Phyrexian Vatmother MTG Card
2011-02-04 - Number 52
2020-09-26 - Number MBS-52
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Horror |
| Abilities | Infect |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 5 |
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, you get a poison counter.
Cards like Phyrexian Vatmother
The Phyrexian Vatmother stands as a potent force in Magic the Gathering, inviting comparisons to other infamous infect creatures. Much like Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon, the Vatmother carries the infect mechanic, capable of doling out poison counters to swiftly bring opponents to their knees. However, Skithiryx boasts the advantage of offering flying for evasion and regenerating for resilience, though at a higher mana cost.
Glistener Elf is another card that shares the infect ability with Vatmother, yet it exhibits stark differences. It’s a low-cost creature that can be pivotal in early-game strategies, as opposed to the Vatmother’s higher mana investment. While the Elf lacks the daunting presence and power of the Vatmother, its early playability and the potential for explosive starts render it a staple in many infect decks.
Comparing these, the Vatmother’s intimidating stats make it a threatening board presence, often demanding immediate answers from opponents. It exemplifies a mid- to late-game powerhouse capable of ending games if left unchecked. The infusion of infect elements into decks leverages the unique strengths of each creature, and Phyrexian Vatmother claims its rightful place in this deadly pantheon.
Cards similar to Phyrexian Vatmother by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Phyrexian Vatmother can provide a consistent threat that demands an answer, effectively pressuring your opponent to devote resources to deal with the card. This can lead to a card advantage as they may have to use more than one card to remove it or consistently lose life points due to its infect ability.
Resource Acceleration: While Phyrexian Vatmother itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it can indirectly influence mana usage by being a potent threat that needs to be dealt with. Opponents might need to allocate mana for removal spells sooner than they’d like, disrupting their own development or plans.
Instant Speed: Phyrexian Vatmother is not an instant-speed spell, but it synergizes well with other instant-speed interactions in an MTG game. It fits into decks that can protect it with instant-speed spells, allowing you to keep it on the board and continue applying pressure without investing further resources into your board state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Phyrexian Vatmother requires a significant toll on your health points, as its infect ability ensures that you must increment the poison counter each turn. The ongoing cost can quickly turn against you if not managed wisely.
Specific Mana Cost: Sporting a mana cost that is exclusively black, Phyrexian Vatmother demands a dedicated slot in mono-black or heavy black decks, limiting its versatility across various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Phyrexian Vatmother may enter the fray too late compared to other creatures. In an environment where tempo is crucial, its cost may prove too steep, especially when early game board presence is key.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Phyrexian Vatmother is a card that can be a linchpin in various deck archetypes that benefit from infectious creatures and aggressive strategies. Its ability to deliver consistent poison counters makes it a threat that can’t be ignored on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: This creature has significant synergy with cards that proliferate or double counters, potentially accelerating the victory condition in a poison-based deck. Integrating with these mechanics can often be the key to a swift triumph.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where slower, more durational play is common, Phyrexian Vatmother can apply the necessary pressure to disrupt your opponents’ plans. Its substantial presence forces opponents to alter their strategies, thereby keeping your deck viable in various meta contexts.
How to beat
Phyrexian Vatmother presents a formidable challenge on the battlefield with its intimidating power and infectious nature. The card’s ability to apply consistent pressure by doling out poison counters reframes the traditional combat scenario. This forces opponents to adopt a different strategy than they might against creatures dealing regular combat damage.
Overcoming the threat of Vatmother typically involves a shift in deck tactics to accommodate removal spells that can bypass the creature’s capabilities. Spells such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push offer efficient solutions due to their low mana cost and ability to permanently remove threats without triggering any on-death abilities. Including adequate removal spells ensures that you can respond swiftly to the presence of such a high-impact card.
Moreover, staying ahead in life total is less relevant against infect mechanics. This necessitates the adoption of cards that provide repeatable creature control or those that can offer a blanket of protection against various forms of threats. With the right balance of strategy and card selection, even a creature as menacing as Phyrexian Vatmother can be neutralized, allowing you to maintain a strong foothold in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Vatmother MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin Besieged and The List, 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 Vatmother 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 Vatmother Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2011-02-04 and 2011-02-04. Illustrated by Stephan Martiniere.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-02-04 | Mirrodin Besieged | MBS | 52 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Stephan Martiniere | |
| 2 | The List | PLST | MBS-52 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Stephan Martiniere |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Vatmother has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |