Incremental Blight MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 5 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature, two -1/-1 counters on another target creature, and three -1/-1 counters on a third target creature.
Shadowmoor's main crops are rot, slime, and despair.
Cards like Incremental Blight
Incremental Blight holds its place as a unique spell among removal cards in Magic the Gathering. It bears some resemblance to other cards that distribute -1/-1 counters, such as Black Sun’s Zenith. While Black Sun’s Zenith can place a variable number of counters depending on the mana invested, Incremental Blight applies a fixed distribution of counters across three targets. Another analogue is Skinrender, which offers a creature body along with the ability to place three -1/-1 counters on a single creature when it enters the battlefield.
Comparing it to the targeted versatility of Grim Affliction which places a single -1/-1 counter and proliferates, Incremental Blight lacks the proliferate mechanic but compensates by affecting multiple creatures. However, what sets Incremental Blight apart is the strategic distribution, allowing you to weaken or outright destroy up to three creatures, making it a potential game-changer on a crowded battlefield. This strategic component is what differentiates Incremental Blight and provides players with the opportunity to shift the power dynamics on the board significantly.
In light of performance and strategy, Incremental Blight can be considered a strong player in decks focused on controlling the board through -1/-1 counters, balancing targeted impact with the ability to hit multiple threats at once.
Cards similar to Incremental Blight by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Incremental Blight shines in creating card advantage by placing three -1/-1 counters on one creature, two on another, and one on a third. This often results in eliminating multiple opposing creatures with a single card, tipping the scale in your favor during a match.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly impacting mana resources, by controlling the board and removing key creatures, Incremental Blight can indirectly accelerate your game plan. By clearing the path, your creatures can attack with less resistance, potentially leading to quicker victories.
Instant Speed: Incremental Blight’s potency is amplified by being a sorcery, which while not as flexible as an instant, allows for strategic planning during your turn to establish dominance on the board by thoughtfully distributing -1/-1 counters among the targeted creatures, paving the way for your next move.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Incremental Blight does not specifically require discarding as a cost, thereby streamlining its casting in critical gameplay situations. However, players must remain vigilant with hand management to ensure sufficient spells are available for strategic plays.
Specific Mana Cost: Incremental Blight demands a precise combination of mana types, specifically black mana, which makes it exclusive to certain deck builds focusing on black or inclusive mana bases, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of five, including three black mana, Incremental Blight’s cost is more substantial compared to other removal options. This can result in a slower gameplay pace, as players need to reach a higher threshold of resources before they can utilize this spell.
Reasons to Include Incremental Blight in Your Collection
Versatility: Incremental Blight offers a diverse application in decks that prioritize controlling the board. Its ability to distribute -1/-1 counters across multiple creatures makes it a flexible option for weakening opponent forces or outright removing smaller threats.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize well with strategies that capitalize on -1/-1 counters. It could serve as a catalyst in decks that utilize counters to activate abilities, evolve creatures, or fuel synergistic plays. Its role in potential combos is central to its allure for players who enjoy intricate play styles.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based strategies dominate, Incremental Blight can turn the tide by disrupting opponent formations. Its ability to significantly alter the battlefield makes it a solid inclusion in any meta where creatures are key to victory.
How to beat Incremental Blight
Incremental Blight is a spell card that can shift game dynamics with its powerful ability to place three -1/-1 counters on one creature, two on another, and one on a third. This targeted distribution of counters makes it a formidable card to face, particularly in games with multiple creatures in play. However, it’s not unbeatable. To effectively counter Incremental Blight, players can employ various strategies.
One approach is to utilize hexproof or shroud abilities to protect your creatures from being targeted. Cards like Swiftfoot Boots can endow a creature with these abilities, rendering them immune to Incremental Blight’s effects. Additionally, counterspells are a direct way to thwart the cast of Incremental Blight, with spells like Negate that specifically target noncreature spells. Artifact and enchantment removals such as Naturalize can also dismantle protective measures that would otherwise make Incremental Blight more lethal, such as proliferate mechanics.
Lastly, since Incremental Blight is a sorcery, its use is limited to the caster’s main phases. Taking advantage of this, players can plan and execute their countermoves without the immediate pressure of a response during their turn. Recognizing the card’s potential but preparing with these tactics in mind can turn the tables in your favor.
BurnMana Recommendations
Incremental Blight is a powerful tool in the MTG arsenal, adept at shifting the battlefield in your favor. As we’ve discussed, its strengths lie in targeted removal, board control, and strategic utility. Its impact on multi-creature gameplay makes it an asset in black-focused decks. Whether you are honing a control deck or looking for cards that offer a significant swing in creature matchups, Incremental Blight deserves consideration. Keen to dive deeper and refine your deck with tactical precision? Explore further with us and discover the best ways to integrate Incremental Blight into your winning strategies.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Incremental Blight MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor and Planechase, 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 Incremental Blight and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
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- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Incremental Blight Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2008-05-02 and 2010-06-18. Illustrated by Chuck Lukacs.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2008-05-02 | Shadowmoor | SHM | 70 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chuck Lukacs | |
2 | 2009-09-04 | Planechase | HOP | 32 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chuck Lukacs | |
3 | 2010-06-18 | Archenemy | ARC | 17 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chuck Lukacs |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Incremental Blight has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Incremental Blight card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2008-05-01 | You must target three different creatures. If you can’t, you can’t cast Incremental Blight. |