Beast Within MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 30 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Instant |
Text of card
Destroy target permanent. Its controller puts a 3/3 green Beast creature token onto the battlefield.
"Kill the weak so they can't drag the strong down to their level. This is true compassion." —Benzir, archdruid of Temple Might
Cards like Beast Within
Beast Within is a unique card in the realm of Green removal spells in MTG. It holds similarities to other powerhouse cards such as Chaos Warp and Generous Gift. These cards allow players to remove any permanent by giving the owner a creature token, offering a new game strategy.
Chaos Warp shares the identical functionality, offering the capability to remove any permanent, but it grants the player the opportunity to reveal the top card of their library, which could be possibly more threatening. In contrast, Generous Gift, although it provides a slightly stronger creature token, is able to remove any permanent at instant speed, just like Beast Within.
Beast Within’s ability to create a 3/3 green Beast creature token is shared by the card Pongify, but Pongify only targets creatures and is in a different color: blue. Other green removal spells such as Bramblecrush, while similar, only target noncreature permanents.
In conclusion, each of these alternatives carries both advantages and disadvantages when compared to Beast Within, but this card is remarkably valued in MTG due to its versatility as a green removal spell.
Cards similar to Beast Within by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Beast Within. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Five-color Combo | Legacy | Painter | Charlotte Legacy League Season 2 Week 1 | |
All Other Decklists | Modern | BLUE - SAT - 3PM - Chicago Modern Cup | ||
Oath of Druids | Vintage | Oath of Druids | Vintage Showcase Challenge 2024-01-20 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Beast Within gift wraps a massive payoff of card advantage to the controller. It deals with pretty much any card your opponent has. This versatility is what makes it an asset in hand, it can convert a lost cause into a winnable game.
Resource Acceleration: Beast Within can be deployed to accelerate the degradation of your opponent’s resources. By transforming their key card into a relatively less threatening Beast, you are effectively eroding your opponent’s advantage and pushing the game in your favour.
Instant Speed: Beast Within is an instant, meaning you can cast it at any point on your or even your opponent’s turn. Therefore, it can be a critical tool to disrupt your opponent’s plan and keep them guessing about your hand’s capacity.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Beast Within does not require you to discard a card outright, but its effect gives your opponent a 3/3 beast creature token which can potentially shift the game’s momentum, especially if you’re low on resources or lack necessary defenses.
Specific Mana Cost: With its specific mana cost including one green, Beast Within may be confined to decks running Green or multi-color decks that can accommodate its green mana need. Therefore, despite its solid ability, this constraint might limit its use to certain decks only.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the ability to destroy any permanent is powerful, Beast Within’s three mana cost can be steep compared to other removal options available for certain decks. There are other cards with lower or equivalent mana costs that may serve as more efficient removal or disruptive tools.
Reasons to Include Beast Within in Your Collection
Versatility: The Beast Within is a prime choice for inclusion in a wide array of decks owing to its functional ability to react promptly to threats. The card’s beauty lies in its ability to destroy both threats on board and lands, making it a quintessential flexible choice for players.
Combo Potential: When it comes to synergizing with other cards, Beast Within brings plenty opportunities to the table. Its effect can be used advantageously to destroy your own permanents for beneficial effects, generating a higher game advantage.
Meta-Relevance: In the shifting sands of the game meta, Beast Within retains its value. Its role as a counter for stronger permanents, regardless of the type, certifies its relevance in varying meta environments, making it an enduring part of any collection.
How to beat
Dealing with Beast Within is no small feat for MTG players, since this effective removal spell can replace any permanent your opponent controls with a Green 3/3 Beast token. Yet, knowing your opponent’s deck can help you anticipate when they might use Beast Within and prepare accordingly. Cards with abilities like hexproof and shroud prevent Beast Within from taking effect, and utilising these can add an important defensive layer to your strategy.
Fleshing out your deck with cards such as Fiendslayer Paladin can also provide an advantage, as protection from green prevents Beast Within from targeting your permanents. Alternatively, forcing your opponent to discard or countering spells could prevent Beast Within from hitting the battlefield. Consider strategically implementing cards like Thoughtseize and Cancel into your deck. Another invaluable approach is to leverage the 3/3 Beast token to your advantage with effects that either grant your new token additional power and abilities or transform it into a potent threat.
In closing, it’s clear that knowledge of your opponent’s strategy and thoughtful deck construction are key ways of dealing with Beast Within. With the right foresight and tactical planning, overcoming Beast Within is indeed possible for seasoned and novice MTG players alike.
BurnMana Recommendations
The versatility and instant speed of Beast Within offer a dynamic approach to handling threats across all game stages. These attributes make it a staple for Green or multi-colored decks that need effective solutions at critical moments. Whether employed to deteriorate an opponent’s resources or to execute a game-winning combo, Beast Within secures a spot among the most adaptable cards in MTG. For those eager to further refine their deck strategies or expand their understanding of meta dynamics, we encourage you to join our community. Immerse yourself in the intricacies of deck building and enhance your MTG experience with us.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Beast Within MTG card by a specific set like New Phyrexia and Planechase 2012, 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 Beast Within 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
Printings
The Beast Within Magic the Gathering card was released in 28 different sets between 2011-05-13 and 2024-06-14. Illustrated by 5 different artists.
Show/hide all sets# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2011-05-13 | New Phyrexia | NPH | 103 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop | |
2 | 2012-06-01 | Planechase 2012 | PC2 | 57 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop | |
3 | 2013-09-06 | Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters | DDL | 69 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
4 | 2016-08-26 | Conspiracy: Take the Crown | CN2 | 174 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
5 | 2016-11-11 | Commander 2016 | C16 | 141 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
6 | 2016-11-25 | Planechase Anthology | PCA | 57 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop | |
7 | 2018-06-08 | Battlebond | BBD | 190 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
8 | 2019-08-23 | Commander 2019 | C19 | 157 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
9 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1134 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
10 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 323 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Martin Ansin | ||
11 | 2020-04-17 | Commander 2020 | C20 | 168 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
12 | The List | PLST | BBD-190 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | ||
13 | The List | PLST | NPH-103 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop | ||
14 | 2020-11-20 | Commander Legends | CMR | 423 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
15 | 2021-03-19 | Time Spiral Remastered | TSR | 357 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop | |
16 | 2021-04-23 | Commander 2021 | C21 | 186 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
17 | 2021-07-23 | Forgotten Realms Commander | AFC | 152 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
18 | 2021-09-24 | Midnight Hunt Commander | MIC | 133 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
19 | 2022-02-18 | Neon Dynasty Commander | NEC | 114 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
20 | 2022-04-29 | New Capenna Commander | NCC | 282 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
21 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 820 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
22 | 2022-09-09 | Dominaria United Commander | DMC | 129 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
23 | 2023-01-01 | Wizards Play Network 2023 | PW23 | 3 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop | |
24 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Commander | ONC | 104 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop | |
25 | 2023-05-08 | From Cute to Brute | PCTB | 26 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop | |
26 | 2023-06-23 | Tales of Middle-earth Commander | LTC | 234 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Alexander Ostrowski | |
27 | 2023-10-13 | Doctor Who | WHO | 228 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Helge C. Balzer | |
28 | 2023-10-13 | Doctor Who | WHO | 819 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Helge C. Balzer | |
29 | 2023-11-17 | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander | LCC | 233 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
30 | 2024-06-14 | Modern Horizons 3 Commander | M3C | 223 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Beast Within has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Beast Within card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2013-07-01 | If the permanent is still a legal target but is not destroyed (perhaps because it regenerated or has indestructible), its controller still gets the Beast token. |
2021-03-19 | If the target permanent is an illegal target by the time Beast Within tries to resolve, the spell won't resolve. No player creates a Beast token. If the target is legal but not destroyed (most likely because it has indestructible), its controller does create a Beast token. |