Desiccated Naga MTG Card

Desiccated Naga enhances gameplay with graveyard interactions and resource acceleration. Requires careful deck building due to specific mana costs and discard conditions. Potential inclusion in collections for its versatility and meta relevance.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Zombie Naga
Released	2017-04-28
Set symbol
Set name	Amonkhet
Set code	AKH
Power	3
Toughness	2
Number	276
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Svetlin Velinov

Text of card

: Target opponent loses 2 life and you gain 2 life. Activate this ability only if you control a Liliana planeswalker.

"The nature of this plane makes it almost too easy for me to command the dead." —Liliana Vess

Cards like Desiccated Naga

Desiccated Naga introduces a unique twist to creature control within MTG, reminding players of similar fear-inducing options like Fleshbag Marauder. Unlike its undead counterpart, which forces each player to sacrifice a creature, Desiccated Naga offers targeted removal, allowing you to pick and banish creatures that threaten your board state. The Naga’s ability is not simply limited to its entry effect; instead, it presents repeated value, giving its controller a recurring advantage, albeit at an additional cost.

Moreover, Nekrataal is a notable comparison. This creature also features targeted removal, eliminating nonartifact, nonblack creatures upon entering. Yet, Desiccated Naga leans toward a broader spectrum of destruction as it does not discriminate between card types or colors. Conversely, Nekrataal leans towards a one-time impact, which can sometimes favor a more immediate game plan.

Shriekmaw is another creature to consider. It too acts on arrival, evoking fear as it exiles a target creature. Shriekmaw also enables its controller to exploit its evoke cost for an alternative and sometimes more efficient use. While it boasts versatility, Desiccated Naga stands out for its ability to persistently dictate the battlefield, provided you sustain its cost. Each card holds its own in the intricate dance of MTG creature control, but Desiccated Naga’s blend of targeted, repeatable removal may just edge it into a favorable spot in many strategies.

Cards similar to Desiccated Naga by color, type and mana cost

Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Desiccated Naga equips players with the ability to bring creatures back from the graveyard to the battlefield. This can lead to significant card advantage as it allows for the reuse of creature cards that have powerful effects or high value.

Resource Acceleration: By returning creatures to play, Desiccated Naga can act as a form of resource acceleration. It lets players bypass the mana costs of casting creatures from their hand, effectively ramping up the player’s board presence without taxing their available mana for the turn.

Instant Speed: Although Desiccated Naga is not cast at instant speed, the ability it grants can often be activated at any time you could cast an instant. This flexibility gives players the tactical advantage of reviving key creatures during the end step of an opponent’s turn or in response to actions that would otherwise leave them at a disadvantage.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Desiccated Naga requires a card to be discarded, which can be a costly disadvantage, especially when you’re already stretched for hand resources. Discarding may inadvertently give opponents an idea of your remaining strategies or weaken your position.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s cost is tied to a specific combination of mana, which may not seamlessly fit into a variety of decks. Players will need to carefully consider their mana base to accommodate this card, potentially complicating deck construction and reducing its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the Desiccated Naga has its perks, its mana cost is on the higher side when compared to other cards with similar effects. Savvy players may opt for alternatives that provide comparable advantages without as substantial of a mana investment, thus affecting how often this card sees play in competitive formats.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Desiccated Naga offers flexibility to decks looking to capitalize on graveyard-interaction mechanics or power up persist strategies. Its ability to recur itself makes it a resilient threat in many game scenarios.

Combo Potential: This card can play a pivotal role in setups looking for consistent creature presence. It pairs exceptionally well with effects that manipulate the graveyard, setting the stage for powerful synergies that can overwhelm opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where graveyards are a resource just as alive as one’s hand, Desiccated Naga proves to be a valuable asset. It can function as an ongoing threat in long-drawn-out matches, making it a strong contender in certain meta environments.

How to beat

Desiccated Naga presents a unique challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This creature card can be particularly troublesome due to its ability to hinder an opponent’s strategy. One key method to overcome this card is by using instant-speed removal spells, which can dispatch the Naga before it has a chance to exert its influence. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile provide an efficient response to Desiccated Naga, enabling you to address the threat without having to wait for your turn.

Another strategy involves leveraging exile effects to permanently remove Desiccated Naga from the game. This circumvents any graveyard-based mechanics it might have, ensuring that it doesn’t return to haunt you later in the game. Make use of cards such as Leyline of the Void to stop the Naga along with any other graveyard shenanigans right in their tracks. Managing your resources carefully and timing your plays to disrupt your opponent’s plans can secure a victory, even when faced with a threat as persistent as Desiccated Naga.

Addressing the challenge promptly and effectively enhances your board position while diminishing your opponent’s tactical advantage, showcasing the importance of adaptability and preparedness in your MTG arsenal.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Desiccated Naga MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet, 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 Desiccated Naga and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Desiccated Naga has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal