Nefashu MTG Card
2003-05-26 - Number 70
2009-09-04 - Number 34
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Zombie Mutant |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Whenever Nefashu attacks, up to five target creatures each get -1/-1 until end of turn.
Where the nefashu pass, blood rolls like a silk carpet.
Cards like Nefashu
Nefashu stands out among creatures within Magic: The Gathering due to its unique synergy with zombie decks and the ability to decimate opposing forces through its triggered ability. It draws parallels with other infectious undead such as Noxious Ghoul, which also can cripple your opponent’s creatures every time a zombie comes into play. However, Nefashu edges ahead with its potential for higher direct creature damage.
Additionally, Unbreathing Horde offers a different approach to zombie resilience. Unlike Nefashu’s offensive power, Unbreathing Horde defends itself with a buffer of counters that protect it from fatal damage. While it lacks the immediate board impact of Nefashu, its staying power can be an asset in more drawn-out confrontations. Then we have Lich Lord of Unx, manifesting another facet of zombie potency by creating tokens and whittling down opponent life totals, although not directly interacting with the board state as Nefashu does.
After comparing these undead heavyweights, it’s evident that Nefashu holds a commendable position for those looking to command a horde of zombies and apply relentless pressure on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Nefashu by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Nefashu card can potentially devastate an opponent’s creature lineup. Upon attacking, it can force an opponent to lose multiple creatures, thereby offering a significant swing in card advantage. For each creature affected, this effectively removes a card from your opponent’s board while maintaining your own.
Resource Acceleration: While Nefashu itself does not directly offer resource acceleration, its very presence can indirectly contribute to a faster win condition. In essence, by clearing the board of opponent’s creatures, Nefashu paves the way for your other creatures to attack unblocked and can accelerate the game towards your victory.
Instant Speed: Though Nefashu operates at sorcery speed due to its nature as a creature, combining it with cards that grant flash could let you deploy this undead horror at instant speed. This can be used strategically to surprise an opponent during their turn, potentially changing the course of the game with its impactful ability.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Nefashu demands a hefty toll for its unleashing – the surrender of other cards from your hand. In situations where your card count is dwindling, this can put you at a significant disadvantage, leaving you vulnerable and diminishing your strategic options.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting of Nefashu requires a strict adherence to black mana, demanding a trio of these swamp-fueled resources. This stringent requirement can constrict its inclusion in decks, only finding its niche within the confines of mono-black or heavily black-influenced builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Commanding a total of five mana, of which three must be black, Nefashu stands as a monolith of an investment. When compared with the fast-paced nature of many efficient creatures within the game, Nefashu’s demand might outweigh its return, as other creatures or spells could provide more immediate or versatile benefits for your mana expenditure.
Reasons to Include Nefashu in Your Collection
Versatility: Nefashu offers a solid choice for decks focusing on the Zombie tribe, as it can serve both as an imposing threat and an enabler for other Zombie creatures, enhancing their attack power during combat.
Combo Potential: This card has excellent synergy with effects that capitalize on creature damage or death triggers, providing added value every time it attacks and potentially decimating your opponent’s board with repeated triggers.
Meta-Relevance: With a recurring presence in games involving graveyard strategies or tribal themes, Nefashu can play a decisive role, often proving to be a game-changer in match-ups that favor creature-based interactions.
How to beat
Confronting a Nefashu on the battlefield is no simple task. This hefty black creature from the Magic: The Gathering universe holds a domineering presence, especially with its ability to give all your other Zombies an advantageous bump in attacking power. To negate its influence, controlling the board becomes a priority. Spot removal spells such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile are efficient methods for dealing with a solitary Nefashu, ensuring the creature doesn’t get the chance to bolster your opponent’s offensive line.
Furthermore, board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the field of multiple threats, including any menacing Nefashu lurking around. Managing your resources and keeping these game-changing spells at the ready can thwart your opponent’s synergy plans for their undead legion. Counterplay strategies focusing on exile effects or reducing the number of Zombies in play before Nefashu can exert its full strength will also tilt the scales in your favor in this undead skirmish.
In essence, maintaining control and being prepared to respond swiftly are key to withstanding the onslaught of a Nefashu and the formidable Zombie army it may command.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nefashu MTG card by a specific set like Scourge and Planechase, 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 Nefashu 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Nefashu Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2003-05-26 and 2009-09-04. Illustrated by rk post.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-05-26 | Scourge | SCG | 70 | 1997 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 2 | 2009-09-04 | Planechase | HOP | 34 | 2003 | Normal | Black | rk post |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nefashu has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |