Rotlung Reanimator MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Zombie Cleric |
| Released | 2002-10-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Onslaught |
| Set code | ONS |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 164 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Thomas M. Baxa |
Text of card
Whenever Rotlung Reanimator or another Cleric is put into a graveyard from play, put a 2/2 black Zombie creature token into play.
Cards like Rotlung Reanimator
Rotlung Reanimator is a niche piece in the vast puzzle of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its mechanic resonates with that of Xathrid Necromancer, which also has an ability that converts the death of certain creatures into tokens. Where Necromancer focuses on Humans, Rotlung Reanimator specifically targets Cleric creatures. The Reanimator, however, fabricates a 2/2 black Zombie creature token, a slight upgrade from the Necromancer’s 2/2 black Zombie with no creature type.
Examining cards like Teysa, Orzhov Scion reveals a similar dynamic. Teysa can sacrifice three white creatures to exile a target creature, and whenever another black creature you control dies, it generates a 1/1 white Spirit creature token with flying. The ability to produce flying tokens gives Teysa an edge in terms of potential board control and evasion capabilities.
Reviewing these cards’ dynamics, although they operate under different conditions and with distinct creature types, the ability to use creature deaths as a trigger to gain resources positions Rotlung Reanimator as an intriguing option within creature-based MTG strategies, delineating a unique path for deck builders enamored with the clever interplay of tokens and creature types.
Cards similar to Rotlung Reanimator by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Rotlung Reanimator. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Black Aggro | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 9:30 am |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rotlung Reanimator, when in play, has the potential to provide a continuous stream of creature cards. Should any Cleric creatures you control face destruction, you are immediately compensated with a 2/2 Zombie token, thus maintaining or even expanding your presence on the battlefield and offering an ongoing card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct source of mana, the 2/2 Zombie tokens generated provide an advancing board state that can be harnessed for various strategies, including ramping up for significant late-game plays or fuelling sacrificial abilities that result in resource acceleration.
Instant Speed: While Rotlung Reanimator itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it synergizes exceptionally well with other instant speed removal or Cleric spells. This interaction ensures that you can adapt to your opponent’s moves, creating Zombies at a moment’s notice and keeping your strategy both flexible and formidable.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Rotlung Reanimator requires careful graveyard management, and without reliable ways to populate the graveyard, it might not reach its full potential.
Specific Mana Cost: This card has an exclusive black mana cost, restricting its integration into multicolored decks without consistent mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including two black, it may be considered steep for players looking to optimize mana curves, especially when other lower-cost creatures could provide immediate impact on the game state.
Reasons to Include Rotlung Reanimator in Your Collection
Versatility: Rotlung Reanimator offers a unique function by creating creature tokens upon the death of your Clerics, making it a solid inclusion in tribal or aristocrat-themed decks. Its seamless integration into a variety of strategies enhances your deck’s resilience and adaptability.
Combo Potential: With the ability to consistently spawn 2/2 Zombie tokens, Rotlung Reanimator is ripe for combination with sac outlets or death-triggered effects, enabling potential infinite loops or overwhelming board states that can swiftly tip the scales in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Rotlung Reanimator becomes a persistent threat. Each Cleric’s demise forges new obstacles for opponents, maintaining your board presence and pressuring the opponent’s resources.
How to beat
Rotlung Reanimator presents a unique challenge for players in the world of Magic: The Gathering. As a creature that generates a 2/2 Zombie token whenever another Cleric you control dies, Rotlung Reanimator can quickly populate the battlefield, providing a relentless march of undead for your opponent. To effectively counter this, removals that exile, like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, become extremely valuable, preventing the death trigger from generating a token.
Graveyard hate cards are also a prime solution to curb the Reanimator’s impact. Cards like Tormod’s Crypt or Relic of Progenitus can be used to target the graveyard, ensuring that Rotlung Reanimator’s ability doesn’t turn into a strategic advantage for your opponent. Keeping the board clear of Clerics with selective removal spells and board wipes like Wrath of God can also prevent the reanimation chain from starting.
Moreover, leveraging instant-speed interaction disrupts your opponent’s ability to respond on their terms, making your approach more unpredictable and robust. By staying one step ahead and preventing their Cleric synergies from ever taking hold, you can maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rotlung Reanimator MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Rotlung Reanimator 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rotlung Reanimator has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |