Reef Worm MTG Card

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Reef Worm is an impressive engine for card advantage in MTG. When it dies, it leaves a creature token behind, with each subsequent token being larger than the last. This progression ultimately culminates in the formidable Kraken token, providing multiple threats from a single card investment.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly acting as a resource accelerator, the multi-stage tokens that spawn from Reef Worm can serve in mana strategies. This is due to the progressively larger tokens which can be leveraged for various sacrifice-based mechanics, effectively aiding in ramping up resources or other gameplay advantages.

Instant Speed: Although Reef Worm itself isn’t an instant, its ability to deter opponents from attacking or using removal spells can be akin to the defensive utility of instant speed spells. Knowing that killing the worm will only replace it with something bigger creates a strategic deterrent, functioning as a form of combat trick without needing to be cast at instant speed.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Reef Worm doesn’t ask for a discard, building the right environment for it to thrive can sometimes require strategic hand management that functions similarly to a discard requirement. Ensuring you hold onto the card until the perfect moment can sometimes mean discarding other valuable cards to maintain pace against opponents.

Specific Mana Cost: Reef Worm demands a specific mana combination to be played: three blue and one of any color. This requirement makes it less flexible, especially for decks that either aren’t mono-blue or don’t heavily feature blue mana in their construction. Without the right mana base, casting Reef Worm can become challenging.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of four, Reef Worm could be seen as a significant investment, particularly since its initial impact on the board is minimal—a mere 0/1 creature. Other creatures or spells at a similar cost could potentially offer a more immediate threat or value upon entering the battlefield.

Reasons to Include Reef Worm in Your Collection

Versatility: Reef Worm is a unique card that can seamlessly adapt to different play styles. It’s an excellent choice for commander and casual decks that thrive on resilience. Each time it dies, it replaces itself with an increasingly powerful creature, making it useful in a variety of situations.

Combo Potential: This card has great synergy with strategies that capitalize on sacrifice effects and death triggers. Combining Reef Worm with cards like Ashnod’s Altar or Altar of Dementia can create powerful interactions, leading to significant advantages over your opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta heavy with board wipes and removal, Reef Worm can be a persistent threat that demands an answer – and punishes players who can’t find one. Its ability to escalate its presence on the battlefield makes it a card worth considering when building your deck.

How to beat

Reef Worm is an intriguing creature in MTG that can pose a substantial challenge to overcome due to its resiliency. Upon death, it replaces itself with a progressively larger creature, making it a persistent threat. Handling Reef Worm effectively requires strategy – exile effects or graveyard disruption are key. Utilizing cards with exile abilities like Path to Exile or Leyline of the Void can prevent the worm from unleashing its larger forms. Alternatively, cards like Rest in Peace can neutralize the advantage by removing its ability to generate tokens after hitting the graveyard. Ensuring that Reef Worm’s abilities never trigger can turn the tide of the game by managing what could otherwise become an escalating problem.