Agent of Erebos MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 4 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Enchantment Creature — Zombie |
Abilities | Constellation |
Released | 2014-05-02 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Journey into Nyx |
Set code | JOU |
Power | 2 |
Toughness | 2 |
Number | 59 |
Frame | 2003 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Cyril Van Der Haegen |
Text of card
Constellation — Whenever Agent of Erebos or another enchantment enters the battlefield under your control, exile all cards from target player's graveyard.
Erebos's minions hunt the Returned and warn those who consider the same folly.
Cards like Agent of Erebos
Agent of Erebos stands out as a unique enchantment creature within the constellation mechanic space in MTG. This card bears resemblance to other graveyard hate cards such as Nihil Spellbomb and Bojuka Bog. Nihil Spellbomb allows for selective graveyard removal coupled with card draw, while Bojuka Bog can purge graveyards without using a card slot, due to its land nature. Both options serve as single-shot solutions, unlike Agent of Erebos, which has the potential for multiple activations.
Tormod’s Crypt is another card that players often compare with Agent of Erebos. It offers a zero-cost artifact solution for graveyard removal without self-exile, but it lacks the recurring effect and body on the battlefield. Leyline of the Void is far more aggressive in its static ability to exile cards as soon as they hit the graveyard. While Leyline is a heavier investment upfront, the consistent effect can be game-defining, in contrast to the trigger-based ability of Agent of Erebos.
During gameplay, Agent of Erebos offers both a respectable body for combat and a repeatable graveyard disruption, making it a multifaceted option for players valuing flexibility and board presence in addition to exile effects.
Cards similar to Agent of Erebos by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Agent of Erebos brings a strategic edge with its constellation ability, allowing you to exile all cards from an opponent’s graveyard each time you enchant the board. This continuous graveyard disruption can significantly diminish your opponents’ resources while sustaining your advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly offering resource acceleration, Agent of Erebos can be a key component in decks that leverage graveyard mechanics. It indirectly accelerates your strategy by removing potential threats or valuable resources from opponent graveyards, keeping the pace of your gameplay a step ahead.
Instant Speed: Although this card itself isn’t cast at instant speed, its ability triggers instantaneously whenever an enchantment enters the battlefield under your control. This means you can effectively plan enchantment plays to coincide with your opponents’ actions, disrupting their strategies at crucial moments without delay.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For Agent of Erebos to fully utilize its potent graveyard exiling ability, it mandates having an enchantment to cast alongside it. This prerequisite can be tricky in situations where your hand is barren of enchantments, therefore potentially limiting its immediate impact on the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Agent of Erebos requires a precise combination of mana, specifically two black mana in its total casting cost. This can be restrictive, primarily in multicolor decks that may struggle with consistent access to the necessary black mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including two that must be black, the card’s efficiency is questionable. In a game where speed can be crucial, there are alternative, lower-cost creatures that can hinder graveyard strategies or provide other valuable effects sooner.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Agent of Erebos fits into multiple deck archetypes, especially those seeking graveyard control. Its enchantment creature type also synergizes well in decks that revolve around enchantment strategies.
Combo Potential: When paired with enchantment recursion, Agent of Erebos can repeatedly exile opponents’ graveyards, disrupting their strategies and creating significant value over time.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where graveyard-based decks are prevalent, Agent of Erebos proves to be a potent sideboard card or even a main deck inclusion to keep your opponents’ strategies in check.
How to Beat Agent of Erebos
Agent of Erebos shines in MTG decks that focus on leveraging graveyard strategies, often causing opponents dismay by exiling their graveyard whenever an enchantment enters your side of the battlefield. This creature from Theros set can pose a real challenge if your game plan relies heavily on graveyard interactions; thus, understanding how to confront this card is crucial.
To mitigate the impact of Agent of Erebos, consider incorporating instant-speed removal spells that can target and eliminate it before its triggered ability can be used. Cards like Path to Exile or Murderous Cut come handy, as they can disrupt your opponent’s timing. Furthermore, countermagic is your ally here, with options like Negate or Dissolve to prevent the Agent from hitting the field in the first place. For those leaning towards a more permanent solution, Leyline of the Void or Rest in Peace can be game-changers, entirely shutting down graveyard-based strategies and rendering Agent of Erebos virtually ineffective.
Finally, always be aware of your graveyard’s state and try to time your spells and land your threats when your opponent is less likely to capitalize on Agent of Erebos’s ability. A well-timed play can often be the difference between victory and defeat when facing down this powerful graveyard hater.
BurnMana Recommendations
Mastering your MTG deck demands a deep understanding of both its strengths and its weaknesses. Agent of Erebos stands as a stalwart guardian against graveyard-dependent decks, making it a substantial asset in your cosmic showdowns. Its prowess in disrupting your opponent’s strategy can’t be overstated; by wisely integrating this card into enchantment-heavy decks, you can control the pace while dismantling opposing game plans. This versatility makes it a noteworthy contender for your collection. Looking to enhance your gameplay or seeking that strategic edge? Dive deeper with us to unravel the layers of strategy that Agent of Erebos can offer to your MTG deck-building and in-game tactics.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Agent of Erebos MTG card by a specific set like Journey into Nyx, 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 Agent of Erebos and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Agent of Erebos has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Restricted |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Agent of Erebos card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2014-04-26 | A constellation ability triggers whenever an enchantment enters the battlefield under your control for any reason. Enchantments with other card types, such as enchantment creatures, will also cause constellation abilities to trigger. |
2014-04-26 | An Aura spell without bestow that has an illegal target when it tries to resolve won't resolve and will be put into its owner's graveyard. It won't enter the battlefield and constellation abilities won't trigger. An Aura spell with bestow won't be countered this way. It will revert to being an enchantment creature and resolve, entering the battlefield and triggering constellation abilities. |
2014-04-26 | The constellation ability is mandatory. If you are the only legal target (perhaps because your opponent has hexproof), you must target yourself and exile all the cards from your graveyard. |
2014-04-26 | When an enchantment enters the battlefield under your control, each constellation ability of permanents you control will trigger. You can put these abilities on the stack in any order. The last ability you put on the stack will be the first one that resolves. |