Nemesis Phoenix MTG Card
2022-06-10 - Number 189
2022-06-10 - Number 403
2022-06-10 - Number 56
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Phoenix |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying : Return Nemesis Phoenix from your graveyard to the battlefield tapped and attacking. Activate only during the declare attackers step and only if you're attacking two or more opponents.
A flame as bright and merciless as the sun.
Cards like Nemesis Phoenix
Nemesis Phoenix brings a distinctive dynamic to creature cards with its ability to rise from the graveyard. It follows in the hallowed talons of the iconic Firewing Phoenix, which can be returned from the graveyard to your hand. However, Nemesis Phoenix trumps with its condition for resurgence, requiring fewer resources for its rebirth – a stark contrast to Firewing Phoenix’s hefty mana payment for its return.
Examining another counterpart, Chandra’s Phoenix stands out with its haste and recursion tethered to spells, bounding back to your hand when a player casts a red spell. Though similar in their thematic link of rebirth, Nemesis Phoenix, with its potential for direct battlefield reentry can sometimes outpace the tempo set by Chandra’s Phoenix, which requires an extra step for its revival. Lastly, Rekindling Phoenix presents itself as a comparative benchmark with its regeneration mechanic, though it reappears with an elemental token that demands an extra turn to transform back into the Phoenix itself, unlike the immediate presence granted by Nemesis Phoenix.
In gauging these creatures, Nemesis Phoenix’s efficient comeback mechanism and immediate impact make a notable impression among its fiery kin within the MTG universe, appealing to players valuing swift and relentless pressure on their opponents.
Cards similar to Nemesis Phoenix by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Nemesis Phoenix excels at providing sustained card advantage. With the ability to recur from the graveyard directly to the battlefield, it ensures you’re generating a continuous threat without expending additional cards from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: This fiery bird often comes with mechanics that can untap lands or provide extra mana when it enters the battlefield or attacks. This ramp can be crucial for casting high-cost spells ahead of curve, giving you a lead in resource availability.
Instant Speed: While the Phoenix itself might not be an instant, it harmonizes well with cards that can bring it back or trigger its abilities at instant speed. This synergy allows for unexpected plays and the ability to adapt to your opponent’s actions without committing your resources prematurely.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Nemesis Phoenix requires discarding a card to trigger its reanimation ability. This can deplete your hand, leaving you at a disadvantage, especially if you’re short on cards or relying on certain combos.
Specific Mana Cost: The activation cost for its ability is specifically colored mana. This can be restrictive for multicolored decks, potentially clashing with other mana demands and complicating your game strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a need for four mana to bring Nemesis Phoenix back from the graveyard, the investment is significant. Players need to assess if the payoff is worth the resource commitment, especially when compared to other creatures that may provide more versatility or immediate board impact at a similar cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Nemesis Phoenix offers flexibility with its ability to slot into various deck types. Its recurrence from the graveyard and flying capability give it a place in both aggressive and midrange decks, maximizing its board presence.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that gain advantages from repeatedly casting creatures or triggering enters-the-battlefield effects. Its reincarnation from the graveyard can be a key component in an array of powerful combos.
Meta-Relevance: Given its resilience against removal and its capacity to return to the field, Nemesis Phoenix can be a formidable force in environments that are heavy with control decks. It allows sustained pressure, keeping opponents on their toes.
How to beat
The Nemesis Phoenix is a powerful creature in the MTG world, known for its soaring flight and rebirth ability. Confronting this card on the battlefield demands strategy and sharp thinking. One approach is to make use of exile effects, which prevent the phoenix from returning to play after hitting the graveyard. Cards like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares are adept at permanently removing this fiery adversary.
Another tactic is to employ counterspells, ensuring Nemesis Phoenix never gets its wings off the ground. For this, instant spells like Counterspell or Negate can serve as a protective shield, intercepting your opponent’s spell before it materializes as a threat. Moreover, leveraging board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the field of all creatures, including this persistent phoenix, thus bypassing its innate resurrection mechanic.
Overall, achieving victory over Nemesis Phoenix involves foresight and the right arsenal of spells. With vigilant control over the stack and the battlefield, players can contain the fiery surge of the Nemesis Phoenix, maintaining the upper hand in the match. It’s a matter of playing smart and anticipating your opponent’s moves, ultimately guiding you to triumph against this formidable card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nemesis Phoenix MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate and Battle for Baldur's Gate Art Series, 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 Nemesis Phoenix and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Nemesis Phoenix Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-06-10 and 2022-06-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 189 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ben Wootten | |
| 2 | Battle for Baldur's Gate Art Series | ACLB | 56 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | |||
| 3 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 403 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Justine Mara Andersen |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nemesis Phoenix has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |