Cruel Reality
Cruel Reality Price Summary
As of Aug 7, 2026, the cheapest tracked printing of Cruel Reality is $2.37 (AKH #84, Foil), and the most expensive is $5.00 (PAKH #84s, Prerelease, Foil). The benchmark price (cheapest playable nonfoil) is $3.09, down 0.3% over 7 days, up 14.4% over 30 days, up 59.3% over 90 days. All-time tracked high: $3.10 (2026).
Cruel Reality Printings & Prices
Cruel Reality has 2 tracked printings across 2 sets, in nonfoil and foil finishes, including prerelease treatments.
Sell Cruel Reality: Buylist Offers
Card Kingdom currently pays $3.80 cash for PAKH #84s (Foil); the retail-buylist spread on that printing is 49% (wide).
| Buyer | Printing | Finish | Cash offer | Retail | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card Kingdom | PAKH #84s | Foil | $3.80 | $7.49 | 49% |
| Card Kingdom | AKH #84 | Foil | $1.60 | $3.99 | 60% |
| CoolStuffInc | AKH #84 | Foil | $1.50 | — | — |
| Card Kingdom | AKH #84 | Nonfoil | $1.50 | $3.99 | 62% |
| starcitygames | AKH #84 | Foil | $1.00 | — | — |
| starcitygames | AKH #84 | Nonfoil | $0.75 | — | — |
| CoolStuffInc | AKH #84 | Nonfoil | $0.35 | — | — |
Cruel Reality Rules Text & Legality
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 legal in Pioneer, Modern, Legacy and Commander, and not legal in Standard and Pauper.
Cruel Reality Rulings
- Jan 19, 2018 There 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.
- Apr 18, 2017 The enchanted player can’t choose to lose 5 life if they have a creature or planeswalker that can be sacrificed.
- Apr 18, 2017 The 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.
Reprints & Reprint Risk
Cruel Reality has been reprinted 3 times.
| Set | Date | Rarity | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| AKH #84 | 2017-04-28 | Mythic | Standard |
| AKH #84 | 2017-04-28 | Mythic | Standard |
| PAKH #84s | 2017-04-28 | Mythic | Prerelease |
AKH #84 
PAKH #84s Cruel Reality in Commander
Cruel Reality is the #9,953 most-played card on EDHREC, down 65 places over the last 30 days.
Cruel Reality FAQ
How much is Cruel Reality worth?
Cruel Reality is worth about $3.09 for its cheapest playable printing as of Aug 7, 2026. Prices range from $3.09 to $5.00 across 2 tracked printings.
Is Cruel Reality legal in Commander?
Yes — Cruel Reality is legal in Commander. It is also legal in Pioneer, Modern and Legacy.
Has Cruel Reality been reprinted?
Yes — Cruel Reality has been reprinted 3 times, with 2 printings tracked on The Index.
Why is Cruel Reality cheap?
Cruel Reality trades at about $3.09 — 3 reprints keep supply plentiful, and Commander demand is modest (#9,953 on EDHREC).