Haunted Cadaver MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Zombie
Abilities	Morph
Released	2002-10-07
Set symbol
Set name	Onslaught
Set code	ONS
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	154
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Randy Gallegos

Key Takeaways

Haunted Cadaver offers a significant hand advantage, potentially forcing an opponent to discard three cards.
Its indirect resource acceleration can be a subtle yet powerful way to command the game.
The strategic flexibility Haunted Cadaver provides imitates instant-speed effects, catching opponents unaware.

Text of card

Whenever Haunted Cadaver deals combat damage to a player, you may sacrifice it. If you do, that player discards three cards from his or her hand. Morph o1o B (You may play this face down as a 2/2 creature for o3. Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Haunted Cadaver provides a substantial boost in card advantage under the right conditions. When it deals combat damage to a player, you can sacrifice it to force that player to discard three cards. This not only depletes your opponent’s resources but could potentially give you a significant lead in hand size, tipping the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While Haunted Cadaver itself doesn’t directly result in resource acceleration, the act of compelling an opponent to discard multiple cards can indirectly accelerate your resource advantage. As they lose access to potential land drops or key spells, you can capitalize on their decreasing options to advance your board state more effectively.

Instant Speed: Although Haunted Cadaver is a creature card and doesn’t operate at instant speed, it introduces strategic flexibility. You can choose the optimal moment during combat to trigger its discard effect, essentially waiting for the most opportune time to disrupt your opponent’s hand post-damage. This sort of timing mimicry borrowed from instant speed interactions can catch an opponent off-guard, making Haunted Cadaver a tricky card to play against.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Haunted Cadaver’s activation cost demands you to discard three cards, which could strain your hand, leaving you with fewer options in subsequent turns.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting requirement of one black mana and two colorless mana makes it harder to fit into multicolored decks that may not reliably produce the necessary black mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana for a creature that provides a conditional ability, many players may find other cards more cost-effective for controlling the game state or progressing their board presence.

Reasons to Include Haunted Cadaver in Your Collection

Versatility: Haunted Cadaver offers flexible uses in various MTG decks. It’s an asset for strategies that revolve around discard mechanics or using creatures’ death as a trigger for other effects.

Combo Potential: With the ability to force an opponent to discard three cards upon dealing combat damage, this creature can synergize with cards that capitalize on discard effects or graveyard interactions.

Meta-Relevance: In a game that leans towards managing hand resources, Haunted Cadaver can disrupt opponents’ plans, making it a strategic choice against decks that rely on holding key cards in hand.

How to beat

Haunted Cadaver is a unique creature card that brings a distinct tactical edge to the decks it graces in MTG. This card is infamous for its ability not only to deal damage but also to force an opponent to discard three cards when it’s sacrificed. This kind of disruption to your adversary’s hand can be devastating if not handled correctly.

Overcoming the challenges presented by Haunted Cadaver requires precise strategy. One effective method is to remove it before your opponent has a chance to utilize its sacrificial ability. Instant speed removal spells are crucial in this scenario. Also, using cards with exile effects can prevent the Cadaver’s ability from activating upon death. Alternatively, having cards that can replenish your hand quickly minimizes the impact of the discard effect, keeping you in a robust position despite the temporary setback.

Given the right strategy, Haunted Cadaver can shift from a menacing threat to a manageable card on the battlefield. Adaptability and timely reaction are key, ensuring you maintain control of the game’s pace and preserve your vital resources in the face of this daunting challenge.

Cards like Haunted Cadaver

Haunted Cadaver brings a unique dynamic to the realm of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest relatives in effect include Doomed Necromancer and Hell’s Caretaker, both of which also involve sacrifice for a greater benefit, resonating with Haunted Cadaver’s self-sacrificing theme for card disruption. However, Haunted Cadaver offers a more direct approach, forcing an opponent to discard three cards upon sacrificing it, potentially disrupting their hand and game plan significantly.

Another kindred card is the Pilfering Imp, which features a similar discard effect upon sacrifice. While Pilfering Imp leans towards targeting specific card types, offering tactical advantage, it only affects a single card, making Haunted Cadaver the better choice for a broader impact. Additionally, Burglar Rat presents a comparable entry to the field, ensuring a discard effect upon entering the battlefield. Yet, it doesn’t provide the flexibility or the level of discard brought forth by Haunted Cadaver.

Ultimately, when evaluating the potential of different creatures centered around discard mechanics, Haunted Cadaver stands out for its efficient ability to whittle down an opponent’s hand size, making it a formidable tool in the strategies of players seeking disruption-based tactics.

Cards similar to Haunted Cadaver by color, type and mana cost

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions

Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Haunted Cadaver MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Haunted Cadaver and other MTG cards: