Vraska, Swarm's Eminence MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Planeswalker — Vraska
Loyalty 5

Key Takeaways

  1. Card advantage gained through proliferate and combat with creature tokens ensures resource sustainability.
  2. Creation of deathtouch tokens helps control the battlefield and protect valuable permanents.
  3. Flexible gameplay enhanced by combo potentials with instant speed cards and proliferate mechanics.

Text of card

Whenever a creature you control with deathtouch deals damage to a player or planeswalker, put a +1/+1 counter on that creature.
-2: Create a 1/1 black Assassin creature token with deathtouch and "Whenever this creature deals damage to a planeswalker, destroy that planeswalker."


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Vraska Swarm’s Eminence excels at providing a consistent advantage through its ability to create additional creature tokens. Every time you proliferate or a creature token you control deals combat damage to a player, you get to draw a card, thus refilling your hand and giving you more options for future turns.

Resource Acceleration: By enabling the creation of deathtouch tokens, this card indirectly accelerates your resources. These tokens can be a deterrent for opponents, protecting your life total and other valuable permanents, which in turn allows you to safely build up your mana base and other resources without as much pressure from the opposing side.

Instant Speed: Though Vraska Swarm’s Eminence itself is not an instant, it synergizes well with cards that operate at instant speed. This allows you to maintain flexibility in your game plan, holding back mana for instant speed interactions, and then using it to create deathtouch tokens should no immediate threats arise, steadily populating the board on your turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Players must be aware that using Vraska Swarm’s Eminence can sometimes demand sacrifices in hand advantage. Needing to discard a card to fully utilize its abilities means you might be giving up essential resources, which is particularly risky when your hand options are already dwindling.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s strength is partially tied to its Golgari colors, making it a perfect fit for green and black deck strategies. However, this specific mana requirement can be a hurdle in multicolor decks or formats where mana flexibility is critical. It may not synergize well outside of its designated color pair, potentially limiting its versatility in broader playstyles.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even though the loyalty abilities of Vraska Swarm’s Eminence can be potent, it’s important to consider the cost-to-benefit ratio. With a relatively high mana investment needed to bring this planeswalker into play, players might find that there are alternative cards that could slot into their deck more efficiently or offer greater value in the earlier stages of the game.


Reasons to Include Vraska Swarm’s Eminence in Your Collection

Versatility: Vraska Swarm’s Eminence is a card that seamlessly fits into various deck archetypes, particularly those revolving around +1/+1 counters or token generation. Its ability to generate deathtouch tokens can prove invaluable for both offensive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: With a knack for synergizing with proliferate mechanics or cards that benefit from creature death, this planeswalker can become the cornerstone of intricate combos leading to impressive board states and potential win conditions.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Vraska offers unique value. Her passive ability impacts the board immediately by strengthening your creatures and can sway the tide of a match when used effectively.


How to Beat Vraska Swarm’s Eminence

Overcoming Vraska Swarm’s Eminence in a game of Magic: The Gathering hinges on disrupting the synergies it fosters. Known for boosting the potency of Deathtouch creatures, Vraska not only strengthens their combat presence but also capitalizes on their ability to deal damage by creating Assassin tokens. To counter this strategy, remove key deathtouch creatures before they can become an issue or use spells that prevent your opponent’s creatures from dealing damage.

Board wipes are particularly effective as they clear multiple threats at once. Cards like Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the field, leaving Vraska without minions to empower. In addition, using enchantment removal such as Return to Nature can directly eliminate Vraska before her loyalty ability becomes a recurring problem. It is also beneficial to apply pressure with your own creatures or strategies, forcing your opponent to react defensively rather than allowing them to build up a formidable assembly of deathtouch creatures.

Always be vigilant about the board state and try to maintain control. With the right strategy and timely interventions, Vraska Swarm’s Eminence can be managed effectively, reducing the impact of this formidable planeswalker on the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Unveiling the intricate layers of MTG can be as complex as it is rewarding, especially when it involves masterfully utilizing cards like Vraska Swarm’s Eminence. Commanding this card reaps benefits for token and counter-strategic play. Emphasizing its role in your collection could transform your deck into an imposing tableau that rivals the best. As Vraska weaves her web of deathtouch across the board, your deck becomes a showcase of deadly elegance. Eager to refine your deck and outmaneuver your opponents with precision? Dive deeper with us to optimize your gameplay and add that strategic edge to your MTG arsenal. Discover more to ensure your next encounter is not just a mere duel, but a testament to your prowess.


Cards like Vraska, Swarm's Eminence

Vraska Swarm’s Eminence stands out in the MTG universe as a go-to card for players fond of proliferate and token strategies. It shares similarities with another popular planeswalker, Garruk, Primal Hunter, which also excels in creating creature tokens. However, Vraska’s ability to place a deathtouch counter and support proliferate maneuvers adds a layer of tactical depth, offering a unique edge in the battlefield.

Then there’s Sorin, Imperious Bloodlord, which similarly influences the board by empowering vampire creatures. While both planewalkers can buff creatures, Vraska’s focus on deathtouch provides a defensive advantage. Comparably, Sorin’s vampire-boosting abilities cater to a more aggressive style of play.

Assessing the utility of Vraska Swarm’s Eminence within the planeswalker archetype, its specialized role in enhancing creatures with deathtouch and strengthening token strategies ensures its solid position in the MTG meta. It’s a compelling pick for those who appreciate subtle control and incremental advantage.

Garruk, Primal Hunter - MTG Card versions
Sorin, Imperious Bloodlord - MTG Card versions
Garruk, Primal Hunter - Magic 2012 (M12)
Sorin, Imperious Bloodlord - Core Set 2020 (M20)

Cards similar to Vraska, Swarm's Eminence by color, type and mana cost

Nissa of Shadowed Boughs - MTG Card versions
Tyvar Kell - MTG Card versions
Vraska, Golgari Queen - MTG Card versions
Garruk Relentless // Garruk, the Veil-Cursed - MTG Card versions
A-Tyvar Kell - MTG Card versions
Nissa of Shadowed Boughs - Zendikar Rising (ZNR)
Tyvar Kell - Kaldheim Promos (PKHM)
Vraska, Golgari Queen - Secret Lair Drop (SLD)
Garruk Relentless // Garruk, the Veil-Cursed - From Cute to Brute (PCTB)
A-Tyvar Kell - Kaldheim (KHM)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Vraska, Swarm's Eminence MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, 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 Vraska, Swarm's Eminence and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Vraska, Swarm's Eminence Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2019-05-03 and 2019-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 780232015normalblackAnna Steinbauer
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 722892015normalblackRyota Murayama
32019-05-03War of the SparkWAR 236★2015normalblackRyota Murayama
42019-05-03War of the SparkWAR 2362015normalblackAnna Steinbauer
52019-05-04War of the Spark PromosPWAR 236s2015normalblackAnna Steinbauer
62019-05-04War of the Spark PromosPWAR 236s★2015normalblackRyota Murayama
72019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 5362015normalblackAnna Steinbauer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Vraska, Swarm's Eminence has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

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