Dominating Vampire MTG Card


Strategically leverages card utility for battlefield control and opponent disruption. Creates potential for dynamic plays with resource acceleration and instant-like effects. Demands savvy hand management and mana sourcing to unlock its full potential.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Vampire
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

When Dominating Vampire enters the battlefield, gain control of target creature with mana value less than or equal to the number of Vampires you control until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gains haste until end of turn.

"You can join me or feed me. Choose fast."


Cards like Dominating Vampire

The Dominating Vampire card is a unique presence in Magic: The Gathering, echoing mechanics found in other vampire-themed cards while bringing distinct flair to the battlefield. Its closest relatives are perhaps the captivating Legion’s Landing and the formidable Bloodline Keeper. Like Dominating Vampire, these cards thrive on vampire synergy, yet none exhibits the immediate control over an opponent’s creature quite like Dominating Vampire does.

Legion’s Landing offers a transformative boon to your vampire legion, becoming a land that generates vampire tokens. Unlike the immediate theft afforded by Dominating Vampire, it requires a build-up strategy. Meanwhile, Bloodline Keeper can also create vampire tokens but lies in a higher mana cost echelon. It does, however, have the ability to evolve into Lord of Lineage, boosting vampire creatures’ power and toughness. This contrasts with Dominating Vampire’s temporary creature control that can disrupt enemy lines on the fly.

Assessing these comparisons, Dominating Vampire strikes as a powerful option for players looking to exert influence over the board quickly. It’s rare to find a vampire card that not only enhances your army but also commandeers your opponent’s ranks with such precision and immediacy.

Cards similar to Dominating Vampire by color, type and mana cost

Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Blind-Spot Giant - MTG Card versions
Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Blind-Spot Giant - MTG Card versions
Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Rakdos VampiresRakdos Vampires StandardRakdos VampiresBLACK - FRI - 11AM - Chicago 75K Standard Open

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Dominating Vampire card shines when it comes to gaining the upper hand with card utility. Its unique ability to take control of an opponent’s creature not only bolsters your battlefield presence but also disrupts their strategy by subtracting from their resources.

Resource Acceleration: With this potent Vampire at your command, you amplify the threat level on the board every time you cast a creature spell. This form of resource acceleration is pivotal in overtaking opponents and maintaining a commanding position throughout the duel.

Instant Speed: Though this card operates at sorcery speed, its impactful effect during your main phase could be as game-changing as any instant. The immediate control over an opponent’s creature can sway the tide of battle substantially, enabling unforeseen combos and turning potential defeat into a triumphant victory.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Dominating Vampire’s abilities often require the player to discard, which means they could face the tough choice of letting go valuable cards from their hand. This could lead to a decreased hand size, potentially putting the player at a disadvantage if they’re unable to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: This vampire-themed card demands a specific combination of mana, including one red. For players running multicolour decks, meeting the requirement can sometimes be challenging, particularly in the early game or if their mana sources are disrupted.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that’s higher on the curve, Dominating Vampire may not always be the most mana-efficient play. In fast-paced games, players might find it difficult to justify the cost when other options could provide similar benefits without the hefty mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Dominating Vampire offers utility in a swath of red deck types, ranging from aggressive tribal synergies to more control-oriented builds. Its ability to take control of an opponent’s creature on its entrance makes it a sneaky addition to your offensive line-up.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations with sacrifice mechanics or effects that capitalize on controlling your opponent’s creatures, such as using them for a well-timed block or sacrifice to trigger other abilities on your board.

Meta-Relevance: As the game state often sees a multitude of creature-based strategies, Dominating Vampire has the potential to tilt the board in your favor. It’s effective against decks that rely on creature combos, offering a way to disrupt your opponent while advancing your own board presence.


How to Beat Dominating Vampire

Dominating Vampire is a potent card that can take over a game if left unchecked. When facing this creature, it’s important to mitigate its impact to ensure it doesn’t disrupt your board state. One effective strategy is to remove it quickly using spells such as Shock or Fatal Push, which can deal with it before its power becomes overwhelming. Counterspells like Negate or Essence Scatter can also prevent Dominating Vampire from hitting the battlefield in the first place.

Another approach is to minimize the number of creatures you control with power 2 or less, as Dominating Vampire targets them for temporary control. Instead, focus on deploying creatures with higher power to bypass its ability. If your deck isn’t suited for this, consider adding instant-speed removal to deal with Dominating Vampire in response to its ability, or use flash creatures to adjust your board strategically during your opponent’s turn.

Bearing these tactics in mind will help you neutralize Dominating Vampire’s influence and maintain an advantage. This allows you to navigate around its potential for board control and continue leading the flow of the game according to your plan.


BurnMana Recommendations

Deep in the world of MTG, cards like Dominating Vampire are the turning point in a duel, offering both significant advantages and challenges. Appreciating this card’s power helps you leverage your plays, and savvy opponents will always seek ways to outmaneuver it. Mastering the balance between resource acceleration and strategic disarming is key. If you’re eager to weave Dominating Vampire into your strategy, or if you’re simply aiming to defend against it, we have insights to enhance your gameplay. Delve deeper with us and refine your deck-building skills to outpace the competition on the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dominating Vampire MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow and Innistrad: Crimson Vow, 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 Dominating Vampire and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Dominating Vampire Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 1542015NormalBlackPINDURSKI
22021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 4072015NormalBlackPINDURSKI
32021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 3052015NormalBlackChristian Angel
42022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 4212015NormalBlackPINDURSKI

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dominating Vampire has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-11-19 You will keep control of the creature until end of turn even if the number of Vampires you control changes after the ability has resolved.