Reaper of Sheoldred MTG Card
2011-05-13 - Number 72
2020-09-26 - Number NPH-72
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Horror |
| Abilities | Infect |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Key Takeaways
- Provides a repeatable poison counter mechanism challenging opponents with incremental damage each turn.
- Infect ability equates to tempo acceleration, hastening victory by needing fewer turns to win.
- Forcing adversaries’ hand management, its presence significantly influences the pace of games.
Text of card
Infect (This creature deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters and to players in the form of poison counters.) Whenever a source deals damage to Reaper of Sheoldred, that source's controller gets a poison counter.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Reaper of Sheoldred offers a repeatable poison counter mechanism that applies pressure to opponents. By forcing the opponent to consider the potential incremental damage each turn, the card extends its influence beyond the battlefield and can strategically diminish an opponent’s resources.
Resource Acceleration: The card may not provide direct mana acceleration, but its infect ability ensures a swift victory, ultimately serving as a form of tempo acceleration by reducing the number of turns needed to win the game.
Instant Speed: While Reaper of Sheoldred does not act at instant speed, its passive prowess continues to loom during each of your turns. This strategic dimension compels adversaries to play around it, making its presence akin to a deterrent capable of dictating the pacing of the match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Reaper of Sheoldred requires careful hand management as it lacks a built-in mechanic to offset the potential card disadvantage generated by its proliferate ability on your turn.
Specific Mana Cost: Reaper of Sheoldred has a precise mana need of one black and four generic mana, which can be restrictive for multi-colored decks not heavily invested in black mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of five mana, Reaper of Sheoldred can be slow to hit the battlefield, especially when weighed against other available five-mana creatures that may provide immediate board impact without additional setup.
Reasons to Include Reaper of Sheoldred in Your Collection
Versatility: Reaper of Sheoldred is a card that can adapt to different game situations. Its poison ability can dissuade opponents from blocking or attacking, making it a solid choice for decks that capitalize on incremental advantage.
Combo Potential: This card works well with strategies focused on proliferate mechanics or those looking to amplify poison counters, as it can consistently place pressure on the opponent’s life total in an unconventional way.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where Infect decks are prevalent or can catch opponents off guard, Reaper of Sheoldred’s presence can turn the tide of a game. Its synergy with popular Infect strategies means it can be an asset in specific competitive circles.
How to beat
Reaper of Sheoldred presents quite the challenge on the battlefield. Its infect ability promises a swift clock if not dealt with promptly. Unlike creatures that deal regular damage, Reaper of Sheoldred opts to place poison counters on players, edging them closer to defeat with each successful hit. Additionally, it has the unnerving power to discourage opponents from casting spells during your combat phase, thanks to its threatening whisper of proliferating those dreaded counters.
Combating this Phyrexian menace requires a strategic approach. Players should prioritize removal spells that can bypass its protection from white. Cards like Doom Blade, Go for the Throat, or other colorless removal options are excellent choices for swiftly dispatching the Reaper. It’s also beneficial to keep a robust line of blockers ready. Those who can skilfully manage their creature and spell resources stand a better chance at containing this threat. Moreover, thinking one step ahead and countering it upon cast can save a great deal of trouble. Remember, the key is to act decisively and to stack your deck with versatile answer cards.
Ultimately, understanding the Reaper of Sheoldred’s strengths and weaknesses can prove to be your greatest weapon. A prepared player, equipped with the right knowledge and tactics, can certainly ensure that the Reaper’s scythe does not descend upon their game.
BurnMana Recommendations
Reaper of Sheoldred is a compelling option for players aiming to harness the power of poison counters in MTG. Its ability to apply consistent pressure and disrupt enemy strategies makes it more than just a creature—it’s a formidable force on the battlefield. For those who favor Infect strategies or wish to explore new avenues within the vast realm of MTG, this card deserves consideration. Whether you’re looking to enhance your collection with versatile threats or seeking cards with both offensive and defensive utility, learning more about Reaper of Sheoldred could be the edge you need. Embark on this strategic journey with us, and discover how this card can redefine victory for you.
Cards like Reaper of Sheoldred
Reaper of Sheoldred is a unique card in MTG that offers players a combination of offensive pressure and defensive longevity. Like Phyrexian Crusader, it boasts infect, turning any damage it deals into poison counters. This creates a clock for the opponent that can’t be reset by ordinary life gain. Despite its higher cost compared to the Crusader, Reaper of Sheoldred’s intimidate ability sets it apart, often assuring its ability to swing combat in its favor by being harder to block.
Another card that surfaces in discussions is Plague Stinger, which shares the infect quality at a lower mana value, but the Reaper of Sheoldred outclasses it with a stronger body and the unique ability to force card discard upon dealing combat damage. While Plague Stinger has the advantage of flying, which is a form of evasion, Reaper of Sheoldred’s intimidate and forced discard can be equally impactful in a game, especially in formats where discard strategies are prevalent.
In comparing these infect creatures, despite variation in mana costs and abilities, Reaper of Sheoldred stands out for its potential to dismantle an opponent’s hand while steadily increasing their poison count. This potency in both offense and disruption underscores its value within the scope of similar MTG cards.
Cards similar to Reaper of Sheoldred by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Reaper of Sheoldred MTG card by a specific set like New Phyrexia and The List, 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 Reaper of Sheoldred 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
Printings
The Reaper of Sheoldred Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2011-05-13 and 2011-05-13. Illustrated by Stephan Martiniere.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-05-13 | New Phyrexia | NPH | 72 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Stephan Martiniere | |
| 2 | The List | PLST | NPH-72 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Stephan Martiniere |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Reaper of Sheoldred has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Reaper of Sheoldred card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2011-06-01 | The source’s controller will get one poison counter for each time that source deals damage to Reaper of Sheoldred, not one poison counter for each 1 damage dealt. |
