Phyrexian Swarmlord MTG Card


Swarmlord’s Insect tokens offer substantial card advantage, enhancing board state and overwhelming opponents. Its tokens can be leveraged for mana acceleration or as resources for sacrificial effects. Despite its high mana cost, Swarmlord’s token generation at instant speed disrupts opponents’ strategies.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Insect Horror
Abilities Infect
Power 4
Toughness 4

Text of card

Infect (This creature deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters and to players in the form of poison counters.) At the beginning of your upkeep, put a 1/1 green Insect creature token with infect onto the battlefield for each poison counter your opponents have.


Cards like Phyrexian Swarmlord

The Phyrexian Swarmlord enriches the pool of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering with its unique insect-generating ability. Its ability to create 1/1 insect creature tokens during each upkeep equates to a potential army for players who specialize in token strategies. This characteristic mirrors that of Mycoloth, which devours creatures upon arrival and springs into action with numerous saproling tokens, or Ant Queen’s ability to produce insect tokens at will.

Yet, the Swarmlord isn’t without its peers. Bitterblossom stands as a notable equivalent, albeit with a focus on faerie tokens and consistent life loss. While Bitterblossom offers token generation at a steady pace from the early turns, Swarmlord requires a build-up of poison counters to exploit its full potential. Comparatively, Tendershoot Dryad also shoulders a role similar to the Swarmlord. It constantly pumps out saproling tokens, and when the city’s blessing is achieved, it boosts their power, making it formidable in long-drawn affairs. But unlike these counterparts, the Swarmlord leverages the omnipresent threat of infect damage.

While each card has its distinct approach toward token generation, Phyrexian Swarmlord’s inherent synergy with infect and proliferate strategies could give it an edge in decks designed around those mechanics, underscoring its value in the MTG landscape.

Mycoloth - MTG Card versions
Ant Queen - MTG Card versions
Bitterblossom - MTG Card versions
Tendershoot Dryad - MTG Card versions
Mycoloth - MTG Card versions
Ant Queen - MTG Card versions
Bitterblossom - MTG Card versions
Tendershoot Dryad - MTG Card versions

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

Craw Wurm - MTG Card versions
Gaea's Liege - MTG Card versions
Wiitigo - MTG Card versions
Autumn Willow - MTG Card versions
Ancient Silverback - MTG Card versions
Sulam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Verdeloth the Ancient - MTG Card versions
Nemata, Grove Guardian - MTG Card versions
Gang of Elk - MTG Card versions
Kavu Howler - MTG Card versions
Crashing Centaur - MTG Card versions
Giant Warthog - MTG Card versions
Rhox - MTG Card versions
Kodama of the East Tree - MTG Card versions
Terra Stomper - MTG Card versions
Feral Throwback - MTG Card versions
Silvos, Rogue Elemental - MTG Card versions
Brontotherium - MTG Card versions
Elvish Aberration - MTG Card versions
Seshiro the Anointed - MTG Card versions
Craw Wurm - MTG Card versions
Gaea's Liege - MTG Card versions
Wiitigo - MTG Card versions
Autumn Willow - MTG Card versions
Ancient Silverback - MTG Card versions
Sulam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Verdeloth the Ancient - MTG Card versions
Nemata, Grove Guardian - MTG Card versions
Gang of Elk - MTG Card versions
Kavu Howler - MTG Card versions
Crashing Centaur - MTG Card versions
Giant Warthog - MTG Card versions
Rhox - MTG Card versions
Kodama of the East Tree - MTG Card versions
Terra Stomper - MTG Card versions
Feral Throwback - MTG Card versions
Silvos, Rogue Elemental - MTG Card versions
Brontotherium - MTG Card versions
Elvish Aberration - MTG Card versions
Seshiro the Anointed - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Phyrexian Swarmlord rewards you with a relentless tide of Insect tokens, significantly bolstering your board presence. Each token generated is a potential card gained, overwhelming opponents and cementing your dominance on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: The Swarmlord’s ability to produce swarms of tokens can catapult your resource advantage. Utilizing token synergies, these insects can be transformed into valuable mana sources or used as fodder for various sacrificial effects, propelling your game plan forward rapidly.

Instant Speed: Although the Swarmlord itself may not be an instant, it inherently enhances your ability to threaten plays at instant speed. With a swarm of Insects at your disposal, you can activate abilities or launch surprise attacks, forcing your adversaries to constantly stay on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Phyrexian Swarmlord’s abilities may necessitate discarding cards, placing players in a tight spot when their hand size dwindles.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise combination of mana types, tying it closely to Phyrexian-themed decks and potentially complicating its integration into more diverse deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its demanding mana cost, the Phyrexian Swarmlord could arrive on the battlefield later than other creatures, potentially giving opponents a tempo advantage in the early to mid-game phases.


Reasons to Include Phyrexian Swarmlord in Your Collection

Versatility: Phyrexian Swarmlord introduces an adaptable element to your gameplay, thriving in decks that capitalize on proliferation effects and token generation. Offering a continuous source of Insect tokens, it can bolster your board presence in a variety of strategic contexts.

Combo Potential: The synergy this card has with poison counters can lead to explosive turns in combination with other infect creatures or spells that spread -1/-1 counters. Not only does it serve as a formidable threat on its own, but it can also escalate the effects of existing counters, making it a linchpin in powerful combos.

Meta-Relevance: Considering the role of aggressive and synergistic strategies in current gameplay, Phyrexian Swarmlord can hold its ground. Its ability to produce a consistent stream of threats each turn makes it a relevant contender against various deck archetypes and can surprise opponents unprepared for the swarming tactic.


How to beat

The Phyrexian Swarmlord is a powerhouse in the MTG universe, notorious for commanding a deadly board presence with its capacity to spawn insect tokens. Much like other cards that create numerous creatures, your strategy to overcome this threat should focus on controlling the swarm. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can be your best allies, eliminating all creatures regardless of their numbers. It’s also wise to include creature removal or counterspells to prevent the Swarmlord from hitting the board in the first place.

Alternatively, employ cards with the “exile” mechanic, ensuring those tokens don’t come back to haunt you. Cards such as Path to Exile provide a clean solution to an individual creature, while Settle the Wreckage can dismantle a massive swarm in a single move. Keep in mind that destroying the Swarmlord itself will halt the production of tokens, so spot removal can be equally effective. Lastly, maintaining a swift pace and applying pressure can distract a Phyrexian Swarmlord player, forcing them to defend rather than execute their strategy.

Overcoming this formidable card is a matter of strategic planning and having the right answers at the right time. Honor these strategies to tilt the battlefield in your favor against a Phyrexian Swarmlord.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the Phyrexian Swarmlord is crucial for any MTG player looking to enhance their gameplay. Tapping into the Swarmlord’s potential requires more than just including it in your deck—it demands a strategic approach and a synergistic build. As you weigh its advantages and address its challenges, experimenting within your deck is key to unlocking its true power. Discover the depths of token strategies and the pivotal role the Swarmlord can play. For further insight into maximizing your decks and refining your MTG skills, dive into our comprehensive guides that delve deeper into strategy, card interactions, and gameplay tactics tailored for both newcomers and experienced players alike. Learn more and achieve mastery over the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Swarmlord MTG card by a specific set like New Phyrexia and Phyrexia: All Will Be One Commander, 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 Swarmlord and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Phyrexian Swarmlord Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2011-05-13 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-05-13New PhyrexiaNPH 1192003NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
22023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be One CommanderONC 1112015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Swarmlord has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal