Phantasmagorian MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Horror |
| Released | 2007-02-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Planar Chaos |
| Set code | PLC |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 6 |
| Number | 77 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Steve Ellis |
Text of card
When you play Phantasmagorian, any player may discard three cards. If a player does, counter Phantasmagorian. Discard three cards: Return Phantasmagorian from your graveyard to your hand.
Cards like Phantasmagorian
Phantasmagorian is an intriguing creature card within Magic: The Gathering, known for its distinct hand-refilling ability. This massive horror shares similarities with Stinkweed Imp, which also offers a dredge mechanic, although it is less pronounced. Phantasmagorian allows the player to discard three cards in order to return it from the graveyard to their hand, a robust feature for dredge-centric decks that seek to cycle their graveyard as a resource.
Another related card is Golgari Grave-Troll, which provides both a significant dredge value and the potential to return as a large creature late in the game. However, in contrast to the passive dredge ability, Phantasmagorian demands a more active role from the player. Then there’s Dakmor Salvage, a dredge land that provides a subtler approach to the mechanic allowing for a steady reconstruction of the player’s hand over multiple turns, whereas Phantasmagorian’s impact is immediate and decisive once multiple cards are in the graveyard.
When evaluating their unique effects and how they fit into the complex strategies of MTG, Phantasmagorian emerges as a card with a powerful mechanism for any deck that benefits from or at the very least, is built around, graveyard synergy and hand manipulation.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Phantasmagorian. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Oops! All Spells! | Modern | Oops! All Spells | *HALF PRICE FRIDAY* Modern $10K Trial - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 4:00 pm |
| Manaless Dredge | Legacy | Weekly Legacy Mont | |
| Oops! All Spells | Modern | Oops! All Spells | Modern Preliminary 2024-01-08 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Phantasmagorian presents a unique edge by allowing players to discard three cards, a vital mechanic for decks that thrive on graveyard strategies. This discarding ability can effectively convert dead cards in hand into strategic resources, setting up for powerful plays on subsequent turns.
Resource Acceleration: By returning Phantasmagorian from your graveyard to your hand at no mana cost, you effectively create a cycle that can continuously fuel graveyard-related abilities or synergize with cards that benefit from discarding or card cycling, thereby accelerating your resource utilization.
Instant Speed: The ability to discard three cards to return Phantasmagorian to your hand operates at instant speed, offering dynamic interaction during either player’s turn. This grants the flexibility to respond to opponents’ actions, disrupt their strategies, or simply adjust your game plan on the fly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Phantasmagorian presents a unique discard condition, mandating players to discard three cards to utilize its hand-triggered ability. This can be a steep price, potentially depleting vital hand resources, especially if the player is already at a card disadvantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a substantial and specific investment of mana, specifically three black, making it inherently challenging to cast in multicolored decks. Decks that are not heavily concentrated in black may find it difficult to meet such a stringent mana requirement.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of seven mana, Phantasmagorian can be somewhat unwieldy. This cost is quite high in comparison to other creatures and spells, which could provide a more immediate impact on the game board for a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Phantasmagorian in Your Collection
Versatility: Phantasmagorian offers a unique flexibility in decks geared towards graveyard mechanics. With the ability to discard three cards to return it from your graveyard to your hand, it synergises well with strategies that capitalize on discard benefits or reanimation tactics.
Combo Potential: As a creature that helps you fill your graveyard quickly, Phantasmagorian pairs excellently with cards and mechanics that ignite powerful combos through graveyard interaction, consistently fueling your game plan with the right resources.
Meta-Relevance: Given its niche role, Phantasmagorian can be a surprising addition against opponents not expecting heavy graveyard play. In environments where dredge or reanimator decks are prevalent, Phantasmagorian may provide the edge needed to outmaneuver the competition.
How to beat Phantasmagorian
Phantasmagorian presents a unique challenge with its imposing presence and ability to return from the graveyard to the hand. This makes it seem like an insurmountable obstacle at first. However, there are strategies in Magic: The Gathering that can nullify its threatening reanimation. Graveyard-hate cards are your first line of defence. With cards like Rest in Peace and Leyline of the Void, you can ensure Phantasmagorian doesn’t get the chance to make its return. These cards eliminate the creature’s ability to affect the game from beyond the battlefield.
Exile effects are also very effective against Phantasmagorian. Cards like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can remove Phantasmagorian from the game entirely, bypassing its graveyard-triggered ability. Moreover, countering its discard ability with spells like Thoughtseize or Duress can disrupt your opponent’s plan before they have a chance to set up their graveyard strategy.
Lastly, utilizing instant speed removal can catch your opponent off-guard, dealing with the creature before it can have an impact. Proper timing and understanding of your opponent’s strategy are key in taking down Phantasmagorian and keeping yourself in the driver’s seat throughout the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Phantasmagorian MTG card by a specific set like Planar Chaos, 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 Phantasmagorian 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Phantasmagorian 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 Phantasmagorian card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2007-02-01 | As the triggered ability resolves, the active player gets the option to perform the action. If that player declines, the next player in turn order gets the option. As soon as any player performs the action, the spell is countered, but the remaining players still get the option. If all players decline, the spell remains on the stack. |
| 2007-02-01 | When this spell is cast, its “when you cast” ability triggers and goes on the stack on top of it. |
| 2013-07-01 | A player can’t choose to discard unless they actually have three cards in their hand. |