Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed MTG Card
2012-01-28 - Number 71★
2012-02-03 - Number 71
2002-06-24 - Number 43503
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Demon |
| Abilities | Flying,Trample |
| Power | 9 |
| Toughness | 9 |
Key Takeaways
- Generates card advantage by converting sacrificed creatures into resources, potentially outpacing opponents.
- Encourages decks focused on swarm strategies and resource acceleration through sacrificing creatures.
- Demands instant-speed responses due to its game-altering effect, shaping opponent strategies.
Text of card
Flying, trample At the beginning of your upkeep, sacrifice a Human. If you can't, tap Archdemon of Greed and it deals 9 damage to you.
"The price is paid. The power is mine!"
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Archdemon of Greed is on the battlefield, each turn provides a steady flow of cards into your hand as you sacrifice creatures. This inherent engine not only refills your hand but can also outpace your opponent by accumulating more resources over time.
Resource Acceleration: This card encourages a playstyle that revolves around creating numerous low-cost creatures. These creatures can be transformed into valuable resources as you sacrifice them for greater power, thus propelling your mana and on-board presence far ahead of your opponents.
Instant Speed: Though Archdemon of Greed operates at sorcery speed, it demands instant-speed responses from opponents. Its presence shifts the pace of the game, forcing opponents to deal with it immediately or risk falling victim to its resource-generating advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Among the demands of the Archdemon of Greed is the grim ritual of sacrifice, requiring players to relinquish the potential of their own hand. Each turn, the mandatory discard might leave you at a grave disadvantage, particularly when you’re clinging to precious few cards while striving for victory.
Specific Mana Cost: Summoning the Archdemon of Greed also requires strict adherence to a dark and inflexible invocation of mana. The necessity for black mana in its casting cost could constrict its inclusion to dedicated black decks or those with sufficient mana fixing to meet its demanding and unholy rites.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Power comes at a steep price; the summoning of this formidable entity demands significant resources. With a mana cost that may eclipse other potential plays, commanders must weigh the consequences of calling forth such power, especially when other creatures or spells could provide strategic advantages without such a cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Archdemon of Greed brings a powerful and dynamic presence to your MTG collection, seamlessly integrating into sacrifice or demon-centric decks that capitalize on high-power creatures.
Combo Potential: As a centerpiece in a well-crafted strategy, the card’s ability to dominate through sheer force or as part of an intricate combo with other sacrifice synergies can significantly alter the course of a game.
Meta-Relevance: With the right setup, Archdemon of Greed thrives against a variety of deck archetypes. Its impact in games can swing immensely in metas that accommodate high-stake, high-reward plays, making it a potent choice for competitive play.
How to beat
The Archdemon of Greed wields formidable power on the battlefield, creating a sense of urgency for players to find a strategy to overcome its dominance. In Magic: The Gathering, being prepared with a game plan is key. Cards that enforce exile effects can be particularly effective against such threats. By removing the Archdemon from the game entirely, you prevent its ability from triggering and turning the tide in your opponent’s favor.
Enchantment removal spells also shine when pitted against the Archdemon. With the right spell, you can target the transforming enchantment that brings the demon to play, dismantling your opponent’s strategy before it unfolds. Board wipes are another tactical avenue, clearing out all creatures on the battlefield, including this powerhouse.
Gameplay wise, it’s crucial to maintain control, be it through creature containment or manipulation of the stack. Preventative measures, such as counter spells, can keep the Archdemon at bay. Ultimately, the solution lies in a proactive and reactive combination of plays that adapt to the dynamic nature of Magic: The Gathering, leaving your adversaries’ plans for greed unrewarded.
Cards like Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed
Archdemon of Greed stands out in MTG as a compelling card with formidable power and a unique flip condition. Its closest relatives in terms of daunting power levels are cards like Lord of the Void and Griselbrand. Both are high-cost creatures that can dominate the battlefield. Lord of the Void, much like Archdemon of Greed, offers a compelling threat in the air and a potentially game-ending ability, but without the flip mechanic.
Griselbrand, on the other hand, shares the grand stature of Archdemon of Greed with its massive power, life linkage, and the ability to draw cards at a significant life cost. While Griselbrand provides assured card advantage, Archdemon of Greed requires the player to navigate the flipping condition attentively, where it transforms from the back side of Westvale Abbey after specific criteria are met.
Evaluating the impact and playability, Archdemon of Greed’s uniqueness lies in its transformational nature and potential for explosive turns. Players must weigh the strategic depth and timing to maximize its devastating entrance to the battlefield versus the steadfast and predictable power of its counterparts.
Cards similar to Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Dark Ascension Promos, 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 Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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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Printings
The Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2012-01-28 and 2012-02-03. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 43503 | 2003 | Transform | Black | Kev Walker | ||
| 2 | 2012-01-28 | Dark Ascension Promos | PDKA | 71★ | 2003 | Transform | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 3 | 2012-02-03 | Dark Ascension | DKA | 71 | 2003 | Transform | Black | Igor Kieryluk |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-07-13 | For more information on double-faced cards, see the Shadows over Innistrad mechanics article (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics). |