Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed MTG Card
2012-01-28 - Number 71★
2012-02-03 - Number 71
2002-06-24 - Number 43503
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Demon |
| Abilities | Transform |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Key Takeaways
- Sacrifice-based strategy key for transforming and utilizing the Ravenous Demon to its full advantage.
- Can exert game pressure, challenging opponents to respond or face a swift defeat.
- Demands consideration for board state, resources, and instant speed interaction.
Text of card
Sacrifice a Human: Transform Ravenous Demon. Activate only as a sorcery.
His twisted words entice the weak.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Transforming Ravenous Demon into Archdemon of Greed grants you a formidable flying behemoth capable of winning the game. The repeated act of sacrificing a creature to maintain its transformed state can be turned into an advantage with cards that benefit from creatures dying, turning this requirement into a part of your strategy for victory.
Resource Acceleration: Though not a direct resource accelerator, the sheer presence of the Archdemon of Greed on the battlefield can alter the pace of the game. By applying immense pressure, it can force opponents to use up resources ineffectively, essentially granting you a form of resource acceleration by straining your opponent’s resources more quickly than they can recover.
Instant Speed: While the transformation ability itself isn’t at instant speed, the strategy around it can capitalize on the very nature of instant speed spells. With the ability to transform only at the beginning of your upkeep, you create a window where interaction from your opponent needs to be carefully considered, allowing you to capitalize on their hesitation with instant speed removal or protection spells, maintaining the terror that is the Archdemon of Greed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging with the flip ability of Ravenous Demon requires the sacrifice of another creature, a cost that can deplete your board presence and be detrimental if you’re behind or lack creatures to spare.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for this demon demands three black mana, potentially restricting deck-building options and making it challenging for multicolor decks to reliably cast on curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing five mana to play, this card competes with other high-impact options in the same mana range, some of which might not have additional costs or offer immediate value upon entering the battlefield.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed offers dual functionality, serving as a formidable creature in the early game and transforming into a flying powerhouse. It can slide seamlessly into decks that thrive on sacrifice themes and those seeking strong, evasive beaters.
Combo Potential: The transformation trigger of this card allows savvy players to orchestrate game-winning plays by exploiting the sacrifice mechanic. Pairing it with cards that generate tokens or creatures you want in the graveyard can lead to a massive shift in board presence.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies dominate, having a card that can turn the tide with its transformation can be crucial. The Archdemon of Greed’s hefty stats make it a card that can pressure opponents and change the pace of the game.
How to beat
The Ravenous Demon/Archdemon of Greed presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, often causing concern for players across the MTG realm. At face value, its strength lies in its transformation ability, which, when triggered, can swing the game in its controller’s favor. To overcome this imposing card, one must be strategic and preemptive in their approach.
Successful strategies typically involve direct removal spells or effects that can bypass its initial indestructibility. Cards with exile effects, such as Path to Exile, can be particularly effective against the Ravenous Demon before it transforms. Furthermore, keeping a close eye on the board state and hindering the opponent’s ability to sacrifice other creatures will stifle the conversion to Archdemon of Greed. Once transformed, the Archdemon is a force to be reckoned with, and preemptively controlling your opponent’s creature count becomes even more crucial.
It’s also worth considering counterspells to prevent the demon from hitting the field in the first place. In essence, to beat this dual-natured threat, a combination of creature control, timely removal, and strategic denial are your best allies, ensuring the demon’s ravenous hunger doesn’t devour your chances of victory.
Cards like Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed
The Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed is a dual-faced card that adds a dynamic layer to gameplay in Magic: The Gathering. This card bears resemblance to other transformative creatures, but it hones a unique twist. In the same category, we can look at the card Huntmaster of the Fells // Ravager of the Fells. Both cards undergo a transformation, yet the triggers involved differ significantly. For the Ravenous Demon, a human sacrifice is needed, whereas the Huntmaster relies on the strategic casting (or not) of spells to morph its form.
Delving deeper, we find Ludevic’s Test Subject // Ludevic’s Abomination, another card with transforming abilities. It shares the theme of dramatic change but is set apart by its reliance on resource investment via mana and hatchling counters for its metamorphosis. Comparatively, the Ravenous Demon places a darker thematic emphasis on sacrificial actions to summon its sinister second form, Archdemon of Greed.
Unlike these counterparts, Archdemon of Greed boasts the power to deal significant damage, capable of bringing games to a swift close if left unchecked. Its unique combination of high risk and high reward secures a distinct niche, highlighting an aggressive strategy that can be enticing to players who enjoy making bold moves on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Dark Ascension Promos, 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 Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2012-01-28 and 2012-02-03. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 43503 | 2003 | Transform | Black | Kev Walker | ||
| 2 | 2012-01-28 | Dark Ascension Promos | PDKA | 71★ | 2003 | Transform | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 3 | 2012-02-03 | Dark Ascension | DKA | 71 | 2003 | Transform | Black | Igor Kieryluk |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed 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 Ravenous Demon // Archdemon of Greed card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-07-13 | For more information on double-faced cards, see the Shadows over Innistrad mechanics article (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics). |
