Phyrexian Slayer MTG Card

Provides card advantage by removing threats, enabling control over the game’s flow. Demanding specific mana and pitch cost can limit deck compatibility, affecting versatility. Fits well in anti-air and creature-heavy meta, increasing its strategic value.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Phyrexian Minion
Abilities	Flying
Released	2000-10-02
Set symbol
Set name	Invasion
Set code	INV
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	118
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Sam Wood

Text of card

Flying Whenever Phyrexian Slayer becomes blocked by a white creature, destroy that creature. It can't be regenerated.

Benalia was only the first nation victimized by Tsabo Tavoc's specialized killers.

Cards like Phyrexian Slayer

Phyrexian Slayer enters the realm of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering as an intriguing black creature with an anti-flyer knack. Comparable creatures, such as Tavern Swindler, also offer a twist to gameplay while staying within a similar mana range. However, the Slayer distinctively targets creatures with flying, making it a tactical choice in decks that aim to neutralize aerial threats.

Likewise, Nekrataal is another impactful creature that influences the board upon arrival, eliminating a non-artifact, non-black creature, rather than just flyers. This broader range makes Nekrataal versatile, but Phyrexian Slayer’s lower converted mana cost can be a deciding factor in many game situations. Moreover, there’s Vampire Nighthawk, a card that not only deals with flying creatures but also comes with deathtouch and lifelink, providing both offensive and defensive benefits, albeit at a higher mana cost compared to the specificity of Phyrexian Slayer.

Each card serves a strategic role dependent on the deck’s design and the opponents faced. In this light, the Phyrexian Slayer stands out for its specialized anti-air role in MTG’s vast array of creature cards, providing players with a cost-effective solution to flying creatures.

Cards similar to Phyrexian Slayer by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Phyrexian Slayer enables you to eliminate key creatures from the match, indirectly contributing to card advantage. By removing threats from the battlefield, you maintain the upper hand, forcing your opponent to expend more resources to regain control.

Resource Acceleration: Through its efficient cost-to-effect ratio, the Phyrexian Slayer can streamline your deck’s performance. This allows for quicker deployment of other threats or answers in your deck, fostering a momentum that can be hard for your opponent to counter.

Instant Speed: The ability to dispatch creatures at instant speed gives you the flexibility to react to your opponent’s moves during their turn. This adaptability can be pivotal in maintaining the pace of the game or disrupting the synergy of an opponent’s strategy at a critical moment.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Phyrexian Slayer can feel cumbersome when it asks you to pitch another card from your hand. This can backfire, especially when your hand is holding crucial spells that you’re not willing to give up.

Specific Mana Cost: Phyrexian Slayer demands a rigid mana configuration with black mana, which could clash with your deck’s mana base. Its need for a specific mana type makes it less flexible and more suited for mono-black or heavily black-weighted decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that can be sizable for what it offers on the battlefield, Phyrexian Slayer competes with other creatures and spells at the same mana value. Given the pacing of the game, it may not always represent the best play for its cost.

Reasons to Include Phyrexian Slayer in Your Collection

Versatility: Phyrexian Slayer can be a pivotal card in decks that need a flyer with the unique ability to destroy any creature it damages. It’s a suitable fit for both aggressive and control strategies that require an aerial threat.

Combo Potential: The creature pairs well with cards and abilities that manipulate combat damage or provide deathtouch, allowing it to function as a repeatable removal option. Its interactions with proliferate mechanics also amplify its presence in certain deck builds.

Meta-Relevance: In environments heavy with creature-based decks, Phyrexian Slayer rises in value. It can break the symmetry in games centered on board control and can be particularly effective against decks that rely on key creatures for their strategy.

How to beat

Overcoming a Phyrexian Slayer on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering can be a nuanced challenge. This creature is specifically designed to intimidate players with creature types other than Walls. With its ability to easily destroy black creatures, it forces opponents to think strategically about their deployment.

To effectively handle the threat of a Phyrexian Slayer, consider adjusting your creature lineup. Opt for creatures with protective abilities, like indestructibility, or those that don’t share its target profile. Another effective tactic is to utilize removal spells that can bypass its protection from black, such as those that deal damage or force a sacrifice, rather than target directly.

Moreover, boosting your defenses with enchantments that strengthen your creatures can diminish the Slayer’s impact. Shields that grant hexproof or shroud can also be particularly useful. Ultimately, by diversifying your strategies and maintaining a flexible approach, the intimidating presence of Phyrexian Slayer can be mitigated, maintaining your stronghold on the game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Slayer MTG card by a specific set like Invasion, 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 Slayer and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Slayer has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal