Defiler of Vigor MTG Card


Accelerates gameplay with extra land drops that give an edge in resource management and card advantage. Demands high mana and specific colors, which can limit deck flexibility and speed in early game. Its card synergy and meta relevance make it a formidable addition to any MTG green creature-focused deck.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Wurm
Abilities Trample
Power 6
Toughness 6

Text of card

Trample As an additional cost to cast green permanent spells, you may pay 2 life. Those spells cost less to cast if you paid life this way. This effect reduces only the amount of green mana you pay. Whenever you cast a green permanent spell, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control.


Cards like Defiler of Vigor

The Defiler of Vigor shines in the realm of creature spells in MTG. Its characteristics are intriguing when paralleled with other creatures that also bolster your board presence. Cards like Craterhoof Behemoth offer a similar game-ending potential by providing a substantial power and toughness boost to creatures you control, yet it does so as an immediate effect during the turn it’s played, differing from the Defiler of Vigor’s ongoing advantage that requires careful setup and sustained pressure.

Another card worth mentioning is End-Raze Forerunners which also conveys a temporary but explosive surge in power to your creatures. However, the Defiler of Vigor stands out with its repeatable ability to grant your green creatures an additional +1/+1 counter each time they enter the battlefield, nurturing a progressively overwhelming board state.

There’s no denying that while cards like Craterhoof Behemoth and End-Raze Forerunners can lead to an immediate victory, the Defiler of Vigor excels in gradually increasing your creatures’ strength, offering a persistent threat that opponents must address. In essence, Defiler of Vigor’s enduring effect can be a cornerstone in decks that aim to capitalize on creature synergy over the duration of the game.

Craterhoof Behemoth - MTG Card versions
End-Raze Forerunners - MTG Card versions
Craterhoof Behemoth - MTG Card versions
End-Raze Forerunners - MTG Card versions

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Thicket Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Ironroot Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Elvish Bard - MTG Card versions
Durkwood Boars - MTG Card versions
Elven Riders - MTG Card versions
Redwood Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Spined Wurm - MTG Card versions
Rabid Wolverines - MTG Card versions
Deadly Insect - MTG Card versions
Vintara Elephant - MTG Card versions
Crashing Boars - MTG Card versions
Kavu Climber - MTG Card versions
Kavu Chameleon - MTG Card versions
Spring-Leaf Avenger - MTG Card versions
Okina Nightwatch - MTG Card versions
Consuming Blob - MTG Card versions
Primeval Force - MTG Card versions
Spitting Spider - MTG Card versions
Moss Monster - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Defiler of Vigor. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Abzan MidrangeAbzan Midrange PioneerAbzan MidrangeReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Pittsburgh - Saturday - 1:00 pm (Bronze)
Golgari ToxicGolgari Toxic StandardThe Pizza Box Open: Standard

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Defiler of Vigor is designed to support long-term strategies by ensuring that you have the right resources at the right time. Whenever you cast a green permanent spell, it provides you with an extra land from your library, directly onto the battlefield. This ramps up your board state and offers a significant edge in both developing your resources and maintaining a card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: This creature excels in propelling your game forward quickly. It is not just about putting extra lands into play; having those lands untapped is a game-changer. This ability enables immediate utilization of new resources, effectively accelerating your gameplay and putting you steps ahead of your opponent.

Instant Speed: While Defiler of Vigor itself isn’t an instant, its synergy with instant-speed spells is noteworthy. By ensuring a steady stream of untapped lands, you can more efficiently keep mana open for critical instant-speed interactions, be it for countering opposing spells or casting your own disruptive effects at the most opportune times.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Defiler of Vigor can be a demanding presence on the battlefield, requiring careful management of your hand. To unleash this behemoth, you might need to let go of other valuable cards, which could put you at a disadvantage, particularly when your options are already wearing thin.

Specific Mana Cost: With its roots entrenched in green mana sources, the Defiler of Vigor commands a precise alignment with nature’s reserves. This requirement could potentially hinder your deck’s flexibility, especially if you’re aiming to blend a wider spectrum of colors and strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Power often comes with a price, and for the Defiler of Vigor, this translates into a substantial investment of six mana. This cost sets a high entry barrier when ramping up your forces, possibly giving faster, more agile decks the upper hand in the fray before you can even summon this force of nature.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Defiler of Vigor offers a dynamic enhancement to green decks, acting as a force multiplier for your creatures. Its ability to give permanents you control an extra +1/+1 counter is a boon in any deck that’s focused on growth and creature power.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with mechanics that rely on counters, such as proliferate or evolve. You can build synergistic strategies that capitalize on increasing the size of your creatures at an accelerated pace, paving the way for overwhelming battlefield presence.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where green decks are prevalent, Defiler of Vigor can provide the edge needed to outpace the opposition. Its innate ability to boost your creatures ensures it remains a relevant and powerful choice for players looking to strengthen their collection with an impactful green creature card.


How to beat

The Defiler of Vigor card has made quite an impact within the current Magic: The Gathering meta, particularly because of its ability to bolster green creature spells. This powerful effect can quickly dominate the battlefield by reducing the cost of formidable creatures, making them easier to summon. To tip the scales in your favor, it’s essential to adapt your strategy accordingly.

One effective approach to counter the Defiler of Vigor is to neutralize it before it can activate its cost-reduction ability. Instant removal spells are key here, as they can dispatch the Defiler before your opponent benefits from its perks. Utilizing counterspells to prevent it from hitting the field altogether can be a game-changer, disrupting your opponent’s strategy early on.

Another strategy is to deploy graveyard hate cards that can remove the Defiler from the graveyard, preventing any recursive shenanigans. It’s also beneficial to maintain board control with sweepers that can clear multiple creatures at once, reducing the advantage gained from the Defiler. By incorporating these tactics, you stand a good chance of successfully managing the threat posed by the Defiler of Vigor and maintaining control over the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Refining your MTG gameplay hinges on strategic card selection, and the Defiler of Vigor is a testament to that. If you’re someone who values the craft of constructing a formidable green deck, the insights shared here can prove invaluable. The contrast of its advantages and demands highlights the game’s depth, catering to those who relish tactical complexity. As you ponder the potential of the Defiler of Vigor to escalate your creature-based combat or seamless mana ramp, we encourage you to continue exploring and integrating cards that align with your tactical approach. Dive deeper with us into the art of MTG deck building and command the battlefield with newfound prowess.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Defiler of Vigor MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Dominaria United Promos, 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 Defiler of Vigor and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Defiler of Vigor Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2022-09-09 and 2022-09-09. Illustrated by Chase Stone.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1034642015NormalBlackChase Stone
22022-09-09Dominaria United PromosPDMU 160s2015NormalBlackChase Stone
32022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 4122015NormalBlackChase Stone
42022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 1602015NormalBlackChase Stone
52022-09-09Dominaria United PromosPDMU 160p2015NormalBlackChase Stone

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Defiler of Vigor has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-09-09 Some players may make the mental shortcut that the Defilers effectively turn one of the colored mana symbols in the spell’s cost into a Phyrexian colored mana symbol. Despite the similarity in function, this ability does not cause the spells to have Phyrexian mana symbols in their costs. Sorry, Rage Extractor!
2022-09-09 You may only pay the additional cost once per permanent spell.