Prakhata Pillar-Bug MTG Card
2016-09-30 - Number 228
2020-11-12 - Number 263
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Insect |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
: Prakhata Pillar-Bug gains lifelink until end of turn. (Damage dealt by this creature also causes you to gain that much life.)
Not a mote of dust escapes the dutiful cleaners that keep the exclusive Prakhata Club immaculate.
Cards like Prakhata Pillar-Bug
Prakhata Pillar-Bug holds its own within the landscape of artifact creatures in MTG. Its likeness is often drawn with Foundry Screecher, primarily due to their shared home in the Kaladesh block. Both creatures thrive in decks replete with artifacts, with Foundry Screecher gaining flying if you control an artifact. The Prakhata Pillar-Bug, though void of flight, offers a dependable Lifelink ability that can be a game changer during matches by providing steady life gain.
It’s also worth comparing it to Ironclad Revolutionary, another artifact creature that benefits from having other artifacts on the battlefield. While Ironclad’s ability to bolster itself can swing a game’s momentum, it comes at a higher mana cost and the price of sacrificing another artifact, a trade-off that Pillar-Bug players do not have to worry about.
Therefore, while each of these creatures has its own merits and might fit differently depending on the strategy, Prakhata Pillar-Bug’s balance of low mana cost and the potential for recurring lifegain makes it a notable contender and a valuable asset to artifact-centric decks looking for resilience and longevity in the game.
Cards similar to Prakhata Pillar-Bug by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Although Prakhata Pillar-Bug doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, it can reliably return to the battlefield with its synergies in artifact recovery decks, subtly nudging the card advantage in your favor over the course of a match.
Resource Acceleration: With its moderate casting cost and affordable lifelink activation, Prakhata Pillar-Bug can effectively use mana to bolster your defenses, indirectly leading to enhanced board stability and saving resources for more strategic plays.
Instant Speed: While the Prakhata Pillar-Bug operates at sorcery speed, it works well with instant speed support spells. Its lifelink ability can be activated when needed during combat, allowing you to surprise opponents and gain life when most advantageous.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Prakhata Pillar-Bug doesn’t directly require a discard, it does sometimes necessitate additional resources to enable its lifelink ability. This can lead to a situation where you’re pressured to use up valuable cards to activate its potential.
Specific Mana Cost: Prakhata Pillar-Bug requires both generic and black mana to cast. This specific mana requirement can be restrictive for multicolored decks not heavily focused on black mana, possibly leading to it being a less than optimal choice in decks with a wide mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one black, Prakhata Pillar-Bug is a card that players may find is not particularly mana-efficient. Given its modest stats and the additional mana needed to use its lifelink ability, there are alternative creatures or artifacts that might provide greater value or impact on the game sooner.
Reasons to Include Prakhata Pillar-Bug in Your Collection
Versatility: Prakhata Pillar-Bug shines in decks that focus on artifact synergies or need a reliable blocker. With its lifelink ability, it serves as a solid option for defensive strategies, while still offering an offensive angle that can support your life total.
Combo Potential: This creature can be a key piece in artifact-centric combos. Its low casting cost makes it an easy play, allowing you to set up your board for more complex plays. In an energy-focused deck, the bug seamlessly integrates by providing an alternative energy sink.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where aggressive strategies are common, having a lifelink creature can be crucial. Prakhata Pillar-Bug can effectively deter attackers and prolong the game, giving you the upper hand against faster decks that are unable to bypass its lifelink defense.
How to beat
The Prakhata Pillar-Bug may not stand out as the most formidable creature in the game, but it does come equipped with lifelink, giving it a subtle edge especially in the early game. Navigating around this seemingly minor trait is crucial for maintaining control of the battlefield. One effective tactic is utilizing removal spells that can bypass the lifelink ability, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, eliminating the creature before it becomes a nuisance.
Another approach to consider is blocking strategies. Engage creatures with higher toughness to ensure the Pillar-Bug’s damage is fully absorbed without losing your creatures, mitigating the effect of its lifelink. Lastly, take advantage of the fact that Prakhata Pillar-Bug requires additional mana to activate its lifelink. Applying pressure to your opponent’s mana resources can restrict the activation of this ability, subsequently reducing the impact of Prakhata Pillar-Bug’s presence on the board.
Remember, while Prakhata Pillar-Bug poses a low threat, keeping its lifelink in check is key to securing your lead in the match. Smart removal and strategic blocking can minimize the advantage it gives to your opponent, aiding you towards victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Prakhata Pillar-Bug MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and Kaladesh Remastered, 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 Prakhata Pillar-Bug 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 Prakhata Pillar-Bug Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by Jason Felix.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-09-30 | Kaladesh | KLD | 228 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix | |
| 2 | 2020-11-12 | Kaladesh Remastered | KLR | 263 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Prakhata Pillar-Bug has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Prakhata Pillar-Bug card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-09-20 | multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant. |