Magic: The Gathering

Words of War

The List ONS-244 • rare

Set: The List
Collector number: ONS-244
Rarity: Rare
Mana cost: 2 generic mana red mana
Type: Enchantment
Colors: Red
Artist: Justin Sweet
Market price: $0.32

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$0.32est. via TCGplayer

Market

What it's worth

$0.32market price via TCGplayer · Aug 8, 2026$0.30 – $0.33 over the tracked period

$0.32Aug 8, 2026

Estimate for a typical copy of Words of War; condition, printing, and grading move the real number.

Lore

Why it matters

Originally printed in the Onslaught expansion, Words of War is an enchantment that allows players to trade card draw for direct damage. As part of The List, this card remains a sought-after utility piece for players who enjoy aggressive strategies and clever resource management.

Generated by Pi, the collecto.rs collecting companion

Card face

What it does

1 generic mana: The next time you would draw a card this turn, this enchantment deals 2 damage to any target instead.

"Passions can't be shackled by laws or mastered with logic. The choice is freedom or death."— *Volume IV, The Book of Fire*

Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC. Card text via Scryfall. Not approved or endorsed by Wizards.

Formats

Where you can play it

Tournament legality for Words of War across the formats players actually play.

StandardNot legal
PioneerNot legal
ModernNot legal
LegacyLegal
VintageLegal
CommanderLegal
PauperNot legal
BrawlNot legal
HistoricNot legal
TimelessNot legal
Penny DreadfulNot legal
OathbreakerLegal

Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC. Card text via Scryfall. Not approved or endorsed by Wizards.

Reflects the last catalogue refresh, not a live ruling.

Buy

Where to find one

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Provenance

Where it came from

Words of War was originally printed in the 2002 Onslaught expansion for Magic: The Gathering, serving as part of a cycle of enchantments that allowed players to convert card drawing into various combat-related effects. The card was designed to encourage aggressive playstyles by transforming the resource of card advantage into direct damage, reflecting the set's intense focus on tribal synergies and high-impact board states.

The artwork was commissioned from illustrator Justin Sweet, whose painterly, atmospheric style was a staple of the era. His depiction of the card captures a scene of chaotic arcane influence, aligning with the volatile, war-torn aesthetic established for the Onslaught block. While the card saw moderate play in specific combo-oriented decks, it remains best known as a niche utility piece that has been reintroduced through The List, a curated selection of cards appearing in modern booster packs to provide players access to older, iconic designs.

Generated by Pi, the collecto.rs collecting companion

Other printings

Every version of this card

The same card, printed again — different sets, treatments, and prices.

Words of WarOnslaught · #244 · rare$0.59

Collectors

Who's collecting this

Real cards collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.

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About

About Words of War

Words of War is a card in the Magic: The Gathering catalog on collecto.rs. The List ONS-244 • rare. Catalog data is sourced from Scryfall. No public cards collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.

How many collectors track Words of War on collecto.rs?

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Can I track my own copy of Words of War?

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Where does the Words of War catalog entry come from?

The catalog entry for Words of War is sourced from Scryfall. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.