Balduvian Atrocity MTG Card


Offers players card advantage and the potential to accelerate board presence with a well-timed creature sacrifice. Its instant-speed ability can be a game-changer by disrupting opponent strategies at critical moments. However, its discard requirement and specific mana cost can limit its utility in some deck builds.
Balduvian Atrocity - Dominaria United
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Berserker
Abilities Kicker,Menace
Released2022-09-09
Set symbol
Set nameDominaria United
Set codeDMU
Power 2
Toughness 3
Number79
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMike Jordana

Text of card

Kicker (You may pay an additional as you cast this spell.) Menace When Balduvian Atrocity enters the battlefield, if it was kicked, return target creature card with mana value 3 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield. It gains haste. Sacrifice it at the beginning of the next end step.


Cards like Balduvian Atrocity

Balduvian Atrocity finds its niche within the realm of creature tokens in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to summon a band of 3/3 red Balduvian creature tokens potentially mirrors the tokens created by spells such as Hordeling Outburst. What differentiates Balduvian Atrocity, though, is the versatility it offers, functioning as both a creature and a source of token generation. Hordeling Outburst limits players to just the singular act of creating tokens.

Similarly, Krenko’s Command and Dragon Fodder also share the spotlight when it comes to introducing creatures onto the battlefield. They come at a lower cost, providing quick tactical advantages. However, they lack the raw power of the 3/3 tokens generated by Balduvian Atrocity. Additionally, Siege-Gang Commander provides a comparison point as it produces more tokens and has a direct damage element. Its higher casting cost and the difference in token size (1/1 instead of 3/3) make it a complementary option rather than a direct substitute.

In appraising the spectrum of similar cards, Balduvian Atrocity stands out with its dual-purpose design and the substantial size of its tokens. Players seeking to balance immediate board presence with strategic late-game plays may find Balduvian Atrocity a compelling choice.

Hordeling Outburst - MTG Card versions
Krenko's Command - MTG Card versions
Dragon Fodder - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions
Hordeling Outburst - MTG Card versions
Krenko's Command - MTG Card versions
Dragon Fodder - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Balduvian Atrocity by color, type and mana cost

Sedge Troll - MTG Card versions
Shauku's Minion - MTG Card versions
Army Ants - MTG Card versions
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Ragemonger - MTG Card versions
Kathari Bomber - MTG Card versions
Xantcha, Sleeper Agent - MTG Card versions
Sedge Troll - MTG Card versions
Shauku's Minion - MTG Card versions
Army Ants - MTG Card versions
Pyre Zombie - MTG Card versions
Lava Zombie - MTG Card versions
Sarcatog - MTG Card versions
Anathemancer - MTG Card versions
Avatar of Discord - MTG Card versions
Vial Smasher the Fierce - MTG Card versions
Lyzolda, the Blood Witch - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Augermage - MTG Card versions
Sedge Sliver - MTG Card versions
Ashenmoor Gouger - MTG Card versions
Pestilent Kathari - MTG Card versions
Shambling Remains - MTG Card versions
Cryptborn Horror - MTG Card versions
Hellhole Flailer - MTG Card versions
Ragemonger - MTG Card versions
Kathari Bomber - MTG Card versions
Xantcha, Sleeper Agent - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mardu MidrangeMardu Midrange StandardMardu MidrangeJaffer's Mini Mosh - Standard

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The design of Balduvian Atrocity is crafted to disrupt your opponent’s strategy by forcing them to sacrifice a creature, potentially giving you an edge in the overall card economy of the match.

Resource Acceleration: If the sacrificed creature is a token, Balduvian Atrocity allows you to create a tapped and attacking duplicate, potentially speeding up your board presence and pressuring your opponent’s life total swiftly.

Instant Speed: This card’s instant-speed nature means you can strategically dictate the flow of the battle, choosing the optimal moment to weaken your opponent’s forces or to surprise them with an additional attacker, all during their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Balduvian Atrocity has a pre-play cost, demanding you to discard any card. This action can put you at a disadvantage, especially if you’re already struggling to maintain a satisfactory hand size throughout the game.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Balduvian Atrocity encompasses both generic and red mana, which might restrict its integration predominantly to red-aligned decks or those capable of generating multiple mana types efficiently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Balduvian Atrocity requires a substantial mana investment for its activation. As the game scenario evolves, players might find other cards that fulfill similar roles or offer greater utility without such a taxing mana requirement.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Balduvian Atrocity is a card that offers strategic flexibility. It can serve as both removal and a way to pressure opponents in a variety of decks, making it a versatile choice for players who appreciate adaptable gameplay options.

Combo Potential: With its ability to synergize with sacrifice mechanics and graveyard strategies, Balduvian Atrocity holds the potential to be a key component in powerful combos, opening avenues for innovative deck building.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies are prevalent, the inclusion of Balduvian Atrocity can significantly disrupt opponents’ boards and shift the tide of the game, proving its relevance in the current competitive scene.


How to beat

Balduvian Atrocity is a card that MTG players need to handle with strategy and foresight. Its potential to wreak havoc by transforming into Balduvian Berserker when a nontoken creature you control dies makes it imperative to control the board and manage threats effectively. To counter this powerful card, consider using removal spells at a time when the transformation can’t be triggered, such as on your turn or in response to creature casting before it hits the battlefield. Focus on exile effects and instant-speed interaction to minimize the chances of Balduvian Atrocity becoming an unstoppable force.

It’s also wise to limit creature removal unless it’s absolutely necessary since Balduvian Atrocity thrives on creatures dying. Board wipes can be a double-edged sword — clearing the battlefield can help prevent the transformation, but if used without caution, they might just trigger the menace you’re trying to avoid. A more subtle approach involves using pacifism effects or enchantments that prevent creatures from dealing damage, thus keeping Balduvian Atrocity in check without triggering its lurid metamorphosis.

Ultimately, the key is to maintain board presence while judiciously managing your removal spells and other interactions, counteracting the Atrocity’s impact before it can unleash chaos on your game plan.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Balduvian Atrocity MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria United, 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 Balduvian Atrocity and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Balduvian Atrocity has restrictions

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