Battlefield Butcher MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Released | 2022-11-18 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Brothers' War |
| Set code | BRO |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 86 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Lucas Graciano |
Text of card
, : Each opponent loses 2 life. This ability costs less to activate for each creature card in your graveyard.
"Any more giant metal monsters want to try their luck? I'm just getting warmed up!"
Cards like Battlefield Butcher
Battlefield Butcher makes for a compelling creature card in Magic: The Gathering, with parallels to other aggressive cards such as Bloodthirsty Adversary. What makes Battlefield Butcher stand out is its potential to deal damage while also having an ability that can become a serious game-changer in the right circumstances. Unlike Bloodthirsty Adversary, it doesn’t have a multikicker mechanic but relies on a different set of strategies.
Similarly, Murderous Rider offers versatility that Battlefield Butcher doesn’t, with its Swift End ability capable of destroying a creature or planeswalker. It’s pricier, yet the lifelink trait and the ability to return it to the deck provide added longevity. Woe Strider, another creature card, shares a sacrifice mechanic, though it foregoes direct damage for scry benefits and a way to recur from the graveyard.
When examining the synergies and utilities of comparable creature cards, Battlefield Butcher holds its own, particularly within decks that favor aggressive playstyles and need creatures capable of delivering repeated damage. Its specific blend of abilities makes it a noteworthy option for many MTG players focusing on such strategies.
Cards similar to Battlefield Butcher by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Battlefield Butcher offers players potential card advantage by disposing of enemy creatures, ensuring you stay ahead in resources. This can be pivotal in maintaining board control.
Resource Acceleration: By causing an opposing creature to perish, Battlefield Butcher may pave the way for effects that trigger upon an opponent’s creature dying, which could, in turn, lead to an increase in available resources or even direct mana ramp, should such synergies be present in your deck.
Instant Speed: Its instant speed means that you can surprise your adversaries at crucial moments, disrupting their strategy or eliminating a key threat before it can deal damage. This flexibility allows for strategic depth and reactive gameplay during your opponent’s turn, keeping them guessing and on the defensive.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Battlefield Butcher demands that you discard another card when you cast it. This can be a significant downside, especially if your hand is already dwindling or if the discarded card is vital to your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Battlefield Butcher is quite specific, requiring both black and red mana. This may pose a challenge in multicolored decks that are not focused on these colors, potentially affecting the card’s versatility and ease of use within a wide array of deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Carrying a hefty mana cost, Battlefield Butcher can sometimes lag behind other creatures in terms of efficiency. With many other creatures and spells available for a similar or lower mana investment, the Butcher’s cost may deter some players from including it in their decks where rapid deployment is crucial.
Reasons to Include Battlefield Butcher in Your Collection
Versatility: Battlefield Butcher provides a flexible role in various deck types, dealing damage while adding a solid body to the battlefield. This can be an effective addition in both aggressive red decks and more mid-range strategies that seek to control the board.
Combo Potential: This card’s ability to deal damage upon entering the battlefield or when it attacks can be leveraged with other cards that trigger on damage or creature deaths, opening up possibilities for powerful synergies and intricate combos.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where smaller creatures can dominate the field, Battlefield Butcher serves as a useful tool to keep opposing numbers in check, maintaining a presence that’s aligned with current gameplay dynamics and helping its wielder to stay ahead.
How to beat
Battlefield Butcher presents a unique challenge on the field, with its capabilities of disrupting your board presence in MTG. To effectively counter this formidable threat, it is essential to understand its strengths and weaknesses. Similar to how lightning rod creatures draw removal, preparing your deck with removal spells before Battlefield Butcher can establish dominance is a strategic way to mitigate its impact.
Spot removal spells are particularly effective. Consider incorporating cards such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push, which can unceremoniously remove Battlefield Butcher from play. This not only prevents your opponent from gaining an advantage but also maintains the balance of power in your favor. Moreover, enchantment-based removal like Pacifism can also neutralize Battlefield Butcher without sending it to the graveyard, thereby circumventing any abilities that may trigger upon death.
Ultimately, dealing with Battlefield Butcher efficiently comes down to staying one step ahead. Having the right answers at the crucial moment and playing proactively rather than reactively ensures that Battlefield Butcher’s presence on the MTG battlefield is cut short, allowing you to maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Battlefield Butcher MTG card by a specific set like The Brothers' War, 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 Battlefield Butcher 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Battlefield Butcher has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |