Cemetery Reaper MTG Card
2009-07-17 - Number 87
2010-06-18 - Number 12
2011-07-15 - Number 86
2021-09-24 - Number 108
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Zombie |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Other Zombie creatures you control get +1/+1. , : Exile target creature card from a graveyard. Put a 2/2 black Zombie creature token onto the battlefield.
Every grave cradles a recruit.
Cards like Cemetery Reaper
Cemetery Reaper stands out as a powerful asset for decks focusing on Zombie tribal themes in Magic: The Gathering. Its resemblance to lords like Death Baron is apparent, as both grant other Zombie creatures you control a power and toughness boost. Where Cemetery Reaper gains an edge is in its ability to exile cards from opponent’s graveyards to create additional Zombie tokens, enhancing your board presence.
Lord of the Accursed is another card that spikes interest when discussing Zombie tribal enablers. Like Cemetery Reaper, it bolsters your Zombies, and instead of token generation, it offers the tactical advantage of granting all Zombies menace for a turn. Considering mana investment and utility, Cemetery Reaper provides consistent token generation, which can be pivotal in long-term strategy.
While Cemetery Reaper may not give the deathtouch advantage of Death Baron or the temporary evasion of Lord of the Accursed, its exiling effect and the zombie creating ability position it as a formidable contender in its category. In summary, its unique combination of abilities can shape the battlefield and potentially turn the tide in favor of swarming Zombie strategies.
Cards similar to Cemetery Reaper by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cemetery Reaper’s ability to create zombie tokens from the graveyard offers a continuous stream of new creatures, bolstering your board presence and ensuring that you’re seldom without options.
Resource Acceleration: While Cemetery Reaper does not directly accelerate mana, its very presence accelerates your resource availability by turning used or discarded creatures into tangible assets—zombie tokens that can affect the board state and be used for various in-game strategies.
Instant Speed: Although Cemetery Reaper operates at sorcery speed, it commands instant-speed respect on the battlefield. Opponents must account for its activation ability at any time, making it a persistent threat that can influence their actions and reactions during the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Cemetery Reaper doesn’t require a discard, but its ability demands you exile a creature card from your graveyard. This can be a setback if your strategy relies on graveyard synergies or if those cards are essential for other combos.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana cost is specifically aligned with black decks, having {1}{B}{B}, which can be restrictive if your deck isn’t centered around black mana or if you are facing mana color problems during gameplay.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a three-mana cost for a 2/2 creature that offers a situational ability, some may find that there are more cost-efficient creature cards to include in a black-themed deck that provide a stronger board presence or more versatile abilities.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Cemetery Reaper offers a flexible role in decks with a focus on Zombie tribal themes. Its ability to boost other Zombie creatures you control makes it a natural inclusion for those wanting to amplify board presence across a variety of game scenarios.
Combo Potential: The card’s ability to exile creatures from any graveyard to create additional Zombie tokens opens up numerous combo possibilities. This can be particularly effective for generating fodder for sacrifice mechanics or increasing token synergy effects within your deck.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where graveyard strategies are prevalent, Cemetery Reaper becomes a tactical asset. Its capacity to disrupt opponents’ graveyard-based combos while simultaneously strengthening your own board position keeps it relevant and impactful within the shifting meta.
How to beat
Cemetery Reaper is a pivotal force in any zombie deck within Magic: The Gathering, known for its prowess in generating a formidable undead army. This card allows players to not only strengthen their own zombie creatures by giving them a +1/+1 boost but also to exile creatures from graveyards to create additional 2/2 zombie tokens. Contending with this card necessitates a strategy that disrupts this accumulating advantage.
One effective approach is to limit the number of creatures entering graveyards. Cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void can preclude the Reaper’s ability to mine graveyards for more zombie token production. Spot removal is less effective against Reaper’s exponential token generation; hence, sweeping removal spells like Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the battlefield, rendering the Cemetery Reaper’s influence null. Graveyard hate, persistent board wipes, and enchantment-based graveyard lockdowns are your arsenal against this undying strategist. Tactfully playing these cards can suppress the Cemetery Reaper’s dominance and give you the upper hand.
Ultimately, countering Cemetery Reaper involves understanding its mechanics and disrupting the synergy it aims to create. A strategic application of graveyard management and creature control is key to triumphing over the Reaper’s undead legion.
BurnMana Recommendations
Assessing the role of Cemetery Reaper in your MTG deck reveals its potential for turning the tide in Zombie-centric strategies. The Reaper’s ability to consistently enhance your board with Zombie tokens means an ever-present threat to your opponents. If you’re building a deck that thrives on undead synergy and graveyard manipulation, this card is a must-have. Don’t let the mana specifics deter you; its strategic benefits can outweigh the costs with the right support. Embrace the power of the grave and swaying metas—make Cemetery Reaper a lynchpin in your deck and watch your zombie horde triumph. Uncover further insights and strategies for mastering your undead arsenal with us.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cemetery Reaper MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2010 and Archenemy, 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 Cemetery Reaper and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
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Printings
The Cemetery Reaper Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2009-07-17 and 2021-09-24. Illustrated by Dave Allsop.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-07-17 | Magic 2010 | M10 | 87 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop | |
| 2 | 2010-06-18 | Archenemy | ARC | 12 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop | |
| 3 | 2011-07-15 | Magic 2012 | M12 | 86 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop | |
| 4 | 2021-09-24 | Midnight Hunt Commander | MIC | 108 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cemetery Reaper has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cemetery Reaper card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-10-01 | Cemetery Reaper grants +1/+1 to all other Zombie creatures you control, not just the ones its ability puts onto the battlefield. |
| 2009-10-01 | The creature card in a graveyard is exiled as part of the activated ability's effect, not as a cost. If that card has left the graveyard by the time the ability would resolve, the ability doesn't resolve and you don't get a Zombie token. |