Join the Dead MTG Card

Join the Dead excels in card advantage, transforming losses into resilient undead soldiers on the battlefield. Offers resource acceleration by generating zombie tokens without the need for additional mana expenditure. Usable at instant speed, it provides tactical adaptability during crucial gameplay interactions.

Join the Dead - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Abilities	Descend
Released	2023-11-17
Set symbol
Set name	The Lost Caverns of Ixalan
Set code	LCI
Number	110
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Olivier Bernard

Text of card

Target creature gets -5/-5 until end of turn. Descend 4 — That creature gets -10/-10 until end of turn instead if there are four or more permanent cards in your graveyard.

The more creatures that plunge to their deaths in the abyss, the more angry Echoes that arise to drag others down.

Cards like Join the Dead

Join the Dead stands as a unique option for players looking to master the art of reanimation in Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities to cards like Stir the Grave, in that both allow the return of creatures from the graveyard to the battlefield. However, Join the Dead brings a twist to the play by potentially empowering the returned creature with an extra ability, distinguishing it from the straight reanimation offered by Stir the Grave.

In comparison, Reanimate is a staple in any resurrection-focused deck. It boasts a low mana cost and the capability to resurrect creatures of any size – but this comes at a price, inflicting damage equal to the creature’s power. In this context, Join the Dead presents a more health-conscious alternative by avoiding direct life point loss. Unearth is another card that bears resemblance yet targets only creatures with lower costs. It’s swift but limits your choices, in stark contrast to the broader applications of Join the Dead.

Considering the strategic intricacies of reanimation spells, Join the Dead integrates into Magic: The Gathering as a notable contender. Its unique balance of selective creature revival and added abilities could make a significant impact on the flow and outcome of a game.

Cards similar to Join the Dead by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: “Join the Dead” excels in maintaining card advantage by converting creatures on the battlefield into undying soldiers. As these creatures return to the field, you effectively negate the loss of a creature, preserving your card resources and keeping your hand free for more strategic plays.

Resource Acceleration: This card cleverly bypasses the traditional mana curve by allowing you to trade your creatures for new zombie tokens at no mana cost. Resource acceleration isn’t just about the mana; it’s also about making the most of the cards and creatures you have on the field, and “Join the Dead” does this seamlessly.

Instant Speed: The ability to utilize this card at instant speed cannot be overstated. During the quick-paced interaction times, particularly your opponent’s end phase or during combat, “Join the Dead” provides a flexible response tool that can adapt to the evolving game state, disrupting opponent strategies and securing a stronger foothold for yourself on the battlefield.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Join the Dead includes a stipulation where discarding a card is necessary for its activation. This can put players at a disadvantage, particularly when their hand is already depleted of options. Each card in a player’s hand represents potential for future strategies, and being forced to diminish your resources can impede your flow in the game, leaving you vulnerable to your opponents.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a precise blend of mana to cast, specifically black. This can be restrictive for players running multicolored decks lacking a robust mana base or those who do not primarily focus on black. As such, its utility is limited and it might not seamlessly fit into the strategy of every deck, especially where black mana is in short supply.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that leans on the higher side, Join the Dead demands a substantial investment for its effect. When evaluating the card’s cost-effectiveness, players might find that there are alternative options available that provide similar benefits without such a significant mana expenditure. This can lead players to opt for more mana-efficient spells that align better with faster game paces or mana-curve considerations.

Reasons to Include Join the Dead in Your Collection

Versatility: “Join the Dead” provides strategic options for players crafting a Zombie deck or one focused on graveyard mechanics. Its ability to interact with creatures in the graveyard means it can slot into various strategies, generating in-game flexibility.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combo settings. It can be the cornerstone of a potent combo by enabling you to reanimate key creatures at a crucial moment or repeatedly utilize enter-the-battlefield effects that can turn the tide of the game.

Meta-Relevance: Its relevance swells in a meta teeming with graveyard-based play. “Join the Dead” secures a solid position in collections, offering options to outmaneuver opponents deeply enmeshed in similar strategies, making it a smart pick for competitive play.

How to beat

Join the Dead introduces a unique twist to creature play in MTG, allowing players to effectively resurrect their fallen creatures and join the ranks of the undead. When playing against it, timing is paramount. Disruption is key—consider employing instant-speed removals to clear the board before Join the Dead can be activated. Counterplay involves graveyard manipulation; cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void prevent creatures from hitting the graveyard in the first place, thereby nullifying the effect of Join the Dead. Furthermore, utilizing spells that exile creatures rather than destroy them can severely limit the card’s potential.

Strategic deck building is also essential. Incorporating cards that hose zombie tokens directly, such as Echoing Decay or Crippling Chill, can reduce the momentum that Join the Dead might confer. Planning ahead for such scenarios ensures a stronger position in your MTG matchups. Similarly, keeping up mana for responses when you suspect your opponent holds Join the Dead forces them to play more cautiously or risk being disrupted, turning their strategic tide against them.

Ultimately, understanding and anticipating the moment for when to strike against this card leads to advantageous play—keeping Join the Dead in check and your opponents’ strategies at bay.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Join the Dead MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Join the Dead and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Join the Dead has restrictions

Format	Legality
Standard	Legal
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Alchemy	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Join the Dead card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2023-11-10	Cards with the ability word "descend N" have abilities that care if you have at least N permanent cards in your graveyard.
2023-11-10	Some descend triggered abilities include intervening "if" clauses (i.e. "if you have -our or eight] permanent cards in your graveyard" in the middle of the ability). Each of these abilities checks your graveyard at the moment it would trigger to see if it does. If you don't have the required number of permanent cards in your graveyard at that time, the ability doesn't trigger at all. If it does trigger, it will check again as it tries to resolve. If you don't have the required number of permanent cards in your graveyard at that time, the ability won't resolve and none of its effects will happen.