Sarevok, Divine Usurper MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Knight |
| Abilities | First strike |
| Released | 2022-07-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate |
| Set code | HBG |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 9w |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ben Hill |
Text of card
First strike At the beginning of combat on your turn, target creature you control gains first strike and gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is the number of creature cards in your graveyard.
Cards like Sarevok, Divine Usurper
Sarevok, Divine Usurper emerges as a powerful contender in the pantheon of creature spells. Its closest counterparts in MTG may include the likes of Tergrid, God of Fright, who similarly haunts the battlefield with her ability to claim opponents’ cards. However, Sarevok distinguishes himself with his innate hexproof from white and blue, granting him resilience against a swath of common removal spells. Tergrid lacks this innate protection, instead relying on her flip side, Tergrid’s Lantern, to impact the game from a different angle.
In correspondence with Erebos, Bleak-Hearted, Sarevok also thrives on the sacrifice theme, but whilst Erebos capitalizes on consistent card advantage and life loss for opponents, Sarevok’s single-triggered ability allows for the direct theft of a creature or planeswalker. This immediate impact can swing games drastically, setting Sarevok apart from Erebos’s more gradual strategy. Moreover, with the advantage of higher toughness, Sarevok stands better in face of combat against other creatures.
The distinctiveness of Sarevok, Divine Usurper firmly cements its place in MTG as a creature capable of turning the tide in battle while remaining shielded from some of the most prevalent control colors, painting it as a valuable addition to any deck that can leverage its unique attributes.
Cards similar to Sarevok, Divine Usurper by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sarevok, Divine Usurper ensures that when it attacks or blocks, you delve into your deck’s resources by exiling cards from graveyards. This may lead to drawing cards if creatures are exiled this way, setting you ahead in the game and undercutting your opponent’s plans.
Resource Acceleration: As a potentially early drop with a cost of three mana, Sarevok helps you build battlefield presence quickly. Moreover, the ability to exile cards from graveyards can disrupt opponents’ strategies, indirectly accelerating your resource dominance.
Instant Speed: While Sarevok itself is not an instant, it can instantaneously impact the game by transforming from the command zone when a creature dies. This surprise factor can realign the tempo of the game in your favor, making Sarevok a versatile threat that can be hard to plan against.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sarevok, Divine Usurper commands a discard from your hand to activate one of its key abilities, this could set you back when your hand is already depleted, making it a risky choice during critical situations where card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific and somewhat rigid mana cost, including both black and white mana. This requirement can be tricky for decks not tailored to precisely accommodate such mana needs, potentially limiting its inclusion to mainly Orzhov or multicolored decks that can reliably produce both colors of mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is on the higher side, Sarevok, Divine Usurper could be seen as an investment that might not always align with your game strategy, especially when lower-cost cards could provide more immediate impact or when the game tempo favors early- to mid-game actions and board development.
Reasons to Include Sarevok, Divine Usurper in Your Collection
Versatility: Sarevok, Divine Usurper brings a level of adaptability to the table that few cards can match. This card can be a game-changer whether you’re defending against a barrage of creatures or looking to take control of an opponent’s threat.
Combo Potential: Well-known for its synergy with other cards, Sarevok, Divine Usurper can be the linchpin in a combo that decisively turns the game in your favor. Its ability to interact with numerous strategies makes it a potent tool for inventive deck builders.
Meta-Relevance: In an ever-shifting battlefield, keeping up with the meta is crucial. Sarevok, Divine Usurper has a place in the current competitive scene, providing strong control elements and versatility that can pivot a match’s outcome, making it a valuable addition for those vying for an edge in tournament play.
How to beat
Sarevok, Divine Usurper presents a unique challenge on the battlefield for many Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. The resilience of this card lies in its ability to cheat death and reincarnate through its Encore ability, leaving opponents with more than just the original threat to deal with. In facing such an adversary, one must think strategically about removal options.
Counterspells play a pivotal role in mitigating the initial casting of Sarevok, while graveyard hate can be key in staving off the Encore from ever taking place. Direct removals are also effective, yet timing is essential; it’s prudent to delay the use until the last possible moment, this way hindering any potential recursion Sarevok might have lined up. By carefully choosing when and how to deploy your spells, you can maintain control over an opponent’s Sarevok threat, and keep your opponent’s plans at bay.
It’s also vital to have a plan for the creatures that Sarevok brings back with its Encore ability. Board wipes or spells that exile creatures ensure that these copies don’t overwhelm you. Always keep an eye on the balance of power on the board and be ready to adapt your strategy in order to triumph over Sarevok, Divine Usurper.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sarevok, Divine Usurper MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Sarevok, Divine Usurper and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
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- MTG Mint Card
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