Pitiless Plunderer MTG Card


Generates card advantage by converting creature deaths into Treasure tokens, enhancing resource availability. Operates at instant speed, allowing for spontaneous plays and flexible use of generated tokens. May be less effective in creature-light decks or when needing to maintain a large board presence.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Pirate
Abilities Treasure
Power 1
Toughness 4

Text of card

Whenever another creature you control dies, create a colorless Treasure artifact token with ", Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color to your mana pool."

"Shame to let good gold go to the grave."


Cards like Pitiless Plunderer

Pitiless Plunderer has carved a unique niche within the Magic: The Gathering realm, particularly among cards that leverage the death of creatures. Comparable to cards such as Revel in Riches, the Pitiless Plunderer excels in turning demise into a profitable venture. It shines in strategies that involve sacrificing creatures, generating a Treasure token each time a creature you control dies, akin to the supplemental income provided by Revel in Riches when opponent’s creatures meet their end.

In the same category, Black Market collects counters and ramps mana each upkeep based on the number of creatures that went to the graveyard on the last turn. However, unlike the immediate and consistent token generation from Pitiless Plunderer, Black Market’s impact takes a turn to establish and is dependent on the buildup over time. Then there’s Smothering Tithe, a powerhouse in generating Treasure tokens, albeit through an entirely different mechanic that tax opponents’ draws rather than capitalizing on creature deaths.

When evaluating the utility and synergy in decks that capitalize on sacing creatures for value, Pitiless Plunderer offers a reliable and immediate source of ramp and color fixing. This makes it an exceptional card that stands out among its peers in decks designed around creature sacrifice and death-trigger strategies.

Revel in Riches - MTG Card versions
Black Market - MTG Card versions
Smothering Tithe - MTG Card versions
Revel in Riches - MTG Card versions
Black Market - MTG Card versions
Smothering Tithe - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Pitiless Plunderer. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mardu AggroMardu Aggro GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 11 2024
Mardu SacrificeMardu Sacrifice GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 09 2024
Four-color ZooFour-color Zoo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 08 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Pitiless Plunderer offers a critical edge in generating card advantage, particularly in decks that capitalize on creature deaths. Its ability to turn any creature’s demise into a tangible asset—namely, Treasure tokens—means players can sustain their resources throughout longer games.

Resource Acceleration: This card excels in ramping up resources, generating a Treasure token whenever another creature you control dies. These tokens are a versatile asset, smoothing out mana curves and accelerating the deployment of powerful spells, thereby keeping the pressure on your opponents.

Instant Speed: While Pitiless Plunderer itself isn’t an instant, its triggered ability operates at instant speed. This allows players to benefit from the Treasure tokens immediately, creating opportunities for unexpected plays and casting spells on the opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the Pitiless Plunderer doesn’t directly enforce a discard, it necessitates the sacrifice of other creatures to activate its ability. This can be a double-edged sword if you’re short on creatures you’re willing to lose for a Treasure token.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes one black mana, Pitiless Plunderer may not easily fit into multi-colored decks that don’t heavily feature black mana or have a focus on mana flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though only four mana overall, for a creature that relies on the death of other creatures to generate value, there are alternatives in the same mana cost range that might offer immediate value or pose a larger threat on the board when played.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Pitiless Plunderer offers a broad application across various deck archetypes, thriving in formats that reward the generation of Treasure tokens. Whether inserted in a Commander deck focused on sacrificing creatures or used as a key piece in an engine that capitalizes on token creation, its ability to consistently add to your mana pool each turn is invaluable.

Combo Potential: This card serves as an enabler for numerous combos in MTG. For instance, combined with a card like Revel in Riches, it can set up a victory condition based on Treasure accumulation. Alternatively, it can fuel cost-intensive spells or synergize with artifact strategies, transforming creature deaths into a resource.

Meta-Relevance: In certain metagames where attrition-based strategies prevail, Pitiless Plunderer gains considerable traction. Thanks to its interaction with common gameplay elements like removal and creature sacrifices, it ensures that you come out ahead in trades and that your mana pool remains stocked, making it a relevant addition to many decks.


How to beat Pitiless Plunderer

Pitiless Plunderer has emerged as a formidable asset in Magic: The Gathering, notorious for its ability to ramp up one’s mana pool and fuel various strategies. This card thrives in decks that capitalize on creature sacrifice, generating treasure tokens which can lead to potential game-winning plays. Therefore, overcoming a Pitiless Plunderer requires a blend of preemptive and reactive strategies.

Employing removal spells before the Plunderer’s ability can be activated is crucial. Instant speed removals such as Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy can efficiently handle the Plunderer before it supports a snowball of value. Additionally, graveyard hate cards like Relic of Progenitus can prevent recurring threats from synergizing with the Plunderer.

One should not overlook the importance of managing the board state to minimize sacrificial opportunities. Sweepers like Wrath of God can reset the field, therefore denying the Pitiless Plunderer its utility. In essence, focusing on timely disruption, targeted removal, and strategic field control is paramount to keeping the Plunderer’s advantage at bay.


BurnMana Recommendations

As you delve into the depths of MTG, consider the power of Pitiless Plunderer for your deck. This unique card offers more than just resource acceleration; it’s a cornerstone for strategies hinging on creature demise. Ideal for those who revel in outmaneuvering opponents by turning losses into valuable mana. While preparing for your next confrontation, weigh its pros and cons carefully, ensuring it aligns with your deck’s synergy and playstyle. Discover the impact Pitiless Plunderer can have in your matches and explore tactics to maximize its potential. Join us for in-depth analysis and tips to harness its power fully.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pitiless Plunderer MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan 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 Pitiless Plunderer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Pitiless Plunderer Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2018-01-19 and 2024-03-08. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-01-19Rivals of IxalanRIX 812015NormalBlackDavid Palumbo
22020-09-26The ListPLST RIX-812015NormalBlackDavid Palumbo
32023-11-17Special GuestsSPG 52015NormalBorderlessJohan Grenier
42023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 2082015NormalBlackDavid Palumbo
52024-03-08FalloutPIP 1872015NormalBlackNicholas Gregory
62024-03-08FalloutPIP 7152015NormalBlackNicholas Gregory

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pitiless Plunderer has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Pitiless Plunderer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2018-01-19 If another creature you control dies at the same time as Pitiless Plunderer does, you'll get a Treasure.