Infernal Genesis MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Rare
Type	Enchantment
Abilities	Mill
Released	2000-06-05
Set symbol
Set name	Prophecy
Set code	PCY
Number	68
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Ron Spencer

Key Takeaways

Infernal Genesis creates tokens continuously, boosting board presence and creature count over time.
Diverse strategies benefit from its token generation, especially in graveyard and sacrifice-based decks.
While potent, the high mana cost and color specificity require careful deck building consideration.

Text of card

At the beginning of each player's upkeep, that player puts the top card of his or her library into his or her graveyard. He or she then puts X 1/1 black Minion creature tokens into play, where X is that card's converted mana cost.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Infernal Genesis is known for its potential to tip the scales toward a considerable card advantage. It continuously populates the field with creature tokens, which can translate into an overwhelming board presence as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: This card offers an indirect form of resource acceleration by swelling your army with tokens each turn. While it doesn’t directly ramp your mana, having a growing number of creatures can be advantageous for strategies that capitalize on creature count or sacrifice mechanics.

Instant Speed: Although Infernal Genesis does not operate at instant speed, its ability significantly influences the state of the game at the beginning of every upkeep. This continuous effect ensures that you’re developing your resources even when it’s not your turn, making it a deceptively powerful asset over time.

Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Infernal Genesis requires a certain commitment to black mana, demanding three black sources to be cast. This specific mana configuration can challenge deck building, particularly for those who prefer a more diverse color base in their play strategy.

Discard Requirement: While this card doesn’t necessitate discarding directly, its effect could potentially lead to an unfavorable discard situation. Each player mills a card each upkeep, possibly forcing the card owner to let go of strategic spells unintentionally.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of six mana, Infernal Genesis sits on the higher end of the mana curve. This cost means it plays later in the game, which could be a setback when up against decks designed to win quickly.

Reasons to Include Infernal Genesis in Your Collection

Versatility: Infernal Genesis is a unique addition to decks that capitalize on creature count or graveyard strategies. It’s not just a card for any deck; it’s a powerful engine in the right environment.

Combo Potential: The card synergizes well with effects that reward you for sacrificing creatures or those that benefit from having many creatures enter or leave the battlefield. It can become a cornerstone in a combo-centric build, especially in a multiplayer game format

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where players tend to build up substantial board presences, Infernal Genesis could level the playing field. Additionally, in metas where graveyard interactions are prevalent, this card shines by populating your graveyard, setting up for potential powerful plays.

How to beat

Overcoming Infernal Genesis from the world of Magic: The Gathering requires strategic plays and understanding its unique mechanics. This peculiar enchantment has the power to flood the battlefield with creature tokens not only for you but for your opponents as well, at every upkeep. The key to turning Infernal Genesis to your advantage is to ensure that you’re better equipped to utilize the minions it creates.

Controlling the board is essential, and, as such, cards with global removal abilities become vital. Consider mass removal spells that can clear out token creatures efficiently, ensuring that the advantage given by the enchantment doesn’t overwhelm you. Additionally, decks with strong graveyard synergy can benefit from the creatures Infernal Genesis sends to the graveyard, giving you an edge in resource utilization. Effective use of sacrifice outlets can also turn the tokens into valuable resources while denying your opponent the chance to use them against you.

Ultimately, knowing when to play Infernal Genesis and when to prepare for its effects can be the difference between leveraging its power or succumbing to an unruly horde of tokens. Always be aware of both your own strategy and your opponent’s when deciding how to tackle this formidable enchantment.

Cards like Infernal Genesis

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Infernal Genesis stands out amongst cards that manipulate both players’ libraries and creature potential. It bears some resemblance to cards like Dread Summons, which mills all players for a certain amount and creates zombie tokens equal to the number of non-token creatures milled this way. Infernal Genesis, however, has a unique twist as it puts a creature token into play under a player’s control at each of their upkeeps, depending on the top card of their library. Meanwhile, Dread Summons can be a more controlled mill as it depends on X mana spent.

Furthermore, an analog to Infernal Genesis’s effect might be seen in Forbidden Ritual, which has a similar feel but operates differently. Instead of token generation, it forces opponents to sacrifice a creature for each black mana spent. Where Infernal Genesis can benefit everyone, Forbidden Ritual is one-sided. Poofly Grayborn, another spell to compare, creates tokens based on life loss, but unlike Infernal Genesis, it does not involve the library.

While each card brings a distinct aspect to the gameplay, Infernal Genesis commands a peculiar position with its unconditional and potentially symmetric effect, making it an intriguing choice for players looking to add a wildcard element to the battlefield.

Cards similar to Infernal Genesis by color, type and mana cost

Archetype of Finality - MTG Card versions

Curse of Fool's Wisdom - MTG Card versions

Enemy of Enlightenment - MTG Card versions

Demon of Fate's Design - MTG Card versions

Genesis of the Daleks - MTG Card versions

Vault 12: The Necropolis - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Infernal Genesis MTG card by a specific set like Prophecy, 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 Infernal Genesis and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Infernal Genesis has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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