Phyrexian Dreadnought MTG Card
1996-10-08 - Number 315
2010-01-01 - Number 3
2002-06-24 - Number 43534
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Dreadnought |
| Abilities | Trample |
| Power | 12 |
| Toughness | 12 |
Text of card
Trample When Phyrexian Dreadnought comes into play, sacrifice any number of creatures with total power of 12 or more, or bury Phyrexian Dreadnought.
Cards like Phyrexian Dreadnought
The Phyrexian Dreadnought stands out in the world of creature spells due to its sheer power relative to its mana cost. A one-mana artifact creature with power and toughness of 12/12, it presents a colossal presence on the battlefield. Comparable formidable creatures include Death’s Shadow and Tarmogoyf. Death’s Shadow grows stronger as a player’s life total decreases, potentially becoming a massive threat for just one black mana. Tarmogoyf’s strength, in turn, is a reflection of the variety of card types found in all graveyards, offering scalability as the game progresses. Neither, however, can match the immediate and overwhelming power level that Phyrexian Dreadnought offers straight out of the gates.
Another similar card, albeit from a different angle, is Leveler. When it enters the battlefield, you remove your entire library from the game, which can be a high-risk, high-reward strategy akin to Dreadnought’s sacrifice requirement. Both cards bring a game-changing element and can be evolutionary in their respective deck types. However, Dreadnought’s potential for an early-game landslide victory can be particularly impactful in fast-paced games.
When considering cards with enormous power relative to their casting cost, Phyrexian Dreadnought undoubtedly defines the benchmark for efficiency and game impact in competitive play.
Cards similar to Phyrexian Dreadnought by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Phyrexian Dreadnought. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Stiflenought | Legacy | Stiflenought | Legacy League 2024-04-11 |
| Bant Stoneblade | Legacy | Stiflenought | Circuito Legacy Catarinense | Temporada 2024 | Etapa 4 |
| Jeskai Combo | Legacy | Stiflenought | Circuito Legacy Catarinense | Temporada 2024 | Etapa 4 |
 | Mono-White Painter | Legacy | *HALF PRICE FRIDAY* $1K - Legacy - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 1:30 pm | |
 | Mono-Blue Stiflenought | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:30 am | |
 | Azorius Stiflenought | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:30 am | |
| Bant Tempo | Legacy | Stiflenought | *HALF PRICE FRIDAY* $1K - Legacy - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 1:30 pm |
 | Lurrus Saga | Vintage | Lurrus Saga | Vintage Challenge 32 2024-04-12 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Phyrexian Dreadnought itself may not draw cards, its low casting cost combined with a massive power of 12/12 can single-handedly outmatch entire armies of smaller creatures. This massive board presence can deter opponents from committing further resources, effectively netting you a significant advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Costing just one mana to cast, Phyrexian Dreadnought allows for an incredibly early deployment of a game-ending threat. It can pave the way for high-impact plays much sooner than usual, giving you a resource acceleration in terms of board threat that few cards can match.
Instant Speed: Phyrexian Dreadnought’s ability to force the sacrifice of creatures as part of its enters-the-battlefield trigger can be exploited at instant speed with various MTG interactions. By using effects to either phase out or bounce the Dreadnought after the trigger has been activated, you can retain your creatures while establishing a dominant board presence, all within the response window of the opponent’s spells or abilities.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Phyrexian Dreadnought’s entrance into the battlefield comes with a steep price. To maintain its presence, you must sacrifice creatures with a total power of 12 or more, which can swiftly deplete your field. This condition often results in a significant loss of resources and can leave you vulnerable.
Specific Mana Cost: Despite its mighty power and toughness, this artifact creature can be restrictive as it requires one specific colorless mana. This can be challenging in multicolored decks that may not always have the required mana type or enough ramp to summon it early in the game.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its initial cost is relatively low, the overall expense to maintain the Phyrexian Dreadnought on the battlefield is considerable. Especially when taking into account the sacrifice required, it’s a high investment that could be met with more flexible or less demanding alternatives.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Phyrexian Dreadnought can be a game-changer in various deck builds given its massive power for minimal mana cost, making it a fit for strategies aiming to quickly deploy threat onto the battlefield.
Combo Potential: Its requirement to sacrifice creatures can be turned into an advantage with numerous tricks and combos, such as using Stifle to negate the ability, allowing you to keep a 12/12 trampler for a single mana without the downside.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors fast-paced, aggressive strategies, the Phyrexian Dreadnought shines by offering a cost-efficient creature that can swing games or be used as an efficient trade-off piece in control-based and combo decks alike.
How to beat Phyrexian Dreadnought
Phyrexian Dreadnought is a powerhouse in the Magic: The Gathering universe, boasting an imposing 12/12 for just one mana. This card may seem overwhelming, but it comes with a steep price—a sacrifice of creatures with a total power of 12 or more upon entering the battlefield. To outmaneuver this mighty artifact creature, consider using instant-speed creature removals like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile as it hits the playing field, sidestepping its trigger altogether.
Another strategy involves utilizing bounce spells such as Unsummon or Vapor Snag, returning Phyrexian Dreadnought to the owner’s hand and forcing them to face the sacrifice dilemma once more upon redeployment. Players can also harness control effects like Control Magic or Treachery to make the Dreadnought their own, bypassing its downside through clever enchantment play. Chances lie in strategic anticipation and pinpoint timing to prevent the Dreadnought from overwhelming your defenses.
Utilize stack interaction skills and maintain a robust defence to efficiently combat the threat presented by Phyrexian Dreadnought. Keeping a versatile and reactive hand will ensure that you are well-equipped to face and conquer this formidable challenge on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Dreadnought MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Magic Online Promos, 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 Dreadnought 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
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Printings
The Phyrexian Dreadnought Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 2010-01-01. Illustrated by Pete Venters.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 315 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 2 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 43534 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | ||
| 3 | 2010-01-01 | Judge Gift Cards 2010 | G10 | 3 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Dreadnought has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Phyrexian Dreadnought card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Phasing in does not trigger “enters the battlefield” abilities, so you don’t have to sacrifice again if it phases in. |
| 2004-10-04 | The sacrifices are simultaneous, not one at a time. |
| 2007-07-15 | If the Dreadnought is no longer on the battlefield when the triggered ability resolves, you may still choose either option. |
| 2007-07-15 | Reverted to its original wording, this now has an enters-the-battlefield triggered ability. During resolution of the triggered ability, you choose one option or the other. |
| 2013-04-15 | If you are unable to sacrifice 12 power worth of creatures, then you cannot choose that option; in that case, you must sacrifice Phyrexian Dreadnought. |