Noxious Ghoul MTG Card


Noxious Ghoul provides significant card advantage by weakening multiple non-Zombie creatures at once. The card’s synergetic potential can streamline victories within Zombie-heavy decks. Adaptable defense, Noxious Ghoul enhances Zombie strategies with its board-altering abilities.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Zombie
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Whenever Noxious Ghoul or another Zombie comes into play, all non-Zombie creatures get -1/-1 until end of turn.

Plague and death wrapped in one convenient package.


Cards like Noxious Ghoul

Noxious Ghoul is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering that holds a powerful position among cards designed to control the board by weakening opponent creatures. It finds its parallels in creatures like Massacre Wurm, which also penalizes creatures on the opposing side upon entering the battlefield. Unlike Noxious Ghoul, which specifically affects non-Zombie creatures and can be triggered multiple times with Zombie plays, Massacre Wurm has a one-time effect and provides a life loss component for each creature destroyed this way.

Another kindred spirit in the realm of tactical creature weakening is Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite. Elesh Norn offers a static debuff to your opponent’s creatures while simultaneously boosting your own, without the tribal dependency that Noxious Ghoul has. However, Noxious Ghoul stands out in decks synergistic with Zombies, allowing for repeated utilization of its ability.

Looking at these comparisons, Noxious Ghoul remains an attractive option within thematic decks that value the repeatability of creature weakening effects. It undeniably shines in Zombie-heavy strategies, allowing for consistent and incremental control, which may not be as immediately impactful as its counterparts but thrives on ongoing synergies.

Massacre Wurm - MTG Card versions
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite - MTG Card versions
Massacre Wurm - MTG Card versions
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Noxious Ghoul by color, type and mana cost

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Predatory Nightstalker - MTG Card versions
Fallen Angel - MTG Card versions
Stone Catapult - MTG Card versions
Sengir Vampire - MTG Card versions
Coffin Puppets - MTG Card versions
Hollow Dogs - MTG Card versions
Grotesque Hybrid - MTG Card versions
Earwig Squad - MTG Card versions
Indulgent Tormentor - MTG Card versions
Sootfeather Flock - MTG Card versions
Zombie Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Gluttonous Zombie - MTG Card versions
Vermiculos - MTG Card versions
Woebearer - MTG Card versions
Wei Elite Companions - MTG Card versions
Halo Hunter - MTG Card versions
Malakir Bloodwitch - MTG Card versions
Caustic Crawler - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Unlike other cards, Noxious Ghoul is engineered to systematically clear the battlefield with its unique ability to weaken opposing creatures. Each time another Zombie enters the battlefield under your control, Noxious Ghoul grants the advantage by giving all non-Zombie creatures -1/-1 until end of turn. This can lead to card advantage by potentially wiping out multiple enemy creatures with a single action, allowing for more control over the game’s progression.

Resource Acceleration: Within decks that rapidly summon Zombies, Noxious Ghoul acts as a force multiplier. This synergistic acceleration magnifies your strategic plays. Each Zombie cast not only expands your field presence but also doubles as a resource to debilitate opponents’ defenses, streamlining your route to victory.

Instant Speed: While Noxious Ghoul works on a different axis than instant speed spells, it establishes a robust defense system that’s perpetually active. While not at instant speed itself, it integrates seamlessly with Zombie creatures that can be played at instant speed, transforming each Zombie played on your opponent’s turn into an unexpected board-altering threat.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Noxious Ghoul often relies on having other Zombies on the field or in your hand to maximize its potential. Without a substantial Zombie presence, you may feel the disadvantage of not fully utilizing its abilities, especially in a variety of MTG formats where Zombies are not always the central theme.

Specific Mana Cost: Noxious Ghoul demands a precise blend of mana, including black, which might not easily slot into every deck. Since the card is quite specific in its color requirement, it can be restrictive for decks that are not mono-black or that do not heavily feature black mana resources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is on the higher side, Noxious Ghoul faces tough competition from other cards in the same mana range. As a four-mana creature, it competes for a spot with other impactful four-drops in the MTG meta. In some cases, you could cast other creatures or spells that provide immediate impact or value without the conditional nature of Noxious Ghoul’s effect.


Reasons to Include Noxious Ghoul in Your Collection

Versatility: Noxious Ghoul offers an adaptable tool for any black-centric or Zombie-themed deck. Its ability to repeatedly weaken non-Zombie creatures makes it a solid choice against creature-heavy strategies.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations with other Zombie creatures or Zombie-generating cards. Unleashing a horde onto the battlefield can result in a significant, repetitive debuff to your opponents’ creatures, possibly clearing the way for a winning strike.

Meta-Relevance: As creature-based decks ebb and flow in popularity, Noxious Ghoul remains a pertinent option. Its power to control the board and disrupt opponent setups can be crucial in tipping the scales in Zombie players’ favor, especially in metagames where creatures dominate.


How to beat

Noxious Ghoul is a formidable card that can turn the tide of a battle in Magic: The Gathering, especially in decks teeming with Zombies. It stands out by inflicting a -1/-1 penalty on all non-Zombie creatures whenever another Zombie hits the field. This continuous debuff can be a relentless force, wiping clean the board of enemy creatures with surprising ease.

However, there are strategies to navigate around this pernicious undead. Consider using creatures with the Indestructible attribute, as they can withstand the reduction in power and toughness. Incorporating removal spells that can bypass Noxious Ghoul’s effect, such as those that exile or return creatures to the hand or library, is another effective approach. Additionally, spells that prevent abilities from triggering or that counter creature spells outright can halt Noxious Ghoul before it begins its reign of terror.

Remember, versatility is key in your game plan when facing threats like Noxious Ghoul. Adaptability in your tactics will enable you to overcome such obstacles and edge out victories even against the most daunting of foes on the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of Noxious Ghoul can significantly influence your MTG plays within zombie-themed decks and strategies. Its unique ability to control the board by diminishing opponent creature power offers a tactical advantage for those who harness its synergistic potential. Adapting your deck to include a variety of zombies can help maximize the Ghoul’s debilitating ability. However, it’s wise to anticipate counters and adjust your tactics accordingly. For dedicated enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge and optimize their decks, more insights and advanced strategies await. Dive deeper into the art of deck building and gameplay enhancement with us. Enhance your MTG experience and stay ahead of your opponents.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Noxious Ghoul MTG card by a specific set like Legions and Planechase, 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 Noxious Ghoul and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Noxious Ghoul Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2003-02-03 and 2009-09-04. Illustrated by Luca Zontini.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12003-02-03LegionsLGN 771997NormalBlackLuca Zontini
22009-09-04PlanechaseHOP 352003NormalBlackLuca Zontini
32020-09-26The ListPLST LGN-771997NormalBlackLuca Zontini

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Noxious Ghoul has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal