When most players think about proxying Magic: The Gathering cards, they think about saving money on expensive staples. But there's another great reason to proxy: premium artwork.

Many of Magic's most iconic board wipes have received gorgeous alternate art treatments, borderless versions, and special edition printings that can cost significantly more than the regular card. If your playgroup allows proxies, you can enjoy these incredible pieces of artwork without paying collector prices.

Here are five of the best board wipes to proxy if you want your Commander deck to look as amazing as it plays.

 

1. Farewell

 

If versatility had a face, it would be Farewell.

This six-mana sweeper lets you choose exactly what you want to exile, whether it's creatures, artifacts, enchantments, graveyards, or any combination of them. Few board wipes can completely reshape a game the way Farewell can, making it one of the strongest white removal spells in Commander.

What really makes Farewell worth proxying, however, is its artwork. Borderless and alternate printings feature breathtaking scenes that perfectly capture the spell's overwhelming power. These premium versions have become favorites among collectors, often costing several times more than the standard printing.

A high-quality proxy lets you enjoy the stunning artwork while keeping your deck affordable.

 

 

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2. Blasphemous Act

 

Few cards are as satisfying as casting Blasphemous Act for just a single red mana.

Thanks to its cost reduction ability, this spell regularly wipes an entire battlefield for only a red mana, making it one of the most efficient sweepers ever printed.

Its artwork is just as explosive as its gameplay. Premium editions feature massive infernos, dramatic compositions, and eye-catching foil treatments that make the card stand out every time it's cast.

The downside is that some of these collector versions carry premium price tags. Proxying your favorite art allows you to enjoy the visual impact without paying too much for a flashy version.

 

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3. Raise the Palisade

 

Although Raise the Palisade doesn't technically destroy creatures, it often functions as a one-sided board wipe in tribal Commander decks.

Choosing a creature type and returning everything else to its owner's hand can completely swing a game in your favor, especially if your deck is built around a single tribe.

Its artwork is one of the card's biggest attractions. The magical wave crashing against towering defenses creates an unforgettable visual that looks fantastic in borderless treatments.

Since premium versions aren't always easy to find, and can become surprisingly expensive, they're excellent candidates for proxying if you're building a visually impressive deck.

 

 

 

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4. Toxic Deluge

 

Ask experienced Commander players for the best black board wipe, and Toxic Deluge will almost always be part of the conversation.

Instead of destroying creatures, it gives them negative toughness, allowing it to remove indestructible threats while scaling to almost any board state. That efficiency has made it one of the format's defining removal spells.

Its darker artwork perfectly matches the card's flavor, portraying a deadly magical plague spreading across the battlefield. Premium printings elevate that atmosphere even further with beautiful alternate illustrations and collector finishes.

Unfortunately, those versions can be expensive, making Toxic Deluge one of the easiest recommendations for anyone looking to proxy incredible artwork.

 

 

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5. Supreme Verdict

 

Reliable. Efficient. Uncounterable.

Supreme Verdict has remained one of the most trusted control finishers since its release. Four mana to destroy every creature is already powerful, but making the spell impossible to counter is what truly sets it apart.

The card has also received several beautiful alternate art versions featuring breathtaking magical devastation and elegant Azorius-inspired aesthetics. These premium editions are highly sought after by collectors and Commander enthusiasts alike.

Rather than paying premium prices for artwork alone, many players choose to proxy their favorite version while using the standard card as a reference.

 

 

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Why Board Wipes Make Great Proxy Cards

Unlike fast mana or Reserved List staples, board wipes are cards you'll cast almost every game. That means you'll actually get to appreciate their artwork over and over again.

Premium printings often cost significantly more than the regular versions simply because of their scarcity and visual appeal—not because the gameplay is different.

Proxying these versions allows you to:

• Enjoy premium artwork without collector prices.

• Personalize your Commander deck.

• Match the aesthetic of your favorite deck or commander.

• Preserve expensive originals if you already own them.

For casual Commander groups that allow proxies, it's one of the best ways to make your deck feel unique.

Final Thoughts

If your goal is to build a Commander deck that turns heads every time you cast a spell, premium-art board wipes are some of the best cards to proxy.

Farewell, Blasphemous Act, Raise the Palisade, Toxic Deluge, and Supreme Verdict are already among the strongest sweepers in Magic, but their incredible alternate artwork takes them to another level. Instead of paying premium prices for collectible printings, a high-quality proxy lets you enjoy the same stunning visuals while keeping your budget focused on the rest of your deck.

Sometimes the best upgrade isn't more power, it's putting beautiful artwork on the battlefield.