Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis MTG Card

Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis - Magic 2013

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Rare
Type	Legendary Creature — Demon
Abilities	Exalted,Flying
Released	2012-07-13
Set symbol
Set name	Magic 2013
Set code	M13
Power	5
Toughness	5
Number	103
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Aleksi Briclot

Key Takeaways

Nefarox’s exalted ability forces sacrifices, creating card advantage and disrupting opponents.
High mana cost and specific mana needs may limit deck flexibility and tempo.
Still, its unique mechanics and synergies make Nefarox a worthy collection staple.

Text of card

Flying Exalted (Whenever a creature you control attacks alone, that creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.) Whenever Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis attacks alone, defending player sacrifices a creature.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With its exalted ability, every time Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis attacks alone, you force your opponent to sacrifice a creature, potentially stripping them of key resources and gaining you an indirect card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Although Nefarox itself doesn’t accelerate your resources, the act of removing opponent’s creatures can slow them down, making it easier for you to outpace their resource development and maintain control of the game.

Instant Speed: While Nefarox operates at sorcery speed, its impact on the board can make it a priority target for instant-speed removals, thus clearing the way for your other spells and strategies during your turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis commands your undivided attention and a solid strategy, as ignoring its inherent disadvantage could leave you vulnerable. While this formidable creature offers potent abilities, it falls short by demanding a tribute in the form of your own cards—an unwelcome tax when your hand size diminishes.

Specific Mana Cost: This overlord’s allegiance is to the darkly intricate Grixis mana. Its specific mana cost structure, while flavorful, could handcuff your deck design, requiring a commitment to swamps and mountains, and thereby reducing the card’s flexibility across various deck architectures.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at six mana, Nefarox’s entrance to the battlefield is a grandiose affair that comes at no small cost. In a game where tempo can be as critical as raw power, there are situations where the efficiency of alternatives may trump the raw might of this demon. Skilled players will scrutinize the mana curve, contemplating whether Nefarox is the apex predator of their deck or a gilded invitation to defeat at the hands of a swifter adversary.

Reasons to Include Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis in Your Collection

Versatility: Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis can be a game-changer in Commander decks that capitalize on it’s Exalted ability, providing a powerful single-attack strategy. Its ability to force opponents to sacrifice a creature adds value in disrupting opponent’s board states.

Combo Potential: When talking about combos, Nefarox fits well with cards that benefit from sacrificing creatures or that trigger upon attacking alone, reinforcing its role in a synergistic strategy built around Exalted and control.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where creature-based strategies prevail, Nefarox’s consistent pressure and built-in removal capabilities can make it a persistent threat that’s difficult to ignore. Plus, it holds its own against a variety of deck types, maintaining relevancy in diverse playgroups.

How to beat

Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis introduces a formidable presence on the battlefield with its ability to pressure opponents in the game of Magic: The Gathering. Confronted with its exalted ability, which bolster its power when it attacks alone, opponents can feel cornered by its potential 6/6 stat line. The challenge intensifies further as its other ability forces a player to sacrifice a creature whenever it attacks alone.

To effectively counter this menacing force, consider leveraging spells that can exile Nefarox before it declares an attack. Cards like Path to Exile and Swords to Plowshares are excellent tools to remove Nefarox from play without triggering on-death abilities. Board sweepers are another tactic; a well-timed Supreme Verdict can clear Nefarox along with other threats on the board. Ensnaring creatures before they can attack is another way, with cards such as Pacifism or Darksteel Mutation neutralizing Nefarox without risking the forced sacrifice. Lastly, increasing the number of creatures on the board or creatures with indestructible ensure that the sacrifice won’t significantly impact your forces.

While Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis poses a significant challenge, understanding its mechanics and preparing effective strategies can ensure that its reign on the game is brief and manageable.

Cards like Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis

Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis offers an interesting dynamic within the world of Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities with other cards like Sheoldred, Whispering One in terms of being a high-impact, standalone creature. Both cards exert a level of board control—Nefarox through its ability to force opponents to sacrifice creatures, and Sheoldred through its recurring reanimation effect.

Considering other comparable cards, Desecration Demon stands out. Although it has a lower mana cost, the demon is also a fearsome flyer that can wipe the board by compelling singular sacrifices. While Nefarox commands sacrifice upon attacking alone, Desecration Demon offers this choice to your opponents each turn. On the flip side, it lacks the exalted boost that Nefarox possesses, which can make a significant difference in damage output.

When evaluating the intricate details and utility of these powerful cards, Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis holds its own with a unique exalted ability and forced sacrifice that can reliably disrupt opponent strategies, carving its niche within the commander sphere of MTG.

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013, 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 Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nefarox, Overlord of Grixis has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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