Netherborn Phalanx MTG Card
2005-10-07 - Number 99
2018-11-02 - Number 6
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Horror |
| Abilities | Transmute |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
When Netherborn Phalanx comes into play, each opponent loses 1 life for each creature he or she controls. Transmute (, Discard this card: Search your library for a card with the same converted mana cost as this card, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then shuffle your library. Play only as a sorcery.)
Cards like Netherborn Phalanx
Netherborn Phalanx is a unique creature card that brings a blend of utility and aggression to MTG players’ arsenals. When looking at creatures that evoke a similar impact, Woe Strider stands out. Like Netherborn Phalanx, Woe Strider features a valuable enters-the-battlefield ability, offering a free sacrifice outlet and the potential to scry. However, Netherborn Phalanx distinguishes itself with its Transmute ability, allowing for versatility in fetching other important cards from the deck.
Another similar card in terms of game-changing etb (enter the battlefield) effects is Gray Merchant of Asphodel. Both cards are closely tied to the devotion mechanic, whereby their impact increases with the number of specific mana symbols in the permanents a player controls. The Gray Merchant excels in life-point swings, whereas Netherborn Phalanx can influence opponents’ creature arrays and fetch crucial cards through Transmute.
Ultimately, while each card has its individual strengths, Netherborn Phalanx secures a spot among versatile creature cards for its tactical etb effect and the strategic depth added through Transmute, tailoring to the needs of MTG deck builders searching for both board presence and card utility.
Cards similar to Netherborn Phalanx by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Netherborn Phalanx brings a unique form of card advantage to the table. Upon entering the battlefield, it forces each opponent to reveal their hand, giving you critical information to make informed decisions throughout the game. This intel can be as good as drawing a card, as it helps you plan your strategy with full knowledge of your opponent’s capabilities.
Resource Acceleration: While the Netherborn Phalanx itself does not directly produce mana or tokens, its Transmute ability plays a pivotal role in resource acceleration. By discarding Netherborn Phalanx from your hand, you can search your library for another card with the same converted mana cost. This ensures that you always have access to the resources you need when you need them, smoothing out your mana curve and keeping the pace of your gameplay.
Instant Speed: The Transmute ability of Netherborn Phalanx can be activated at instant speed. This means that you can wait until the end of your opponent’s turn to make a decision, keeping your options open and your mana available for other spells or responses. This flexibility allows for strategic depth and the element of surprise, as you adapt to the evolving state of the game on the fly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Netherborn Phalanx doesn’t directly require you to discard, the need to leverage its transmute ability can sometimes feel as constraining as a discard requirement. This can narrow your strategic options especially when searching for combo pieces or essential spells.
Specific Mana Cost: The Phalanx’s black-oriented mana cost demands a significant commitment to that color, potentially limiting its integration into multicolored decks that can’t afford heavy color weighting
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, Netherborn Phalanx may arrive a tad late in the game, potentially losing ground to cards with immediate impact or lower-cost creatures that help secure board presence earlier.
Reasons to Include Netherborn Phalanx in Your Collection
Versatility: Netherborn Phalanx is a card that shines in decks centered around black control or creature-based strategies. Its ability to impact the board immediately with its significant toughness and creature stab can be a game-changer.
Combo Potential: One of the highlights of Netherborn Phalanx is its synergy with deck archetypes that focus on life loss and control mechanics. It works seamlessly with cards that exploit opponent’s creature counts, offering a twofold advantage with its Transmute ability to search for other crucial combo pieces.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state swarmed with token strategies or against decks that rely on creature numbers, Netherborn Phalanx can serve as a robust response, putting opponents in a pinch and disrupting their tempo. Its role within the meta can shift significantly, presenting an under-the-radar advantage that can lead to unexpected victories.
How to beat
The Netherborn Phalanx card presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. This card, deeply entrenched in the Magic: The Gathering landscape, brings a powerful game mechanic with its ability to force each opponent to lose life equal to the number of creatures they control. To navigate against it, understanding its intricacies and limitations can shift the tide of the game in your favor.
One strategy to outplay a Netherborn Phalanx is to minimize the number of creatures on your side of the field. Doing so reduces the life loss when its ability triggers. Another approach relies on the use of instant removal spells or abilities to eliminate the Phalanx before its triggered effect can resolve. Counterspells serve as a preventive measure, as they can intercept the Phalanx before it even enters the battlefield, maintaining your life total and board state integrity.
Tactically, adapting your deck to include versatile spells that can either remove creatures or counter spells will enhance your resilience against such powerful tactics. By staying one step ahead and employing these methods, you stand a strong chance of nullifying the impact of Netherborn Phalanx and securing your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Netherborn Phalanx MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds and GRN Guild Kit, 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 Netherborn Phalanx 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 Netherborn Phalanx Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2005-10-07 and 2018-11-02. Illustrated by Christopher Rush.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-10-07 | Ravnica: City of Guilds | RAV | 99 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 2 | 2018-11-02 | GRN Guild Kit | GK1 | 6 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Netherborn Phalanx has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |