Haunt of the Dead Marshes MTG Card
2023-06-23 - Number 90
2023-06-23 - Number 541
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Nightmare Elf |
| Abilities | Scry |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
When Haunt of the Dead Marshes enters the battlefield, scry 1. : Return Haunt of the Dead Marshes from your graveyard to the battlefield tapped. Activate only if you control a legendary creature.
"You should not look in when the candles are lit." —Gollum
Cards like Haunt of the Dead Marshes
Haunt of the Dead Marshes enters a unique space in Magic: The Gathering, comparable to creatures that also manipulate the battlefield from the graveyard. A prime example is Nighthowler, leveraging the number of creature cards in all graveyards to become a daunting threat itself. However, unlike Nighthowler, Haunt of the Dead Marshes lies dormant and relies on specific conditions to materialize on the board.
Another card with shades of similarity is Mortivore, which grows stronger with each creature card resting in the graveyards and has the added ability to regenerate. While Mortivore presents a constant and enduring presence, Haunt of the Dead Marshes waits for the right moment to rise and surprise opponents with its emergence. We also find Bloodghast, a creature that can recur from the graveyard to the battlefield but relies on land drops rather than the death of other creatures.
While each of these cards trades in the currency of the dead, they offer differing advantages based on the game state. Haunt of the Dead Marshes distinguishes itself with its strategic timing, potentially swinging the momentum of the game when opponents least expect it.
Cards similar to Haunt of the Dead Marshes by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Haunt of the Dead Marshes provides a tangible edge by allowing for the reanimation of creatures from graveyards. This effect not only populates your board but also systematically depletes your opponent’s resources, especially if they rely on graveyard strategies.
Resource Acceleration: By bringing creatures back into play, this card can lead to significant leaps in your resource development. Returning a key creature to the battlefield might be the equivalent of casting an additional spell without spending mana, thereby saving resources for other strategic plays.
Instant Speed: The most compelling feature of Haunt of the Dead Marshes might be its instant speed functionality. This enables reactive play during your opponent’s turn, catching them off guard and dynamically shifting the pace of the game. Being able to interact on an opponent’s turn adds a layer of complexity and strategy to the game, making it a formidable tool in any MTG player’s arsenal.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Haunt of the Dead Marshes necessitates letting go of a card, which isn’t always a welcomed move, especially when every card in hand is valuable. This can lead to a weakened position if you’re already running low on hand options.
Specific Mana Cost: Its casting requirements are not just any mix of mana; it demands specific types and amounts. This can be a limiting factor, making the card a less versatile choice for decks that aren’t heavily invested in those colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to managing your mana pool efficiently, the Haunt of the Dead Marshes might not be the optimal pick. Its mana cost is on the heftier side, and in the fast-paced world of MTG, there are alternatives that could get you similar benefits for less, keeping your mana reserve healthy for other strategic plays.
Reasons to Include Haunt of the Dead Marshes in Your Collection
Versatility: Haunt of the Dead Marshes offers a flexible role in decks that capitalize on graveyard mechanics. Its ability to operate from the graveyard makes it a persistent threat that can adapt to various game states.
Combo Potential: This card has synergy with strategies that involve self-mill or creature sacrifice, allowing players to set up devastating combo turns. Its haunting presence can repeatedly trigger enter-the-battlefield or death effects, adding layers of complexity to your game plan.
Meta-Relevance: In metagames where slow-burn control or grindy gameplay presides, Haunt of the Dead Marshes can shine by offering recurring value throughout the match. Its ability to return to the battlefield can outpace opponents and tip the scales in attrition wars.
How to beat
Haunt of the Dead Marshes is an intriguing creature card that can pose a significant challenge on the battlefield. With its ability to grow stronger with each creature that enters the graveyard, it becomes a priority to find effective strategies to overcome this menacing force in MTG.
Preventing creatures from hitting the graveyard is key. Employing exile effects keeps the Haunt from gaining strength, with cards like Path to Exile and Leyline of the Void being efficient tools in this regard. Additionally, utilizing counter spells ensures that Haunt never hits the field, with Negate and Counterspell serving as classic solutions. In essence, controlling when and how creatures leave the board is the cornerstone of rendering Haunt of the Dead Marshes a lesser threat.
One shouldn’t overlook the option to remove it directly. Despite its potential growth, this creature isn’t invulnerable. Direct removal spells such as Murder or Rapid Hybridization can turn the tide quickly. Ultimately, maintaining board control, focusing on direct creature removal, and avoiding graveyard interactions are your bastions against the relentless power of Haunt of the Dead Marshes.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Haunt of the Dead Marshes MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Haunt of the Dead Marshes and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Haunt of the Dead Marshes Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Miklós Ligeti.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 90 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Miklós Ligeti | |
| 2 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 541 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Miklós Ligeti |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Haunt of the Dead Marshes has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |