Dirtwater Wraith MTG Card
1996-10-08 - Number 117
2020-09-26 - Number MIR-117
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Wraith |
| Abilities | Swampwalk |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Swampwalk (If defending player controls any swamps, this creature is unblockable.) oo B +1/+0 until end of turn.
"The foul entities of the Uuserk swamp had never before dared to spread their influence to the very heart of Zhalfir." —Hakim, Loreweaver
Cards like Dirtwater Wraith
Within the pantheon of Magic: The Gathering ghostly creatures, Dirtwater Wraith stands as a unique entity. Comparable phantom cards include the Spectral Sailor, offering both flying and the ability to draw cards at an instant’s notice. The Wraith, although lacking in the card draw department, brings the intimidation factor with its must-be-blocked-by-it-if-able clause on the battlefield. This ability disrupts defensive strategies and clears paths for other creatures.
Exploring further into the spirit realm reveals the Phantom Warrior, a card that resonates with Dirtwater Wraith’s evasion capabilities. Phantom Warrior is unblockable, a trait that ensures consistent damage but does not command the battlefield presence like Dirtwater Wraith, which requires a tribute of blocks. The Warrior skips the politics Dirtwater Wraith engages with and has an undeniable straightforward offensive approach.
Comparing these ethereal contenders showcases how Dirtwater Wraith offers an interesting tactical depth, forcing opponents into disadvantageous blocks. While it might not have the card advantage potential of Spectral Sailor or the guaranteed hits of Phantom Warrior, its ability to demand attention on the battlefield cannot be overlooked by any MTG player looking to integrate spirits into their deck.
Cards similar to Dirtwater Wraith by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Dirtwater Wraith has the unique ability to cycle from your hand, letting you draw a new card and potentially unearthing a more immediate answer or threat.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly impacting mana resources, cycling Dirtwater Wraith can lead to smoother draws and help you find your land drops or key spells more consistently.
Instant Speed: The cycling ability of Dirtwater Wraith can be employed at instant speed, providing flexibility in your gameplay and allowing you to adapt to the unfolding match without skipping a beat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Dirtwater Wraith often involves discarding a card, presenting a potential setback when your hand is already depleted or when every card is crucial for maintaining strategic advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Dirtwater Wraith requires a particular combination of mana, including black, which can pose deck-building constraints, limiting the card’s versatility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at a significant mana investment, Dirtwater Wraith may fall behind in the curve, especially when other creatures or spells at a similar cost provide more immediate board impact or longer-term value.
Reasons to Include Dirtwater Wraith in Your Collection
Versatility: Dirtwater Wraith offers flexibility in deck building, capable of fitting seamlessly into mill or control decks. The card’s adaptability comes from its synergy with graveyard management, enabling strategic plays depending on your graveyard’s composition.
Combo Potential: With the capacity to benefit from both creature recursion and self-mill strategies, Dirtwater Wraith can be a key component in powerful combos. It interacts well with cards that enable reanimation or that benefit from having creatures in the graveyard, thereby enhancing its combo potential in gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: Given that certain metas are susceptible to graveyard-based tactics, including Dirtwater Wraith in your collection could be a strategic move. Its presence can disrupt opponents’ plans and prove advantageous in matches where manipulating the graveyard plays a central role.
How to beat
Understanding your opponent’s strategy is key in any game of Magic: The Gathering. The card Dirtwater Wraith may not be the metagame’s star, but it carries its weight in certain decks. This spectral force can be particularly tricky due to its swampwalking ability, allowing it to be unblockable as long as the opponent has swamps.
Countering this creature effectively requires a few strategic moves. Firstly, reducing the number of swamps in play can negate its swampwalking ability, perhaps through land conversion or removal. Secondly, employing removal spells that don’t target, such as board wipes or exile effects, can bypass its unblockable nature. Lastly, consider utilizing spells or effects that reduce the opponent’s graveyard, a resource that often powers the abilities of wraith-like creatures.
In summary, while Dirtwater Wraith presents a unique set of challenges, thoughtful deck building and in-game decision-making can ensure that this ghostly adversary doesn’t haunt your chances of victory. Keeping your wits about you and remaining adaptable are as important as always in your plan to outmaneuver this phantasmal threat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dirtwater Wraith MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and The List, 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 Dirtwater Wraith 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 Dirtwater Wraith Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 1996-10-08. Illustrated by Steve Luke.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dirtwater Wraith has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |