Rathi Fiend MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Horror Mercenary |
| Released | 2000-02-14 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Nemesis |
| Set code | NEM |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 68 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Mark Tedin |
Key Takeaways
- Provides card advantage by forcing opponents to discard, disrupting their game plan.
- While specific in mana cost, it’s versatile in discard-focused decks enhancing control.
- Despite a higher mana cost, it remains relevant in shifting metagames for its utility.
Text of card
When Rathi Fiend comes into play, each player loses 3 life. o3, oc T: Search your library for a Mercenary card with converted mana cost 3 or less and put that card into play. Then shuffle your library.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Rathi Fiend brings card advantage into your game by forcing each other player to discard a card, potentially stripping your opponents of crucial resources while you maintain a fuller hand.
Resource Acceleration: By impacting each opponent’s card count, Rathi Fiend indirectly accelerates your resources in comparison to others. It effectively tilts the balance of cards in your favor, which can translate into a lead in resource allocation.
Instant Speed: Although Rathi Fiend itself may not operate at instant speed, this can inform your strategy to maximize its effect. Structuring your plays to leave mana open for other instant-speed interactions can compound the pressure Rathi Fiend applies to your opponents.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Rathi Fiend demands players discard a card as part of its casting cost. Such a condition can set you back, especially if your hand size is already dwindling and every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: The Rathi Fiend’s mana cost includes a strict combination of black and red mana, potentially restricting its inclusion to only certain multicolor decks that can reliably generate both types of mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost to get Rathi Fiend into play is notable, considering its power and ability. In some scenarios, players might find other creatures or spells that provide greater value or impact on the game for the same, if not lower, investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Rathi Fiend can be integrated into a variety of decks but shines in those that thrive on discard mechanics. Its ability to disrupt opponents’ hands makes it a strategic choice for control or reanimator builds, altering the course of the game by depleting resources.
Combo Potential: This card comes with the potential for powerful synergies in dedicated discard strategies. Pairing it with cards that grant bonuses or punish opponents when they discard increases the impact of Rathi Fiend’s effect, turning it into both a deterrent and a weapon.
Meta-Relevance: Given that the MTG landscape frequently shifts with new releases, a card that focuses on hand disruption will often find its place. Should the meta favor decks that hold onto key cards for longer strategies, introducing a Rathi Fiend into your deck can offer a significant tactical advantage.
How to beat
Rathi Fiend is a unique challenger in the MTG battlefield that can disrupt your opponent’s strategies. Its power lies in its ability to force opponents to discard cards from their hands, effectively diminishing their options and resources. Overcoming this nuisance requires a well-thought-out approach.
To outmaneuver Rathi Fiend, having a robust hand size can be pivotal. Cards that enable you to draw more, like Opt or Sign in Blood, ensure that you have a sufficient buffer against its discard effect. Additionally, utilizing instant-speed spells allows you to react and utilize cards in your hand before Rathi Fiend’s ability resolves.
In the realm of MTG, creatures with flash can be summoned as a surprise element and can serve as a shield against Rathi Fiend’s onslaught. This not only preserves your hand but also creates an on-board presence to counterattack. Finally, implementing graveyard mechanics with cards like Unearth or cards that benefit from having creatures in the graveyard can turn the tables, using Rathi Fiend’s own force against it.
Cards like Rathi Fiend
The Rathi Fiend card is an intriguing entry into the lineup of creature cards in MTG. Its abilities can be compared with cards like Mesmeric Fiend or Brain Maggot, which also have the capability to disrupt an opponent’s hand by exiling a card. Unlike these two, Rathi Fiend commands a higher mana cost and a more specific mana requirement for its echo cost, which poses a strategic consideration for players. All three cards utilize the temporary hand disruption strategy; however, Rathi Fiend has the unique trait of dealing damage upon leaving the battlefield, setting it apart from its counterparts.
The dynamic nature of a card like Tidehollow Sculler should be recognized too. Although it shares the exile theme on entering the battlefield, once removed, the card it exiled is returned to the opponent’s hand instead of dealing damage, offering a different kind of tactical advantage. Additionally, akin to the Rathi Fiend, it supports strategies that involve manipulating both creature presence and hand control in a single package.
In measuring the impact of these options, Rathi Fiend presents itself as a choice for those looking to incorporate a blend of hand disruption and potential direct damage, expanding its role beyond mere information warfare in MTG.
Cards similar to Rathi Fiend by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rathi Fiend MTG card by a specific set like Nemesis, 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 Rathi Fiend 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rathi Fiend has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rathi Fiend card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Because the “search” requires you to find a card with certain characteristics, you don’t have to find the card if you don’t want to. |
