Grafted Butcher MTG Card


Card advantage and board control are key benefits of including Grafted Butcher in your MTG deck. Instant speed ability of Grafted Butcher allows swift adaptation to in-game dynamics and opponent’s plays. Deftly managing its higher mana cost and specific mana requirement ensures Grafted Butcher’s effectiveness.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Samurai
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

When Grafted Butcher enters the battlefield, Phyrexians you control gain menace until end of turn. Other Phyrexians you control get +1/+1. , Sacrifice an artifact or creature: Return Grafted Butcher from your graveyard to the battlefield. Activate only as a sorcery.


Cards like Grafted Butcher

The Grafted Butcher enters the roster of formidable creatures in MTG, standing shoulder to shoulder with other standout cards. Its resemblance to cards like Ravenous Chupacabra is apparent, with both providing a way to remove opposing creatures upon entering the battlefield. The Butcher, however, offers more flexibility by allowing the player to choose between bestowing a -1/-1 counter or amassing a +1/+1 counter on itself, leading to different strategic pathways.

Murderous Rider is another comparable card which, like Grafted Butcher, offers a creature removal service, but rather than a battlefield entrance effect, it encompasses a more direct approach with its Swift End instant ability. It’s a slight shift in mechanics offering both pros and cons depending on your board state and strategy.

Considering the synergy with other cards that care about -1/-1 counters, Grafted Butcher carves out its unique space in MTG. When comparing utility and flexibility, this creature has the potential to influence the board significantly, wielding not just removal capacities but also the possibility of growing into a larger threat itself.

Ravenous Chupacabra - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Chupacabra - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Grafted Butcher by color, type and mana cost

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Swarm of Rats - MTG Card versions
Drudge Skeletons - MTG Card versions
Nether Shadow - MTG Card versions
Erg Raiders - MTG Card versions
Cyclopean Mummy - MTG Card versions
Cuombajj Witches - MTG Card versions
Order of the Ebon Hand - MTG Card versions
Bog Imp - MTG Card versions
Wall of Corpses - MTG Card versions
Blighted Shaman - MTG Card versions
Rabid Rats - MTG Card versions
Dakmor Bat - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Rats - MTG Card versions
Flesh Reaver - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdler - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Shade - MTG Card versions
Piper of the Swarm - MTG Card versions
Undead Augur - MTG Card versions
Black Knight - MTG Card versions
Shepherd of Rot - MTG Card versions
Swarm of Rats - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Orzhov PoisonOrzhov Poison StandardOrzhov PoisonStandard Challenge 32 2024-03-30
Rakdos SacrificeRakdos Sacrifice StandardRakdos SacrificeThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
Rakdos EpiphanyRakdos Epiphany StandardRakdos Sacrifice~~ Izzet Explosive Experiment Event
Abzan PoisonAbzan Poison StandardAbzan PoisonStandard Preliminary 2024-01-30
4c Poison4c Poison Standard4c PoisonStandard Preliminary 2024-01-25
5c Legends5c Legends Standard5c LegendsStandard Challenge 64 2023-12-10 (1)
Selesnya ToxicSelesnya Toxic Standard4c Poison2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Grafted Butcher provides a key edge in the form of card advantage by allowing players to potentially eliminate an opponent’s creature and bolster their own forces simultaneously.

Resource Acceleration: Should Grafted Butcher perish in battle, its death triggers an ability that creates a Blood token, providing players with a resource that can be used later to draw cards or facilitate strategic plays.

Instant Speed: Grafted Butcher exudes strategic flexibility by offering its activated ability at instant speed, empowering players to adapt to the dynamic battleground of the game and disrupt opponent strategies during their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Grafted Butcher mandates that you discard a card to activate its most potent abilities which can put a strain on your hand, potentially depleting valuable resources you may need later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature comes with a specific mana cost that includes Black mana, thereby requiring a dedicated deck build around that color or a well-structured mana base to consistently cast it on time.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Bearing a higher mana value, Grafted Butcher may not be the most mana-efficient option available. Players might find themselves in positions where deploying this card could hinder their ability to play other spells in the same turn.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Grafted Butcher serves as an adaptable piece in various deck builds, from aggressive strategies that capitalize on its exploit mechanic to control decks looking for reliable removal options.

Combo Potential: With its ability to exile a creature, Grafted Butcher has the potential to synergize with cards that benefit from creature death triggers or graveyard play, opening the door to intricate and potent combos.

Meta-Relevance: Its presence in a game may pose a serious threat to creature-centric decks, a common archetype in many metas. Having Grafted Butcher means possessing a tool that’s often relevant and can shift the tide in matches where board presence is key.


How to beat

Grafted Butcher is a challenging card to face in Magic: The Gathering, providing its controller with a formidable mix of menace and power. When building your strategy against this creature, removal spells are the key. Efficient removal like Path to Exile or Go for the Throat can take the Butcher out of play before its grafting ability becomes a problem. If it does get a chance to graft, you’ll want board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation to reset the battlefield.

Another strategy is to limit the number of creatures you control, reducing the targets for its grafting ability. Playing control decks with fewer creatures and more instant-speed interaction can keep the Butcher at bay. Counter spells are particularly effective, provided you counter the Grafted Butcher before it hits the field. This approach helps you maintain dominance without overcommitting to the board, which is exactly where the Butcher wants you to be.

Remember, if Grafted Butcher becomes too great a threat, don’t hesitate to trade off your less valuable creatures or use them to block and eliminate it. Playing around Grafted Butcher requires careful planning and a willingness to adapt in-game strategies, positioning you better in the matchup.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is as much about knowledge as it is about collection. Grafted Butcher adds a layer of depth to gameplay with its potential for card advantage and on-board presence. Understanding the trade-offs like resource management and proper timing is key to leveraging its full power. As you aim to strike a balance in your deck, remember to factor in the Butcher’s flexibility and consider the meta. Need more insights on optimizing your deck or staying ahead of the game with cards like Grafted Butcher? Connect with us to enhance your strategic play and gather the tools essential for your next victorious match.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Grafted Butcher MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine and March of the Machine, 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 Grafted Butcher and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Grafted Butcher Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Zack Stella.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3592015NormalBlackZack Stella
22023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 1092015NormalBlackZack Stella
32023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 109s2015NormalBlackZack Stella
42023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 109p2015NormalBlackZack Stella

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Grafted Butcher has restrictions

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