Grim Wanderer MTG Card
Text of card
Flash Tragic Backstory — Cast this spell only if a creature died this turn.
There is a stillness that walks with him, the quiet that follows great tragedy, when even the mourners are too exhausted to weep.
Cards like Grim Wanderer
Grim Wanderer is a notable inclusion in the roster of creatures that flourish under dire circumstances in MTG. This card can be likened to Tragic Poet, which also has a condition initiating its action—returning an enchantment from your graveyard to your hand. However, Grim Wanderer is distinct in requiring a creature to have died this turn to be cast, changing the momentum of the game dramatically.
Analogous in design is Bloodsoaked Champion, a creature with the ability to return from the graveyard to the battlefield, provided another creature has attacked this turn. Although both cards leverage the death of creatures to their advantage, Bloodsoaked Champion offers repeated utility, whereas Grim Wanderer hinges on the occurrence of a death in a single turn. Additionally, Falkenrath Noble is similar in employing the death mechanic, providing incremental life loss and gain each time a creature dies, complementing the grim ambiance that Grim Wanderer evokes in gameplay.
In essence, while other cards like Grim Wanderer may not match its immediate board presence upon a creature’s demise, they each contribute uniquely to the strategies woven into the fabric of MTG, where timing and the conditions set by death can swing the game in a player’s favor.
Cards similar to Grim Wanderer by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Grim Wanderer. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rakdos Goblins | Pioneer | Rakdos Aggro | ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Cincinnati - Sunday - 1:00 pm (Bronze) |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Grim Wanderer possess the capacity to swiftly replace itself on the field, thanks to its trigger condition. If a creature died this turn, it can offer a 5/3 body potentially without spending a card from your hand, maintaining and sometimes improving your card presence on the board.
Resource Acceleration: As an efficiently costed creature at two black mana, Grim Wanderer synergizes well with sacrifice decks and strategies that use death triggers, potentially accelerating your game plan by contributing to potent synergies early in the game.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Grim Wanderer at instant speed is a crucial tactical advantage. Reacting to battlefield changes swiftly can keep opponents off-balance. This rapid deployment can be especially potent after blockers are declared or in response to a board wipe, setting you up for a strong rebound.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Grim Wanderer activates when a creature you control dies this turn, potentially forcing a sacrificial play to get it onto the battlefield. This can be a hurdle in deck types not designed around creature loss.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting requirement of two black mana, Grim Wanderer can be challenging to cast in multi-colored decks, particularly those that don’t prioritize black mana or have a weaker mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Grim Wanderer costs two mana, its conditional casting requirement can render it less mana-efficient. There are times when you may be unable to trigger its casting condition, leaving you with a card that can’t be played when you need it.
Reasons to Include Grim Wanderer in Your Collection
Versatility: Grim Wanderer slides into various deck archetypes with ease, particularly those looking for two-drops. As a creature that can instantly impact the board, it’s ideal for aggressive strategies that can consistently trigger its Tragic Backstory condition.
Combo Potential: The card has inherent synergy with sacrifice strategies, allowing you to utilize the death of your other creatures as a resource. It can also play a pivotal role in decks that focus on death triggers or resurrection mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state dense with creature-based skirmishes, Grim Wanderer offers immediate board presence. Its ability to emerge quickly after a trade-off can maintain or shift momentum in your favor, particularly in formats where removal spells or creature sacrifices are prevalent.
How to beat
Grim Wanderer triggers under quite specific conditions, making it an intriguing challenge to counter within the game of Magic: The Gathering. A creature card that slots effortlessly into sacrifice or aggressive strategies, it can be thwarted by understanding and breaking the conditions for its arrival on the battlefield. This lethal traveler from the adventures in the Forgotten Realms set makes its entrance only after a creature has died this turn, potentially swinging momentum in your opponent’s favor.
To combat Grim Wanderer effectively, focus on control and timing. Hindering sacrifice outlets or using instant-speed removal that dispenses with creatures on your turn stymies the Grim Wanderer’s entry, throwing a wrench in your opponent’s plans. Grafdigger’s Cage is an example of a card that can help prevent creature cards in graveyards from entering the battlefield. Additionally, utilizing exile effects over destroy effects can ensure that creatures are removed from play entirely, circumventing triggers that the Grim Wanderer relies upon. Another tactic is to keep a healthy number of creatures on your side, preventing your opponent from having a creature die on their turn, thus keeping the Grim Wanderer at bay.
Playing around Grim Wanderer demands foresight and precision, but with careful play, its impact can be significantly diminished or even turned in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Grim Wanderer MTG card by a specific set like Adventures in the Forgotten Realms and Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Grim Wanderer 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 Grim Wanderer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by Jason A. Engle.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-07-23 | Adventures in the Forgotten Realms | AFR | 107 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason A. Engle | |
| 2 | 2022-07-07 | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate | HBG | 159 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason A. Engle |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Grim Wanderer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Grim Wanderer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-07-23 | Grim Wanderer's ability doesn't care who controlled the creature that died. |
Guide to Flash card ability
Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.