Nurgle's Rot MTG Card


Nurgle’s Rot offers strong card advantage, especially in multiplayer settings with its widespread damage potential. While not a direct mana source, it accelerates resources by clearing the way for profitable attacks and synergies. Operating at instant speed, Nurgle’s Rot allows for flexible, strategic plays adapting to the ever-changing game state.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant

Text of card

Enchant creature an opponent controls When enchanted creature dies, return Nurgle's Rot to its owner's hand and you create a 1/3 black Demon creature token named Plaguebearer of Nurgle.

Each plaguebearer is formed from the blighted soul of a mortal slain by Nurgle's Rot.


Cards like Nurgle's Rot

Nurgle’s Rot stands out in Magic: The Gathering as an intriguing enchantment card. It bears resemblance to cards such as Pestilence, which also deals damage to all creatures and players at the end of turn. Nonetheless, Nurgle’s Rot diverges by potentially offering a longer-term detrimental effect on your opponents, as it may not necessarily deal damage to your own creatures if you’ve constructed your deck to synergize with such effects.

Another kindred card is Pyrohemia, which operates on a similar principle, where players can deal damage across the board by activating its ability. Pyrohemia provides more control over when damage is dealt, unlike Nurgle’s Rot which triggers automatically. Then there’s Sulfuric Vortex, which guarantees damage to each player during their upkeep, bypassing creatures altogether and furnishing a more direct route to whittle down opponent life totals. However, Sulfuric Vortex doesn’t impinge on creatures and can’t be as easily manipulated to be one-sided as Nurgle’s Rot can be.

Analysing the utility of these cards, Nurgle’s Rot presents a compelling option within the Magic: The Gathering arsenal for inflicting a steady stream of damage. Its uniqueness lies in its potential for selective harm, making it a card with an interesting dynamic in the realm of repeatable damage sources.

Pestilence - MTG Card versions
Pyrohemia - MTG Card versions
Sulfuric Vortex - MTG Card versions
Pestilence - MTG Card versions
Pyrohemia - MTG Card versions
Sulfuric Vortex - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Nurgle's Rot by color, type and mana cost

Paralyze - MTG Card versions
Unholy Strength - MTG Card versions
Evil Presence - MTG Card versions
Weakness - MTG Card versions
Imprison - MTG Card versions
Thrull Retainer - MTG Card versions
Torture - MTG Card versions
Death Watch - MTG Card versions
Leshrac's Rite - MTG Card versions
Sadistic Glee - MTG Card versions
Sarcomancy - MTG Card versions
Tortured Existence - MTG Card versions
Volrath's Motion Sensor - MTG Card versions
Sicken - MTG Card versions
Darkest Hour - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Withering Hex - MTG Card versions
Genju of the Fens - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Link - MTG Card versions
Bloodchief Ascension - MTG Card versions
Paralyze - MTG Card versions
Unholy Strength - MTG Card versions
Evil Presence - MTG Card versions
Weakness - MTG Card versions
Imprison - MTG Card versions
Thrull Retainer - MTG Card versions
Torture - MTG Card versions
Death Watch - MTG Card versions
Leshrac's Rite - MTG Card versions
Sadistic Glee - MTG Card versions
Sarcomancy - MTG Card versions
Tortured Existence - MTG Card versions
Volrath's Motion Sensor - MTG Card versions
Sicken - MTG Card versions
Darkest Hour - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Withering Hex - MTG Card versions
Genju of the Fens - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Link - MTG Card versions
Bloodchief Ascension - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When casting Nurgle’s Rot, the ability to potentially eliminate multiple creatures or deal damage to several players can translate into considerable card advantage. This is especially potent in multiplayer games, where its effects can be felt across the board, thinning out opponents’ resources while you maintain or even increase your own.

Resource Acceleration: Nurgle’s Rot may not directly provide mana or treasure tokens, but it can be an enabler for resource acceleration in decks that benefit from the death of creatures. By removing key enemy blockers or threats, it can pave the way for your creatures to attack and potentially trigger abilities or synergies that result in additional resources.

Instant Speed: The versatility of Nurgle’s Rot being an instant cannot be overstated. This speed allows you to adapt to the fluid game state, using it at the most opportune moment. Whether it’s disrupting an opponent’s combo, removing a threat before it can deal damage, or simply at the end of someone’s turn to keep your options open, the timing of Nurgle’s Rot provides a strategic edge.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Casting Nurgle’s Rot demands the disposal of another card from your hand. This could leave you at a strategic disadvantage, particularly during moments when maintaining a full grip of cards is essential to your game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: The spell’s cost requires a precise combination of mana types, potentially limiting its integration to dedicated color decks and reducing its versatility in multi-color variants where mana flexibility is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its cost positioned on the higher end of the spectrum for its effect, there might be alternatives that provide a similar impact with less mana investment, allowing for a more efficient utilization of your resources throughout the game.


Reasons to Include Nurgle’s Rot in Your Collection

Versatility: Nurgle’s Rot offers a dynamic approach to gameplay, fitting seamlessly into decks that revolve around life-total manipulation and attrition strategies. Its ability to target any creature or player makes it a flexible option for various match-ups.

Combo Potential: This card can become a critical piece in a combo that focuses on spreading damage across the board or synergizing with cards that benefit from life loss and gain, creating potential for devastating turns.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where incremental advantage and life totals are pivotal, Nurgle’s Rot can serve as an important tool to tip the scales in your favor against creature-heavy decks or in prolonged battles.


How to beat

Nurgle’s Rot has a reputation for being a devious enchantment in Magic: The Gathering. This card can consistently chip away at an opponent’s life while bolstering your own, creating a subtle yet impactful advantage over the course of a game. To effectively counter this persistent threat, you’ll want to employ a strategy that either removes the enchantment or mitigates its effects.

One reliable tactic is to include enchantment removal in your deck. Given Nurgle’s Rot is an enchantment, spells like Disenchant that specifically target and destroy enchantments are a direct and straightforward solution. Additionally, playing cards with lifelink can help offset the life loss Nurgle’s Rot causes, maintaining your life total while you deal with the threats on the battlefield.

Furthermore, building a deck with a faster pace can prevent Nurgle’s Rot from becoming too influential. By applying pressure and reducing your opponent’s life total quickly, they’ll have less time to capitalize on the slow burn Nurgle’s Rot offers. Striking a balance between offense and well-timed removal is key to overcoming the challenges Nurgle’s Rot presents to players.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the strengths and challenges of Nurgle’s Rot is essential in MTG. This card offers card advantage and resource acceleration, making it a force in multiplayer settings and a catalyst in creature-focused decks. Its instant speed augments its strategic value, allowing for responsive play. However, be mindful of the discard requirement, specific mana cost, and its potentially high mana cost compared to alternatives. Its uniqueness lies in its versatility, combo potential, and meta relevance, making it a noteworthy addition to your arsenal. For those looking to mitigate its impact, focus on enchantment removal, lifelink strategies, and a swift, aggressive game plan. Dive deeper into strategic deck building and discover how Nurgle’s Rot can change the tides of battle in your favor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nurgle's Rot MTG card by a specific set like Warhammer 40,000 Commander and Warhammer 40,000 Commander, 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 Nurgle's Rot and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Nurgle's Rot Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-10-07 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Roman Tishenin.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 452015NormalBlackRoman Tishenin
22022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 45★2015NormalBlackRoman Tishenin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nurgle's Rot has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal