Feed the Swarm MTG Card


Essential for decks needing enchantment removal, it compensates its sorcery speed with tactical removal options. Life loss for removal can be risky and requires a strategic balance of benefit versus potential defeat. Comparing with similar cards highlights its unique role in the MTG removal arsenal despite its life cost.
Card setsReleased in 13 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Destroy target creature or enchantment an opponent controls. You lose life equal to that permanent's mana value.

"On vile wings and bloody wind, the swarm will rise." —Skyclave inscription


Cards like Feed the Swarm

Feed the Swarm has carved a niche for itself in the realm of creature and enchantment removal within MTG. It draws a direct parallel to another staple, Doom Blade, which allows the swift elimination of nonblack creatures at a low cost. However, Feed the Swarm brings versatility to the table by targeting not just creatures but also pesky enchantments, giving it an edge despite its life loss drawback.

Other analogous spells include Vindicate and Mortify. Vindicate offers a more extensive range of targets including artifacts, lands, and planeswalkers, yet it falls within a higher mana range and doesn’t offer the instant speed of Feed the Swarm. Mortify strikes a balance, destroying creatures or enchantments similar to Feed the Swarm but without the life payment, albeit at a higher mana cost and sorcery speed.

In essence, while MTG players have various options for removal spells, Feed the Swarm distinguishes itself with its dual ability and the strategic consideration of life as a resource, positioning it as a uniquely advantageous choice in many scenarios.

Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Vindicate - MTG Card versions
Mortify - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Vindicate - MTG Card versions
Mortify - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Feed the Swarm by color, type and mana cost

Drain Life - MTG Card versions
Demonic Tutor - MTG Card versions
Sinkhole - MTG Card versions
Word of Binding - MTG Card versions
Soul Exchange - MTG Card versions
Dry Spell - MTG Card versions
Hymn to Tourach - MTG Card versions
Mind Knives - MTG Card versions
Shattered Crypt - MTG Card versions
Disturbed Burial - MTG Card versions
Death Stroke - MTG Card versions
Exhume - MTG Card versions
Imperial Edict - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Intent - MTG Card versions
Decompose - MTG Card versions
Chainer's Edict - MTG Card versions
Walk the Plank - MTG Card versions
Predators' Hour - MTG Card versions
Nausea - MTG Card versions
Stitch Together - MTG Card versions
Drain Life - MTG Card versions
Demonic Tutor - MTG Card versions
Sinkhole - MTG Card versions
Word of Binding - MTG Card versions
Soul Exchange - MTG Card versions
Dry Spell - MTG Card versions
Hymn to Tourach - MTG Card versions
Mind Knives - MTG Card versions
Shattered Crypt - MTG Card versions
Disturbed Burial - MTG Card versions
Death Stroke - MTG Card versions
Exhume - MTG Card versions
Imperial Edict - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Intent - MTG Card versions
Decompose - MTG Card versions
Chainer's Edict - MTG Card versions
Walk the Plank - MTG Card versions
Predators' Hour - MTG Card versions
Nausea - MTG Card versions
Stitch Together - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Lurrus SagaLurrus Saga VintageLurrus SagaVintage Showcase Challenge 2024-02-17
Mono-Black DiscardMono-Black Discard PioneerMono-Black DiscardPioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-27
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange PioneerMono-Black MidrangePioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-21
Rakdos VampiresRakdos Vampires PioneerRakdos Vampires*HALF PRICE FRIDAY* ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 2:00 pm
UBUB VintageVintage League 2024-04-07
DecklistDecklist Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
ScamScam VintageScamVintage Preliminary 2024-03-01
8-Rack8-Rack ModernMono-Black ScamANZ Super Series Cycle 5 Regional Championship
Mono-Black DepthsMono-Black Depths LegacySultai DepthsTOPdeck.Ru - 2024 Legacy Championship
Golgari DepthsGolgari Depths LegacySultai DepthsLegacy League 2024-03-02

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Feed the Swarm offers a distinct edge in dealing with enchantments or creatures, potentially removing key components of your opponent’s strategy and thereby shifting the balance in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly accelerating resources, this card’s low mana cost allows for efficient use of mana each turn, keeping you poised to play other spells without missing a beat.

Instant Speed: As a sorcery, Feed the Swarm requires strategic planning for maximum impact during your turn, but its ability to target enchantments—a rarity in black—compensates for the lack of instant speed.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Feed the Swarm does not have a discard requirement, but it’s important to be aware of your hand size as the life point payment can be a tactical disadvantage. Losing life to remove an enchantment or creature can put you precariously closer to defeat in tight game situations, making you carefully weigh the cost against the benefit.

Specific Mana Cost: This spell requires one black mana, which means it’s exclusively playable in black or multicolored decks. If your deck doesn’t run black mana, or if the game scenario leaves you without the necessary black mana source, the card could sit uselessly in your hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost of paying life in addition to its black and generic mana makes Feed the Swarm more taxing compared to other removal spells. Especially in formats where life totals are under constant pressure, the additional resource expenditure can set you back against opponents who might be using more efficient and less punishing removal options. In such cases, the life payment can become cost-prohibitive, deterring players from including it in lower life-total formats.


Reasons to Include Feed the Swarm in Your Collection

Versatility: Feed the Swarm offers a unique solution to a common problem in black decks – the removal of enchantments. This card can be easily integrated into various deck archetypes that struggle with enchantments, making it a valuable tool for many strategies.

Combo Potential: This card isn’t just about destroying enchantments; it can also target creatures, which allows it to fit into synergies that require targeted removal. It can be the linchpin that sets up a clear path for your winning combo by removing key pieces from your adversary’s side.

Meta-Relevance: Given the prevalence of powerful enchantments and resilient creatures in the current meta, having access to an affordable and flexible removal option like Feed the Swarm can give you an edge. It’s relevant in a wide range of matchups, increasing its utility in a competitive setting.


How to Beat Feed the Swarm

Feed the Swarm brings a unique twist to creature and enchantment removal within Magic: The Gathering. Distinctively, it is one of the few spells in black’s arsenal capable of targeting enchantments, typically within other colors’ domain. Assessing proper tactics to surpass this disruption is essential for maintaining board control and safeguarding your key strategies.

One effective method to mitigate Feed the Swarm’s impact is prioritizing disposable enchantments as decoys, compelling your opponent to waste resources on less crucial targets. Additionally, utilizing instant-speed effects like hexproof or indestructible can protect vulnerable creatures when an opponent attempts removal. It’s also worth noting that Feed the Swarm inflicts life loss to its caster equivalent to the destroyed permanent’s mana value, opening up opportunities for counter-play with damage amplification or exploiting the life loss to your advantage.

Ultimately, understanding the nuances of Feed the Swarm can improve deck resilience against it. Strategic baiting and protection measures can turn the tide of the match, reducing the removal’s effectiveness and maintaining your board state. By playing smart and recognizing the integral life trade-off, overcoming this card is like navigating any hurdle in Magic: The Gathering—with adaptability and foresight.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving deep into MTG is about making savvy choices, and Feed the Swarm exemplifies strategic deck construction. In the realm of black spells, it carves out a niche for enchantment removal, a crucial tool against certain metagame adversaries. Recognizing both its potential boons and its price on your life total is key to leveraging its power effectively. To continue expanding your strategic arsenal and knowledge, we’re here to guide you through the ever-evolving dynamics of MTG playstyles and card interactions. Enhance your gameplay and navigate the battlefield with confidence—explore more with us and master the intricacies of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Feed the Swarm MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar Rising and Commander 2021, 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 Feed the Swarm and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Feed the Swarm Magic the Gathering card was released in 12 different sets between 2020-09-25 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-09-25Zendikar RisingZNR 1022015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
22021-04-23Commander 2021C21 1442015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
32021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 1172015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
42021-11-19Crimson Vow CommanderVOC 1292015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
52022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 2502015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
62022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 7522015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
72022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 1061997NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
82023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 2002015NormalBlackPavel Kolomeyets
92023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 1592015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
102023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 2212015NormalBlackSteve Argyle
112023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 8122015NormalBlackSteve Argyle
122023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 1982015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
132024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 1342015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Feed the Swarm has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-09-25 If a permanent on the battlefield has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0.
2020-09-25 If the target permanent is an illegal target by the time Feed the Swarm tries to resolve, the spell doesn't resolve. You don't lose any life. If the target is legal but not destroyed (most likely because it has indestructible), you do lose life.
2020-09-25 The amount of life you lose is determined by the permanent's mana value as it last existed on the battlefield.