Phyrexian Obliterator MTG Card
2011-05-13 - Number 68
2018-03-16 - Number 101
2023-02-03 - Number 440
2023-02-03 - Number 351
2023-02-03 - Number 105s
2023-02-03 - Number 105p
2023-02-03 - Number 105
2023-02-03 - Number 308
2020-09-26 - Number A25-101
2023-02-03 - Number 71
| Card sets | Released in 10 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Horror |
| Abilities | Trample |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Trample Whenever a source deals damage to Phyrexian Obliterator, that source's controller sacrifices that many permanents.
"Behold blessed perfection." —Sheoldred, Whispering One
Cards like Phyrexian Obliterator
The Phyrexian Obliterator stands as a colossus in the world of powerful MTG creatures, especially when considering its immense potential to warp the battlefield. Its closest relatives in terms of devastation are cards like Desecration Demon, which shares the ability to dictate the tempo of creature combat. However, the Obliterator takes it further with its punishing ability that forces opponents to sacrifice permanents whenever it takes damage.
Comparing it to another behemoth, Wurmcoil Engine, both cards exemplify the strength of Phyrexian design: the Engine for its resilience and life-gaining properties and the Obliterator for its sheer board control capabilities. While the Engine leaves behind valuable tokens upon death, the Obliterator acts more like a deterrent, preventing opponents from even considering the idea of dealing damage to it unless they’re prepared for significant losses.
Consequently, while other creatures might offer powerful effects or create tactical advantages, the Phyrexian Obliterator is unique in its ability to single-handedly disrupt opponent strategies, making it a card that effectively redefines the dynamics of a game when in play.
Cards similar to Phyrexian Obliterator by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Phyrexian Obliterator. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Black Aggro | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 13 2024 | |
 | Mono-Black Midrange | Modern | Golgari Coffers | #29 Last Chance Qualifier: Modern |
 | Mono-Black Treasures | Standard | Golgari Midrange | The Pizza Box Open: Standard |
 | Golgari Combo | Standard | Golgari Midrange | ReCQ - Standard - SCG CON Philadelphia - Saturday - 12:00 pm (Bronze) |
 | Golgari Midrange | Standard | Golgari Midrange | Standard Challenge 64 2024-02-11 |
 | B | Standard | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 26, 2024 | |
 | Golgari Toxic | Standard | The Pizza Box Open: Standard | |
 | Domain Ramp | Standard | Golgari Midrange | NRG Series $5,000 Showdown - Chicagoland, Illinois (Standard) |
 | Dimir Aggro | Standard | Dimir Aggro | NRG Series $5,000 Showdown - Chicagoland, Illinois (Standard) |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Phyrexian Obliterator presents a formidable threat on the board, compelling opponents to think twice before attacking or using their removal spells. This creates a passive card advantage as it often requires multiple resources to deal with it effectively.
Resource Acceleration: Although it doesn’t directly accelerate resources, the sheer presence of Obliterator can slow down opponent’s plays, indirectly benefiting your mana usage by giving you more time to build your board without pressure.
Instant Speed: The speed at which Phyrexian Obliterator impacts the game isn’t related to instant speed play. However, its effect upon landing on the battlefield can create instant speed-like reactions from opponents. Its powerful ability can dominate a game’s pace, making immediate impacts that often require an instantaneous response.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Phyrexian Obliterator’s casting cost consists of four black mana, which necessitates a heavily skewed or monochrome mana base, potentially limiting deck diversity and rendering it susceptible to color-specific disruption.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Harnessing this creature’s power comes at the steep price of four mana. This requirement can often delay its appearance on the battlefield until the mid-game phase, placing players at a disadvantage against quicker, more aggressive strategies.
Discard Requirement: While Phyrexian Obliterator itself does not demand a discard, its prohibitive mana cost may compel players to discard other cards if utilizing effects to reshape their hand, ultimately reducing their available options.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Phyrexian Obliterator showcases its adaptability by seamlessly integrating into mono-black control or aggressive decks, utilizing its substantial toughness and power to dominate the battlefield.
Combo Potential: This terrifying force excels when paired with cards that force opponents to deal damage to it, unleashing its destructive ability to decimate an opponent’s board position.
Meta-Relevance: As metagames cycle through trends that emphasize creature-based strategies, Phyrexian Obliterator remains a relevant and intimidating threat that can reshape the table dynamics and deter opponents from attacking.
How to beat Phyrexian Obliterator
Confronting a Phyrexian Obliterator on the battlefield can be a daunting task. This particular creature card boasts an impressive set of abilities that make it a formidable opponent. When it comes to mitigation, tactical play is essential. One strategic approach is deploying spells that don’t deal damage, such as exile effects or cards that force a player to sacrifice their own permanents, bypassing the Obliterator’s ability.
Another effective method to overcome this behemoth is to employ indirect strategies like using Ensnaring Bridge to limit attacks, or controlling the game with counterspells and removal spells that circumvent the detrimental effect of battling this creature head-on. Cards like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can be particularly potent, as they remove the creature from the game without triggering its formidable ability.
Ultimately, the key lies in careful planning and maintaining board control. Staying ahead of your opponent’s moves and preserving your resources will guide you towards victory, even in the shadow of a Phyrexian Obliterator. Building a deck with the right counters and control elements is crucial in preparing for the challenge it presents on the playmat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Obliterator MTG card by a specific set like New Phyrexia and Masters 25, 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 Obliterator 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 Obliterator Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2011-05-13 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by 4 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-05-13 | New Phyrexia | NPH | 68 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Todd Lockwood | |
| 2 | 2018-03-16 | Masters 25 | A25 | 101 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Todd Lockwood | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | A25-101 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Todd Lockwood | ||
| 4 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One | ONE | 440 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Yu-ki Nishimoto | |
| 5 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One | ONE | 351 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Pedro Potier | |
| 6 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Promos | PONE | 105s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Maxim Kostin | |
| 7 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Promos | PONE | 105p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Maxim Kostin | |
| 8 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One | ONE | 105 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Maxim Kostin | |
| 9 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One | ONE | 308 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Yu-ki Nishimoto | |
| 10 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Art Series | AONE | 71 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Obliterator has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Phyrexian Obliterator card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-02-04 | If creatures an opponent controls are dealt lethal damage at the same time that Phyrexian Obliterator is dealt damage, those creatures will be destroyed before that player chooses permanents to sacrifice. |