Death Mutation MTG Card
2001-06-04 - Number 96
2011-06-17 - Number 192
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 8 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Destroy target nonblack creature. It can't be regenerated. Put X 1/1 green Saproling creature tokens into play, where X is its converted mana cost.
Cards like Death Mutation
Death Mutation finds its place among intriguing removal options in Magic: The Gathering. It provides a unique advantage similar to that of spells like Terminate, which also efficiently removes creatures from play. The key distinction for Death Mutation is its ability to not only destroy a creature but also create saproling tokens equal to the creature’s power, giving a strategic edge in terms of board presence.
When comparing it to something like Sever the Bloodline, another removal spell, Death Mutation offers immediate board advantage by producing tokens on the fly. Sever the Bloodline exiles and potentially removes multiple instances of a creature, but lacks the token generation. Putrefy also stands as a comparable choice for its simplicity in instant-speed removal and the bonus of artifact destruction, but once again, it doesn’t provide the token generation Death Mutation does.
Therefore, looking at the diverse options within creature removal and token generation spells in Magic: The Gathering, Death Mutation carves out a niche. It combines the utility of a removal spell with the bonus of enhancing your army, suiting strategies that benefit from having many creatures on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Death Mutation by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Death Mutation allows you to remove a threat while simultaneously creating a number of Saproling tokens equal to the targeted creature’s power. This two-for-one effect can notably swing the game in your favor by not only clearing the board but also by supplying you with additional creatures to control the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: While this spell doesn’t directly produce mana, the Saproling tokens that Death Mutation generates can be an invaluable asset in decks that capitalize on creatures or tokens. With the right synergies in place, these tokens can be converted into various resources, bolstering your mana or being utilized for other potent effects.
Instant Speed: As a sorcery, Death Mutation is designed for strategic planning and timing. It requires a more premeditated approach compared to instants but rewards players with a potentially game-changing army of tokens when played correctly. Knowing when to cast it to develop your board presence while dismantling your opponent’s is key to masterfully piloting decks that include this formidable card.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: This card’s gameplay mandates that you discard another card to unleash its potential, presenting a tough choice when your hand is already struggling with valuable resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Death Mutation comes with a color-heavy mana cost, demanding both green and black mana. This requirement can pose a challenge for decks that aren’t finely tuned to meet such stringent mana demands.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Priced at six mana, including two of which are specifically black, the card’s advantage might not align with its hefty investment, especially when compared to other options within the same mana range that may provide more immediate board presence or impact.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Death Mutation brings a flexible approach to gameplay, capable of slotting into numerous creature-heavy strategies. Its ability to destroy a threat while simultaneously creating a swarm of Saproling creatures offers both board control and presence, making it a sound addition to a variety of decks.
Combo Potential: The card excels in synergizing with decks that capitalize on creature death or token generation. Its capacity to fuel strategies that use creatures entering the graveyard or benefit from the sudden appearance of tokens makes it a dynamic tool for combo interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where high-value creatures dominate, Death Mutation serves as an effective countermeasure. If facing decks that hinge on key creatures, this card proves to be a potent inclusion, as it not only removes critical threats but also fortifies your position with potential blockers or sacrifice fodder.
How to Beat
When facing the formidable Death Mutation in MTG, it’s crucial to understand its dual nature both as a removal and a creature generation card. Against this sorcery, which not only eliminates a significant threat but also floods the board with Saproling tokens, your game plan should include preemptive strategies such as counterspells and graveyard disruption. A timely Negate or Dispel can nullify the Mutation’s impact, preserving your board state and momentum.
On an alternate route, grave hate cards like Rest in Peace or Relic of Progenitus can ensure that even if your creatures are targeted by Death Mutation, the resulting Saprolings won’t spawn, as the Mutation’s ability to create tokens is directly tied to the power of the destroyed creature. Managing your removals judiciously, keeping track of your opponent’s mana, and deploying threats that are resistant to single-target removal can also diminish the card’s effectiveness. Lastly, in a proactive measure, maintaining pressure on your opponent can limit the windows in which casting Death Mutation would be beneficial, effectively mitigating the card’s potential impact on the game.
Each strategy in MTG brings its own challenges and conquering a card like Death Mutation requires mindful play, but by employing both foresight and reactive tactics, you can balance the scales and maintain your position in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Death Mutation MTG card by a specific set like Apocalypse and Commander 2011, 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 Death Mutation 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
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Printings
The Death Mutation Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2001-06-04 and 2011-06-17. Illustrated by Carl Critchlow.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001-06-04 | Apocalypse | APC | 96 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Carl Critchlow | |
| 2 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 192 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Carl Critchlow |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Death Mutation has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Death Mutation card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-08-01 | If the target is illegal on resolution, the entire spell doesn’t resolve. As such, you will not put any tokens onto the battlefield. |