Blightwing Whelp MTG Card

Blightwing Whelp offers card removal potential, disrupting opponent strategies effectively. It accelerates +1/+1 counter strategies, critical for certain MTG deck archetypes. The card’s trigger at instant speed can provide a tactical advantage in play.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Phyrexian Imp
Abilities	Flying,Seek,Toxic
Released	2023-02-28
Set symbol
Set name	Alchemy: Phyrexia
Set code	YONE
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	8
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	J.P. Targete

Text of card

Flying Toxic 1 : Blightwing Whelp gains haste until end of turn. Whenever Blightwing Whelp deals combat damage to a player, seek a card with mana value equal to the number of poison counters that player has.

Cards like Blightwing Whelp

Blightwing Whelp introduces a unique twist to the dragon-themed cards in the MTG landscape. It can be likened to Dragon Hatchling, which also shares the ability to boost its power temporarily. Nonetheless, Blightwing Whelp stands out with its built-in capability to deal direct damage to any target when its power is increased. Dragon Hatchling lacks this direct utility and focuses solely on power enhancement.

Another dragon relative in this space is Furnace Whelp, which similarly grows in power with mana investment. The key nuance here is that Furnace Whelp demands more of a mana commitment to achieve a higher power strike, while Blightwing Whelp offers more immediate and versatile effects. Also in this lineage is the Sparktongue Dragon that brings an additional one-time damage effect upon entering the battlefield, albeit without the scalable power boost that Blightwing Whelp promises.

In analyzing the traits and utilities these dragon kin offer, Blightwing Whelp indeed finds its footing. It pairs the classic appeal of dragons with a dynamic and flexible damage-dealing ability, making it a noteworthy creature for enthusiasts and tacticians in the MTG arena.

Decks using this card

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

Name	Format	Event
Golgari Midrange	Gladiator	Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024
Orzhov Midrange	Gladiator	Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 08 2024
Golgari Aggro	Gladiator	Gladiator Team Unified League
Mono-Black Midrange	Gladiator	Gladiator Team Unified League
The Rock	Gladiator	Gladiator Team Unified League
Mono-Black Aggro	Gladiator	Gladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Blightwing Whelp provides notable benefits as it offers direct interaction with your opponent’s creatures, potentially removing their key pieces and tipping the scales in your favor. By disrupting their board, Blightwing Whelp can ease the path for your attacks, possibly leading to a more commanding presence and influence over the course of the game.

Resource Acceleration: In decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters, Blightwing Whelp can serve as an engine to proliferate these counters at a rapid pace. This not only enhances your individual creatures but can also synergize with other cards that leverage +1/+1 counters for various effects, creating a dynamic that accelerates your board state’s power and resilience.

Instant Speed: Although Blightwing Whelp itself is not an instant, its ability to react immediately upon drawing an opponent’s card can disrupt your opponent’s strategies at critical moments. The utility of this trigger can sometimes mirror the flexibility provided by instant-speed interactions, disrupting opponents during their own turn and giving you the upper hand in the exchange of resources.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Blightwing Whelp requires discarding another card upon casting, placing a constraint on your hand that could be particularly challenging when your options are already dwindling or if you’re aiming to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Blightwing Whelp includes both black and red mana, necessitating a dual investment that can complicate your mana base, especially in multi-colored decks that might not always have the requisite colors readily available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the upper end for its creature type and effects, Blightwing Whelp competes for a significant slot in your mana curve. This can impact your deck’s tempo, particularly when faced against decks that capitalize on low-cost, high-impact creatures or cards that offer more immediate board presence or impact.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Blightwing Whelp offers a dynamic gameplay option for decks that thrive on flying creatures or require certain triggers from casting dragon spells, making it a useful addition to multiple deck archetypes.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to ping opponents’ creatures upon casting a dragon spell opens up synergies with cards that capitalize on dealing damage or dragon-themed interactions, expanding your board control strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small creatures are common, Blightwing Whelp’s ability to clear out potential blockers or threats each time you cast a dragon can shift the tides of the game, making it a timely inclusion for your competitive play.

How to beat

Blightwing Whelp has entered the arena of MTG and quickly caught the attention of players looking for advantageous interactions in Dragon decks. This creature offers a unique ability that hinges on managing Dragon permanents, providing card advantage by allowing its controller to draw a card whenever a Dragon enters their battlefield under their control.

Confronting such an opponent requires a strategic approach. One effective tactic is to apply removal spells to Blightwing Whelp quickly before it can gain value over the course of the game. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can be highly valuable, allowing you to dismantle the strategy by targeting the Whelp directly. Additionally, utilizing counter magic like Counterspell or Negate when Blightwing Whelp is cast can prevent it from affecting the battlefield entirely.

Moreover, consider leveraging cards that hinder your opponent’s ability to utilize dragon-centric mechanics such as Dragon Tempest or Haven of the Spirit Dragon. Disruptive enchantments or artifacts that suppress or neutralize triggered and activated abilities can stifle the overlaying strategy Blightwing Whelp aims to support, ensuring an upper hand in the duel. Adopting these strategies can negate the advantage the Whelp aims to create, thus securing your victory in the match.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Blightwing Whelp MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: Phyrexia, 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 Blightwing Whelp and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Blightwing Whelp has restrictions

Format	Legality
Gladiator	Legal
Alchemy	Legal
Historic	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Timeless	Legal