Sarevok the Usurper MTG Card


Provides card advantage by drawing extra cards with combat damage, enhancing long game strategies. Offers cost reduction for spells, increasing tempo and allowing quicker threat deployment. Encourages a reactive playstyle, pairing well with instant-speed spells for greater battlefield control.
Sarevok the Usurper - Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Knight
Abilities Specialize
Released2022-07-07
Set symbol
Set nameAlchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate
Set codeHBG
Power 3
Toughness 3
Number9
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byBen Hill

Text of card

Specialize At the beginning of combat on your turn, target creature you control gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is the number of creature cards in your graveyard.


Cards like Sarevok the Usurper

Sarevok the Usurper introduces a dynamic aspect to creature cards with its unique abilities, reminiscent of other powerful figures in Magic: The Gathering. It bears comparison to cards like Erebos, Bleak-Hearted, which similarly affects the battlefield by drawing upon the death of creatures. However, Sarevok the Usurper distinguishes itself with its ability to grow stronger from these events, gaining menace and making it a formidable threat.

Sarevok’s ability to act as a game finisher can be likened to Massacre Girl who also capitalizes on creature deaths. Although the latter clears the board in a different way, both can decisively shift game momentum. Another comparable card is Kalitas, Traitor of Ghet, which also offers benefits from enemy creatures dying but instead of menace, it solidifies your board presence through Zombie tokens.

The strategic nuances these cards bring to the table highlight the multifaceted nature of creature-based interactions in Magic: The Gathering. Players considering Sarevok will find its aggressive capabilities and situationally advantageous abilities make it a strong contender for decks needing a catalyst for closing games.

Erebos, Bleak-Hearted - MTG Card versions
Massacre Girl - MTG Card versions
Kalitas, Traitor of Ghet - MTG Card versions
Erebos, Bleak-Hearted - MTG Card versions
Massacre Girl - MTG Card versions
Kalitas, Traitor of Ghet - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sarevok the Usurper by color, type and mana cost

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Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Dirge Bat - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Bad Ass - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sarevok the Usurper elevates your board position by enabling you to pull ahead with additional draws when it deals combat damage. This feature is particularly potent as it empowers your strategy by providing a consistent flow of resources, crucial for outmaneuvering opponents in the long game.

Resource Acceleration: By potentially reducing the cost of your spells upon killing an opponent’s creature, Sarevok offers a significant tempo boost allowing you to deploy threats or answers at a faster rate. This form of indirect resource acceleration can swing games in your favor by efficiently utilizing your mana each turn.

Instant Speed: Although Sarevok itself does not operate at instant speed, it interacts favorably with other cards in your deck that do. This aspect encourages a reactive playstyle, where you can capitalize on the flexibility of instant-speed spells to further the advantages gained by Sarevok’s presence on the battlefield.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sarevok the Usurper’s abilities come with the caveat of needing to discard, potentially diminishing your hand and affecting your gameplay strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: With a stringent mana cost that requires both black and colorless, integrating Sarevok the Usurper into a multicolored deck could pose a challenge for players.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: It demands a significant amount of mana to play Sarevok the Usurper. This can be a setback when attempting to establish board presence or when competing against decks that operate efficiently with lower mana curves.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sarevok the Usurper is a chameleonic presence in any MTG deck, seamlessly integrating into multiple playstyles. Its ability to act as both a threat and a utility card makes it a smart addition for players looking for dynamic options.

Combo Potential: With its unique combination of abilities, Sarevok the Usurper harbors significant combo potential. It can serve as a linchpin for intricate plays, unlocking new avenues for experienced players to explore and exploit.

Meta-Relevance: Given a meta constantly in flux, a card like Sarevok the Usurper can adapt and remain applicable. Its versatile nature ensures it can hold its own against a variety of popular strategies, making it a timely and tactical choice for your MTG arsenal.


How to beat

Sarevok the Usurper presents a unique challenge on the battlefield for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. With its ability to control the board by forcing opponents to sacrifice creatures, overcoming this powerful adversary requires strategic maneuvering. To circumvent its dominating presence, consider employing removal spells that can bypass its protections or using counterspells to prevent it from hitting the field in the first place.

In situations where Sarevok is on the table, altering your strategy to focus on indirect damage or spells that don’t target can mitigate the impact of its abilities. Moreover, employing creatures with hexproof or indestructible attributes can help maintain a board presence despite Sarevok’s sacrificial demands. Cards that offer you card advantage or can recur from the graveyard can also offset the disadvantages posed by Sarevok’s recurring ability to disrupt your game plan.

Ultimately, while Sarevok the Usurper poses a formidable threat in MTG, a well-constructed deck with a focus on resilience and adaptability can stand against it. Be sure to include a variety of answers in your arsenal, and keep in mind the importance of timing and resource management when countering this powerful card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sarevok the 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 the Usurper and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sarevok the Usurper has restrictions

FormatLegality
GladiatorLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
TimelessLegal