Putrid Imp MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 1 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Creature — Zombie Imp |
Abilities | Threshold |
Power | 1 |
Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Discard a card from your hand: Putrid Imp gains flying until end of turn. Threshold Putrid Imp gets +1/+1 and can't block. (You have threshold as long as seven or more cards are in your graveyard.)
Cards like Putrid Imp
Putrid Imp finds its niche in Magic: The Gathering as a nimble creature that elegantly synergizes with graveyard strategies. It shares traits with cards like Wild Mongrel, letting players discard cards to tailor their hand and power up the creature simultaneously. Unlike Wild Mongrel, which can adjust its color to dodge targeted removal, Putrid Imp focuses on a singular goal – getting cards into the graveyard quickly, which can be crucial for reanimation tactics or powering up threshold abilities.
Another card of note is Insolent Neonate. Although it provides a one-off discard and draw effect, the Neonate is more about that immediate burst of graveyard setup, whereas Putrid Imp offers a repeatable option if left unchecked. Moreover, Putrid Imp’s threshold bonus of gaining flying makes it an evasive threat once you’ve stocked your graveyard adequately, something the Neonate lacks. Lastly, we find Lotleth Troll as a resilient comparison. The Troll, with its regeneration ability, survives most removal, but it comes at the cost of heftier mana investment than the nimble Putrid Imp.
Arguably, when considering the balance between cost, effect, and synergy with various MTG strategies, Putrid Imp stands out as an efficient and highly compatible creature for decks aiming to leverage the graveyard as a resource.
Cards similar to Putrid Imp by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Putrid Imp. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
LED 5c | Legacy | LED Dredge | Legacy Challenge 64 2024-02-25 | |
LED 4c | Legacy | LED Dredge | Legacy Challenge 32 2024-04-27 (1) | |
Madness | Legacy | Madness | Legacy Challenge 32 2024-03-09 | |
Jund Madness | Legacy | Madness | 2 LPL OPEN - SEASON V - Liga Paulista Legacy | |
Golgari Loam | Legacy | 3 Etapa - 3 Liga Legacy Jundia | ||
Mono-Black Burn | Pauper | Black Burn | Liga Gacha de Pauper 2024 - Etapa 2 | |
4-color Loam | Legacy | 2 Etapa - 3 Liga Legacy Jundia | ||
WUBRG | Legacy | Legacy Preliminary 2024-03-06 | ||
Grixis Dredge | Legacy | LED Dredge | Charlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 9 | |
Sultai Hogaak | Legacy | Hogaak | 100 / The 100th Legacy at Home |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Putrid Imp offers a strategic edge by enabling graveyard synergy, which in turn can bolster your hand with cards that interact with the graveyard, setting you up for advantageous plays.
Resource Acceleration: This card excels in decks that thrive on rapid graveyard filling. By discarding cards, particularly those with threshold or abilities that trigger from the graveyard, Putrid Imp becomes a catalyzing force for resource acceleration.
Instant Speed: Putrid Imp’s discard ability doesn’t use the stack, allowing you to discard cards at instant speed. This not only disrupts your opponent’s expectations but can also serve as a surprise tactic, preparing your graveyard for immediate reanimation strategies or threshold activation without warning.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Putrid Imp card demands discarding another card to achieve threshold and gain the advantageous flying ability. This prerequisite could be detrimental, especially in tight situations where maintaining a full hand is crucial for strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Putrid Imp’s casting cost requires black mana, which necessarily confines it to black decks or those that can accommodate a black mana curve. This might limit the card’s versatility in various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although offering the utility of becoming a flying creature, the Putrid Imp’s mana cost is a significant investment for an ability that hinges on possessing seven or more cards in the graveyard. In competitive play, other cards might provide more immediate impact or better graveyard-enabling mechanics without the burden of a high discard threshold.
Reasons to Include Putrid Imp in Your Collection
Versatility: Putrid Imp offers more than a simple creature card. Its ability to gain flying when threshold is met makes it a flexible option for both early defense and late-game offense. It’s an asset in decks that need a one-drop with a solid presence on the board.
Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with graveyard-centric strategies. Its discard ability is key in setups that leverage graveyard manipulation, enabling powerful synergies with reanimator spells or enabling threshold quickly for various advantages.
Meta-Relevance: Putrid Imp holds its own in metas heavy with graveyard interaction. As graveyard strategies fluctuate in popularity, cards like Putrid Imp that facilitate such playstyles maintain relevance and can become pivotal in many matchups.
How to beat
Putrid Imp is a well-known creature card that can upset the balance of any game with its discard ability and threshold granting it flying. Tackling this card head-on requires a strategic approach. While the Imp enables graveyard strategies by discarding cards, its one toughness makes it susceptible to removal. Simple spells like Shock or Fatal Push can easily eliminate Putrid Imp before its abilities become a major threat. Moreover, graveyard hate cards, such as Rest in Peace or Scavenging Ooze, can neutralize the advantages gained from stocking the graveyard, rendering the Imp’s strategy ineffective.
Preventing the Imp from reaching its threshold is also key. This can be done by limiting the number of cards your opponent can discard or by using cards that shuffle the graveyard back into the library. It’s essential to be mindful of the cards Putrid Imp could enable, like reanimation spells or creatures with delve, and prepare your deck with appropriate counters or removal. Proactive tactics will help you maintain control and minimize the impact of Putrid Imp’s abilities in your games.
BurnMana Recommendations
As we delve into the depths of card strategy, Putrid Imp emerges as a unique piece in your MTG arsenal, bringing graveyard dynamics front and center. This creature is a staple for crafty players who manipulate the graveyard to unlock powerful plays. Its repeatable discard ability becomes a game-changer, supporting strategies that few cards can parallel. Embrace the nuances of Putrid Imp, and let it unlock new levels of play for you. Discover the card’s full potential and integrate it into your repertoire to elevate your deck’s performance. Curious about how to effectively integrate Putrid Imp into your build? Join us for in-depth tactics and expert guidance on maximizing your MTG strategies.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Putrid Imp MTG card by a specific set like Torment and Premium Deck Series: Graveborn, 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 Putrid Imp 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Putrid Imp Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2002-02-04 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by Wayne England.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2002-02-04 | Torment | TOR | 77 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Wayne England | |
2 | 2011-11-18 | Premium Deck Series: Graveborn | PD3 | 1 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Wayne England | |
3 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 135 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne England |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Putrid Imp has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |