Cruel Grimnarch MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Cleric |
| Abilities | Deathtouch |
| Released | 2023-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Phyrexia: All Will Be One |
| Set code | ONE |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
| Number | 88 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Allen Williams |
Text of card
Deathtouch When Cruel Grimnarch enters the battlefield, each opponent discards a card. For each opponent who can't, you gain 4 life.
The gospel of lies sounds sweetest when whispered by many mouths.
Cards like Cruel Grimnarch
Cruel Grimnarch finds its place within the pantheon of Magic: The Gathering’s commander cards. When sizing it up against other legendaries in the MTG realm, its unique combination of abilities provides a distinct experience on the battlefield. Take for instance, Lord of the Void. While both cards share a seven-mana value, Lord of the Void demands a more stringent mana base with triple black mana. It offers a different kind of board control, by exiling cards directly from an opponent’s deck and potentially putting them onto the battlefield under your control.
On another front, we have Geth, Lord of the Vault. Similar to our Cruel Grimnarch, Geth interacts with opponents’ graveyards but in a slightly different mold; it permits the reanimation of creatures or artifacts, though at an incremental cost. Whereas Cruel Grimnarch’s triggered ability can create a potentially self-sustaining army without relying on surplus mana. Additionally, Sheoldred, Whispering One presents another avenue for graveyard play, once again showcasing a diverging path with its reanimating prowess and compulsory sacrifice feature, setting a relentless pressure on opponents each of your upkeeps.
Analyzing these comparisons allows us to appreciate the unique qualities that Cruel Grimnarch brings to MTG commander decks, especially when who seek to exercise dominance over the graveyard and manage threats proactively.
Cards similar to Cruel Grimnarch by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With its ability to manipulate the top card of each player’s library, Cruel Grimnarch ensures you have valuable information to plan your moves strategically, potentially gaining advantage over your opponents.
Resource Acceleration: Cruel Grimnarch boasts abilities that could disrupt opponents’ mana bases while potentially ramping up your own resources, paving the way for casting more impactful spells ahead of your opponent’s curve.
Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, Cruel Grimnarch interacts favorably with instant-speed plays, allowing you to alter game states on the fly and react to threats or opportunities as they arise during the course of the match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Cruel Grimnarch’s activation might be a hefty price to pay. Sending one of your own cards to the graveyard as part of the cost can be counterproductive, especially if you’re already behind or if your hand is your last line of defense.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise mana combination to cast, which can present a notable restriction. Deck-builders will need to carefully consider their land base and mana sources to reliably incorporate the Cruel Grimnarch into their game plan without compromising the deck’s consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is undeniably steep, players may find the Cruel Grimnarch less appealing when speed is paramount. Despite its potential strengths, its mana demands may cause it to sit uselessly in hand during critical turns where cheaper alternatives could turn the tide of the game.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Cruel Grimnarch can adapt to a wide array of deck themes given its ability to handle multiple roles. Whether you need a strong attacker or a card that provides tactical advantage by manipulating life totals, this card can perform efficiently in various situations.
Combo Potential: This card’s unique mechanics offer great synergy with decks that play around life total changes, making it a key piece in inventive combos that could turn the tide of the game unexpectedly in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: As the landscape of competitive play constantly shifts, keeping cards like Cruel Grimnarch might give players an edge. Its presence can be particularly impactful in environments where using life totals as a resource is part of the prevailing strategy, offering a relevant choice for your game plan.
How to beat
Cruel Grimnarch represents a formidable presence on the battlefield due to its ability to thwart an opponent’s strategies in MTG. Its combination of milling and sapping resources from an opponent’s deck can lead to a precipitous card advantage. When facing a deck that features Cruel Grimnarch, it becomes essential to disrupt this process. You may concentrate on removal spells that can bypass any form of protection the card possesses. Cards like Path to Exile or Murderous Rider offer direct and effective solutions.
Counterspells also present a solid strategy against Cruel Grimnarch. Having a Mana Leak or a Dovin’s Veto in hand when your opponent casts Grimnarch can prevent it from entering the battlefield altogether. Furthermore, utilizing graveyard hate cards, such as Rest in Peace or Tormod’s Crypt, will neutralize the milling advantage that Cruel Grimnarch might bring to the table. By stifling the card’s main strategies, you safeguard your deck from being whittled down and maintain your stance in the face of this formidable foe.
In essence, Cruel Grimnarch requires a careful approach that includes preemptive card control and on-the-spot disruption. By incorporating these tactics, you’ll stand a better chance of coming out on top even when this tenacious adversary tests your limits.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cruel Grimnarch MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Cruel Grimnarch and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Cruel Grimnarch has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |