Cryptothrall MTG Card
2022-10-07 - Number 155★
2022-10-07 - Number 155
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Construct |
| Abilities | Protector |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Protector — Other artifact creatures you control have hexproof.
Bound to a cryptek, the cryptothrall exists for one reason: to defend its master to the death.
Cards like Cryptothrall
Cryptothrall has quirks that set it apart within the realm of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It shares some common ground with other cards designed to provide field advantage through self-sacrifice mechanics. Take Carrier Thrall, for instance, which also bequeaths a benefit upon its demise – in this case, a Spawn token. Where Cryptothrall shines is how it benefits from synergies with graveyard strategies, acting as a recursive threat.
Gravecrawler deserves a mention here. Like Cryptothrall, it can repeatedly return from the graveyard to the battlefield, provided the conditions are met. The major difference lies in Gravecrawler’s requirement for a Zombie to be on the field, whereas Cryptothrall imposes no such restrictions. Sultai Emissary is another card with a death-triggered upside, creating manifest tokens. Though it doesn’t rise from the grave like Cryptothrall, its ability to potentially turn into any creature card offers a unique form of versatility.
Essentially, while there are numerous creatures that grant benefits beyond their presence on the battlefield, Cryptothrall’s simple resurrection ability positions it as a unique asset in decks that leverage graveyard play, especially when uninterrupted by specific board states.
Cards similar to Cryptothrall by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cryptothrall enables you to summon additional creatures, thus effectively increasing the number of threats on your battlefield. By generating more units, it offers a potential advantage over your opponent by expanding your army.
Resource Acceleration: This card can be a key component in strategies that ramp up your resources. By allowing you to sacrifice it for a tangible benefit, Cryptothrall can accelerate your game plan, providing an edge in resource management.
Instant Speed: While Cryptothrall itself isn’t an instant, it can interplay with instant speed spells and abilities in your deck. The ability to sacrifice Cryptothrall at a moment’s notice makes it a versatile tool for triggering on-demand effects that may disrupt your opponent’s strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To unlock the full potential of this card, players need to part with another card from their hand. This discard requirement can put you at a disadvantage, especially in games where maintaining card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Cryptothrall demands a very particular mana arrangement for casting. This inflexible mana cost can be cumbersome for multicolored or mana-demanding decks that may not consistently produce the exact mana needed without the right support.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For the abilities it provides, Cryptothrall has a mana cost that some players might find steep. There are alternate cards that could offer similar benefits without as much of a mana investment, making it less appealing in mana-efficient deck strategies.
Reasons to Include Cryptothrall in Your Collection
Versatility: Cryptothrall shows flexibility in its ability to fit into multiple deck archetypes. It serves as a sturdy blocker early on and a reliable resource generator in the later stages of the game.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that capitalize on sacrifice mechanics, fueling powerful combos and enabling recursive plays that can overwhelm opponents.
Meta-Relevance: In formats where resource acceleration and board presence are key, Cryptothrall holds its ground. Its relevance is heightened in metas that reward player initiative and tactical creature management.
How to beat
Cryptothrall may not be the most formidable presence on the battlefield, but it can be a persistent nuisance if left unchecked in Magic: The Gathering. The key to overcoming a Cryptothrall lies in preemptive and strategic moves. Controlling the board is essential, meaning removal spells that can bypass its regeneration abilities are your best friend. Using instant-speed removal can catch your opponent off-guard, eliminating the Cryptothrall before they can regenerate it.
It’s also wise to manage the game’s pace and not allow your opponent to establish a board state where Cryptothrall can be readily regenerated. Efficient creature-based strategies that can outpace the slower gameplay encouraged by Cryptothrall are effective as well. Keep applying pressure, and you’ll find that Cryptothrall, while resilient, cannot withstand a focused and sustained offense.
Always keep an eye on the broader context of your opponent’s graveyard when facing Cryptothrall. Graveyard interaction often plays a key role in its effectiveness, so employing graveyard hate cards or strategies can also reduce Cryptothrall’s impact. By following these tactics, Cryptothrall can be managed and overcome, maintaining your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cryptothrall MTG card by a specific set like Warhammer 40,000 Commander and Warhammer 40,000 Commander, 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 Cryptothrall 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 Cryptothrall Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-10-07 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Henry Peters.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2022-10-07 | Warhammer 40,000 Commander | 40K | 155★ | 2015 | Normal | Black | Henry Peters | |
| 2 | 2022-10-07 | Warhammer 40,000 Commander | 40K | 155 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Henry Peters |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cryptothrall has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |