Phyrexian Debaser MTG Card
1999-02-15 - Number 59
2010-03-19 - Number 10
2020-07-17 - Number 264
2022-12-02 - Number 454
2023-01-13 - Number 97
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Carrier |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying oc T, Sacrifice Phyrexian Debaser: Target creature gets -2/-2 until end of turn.
"The second stage of the illness: high fever and severe infectiousness." —Phyrexian progress notes
Cards like Phyrexian Debaser
In the diverse world of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, Phyrexian Debaser offers a unique blend of flying ability and the potential to cripple opposing creatures. This mirrors the functions of cards like Skinrender, which also provides a way to weaken enemy creatures upon entering the battlefield. However, Phyrexian Debaser distinctively requires a flying connection to unleash its ability, setting a different strategic requirement for its deployment. Unlike Skinrender, which has a fixed weakening effect, Phyrexian Debaser’s impact scales with its power level.
Comparably, Nekrataal enters the conversation with its ability to destroy target nonartifact, nonblack creature on arrival. This is a more terminal solution compared to the temporary debuff provided by the Debaser. Nevertheless, the Debaser’s flying gives it an evasive edge and recurring use with its echo ability. Fleshbag Marauder stands as another analog, demanding the sacrifice of a creature as it hits the table. Although it affects all players, the Debaser allows for precise targeting, giving a more controlled approach to managing threats.
In essence, Phyrexian Debaser holds a firm place among MTG’s creature manipulation cards. Its unique combination of flight and targeted debuff potential offers strategic depth, making it a card that should not be underestimated in gameplay.
Cards similar to Phyrexian Debaser by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Phyrexian Debaser can benefit a player by enabling efficient trades in combat or sacrificing creatures for beneficial effects, potentially leading to gaining advantage over the opponent’s board state. By fostering interactions that yield more value per card, it can twist the game’s momentum in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: When paired with sacrifice synergies or graveyard interactions, this creature can act as a catalyst, accelerating the deployment of larger threats or enabling costly abilities sooner than typically possible. Its synergistic nature can be a linchpin in strategies geared towards outpacing the opposition.
Instant Speed: Although Phyrexian Debaser doesn’t operate at instant speed, the strategies it complements often do. Having access to tactics that include instant speed removal or reanimation can catch opponents off guard, especially when they underestimate the deceptive strength of what appears to be a benign creature on the board.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Phyrexian Debaser compels a card discard to enable its ability. This cost can set you back when your hand is already running low on options, making it sometimes a pricey investment for its potential board impact.
Specific Mana Cost: A demand for both generic and black mana means that this card fits best within particular deck archetypes. Its mana cost can be a hurdle in multicolored decks that may not have ready access to black mana when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Taking into account the mana needed to not just play but also utilize the abilities of Phyrexian Debaser, it’s clear that there are more mana-efficient creatures out there. This cost factor is vital when planning your deck build and can influence the tide of the game, especially in fast-paced matches.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Phyrexian Debaser offers a flexible role in various deck builds. Its flying ability makes it a reliable creature for evasion, while its ability to sacrifice itself can disrupt opponent strategies by forcing them to sacrifice their creatures as well.
Combo Potential: When paired with recurring graveyard mechanics, the Debaser becomes a recurring threat. Its sacrifice effect can be repeatedly leveraged in decks that aim to control the board or utilize death triggers for strategic advantage.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies are dominant, having access to repeatable creature removal, such as that provided by Phyrexian Debaser, can be a game-changer. It serves as a tool against decks that rely heavily on specific creatures, allowing you to maintain a presence on the board.
How to beat
The Phyrexian Debaser presents a unique challenge in the ever-evolving landscape of MTG. With its infect ability, it can deal damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters and to players in the form of poison counters, offering a fast track to victory if not addressed promptly. To outmaneuver this threat, a strategic approach is vital. Removal spells are your best ally in this scenario; spells like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can effectively eliminate the Debaser before its damage becomes insurmountable.
Alternatively, consider leveraging creatures with a high toughness or those who have protection from artifacts or black to act as a sturdy wall against the Debaser’s onslaught. It’s also worthwhile to invest in cards that offer hexproof or shroud to your creatures, ensuring that the Debaser’s toxic touch can’t affect them. Timing is everything – keeping mana open to respond to the Debaser’s attacks can be the difference between succumbing to its power or emerging victorious in your MTG duels.
Remember, staying aware of the board state and being ready with a response when the Debaser appears on the battlefield can help you maintain control and safeguard your life total from its pernicious influence.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Debaser MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Legacy and Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the Coalition, 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 Phyrexian Debaser 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
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Printings
The Phyrexian Debaser Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1999-02-15 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by Mark Tedin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-02-15 | Urza's Legacy | ULG | 59 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 2 | 2010-03-19 | Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the Coalition | DDE | 10 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 3 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 264 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 4 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 454 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 5 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 97 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Debaser has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |