame Minguez, who sought to capture the visceral nature of the spell. His design highlights the contrast between the decay of the target and the resurgence of the planeswalker, employing a sharp, focused aesthetic that became characteristic of his contributions to the era. Upon its release, the card was well-received by players for its efficiency in Limited formats, where the ability to manage both creatures and planeswalkers proved to be a highly effective strategic tool.