Molder Slug MTG Card
2003-10-02 - Number 125
2005-08-22 - Number K37
2020-09-26 - Number MRD-125
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Slug Beast |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 6 |
Text of card
At the beginning of each player's upkeep, that player sacrifices an artifact.
Fortunately for it, Mirrodin is a plane without salt.
Cards like Molder Slug
Molder Slug is a distinctive creature in Magic: The Gathering that offers a unique approach to disrupting artifact-heavy strategies. The card is comparable to Kataki, War’s Wage, another creature that presents a hefty tax on artifacts, forcing opponents to pay for their artifacts each upkeep or sacrifice them. While Kataki demands an immediate response to avoid economic strain, Molder Slug impacts the board by ensuring a steady decline in artifact supplies at each of a player’s upkeeps.
Viridian Zealot presents another comparison, offering a creature that can sacrifice itself to destroy an artifact or enchantment, giving the player a specific target option. While not a persistent threat like Molder Slug, Zealot provides immediate removal at will. Creeping Corrosion, although not a creature, is a spell that can sweep away all artifacts at once, akin to a mass version of the inevitability that Molder Slug provides over time. However, Molder Slug’s continual presence can potentially affect the board turn after turn, a distinct advantage over a single-use spell.
Assessing their individual merits, Molder Slug earns its unique spot amongst green’s arsenal of artifact hate in Magic: The Gathering, thanks to its ongoing threat to artifact-reliant opponents.
Cards similar to Molder Slug by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: In the ever-changing landscape of MTG, Molder Slug provides a unique approach to card advantage. This powerful creature can potentially deprive opponents of their artifacts turn after turn, indirectly contributing to your card superiority on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: While Molder Slug itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its ability to continuously thin out opponents’ artifact presence can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. As your adversaries lose their mana-generating artifacts, you could gain a significant advantage in the race for mana development and board presence.
Instant Speed: Although Molder Slug does not function at instant speed, its persistent, unavoidable effect compensates for this by continually shaping the board state to your advantage. Its presence demands an immediate answer, and failing to find one can spell disaster for opponents reliant on artifact strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Molder Slug doesn’t necessitate a discard upon casting, its persistent artifact control can inadvertently force players to discard treasured artifacts they can’t afford to sacrifice.
Specific Mana Cost: Molder Slug’s casting cost is locked behind a specific mana requirement, demanding two green mana which may not be easily accessible in decks that aren’t mono-green or heavily invested in green mana resources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing five mana, this creature may arrive a bit too late in the game where faster, lower-cost creatures and artifact removal spells could be more impactful, especially in formats where tempo is crucial.
Reasons to Include Molder Slug in Your Collection
Versatility: Molder Slug is an impactful addition to decks that aim to control the board. With its ability to force opponents to sacrifice artifacts during their upkeep, it can seamlessly fit into artifact-heavy metas or sideboards designed to combat such strategies.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with effects that punish or restrict artifact use, amplifying its disruptive presence. In a deck with cards that benefit from opponent’s artifacts being sent to the graveyard, Molder Slug can serve as a significant engine.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where artifact decks are prevalent, Molder Slug’s unique effect can provide a consistent advantage. Decks centered around or featuring significant artifact strategies may find themselves at a notable disadvantage against the persistent threat of the Molder Slug.
How to beat
Molder Slug is a unique creature card that presents a challenge on the battlefield. This card can severely disrupt strategies that heavily rely on artifacts, requiring a tactic adjustment for players facing it. To navigate against Molder Slug, it’s essential to minimize dependency on artifacts or employ removal spells that can target creatures quickly and efficiently.
Preparation is critical when playing against this card. Having instant-speed removal like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile can ensure that Molder Slug is dispatched before it can wreak havoc on your board state. Moreover, prioritizing the use of non-artifact-based mana sources or creature abilities to circumvent Molder Slug’s artifact-sweeping effect can be a strategic avenue.
Deck flexibility and situational awareness are your best tools. If Molder Slug hits the board, be ready to adapt your gameplay, put a tighter focus on non-artifact threats, and use your removals at the most opportune times. A well-timed response can turn the tide of the game back in your favor and neutralize the Molder Slug’s otherwise game-altering presence.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Molder Slug MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin and Salvat 2005, 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 Molder Slug and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- 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
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Printings
The Molder Slug Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2003-10-02 and 2005-08-22. Illustrated by Heather Hudson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-10-02 | Mirrodin | MRD | 125 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Heather Hudson | |
| 2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | K37 | 2003 | Normal | White | Heather Hudson | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | MRD-125 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Heather Hudson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Molder Slug has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |