Dark Revenant MTG Card


Dark Revenant’s self-recursion ability makes it a tough creature to permanently remove from the game. Its synergy with graveyard and top-deck tactics enhances various strategic deck designs. Effectively countering Dark Revenant requires exile effects or manipulating the library’s order.
Dark Revenant - Return to Ravnica
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Spirit
Abilities Flying
Released2012-10-05
Set symbol
Set nameReturn to Ravnica
Set codeRTR
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number61
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDaarken

Text of card

Flying When Dark Revenant dies, put it on top of its owner's library.

The murderer faced justice in the Azorius courts, but his soul was set free on a technicality.


Cards like Dark Revenant

The Dark Revenant is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering that finds its niche in decks designed to utilize the graveyard. Its ability to put itself on top of the library from the graveyard when it dies is quite reminiscent of other creature cards like Reassembling Skeleton. The Skeleton, for instance, allows a more direct method of recurrence to the field, albeit at a mana cost.

Another card that it may evoke comparisons with is Bloodsoaked Champion. While the Champion can return to the battlefield much like the Revenant, it requires raid to be triggered for the return, stipulating a more aggressive playstyle. The Revenant, in contrast, is more passive but ensures its presence during the next draw.

In terms of self-recurring creatures, each has its own strategic advantage, with Dark Revenant ensuring a sort of immortality as long as it’s not exiled. In control or combo decks particularly, this can be a repetitive way to guarantee a creature presence or set up for deck manipulation strategies. So, while Dark Revenant may not provide the instant impact of some of its counterparts, its resilience in staying relevant in the game is its unique draw.

Reassembling Skeleton - MTG Card versions
Bloodsoaked Champion - MTG Card versions
Reassembling Skeleton - MTG Card versions
Bloodsoaked Champion - MTG Card versions

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Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
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Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Dirge Bat - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Bad Ass - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Dark Revenant’s ability to return to the top of your library when it’s put into a graveyard from the battlefield ensures that you never lose access to it. This makes it quite effective at sustaining card presence and can discourage opponents from removing it since it often doesn’t result in a loss of resources on your side.

Resource Acceleration: Although it doesn’t directly generate additional mana or tokens, Dark Revenant’s resilience can free up other resources you might otherwise allocate for creature preservation. This reliability allows you to focus mana and other resources on further advancing your board state.

Instant Speed: While Dark Revenant itself doesn’t have an ability that operates at instant speed, its looming recurrence from the graveyard effectively permits a form of indirect instant action. You can adapt to the loss of the card immediately, without a turn delay, thereby reacting to shifts in the game in a timely manner.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Demands you to pitch another card from hand when attempting to utilize it, potentially leaving you at a resource deficit.

Specific Mana Cost: The Dark Revenant has a casting cost that includes black mana, which could restrict its integration to certain deck types that can produce this color easily.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost sitting on the higher end, you might find alternative creatures or spells that offer similar returns on investment for less mana, making them a preferable option in your deck.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Dark Revenant is a card that can adapt to various strategies, especially in decks that focus on graveyard manipulation or top-deck control. The ability to place it on top of your library when it dies makes it a persistent threat that’s hard to permanently remove.

Combo Potential: Its unique ability to return to your deck grants synergy with cards that benefit from creatures entering the graveyard or being drawn repeatedly. This interaction offers combo opportunities in decks designed to exploit these mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature removal is abundant, Dark Revenant thrives by providing a recurring creature that demands an answer but refuses to stay in the graveyard. This can be particularly relevant in meta-games that do not heavily utilize exile effects, allowing its ability to shine.


How to beat

Overcoming the challenges posed by Dark Revenant in MTG requires strategic planning and precise play. Vexing for opponents, this creature card has an irritating ability to climb back to the top of your library when put into a graveyard from the battlefield, making it a recurring obstacle. Key to triumphing over this persistent spirit is to utilize exile effects or cards that can permanently remove it from the game, such as Path to Exile or Scavenging Ooze.

Another effective approach is to manipulate deck order with cards that can put Dark Revenant further down the library. This diminishes its imminent return and provides players with the opportunity to find answers or press their advantage. Cards such as Thought Scour can shuffle the opponent’s library or give you a chance to draw into removal tools. Always stay one step ahead by keeping removal spells in hand and anticipating your opponent’s moves. By carefully considering these strategies, you can turn the tide against Dark Revenant and pave the way to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dark Revenant MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica, 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 Dark Revenant and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dark Revenant has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Dark Revenant card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2012-10-01 Dark Revenant’s ability isn’t optional. However, if Dark Revenant leaves the graveyard before its ability resolves, it won’t be put on top of its owner’s library.