Nessian Demolok MTG Card


Provides card advantage and potential land destruction that can disrupt opponent strategies effectively. Mana-intensive and may affect your board state negatively if tribute isn’t paid by your opponent. Versatile and meta-relevant with combo potential for midrange decks seeking flexible responses.
Nessian Demolok - Born of the Gods
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Beast
Abilities Tribute
Released2014-02-07
Set symbol
Set nameBorn of the Gods
Set codeBNG
Power 3
Toughness 3
Number128
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDaarken

Text of card

Tribute 3 (As this creature enters the battlefield, an opponent of your choice may place three +1/+1 counters on it.) When Nessian Demolok enters the battlefield, if tribute wasn't paid, destroy target noncreature permanent.


Cards like Nessian Demolok

Nessian Demolok brings a unique twist to the battlefield with its Tribute mechanic. Within the landscape of Magic: The Gathering, it invites comparison to other cards that offer opponents choices. Take Vexing Devil for instance. This card also offers an opponent the choice between enduring a significant creature or taking damage. While Vexing Devil’s damage is immediate, Nessian Demolok provides a chunkier body and the ability to potentially destroy an opponent’s noncreature permanent.

Another card that plays in the space of choice is Sin Collector, which deftly extracts noncreature spells from your opponent’s hand – they have no say. In contrast, Nessian Demolok’s potential as a disruptor on the board is significant yet hinges on the opponent’s decision, adding a level of strategy and prediction not present with the Sin Collector.

Overall, while it might not be the first-choice inclusion in your standard green deck, Nessian Demolok’s flexible use and the psychological game it brings certainly carves a niche that can be exploited by savvy players. Depending on the game state and matchups, it could be a clever addition, compelling your opponents to make tough decisions while advancing your board state.

Vexing Devil - MTG Card versions
Sin Collector - MTG Card versions
Vexing Devil - MTG Card versions
Sin Collector - MTG Card versions

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Thicket Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Ironroot Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Elvish Bard - MTG Card versions
Durkwood Boars - MTG Card versions
Elven Riders - MTG Card versions
Redwood Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Spined Wurm - MTG Card versions
Rabid Wolverines - MTG Card versions
Deadly Insect - MTG Card versions
Vintara Elephant - MTG Card versions
Crashing Boars - MTG Card versions
Kavu Chameleon - MTG Card versions
Spring-Leaf Avenger - MTG Card versions
Okina Nightwatch - MTG Card versions
Consuming Blob - MTG Card versions
Primeval Force - MTG Card versions
Spitting Spider - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Nessian Demolok can be a significant boon when it comes to card advantage, particularly because of its tribute mechanic. Offering an opponent the choice between a powerful creature or a useful effect often leads to favorable outcomes for the player deploying it.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana resources, deploying Nessian Demolok can lead to a strategic acceleration. If an opponent chooses not to pay the tribute, you can potentially destroy an opposing land, hindering their resource development while you continue to progress.

Instant Speed: Although the Nessian Demolok itself is not an instant, its tribute mechanic can create unique interactions at instant speed. For instance, in response to the tribute decision, you can cast spells or activate abilities that might influence your opponent’s choice, providing a tactical edge at crucial moments of play.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Nessian Demolok’s tribute mechanic can be a double-edged sword. Rejecting the tribute prompts you to sacrifice a noncreature permanent, which might set you back if you’re unable to spare one, impacting your board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: Its specific mana cost requires one green and four other mana, which means it could strain mana resources in multicolored decks, potentially delaying your plays or disrupting your mana curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Nessian Demolok competes with other high-impact creatures and spells for a slot in your deck. You might find more cost-effective creatures or game-changing spells that could be played sooner or offer greater advantages.


Reasons to Include Nessian Demolok in Your Collection

Versatility: Nessian Demolok offers a dual utility as both an impactful creature and a potent form of land destruction. Its five mana cost places it comfortably in midrange decks while its Tribute mechanic lets players adapt to different board states effectively.

Combo Potential: With its ability to blow up noncreature permanents, Nessian Demolok can be a critical piece in decks that aim to control the board or hinder opponents’ strategies. It pairs nicely with cards that capitalize on destroyed permanents or benefit from the Tribute mechanic’s flexibility.

Meta-Relevance: As formats evolve, the inclusion of versatile and potentially disruptive cards like Nessian Demolok can help combat land-intensive strategies or keep ramp decks in check, making it a relevant choice for players aiming to outmaneuver their competition.


How to Beat Nessian Demolok

Nessian Demolok introduces an interesting dynamic to the board when it emerges in a Magic: The Gathering matchup. This formidable beast presents opponents with a challenging ultimatum – sacrifice a noncreature permanent or allow the Demolok to enter the battlefield as a monstrous creature. With its potential to become a 6/6 creature, the Demolok can sway the tide of battle substantially. However, there are strategies to mitigate the damage it can deal.

Countering Nessian Demolok effectively involves smart deck construction and gameplay tactics. Removal spells are your first line of defense. Cards that can exile creatures, such as Path to Exile, bypass the Demolok’s choice mechanic altogether. If it manages to land on the board, board wipes like Supreme Verdict can level the playing field. Alternatively, employing flash creatures that can block and trade with the Demolok when it attacks can neutralize the threat it represents. Nessian Demolok requires careful handling, but with the right preparations, you can blunt its impact on the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nessian Demolok MTG card by a specific set like Born of the Gods, 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 Nessian Demolok and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nessian Demolok has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Nessian Demolok card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2014-02-01 If the opponent pays tribute, the creature will enter the battlefield with the specified number of +1/+1 counters on it. It won’t enter the battlefield and then have the +1/+1 counters placed on it.
2014-02-01 If the triggered ability has a target, that target will not be known while the creature spell with tribute is on the stack.
2014-02-01 Players can’t respond to the tribute decision before the creature enters the battlefield. That is, if the opponent doesn’t pay tribute, the triggered ability will trigger before any player has a chance to remove the creature.
2014-02-01 The choice of whether to pay tribute is made as the creature with tribute is entering the battlefield. At that point, it’s too late to respond to the creature spell. For example, in a multiplayer game, opponents won’t know whether tribute will be paid or which opponent will be chosen to pay tribute or not when deciding whether to counter the creature spell.
2014-02-01 The triggered ability will resolve even if the creature with tribute isn’t on the battlefield at that time.
2017-04-18 For effects that check which player put counters on the entering creature, the player chosen to pay tribute puts those counters on it, not the creature’s controller.