Blinding Souleater MTG Card
2011-05-13 - Number 131
2015-05-22 - Number 202
2019-11-07 - Number 1549
2020-09-26 - Number MM2-202
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Cleric |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
{PW}, : Tap target creature. ({PW} can be paid with either or 2 life.)
"We thank the souleaters for inscribing our souls with subservience, to reinforce the sacred order." —Drones' hymn of gratitude
Cards like Blinding Souleater
Blinding Souleater stands out in the realm of flexible control creatures within Magic: The Gathering. This artifact creature shares some strategic DNA with cards like Glimmerpoint Stag, offering the ability to manipulate the battlefield by temporarily removing an opponent’s defenses. However, the Souleater is unique in that it can tap an opposing creature at any time for the cost of 3 life through its Phyrexian mana ability, rather than relying on entering the battlefield like the Stag.
Mana cost is another point of comparison. For example, cards like Icy Manipulator require mana investment to achieve a similar tapping effect. Blinding Souleater, on the other hand, presents an alternative that can be activated by paying life, making it a versatile choice in decks that can afford the health exchange. Meanwhile, cards like Tumble Magnet provide a similar control mechanism with a limited number of uses, whereas the Souleater’s ability, albeit at a life cost, does not come with usage restrictions.
The Blinding Souleater’s affinity for multiple deck types and its role as an effective disruptor make it a card worth considering for players who value control and versatility in their matches. Its life-for-control exchange offers a unique angle in gameplay that sets it apart from its peers.
Cards similar to Blinding Souleater by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Blinding Souleater offers a unique form of card advantage, not by drawing but through its versatile use in both offensive and defensive strategies. It allows you to potentially remove an attacker or blocker each turn, essentially negating one of your opponent’s cards repeatedly.
Resource Acceleration: By tapping for its ability without mana and using life points instead, Blinding Souleater can accelerate resource utilization. This flexibility can free up mana for other uses, thereby increasing efficiency and tempo.
Instant Speed: The ability to tap a creature at instant speed gives Blinding Souleater a significant edge. It allows players to wait until the last moment before deciding to use this ability, whether it’s during an opponent’s attack, after they’ve declared attackers, or even at the end of their turn to clear a path for your own counterattack.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While not a direct discard requirement, Blinding Souleater’s activation can functionally act as a resource discard by consuming mana and life that could be used elsewhere.
Specific Mana Cost: Blinding Souleater’s Phyrexian mana cost, while offering flexibility, may still necessitate specific deck construction to optimize the life payment option without significant disadvantage.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost to activate Blinding Souleater’s tapping ability can be seen as high when considering its cumulative expense over multiple turns, especially in formats where tempo and mana efficiency are critical.
Reasons to Include Blinding Souleater in Your Collection
Versatility: The Blinding Souleater offers a flexible role in various deck builds due to its ability to tap any creature, regardless of size or abilities. This makes it a useful card in both offensive and defensive scenarios.
Combo Potential: This card works well within artifact-centric decks, playing a key role in synergizing with cards that reward you for tapping or untapping artifacts. It becomes part of intricate combo chains that can lead to game-winning moves.
Meta-Relevance: Given its utility and low cost, Blinding Souleater fits comfortably in a metagame where creature-based strategies are dominant. Its presence can consistently disrupt opponents’ battle plans, making it a relevant addition to any collection.
How to beat
Blinding Souleater presents a unique challenge in the realm of MTG. This artful artifact creature has an interesting ability that can tap an opponent’s creature at will, at the cost of life instead of mana. The key to overcoming the Blinding Souleater lies in preventing it from leveraging this ability. Swift removal spells can dispatch it before its effect becomes a nuisance. Another reliable strategy is to employ creatures with hexproof or shroud, thus rendering the Souleater’s ability ineffective. Furthermore, creatures that cannot be tapped or that untap quickly can easily negate the hindrance posed by Blinding Souleater.
Denying your opponent the opportunity to use the Souleater’s ability repeatedly also plays a crucial role. This can be achieved by limiting their life total, pressuring them to allocate their life resource elsewhere. Remember, continuous use of Blinding Souleater’s power can become a double-edged sword for your opponent, as each activation brings a cost that could turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Ultimately, understanding when to remove Blinding Souleater and interrupting your opponent’s strategy are vital. The creature’s impact on the board can be substantial if left unchecked; however, with a solid game plan and timely responses, you can secure your position and lead your deck to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Blinding Souleater MTG card by a specific set like New Phyrexia and Modern Masters 2015, 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 Blinding Souleater 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 Blinding Souleater Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2011-05-13 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Igor Kieryluk.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-05-13 | New Phyrexia | NPH | 131 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 2 | 2015-05-22 | Modern Masters 2015 | MM2 | 202 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1549 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | MM2-202 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Blinding Souleater has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |