Gavony Unhallowed MTG Card
2016-07-22 - Number 89
2019-11-15 - Number 29
2022-10-14 - Number 51
2022-12-02 - Number 417
2023-03-21 - Number 111
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Zombie |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Whenever another creature you control dies, put a +1/+1 counter on Gavony Unhallowed.
"We entered the church in search of solace, but it became clear we wouldn't find it there." —Grete, Order of Saint Traft
Cards like Gavony Unhallowed
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Gavony Unhallowed slots into the vast array of creature cards that flourish as the game progresses. It shares similarities with cards like Mikaeus, the Unhallowed, in that both benefit from other creatures’ deaths, though Mikaeus offers undying to non-Human creatures as opposed to Gavony Unhallowed’s growing strength. Another card, Bloodbond Vampire, likewise thrives in environments where life gain is prevalent, growing in power like Gavony Unhallowed—but keyed to health increases instead of creature demise.
Comparatively, we observe Falkenrath Noble, which not only gets sturdier like Gavony Unhallowed with each creature’s demise but also chips away at opponents’ life totals. However, what sets Gavony Unhallowed apart is its specific interaction with your creatures dying, making it decidedly synergistic in decks that exploit death triggers and resurrection themes. Yet, its limitation to only your creatures can be seen as a drawback when compared to the more flexible Falkenrath Noble.
In essence, when evaluating creature cards that thrive on other creatures’ ends, Gavony Unhallowed emerges as a strategic piece in decks built around sacrificial and recursive gameplay within the diverse world of Magic: The Gathering, embodying a dark synergy unique to its design.
Cards similar to Gavony Unhallowed by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Gavony Unhallowed can potentially contribute to your card advantage in the long game. As a creature that grows stronger whenever another creature you control dies, it turns each creature’s demise into value on the board, effectively leveraging your graveyard as a resource.
Resource Acceleration: While not a traditional accelerant, Gavony Unhallowed can be viewed as an incremental advantage card in decks that thrive on sacrificing creatures. It becomes a more formidable threat with each loss, making the most out of each play and potentially reducing the need for additional mana investment to create a big creature.
Instant Speed: Although Gavony Unhallowed does not operate at instant speed itself, its ability triggers off of any creatures dying at any time. This means it synergizes well with instant-speed removal or sacrifice effects your deck might run, intensifying its impact by growing outside of the standard main phases and catching opponents off-guard during complex combat scenarios or end-of-turn interactions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Gavony Unhallowed escalates its power each time another creature you control dies, which might pressure you into losing valuable creatures to capitalize on its growth potential. This can lead to difficult decisions about resource management and could weaken your board presence over time.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes two black mana symbols, it demands a solid black mana base. Decks that are not heavily skewed towards black may struggle to play Gavony Unhallowed reliably, especially in the early game where mana flexibility is crucial.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, including two black, Gavony Unhallowed might arrive on the battlefield later than more cost-efficient creatures. In formats where speed is essential, its mana cost could hinder its playability against decks that aim to win quickly.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Gavony Unhallowed grows in strength each time another creature you control dies, which makes it a perfect fit in decks that revolve around sacrifice and recursion tactics. Its adaptability shines in a variety of deck builds, from casual zombie tribal to more intricate graveyard-focused strategies.
Combo Potential: This creature’s ability to gain a +1/+1 counter synergizes well with effects that require or reward counters on creatures. It also plays nicely with mechanics that create token creatures, ensuring continuous power growth for each token sacrificed.
Meta-Relevance: With creature-based strategies commonly in play, Gavony Unhallowed can be a formidable threat, catching opponents off-guard as it escalates in power throughout the game. In metas where creatures frequently go to the graveyard, it becomes a persistent, ever-strengthening asset on the battlefield.
How to Beat Gavony Unhallowed
Gavony Unhallowed is a unique card to contend with in the MTG universe, where timing and strategy become pivotal. As a creature that grows stronger with each creature death, Gavony Unhallowed can become a significant threat on the board if left unchecked. However, overcoming this growing adversary is a tactical process. Removal spells that exile, such as Path to Exile or Declaration in Stone, sidestep the Unhallowed’s ability since the creature doesn’t actually die, but is removed from the game entirely.
Alternatively, board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the board entirely, leaving the Unhallowed no death triggers to feed on. Timing these spells is crucial, preferably clearing the board before the Unhallowed swells too large. Another angle is to focus on creature protection and evasion, allowing you to outmaneuver your opponent. Cards that grant indestructible status to your creatures or hexproof can maintain your board presence while you negotiate the looming presence of the Unhallowed.
In summary, there are multiple tactical approaches to mitigating the threat of Gavony Unhallowed. Utilizing efficient removal, timing board wipes effectively, or enhancing your own creatures’ resilience can ensure this eerie specter doesn’t overshadow your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gavony Unhallowed MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon and Game Night 2019, 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 Gavony Unhallowed 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
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Printings
The Gavony Unhallowed Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2016-07-22 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Christopher Moeller.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-07-22 | Eldritch Moon | EMN | 89 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 2 | 2019-11-15 | Game Night 2019 | GN2 | 29 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 3 | 2022-10-14 | Game Night: Free-for-All | GN3 | 51 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 4 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 417 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 5 | 2023-03-21 | Shadows over Innistrad Remastered | SIR | 111 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Gavony Unhallowed has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gavony Unhallowed card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-07-13 | If Gavony Unhallowed and another creature you control die simultaneously (perhaps because they were both attacking or blocking), Gavony Unhallowed won’t be on the battlefield as its triggered ability resolves. It can’t be saved by the +1/+1 counter that would have been put on it. |