# The 10 best alchemy cards in Magic: The Gathering, ranked

> Magic's Alchemy format ends in 2027 with these 10 cards defining its digital innovation.
- Title: The 10 best alchemy cards in Magic: The Gathering, ranked
- Summary: Magic's Alchemy format ends in 2027 with these 10 cards defining its digital innovation. Wizards of the Coast retiring Magic's Alchemy format in early 2027…
- Keywords: magic the gathering, alchemy, mtg arena, wizards of the coast, alchemy cards, power nine, digital card game, magic cards, alchemy format, mtg arena rebalancing, gaming, culture
- Source: Polygon — https://polygon.com/best-alchemy-cards-magic-gathering-mgt
- Author: Ryan Epps
- Published: 2026-10-21T22:59:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: magic the gathering, alchemy, mtg arena, wizards of the coast, alchemy cards, power nine, digital card game, magic cards, alchemy format, mtg arena rebalancing, gaming, culture
## Alchemy format retirement
Wizards of the Coast set Alchemy's retirement for early 2027 after launching it in 2021.
## Alchemy's mechanical impact
Alchemy expanded Magic's mechanical lexicon by testing digital-only mechanics impossible on physical cards.
## Forsaken Crossroads
Forsaken Crossroads addresses second-player disadvantage by letting you choose a color and scry when entering.
## Symmetry Sage
Symmetry Sage increased power from 0/2 to 0/3 for digital rebalancing without changing physical cards.
## Fragment Reality
Fragment Reality exiles a permanent for one white mana but gives opponent a random creature card with lower mana value.
## Fearsome Whelp
Fearsome Whelp permanently reduces dragon spell costs in your hand over multiple turns.
## Inquisitor Captain
Inquisitor Captain finds two creatures from graveyard, hand, or library for a four-mana value explosion.
## Oracle of the Alpha
Oracle of the Alpha conjures the Power Nine cards when entering the battlefield.
## Key to the Archive
Key to the Archive offers powerful spells like Demonic Tutor and Lightning Bolt from its spellbook.
## Town-Razer Tyrant
Town-Razer Tyrant turns opponent's nonbasic land into a sacrifice or damage trigger.
## Rusko, Clockmaker
Rusko, Clockmaker conjures a Midnight Clock that turns noncreature spells into resources.
## Crucias, Titan of the Waves
Crucias generates treasure and allows card selection from excess hand resources.
## Key takeaway

Wizards of the Coast retiring Magic's Alchemy format in early 2027 highlights 10 cards that reshaped digital gameplay mechanics.