Mikaeus, the Unhallowed MTG Card
2012-02-03 - Number 70
2018-12-07 - Number 106
2023-08-04 - Number 675
2023-08-04 - Number 1061
2023-08-04 - Number 173
2023-08-04 - Number 516
2019-12-02 - Number 490
2020-09-26 - Number UMA-106
2023-08-04 - Number 54
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Zombie Cleric |
| Abilities | Intimidate |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Intimidate Whenever a Human deals damage to you, destroy it. Other non-Human creatures you control get +1/+1 and have undying. (When a creature with undying dies, if it had no +1/+1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a +1/+1 counter on it.)
Cards like Mikaeus, the Unhallowed
Mikaeus, the Unhallowed stands out in Magic: The Gathering for its unique combination of abilities that bolster undead creatures. Comparable to it is Undying Evil, which also grants undying to a creature, reviving it with a +1/+1 counter after it dies. However, unlike Mikaeus, this spell is a one-time use effect and does not continuously affect all non-human creatures you control.
Next in line for comparison is the card Cauldron of Souls, which provides a similar effect, allowing creatures to return to the battlefield after death. Yet, whereas Mikaeus offers an intrinsic buff with the +1/+1 counters, Cauldron of Souls relies on a tap ability and does not inherently improve the creatures’ power and toughness.
Considering the full range of these cards’ abilities, it’s evident that Mikaeus remains a powerhouse in Magic: The Gathering, especially in decks focused on resilience and creature longevity. Its ongoing effect and boost to stats make it a formidable enabler in the right build.
Cards similar to Mikaeus, the Unhallowed by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Mikaeus, the Unhallowed brings an extraordinary layer of resilience to your creatures, acting as a robust card advantage engine. Each time your non-Human creature dies, Mikaeus brings it right back with a +1/+1 counter, effectively doubling your board’s resistance to removal and bolstering your creature-based strategies.
Resource Acceleration: This formidable Legendary Creature doesn’t directly ramp your mana, but its undying ability catalyzes resource acceleration by preserving your creatures on the battlefield. This, in turn, allows for sustained pressure and continued investment in your board state without the need for additional mana resources.
Instant Speed: While Mikaeus himself does not operate at instant speed, his persistent effect on the battlefield means your creatures gain an ‘instant’ upgrade when they would otherwise be sent to the graveyard. This ever-present threat ensures that your opponent must factor in the undying mechanic at all times, complicating their decision-making and giving you an indirect yet potent form of instant-speed interaction.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Mikaeus, the Unhallowed doesn’t explicitly demand a card discard, but his inclusion in a deck might force you to make difficult decisions about which cards to keep and which to sacrifice for his undying mechanic. This can result in an uncomfortable discard dilemma when trying to optimize board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: Sporting a restrictive casting cost of three black mana symbols, Mikaeus requires a dedicated mana base. This can hinder deck flexibility, as it narrows down deck-building options to largely monochrome or heavy black influence, which may not always synergize well with your strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, Mikaeus, the Unhallowed, is a significant investment. When considering the speed of the current game environment, there are scenarios where deploying a creature of this cost does not align with an effective game tempo, especially when faster, lower-cost creatures could provide a better immediate board impact.
Reasons to Include Mikaeus, the Unhallowed in Your Collection
Versatility: Mikaeus, the Unhallowed diversifies your deck options by being a solid addition to any black-centered or multi-colored deck looking for resilience. Its ability to grant undying to all other non-human creatures you control makes it an excellent choice for decks focused on creature longevity and board presence.
Combo Potential: This card is a well-known combo enabler. In combination with cards like Triskelion or Walking Ballista, Mikaeus sets up an infinite damage loop that can swiftly end games. Such interactions make it a must-have for players keen on crafting unpredictable and powerful combos.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta-game that leans heavily on creature-based strategies and removal spells, Mikaeus, the Unhallowed shines by offering your creatures a second chance on the battlefield. It often forces opponents to rethink their removal strategies, providing you an edge in games that require strategic creature play.
How to beat
Mikaeus, the Unhallowed proves to be a formidable presence in any Magic: The Gathering match. As a dominating mono-black Legendary Creature, it not only gives other non-Human creatures you control +1/+1 but also imbues them with undying, causing them to return to the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter when they die. Creating a strategy to counter this powerful card involves several approaches.
To effectively defeat Mikaeus, removal spells that exile, such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, are potent tools. These ensure that creatures won’t benefit from undying, as they won’t hit the graveyard. Another tactic is utilizing graveyard hate cards like Relic of Progenitus or Leyline of the Void which can prevent undying triggers by removing creatures from the game instantly. Additionally, board wipes like Damnation can clear the field, although it’s crucial to remember that unless Mikaeus is on the battlefield, creatures will return with undying. Combating Mikaeus calls for a well-timed removal and persistent graveyard disruption, forcing your opponent to play without the advantage of his powerful abilities.
In essence, countering Mikaeus, the Unhallowed demands strategic use of removal and graveyard management to neutralize his influence and turn the tide of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Mikaeus, the Unhallowed MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension and Ultimate Masters, 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 Mikaeus, the Unhallowed and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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- Card Market
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Printings
The Mikaeus, the Unhallowed Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2012-02-03 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-02-03 | Dark Ascension | DKA | 70 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 2 | 2018-12-07 | Ultimate Masters | UMA | 106 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 3 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 490 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Livia Prima | ||
| 4 | The List | PLST | UMA-106 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | ||
| 5 | Commander Masters Art Series | ACMM | 54 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | |||
| 6 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 675 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Benjamin Ee | |
| 7 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 1061 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Benjamin Ee | |
| 8 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 173 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 9 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 516 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Mikaeus, the Unhallowed has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Mikaeus, the Unhallowed card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-12-07 | Any damage dealt to you by a Human will cause Mikaeus’s ability to trigger, including noncombat damage dealt to you by a Human and damage dealt to you by a Human you control. |
| 2018-12-07 | If a Human deals damage to you at the same time that Mikaeus is dealt lethal damage, Mikaeus’s triggered ability triggers. That Human will be destroyed even though Mikaeus has left the battlefield. |
| 2018-12-07 | If a non-Human creature you control without a +1/+1 counter dies at the same time as Mikaeus, that creature’s undying ability granted by Mikaeus triggers and will return it to the battlefield. |
| 2018-12-07 | The +1/+1 bonus that Mikaeus gives to other non-Human creatures you control isn’t a counter. It won’t prevent undying from triggering. |