Blightbelly Rat MTG Card


Pros include card advantage, resource acceleration, and instant speed activation for dynamic play. Cons comprise a discard requirement, specific mana cost, and a potentially high casting cost. The card is versatile, with combo potential and meta relevance, especially in poison counter strategies.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Rat
Abilities Proliferate,Toxic
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Toxic 1 When Blightbelly Rat dies, proliferate.


Cards like Blightbelly Rat

Blightbelly Rat is an intriguing creature card for aficionados of the Magic: The Gathering stealth and sabotage playstyle. It finds its parallels with cards like Burglar Rat, which also forces opponents to discard when it enters the battlefield. Blightbelly Rat, however, adds another layer to the encounter by affecting all opponents, not just one, which can be a game-changer in multiplayer formats.

Another card with a similar effect is Rotting Rats which, like Blightbelly Rat, impacts each opponent’s hand upon entry. Unlike Blightbelly Rat, it also gives players the opportunity for recursion through Unearth, potentially repeating its disruptive effect. The comparison nudges Blightbelly Rat ahead for consistent pressure without relying on graveyard strategies.

Evaluating these cards side-by-side, it’s clear that Blightbelly Rat holds its ground as a potent option for disruption in MTG. Its ability to hinder multiple opponents simultaneously can create substantial advantages, particularly in commander games where the number of opponents can make the difference between a victory and a defeat.

Burglar Rat - MTG Card versions
Rotting Rats - MTG Card versions
Burglar Rat - MTG Card versions
Rotting Rats - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Blightbelly Rat by color, type and mana cost

Drudge Skeletons - MTG Card versions
Nether Shadow - MTG Card versions
Erg Raiders - MTG Card versions
Cyclopean Mummy - MTG Card versions
Cuombajj Witches - MTG Card versions
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Bog Imp - MTG Card versions
Wall of Corpses - MTG Card versions
Blighted Shaman - MTG Card versions
Rabid Rats - MTG Card versions
Dakmor Bat - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Rats - MTG Card versions
Flesh Reaver - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdler - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Shade - MTG Card versions
Piper of the Swarm - MTG Card versions
Undead Augur - MTG Card versions
Black Knight - MTG Card versions
Shepherd of Rot - MTG Card versions
Swarm of Rats - MTG Card versions
Drudge Skeletons - MTG Card versions
Nether Shadow - MTG Card versions
Erg Raiders - MTG Card versions
Cyclopean Mummy - MTG Card versions
Cuombajj Witches - MTG Card versions
Order of the Ebon Hand - MTG Card versions
Bog Imp - MTG Card versions
Wall of Corpses - MTG Card versions
Blighted Shaman - MTG Card versions
Rabid Rats - MTG Card versions
Dakmor Bat - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Rats - MTG Card versions
Flesh Reaver - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdler - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Shade - MTG Card versions
Piper of the Swarm - MTG Card versions
Undead Augur - MTG Card versions
Black Knight - MTG Card versions
Shepherd of Rot - MTG Card versions
Swarm of Rats - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Blightbelly Rat. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Golgari PoisonGolgari Poison StandardGolgari PoisonTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 8, 2024
Dimir PoisonDimir Poison Free formStandard Pauper Tournament Feb 2024
Golgari ToxicGolgari Toxic StandardThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
Orzhov PoisonOrzhov Poison StandardOrzhov PoisonStandard League 2024-02-02
WUBWUB PauperPauper Challenge 32 2024-01-07
UBUB PauperPauper Challenge 64 2023-12-17
Dimir ControlDimir Control PauperStandard Pauper

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Blightbelly Rat can significantly impact the board by disposing of key threats while also replenishing your hand. This card enables you to often trade favorably with an opponent’s creature, which can be pivotal in maintaining control of the game.

Resource Acceleration: By offering an extra body on the battlefield, Blightbelly Rat can provide additional resource acceleration. This acceleration can be especially valuable in strategies that benefit from having multiple creatures or in decks that utilize creature-based synergies.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate Blightbelly Rat’s effect at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s moves on the fly. This can be a game-changer, allowing you to wait for the opportune moment to disrupt your opponent’s strategy or to simply optimize your own plays during their end step.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Blightbelly Rat requires players to discard another card when they play it, which could put them at a disadvantage, especially when they’re running low on hand options. This can lead to difficult decisions about resource management during critical points in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Blightbelly Rat’s mana cost may prove restrictive for some players. As it requires a dedicated slot within a black mana deck, incorporating this card into a multi-colored deck might not always align with the deck’s mana curve or overall strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost of Blightbelly Rat can be considered high for its provided benefits. Players must weigh its cost against other available creatures in the same mana range, which might offer a more impactful board presence or additional abilities without the additional cost of discarding a card.


Reasons to Include Blightbelly Rat in Your Collection

Versatility: Blightbelly Rat is not just a creature; it’s a multifaceted tool that supports various strategies. Its ability to give each player a poison counter plays well in both aggressive infect decks and slower, control-oriented builds that want to win through alternative methods.

Combo Potential: This card has great synergy with other cards that capitalize on poison counters. Integrating Blightbelly Rat into combos that proliferate or take advantage of opponents’ increased poison counters can be a game-changer, significantly reducing the turns needed to secure a win.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where infect strategies are prevalent or where games are expected to last longer, including cards like Blightbelly Rat can give you an edge. It offers a consistent method to pressure your opponent’s life total in a way that’s difficult to counteract, making it a valuable addition if poison counters are common in your meta.


How to beat

Blightbelly Rat can pose a unique challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This menacing creature comes with the ability to disrupt an opponent’s strategy by forcing card discards when it deals combat damage. To effectively counteract this, players might consider strategies that either prevent it from dealing damage or remove it from the board entirely. Defensive measures such as creating a barrier of creatures with higher toughness can block and eliminate the Rat without it inflicting its effect.

Alternative removal options include utilizing spells capable of targeting and destroying creatures at instant speed before they have the chance to connect with a player. Moreover, spells that can exile creatures offer a permanent solution, ensuring that Blightbelly Rat’s effect is off the table for the rest of the game. Balancing your gameplay to maintain card advantage despite potential discards can also attenuate the impact of this pesky rodent.

Deck builders could further enhance their chances by incorporating cards that benefit from or are impervious to discard effects, turning the tables on an opponent using Blightbelly Rat. Adaptability and thoughtful deck construction are key when preparing to face off against this pestilent creature.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG means more than knowing your own deck—it’s about understanding each card’s potential and Blightbelly Rat is no exception. This versatile piece can become a cornerstone in infect and control decks, presenting persistent poison counter threats. Recognizing both its strengths and limitations plays a crucial role in effectively utilizing this card. From synergy exploitation to meta adaptability, adding Blightbelly Rat to your collection could be pivotal. To navigate its complexities and harness its full power, delve deeper with us. Ready to enhance your strategic play? Explore our insights and tips for making the most of Blightbelly Rat in your game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Blightbelly Rat MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One and Phyrexia: All Will Be One, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Blightbelly Rat and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Blightbelly Rat Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-02-03 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 2892015NormalBlackFlavio Girón
22023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 4352015NormalBlackFlavio Girón
32023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 852015NormalBlackYeong-Hao Han

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Blightbelly Rat has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Blightbelly Rat card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-02-04 A player with ten or more poison counters loses the game. This is a state-based action and doesn't use the stack. In other words, it happens immediately and players can't respond to it, just like a player losing the game due to having 0 or less life.
2023-02-04 An ability that triggers "Whenever you proliferate" triggers even if you chose no permanents or players while doing so.
2023-02-04 Any other effects of that damage, such as life gain from lifelink, still apply.
2023-02-04 Conversely, replacement effects that apply to the number of counters put on a player can modify the counters placed this way. For example, Vorinclex, Monstrous Raider's last two abilities can apply to counters placed this way.
2023-02-04 Damage dealt by a creature with toxic grants the same number of counters regardless of how much damage is dealt. Notably, if a replacement effect modifies the damage in some way (such as that of Gratuitous Violence), the number of counters given remains unchanged.
2023-02-04 If a creature with toxic deals combat damage to a creature or planeswalker, or if it deals noncombat damage, toxic has no effect and no player gets poison counters.
2023-02-04 If a permanent ever has both +1/+1 counters and -1/-1 counters on it at the same time, they're removed in pairs as a state-based action so that the permanent has only one of those kinds of counters on it.
2023-02-04 If a player or permanent has more than one kind of counter on it, and you choose for it to get additional counters, it must get one of each kind of counter it already has. You can't have it get just one kind of counter it already has and not the others.
2023-02-04 Multiple instances of toxic are cumulative. For example, if a creature has toxic 2 and gains toxic 1 due to another effect, combat damage that creature deals to a player will cause that player to get 3 poison counters.
2023-02-04 Players can respond to a spell or ability whose effect includes proliferating. Once that spell or ability starts to resolve, however, and its controller chooses which permanents and players will get new counters, it's too late for anyone to respond.
2023-02-04 To proliferate, you can choose any permanent that has a counter, including ones controlled by opponents. You can choose any player who has a counter, including opponents. You can't choose cards in any zone other than the battlefield, even if they have counters on them.
2023-02-04 Toxic doesn't change the amount of combat damage a creature deals. For example, if a 2/2 creature with toxic 1 deals combat damage to a player, that creature will deal 2 damage. The results of that damage are the player loses 2 life and gets a poison counter.
2023-02-04 You don't have to choose every permanent or player that has a counter, only the ones you want to add another counter to. Since "any number" includes zero, you don't have to choose any permanents at all, and you don't have to choose any players at all.