Sickle Ripper MTG Card
2008-05-02 - Number 77
2015-05-22 - Number 96
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elemental Warrior |
| Abilities | Wither |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Wither (This deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters.)
His sickle was forged in the heat of another cinder's funeral pyre.
Cards like Sickle Ripper
Sickle Ripper slips smoothly into Magic: The Gathering’s realm of wither creatures as a menacing staple. Its wither ability places it in league with cards such as Everlasting Torment, which bestows the same persistent weakening effect upon opponents’ creatures during damage. Yet, Sickle Ripper offers more than just consistent creature diminishment with its standalone combat prowess.
When it comes to comparables, the Blight Sickle artifact resonates with its namesake’s intent, by giving any creature the potential to inflict wither. This, however, requires an additional resource investment unlike the Ripper, which comes ready with innate wither capability. Necroskitter is another card akin to the theme, not only employing wither but also seizing control of creatures it withers away, albeit at a higher mana cost and complexity.
Analyzing these options reveals the Sickle Ripper’s value in a deck focused on wither strategies, offering a swift and efficient way to start cutting down the opposition from the early turns of the game. Its blend of aggressive nature and disruptive wither ability positions it interestingly in the MTG ecosystem for players valuing steady board control.
Cards similar to Sickle Ripper by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Though the Sickle Ripper doesn’t directly lead to drawing cards, it presents a persistent threat that demands an answer. Its evasion through the swampwalk ability can apply pressure on the opponent, potentially forcing them to expend more resources to handle it than you invested in playing it.
Resource Acceleration: Sickle Ripper may not produce mana or increase resources directly, but its low casting cost facilitates a quick and efficient deployment on the battlefield. This allows players to keep mana available for other utility spells or creatures, keeping the game’s tempo in their favor.
Instant Speed: Sickle Ripper isn’t an instant and doesn’t have flash; however, its ability to put the opponent on a clock due to swampwalk can influence how they play their instants and abilities. Knowing the Ripper can deal unblockable damage, opponents might have to make less optimal plays at instant speed to mitigate its impact.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sickle Ripper, like many cards with potent abilities, doesn’t come without its drawbacks. One significant downside is that it requires discarding cards at times, which can deplete hand resources rapidly. This becomes especially problematic when you find yourself in a tight spot needing more options to fend off opponents.
Specific Mana Cost: Another aspect to consider is the Sickle Ripper’s reliance on a specific mana combination to play. Predominantly needing black mana, it fits primarily within monochrome or dual-color decks that can support this requirement. This limits the card’s flexibility and can make it a less viable choice for multi-colored decks that may struggle with its mana demands.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Lastly, when evaluating the efficiency of your deck, the cost of casting Sickle Ripper might not always be ideal. As players know, the mana cost is crucial to staying ahead of the game. At two mana for a 2/1 creature, it is on the higher end, and there are other creatures or spells in the same range that could offer more favorable stats or additional abilities.
Reasons to Include Sickle Ripper in Your Collection
Versatility: Sickle Ripper may not be a staple in every deck, but its inclusion in decks that revolve around the Wither mechanic or those that lean into aggressive strategies ensures it finds a home in a variety of builds.
Combo Potential: As a creature with Wither, it can synergize with cards that capitalize on -1/-1 counters, potentially offering interesting interactions in decks that exploit these counters for control or combo purposes.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where small, efficient creatures are pivotal, Sickle Ripper stands out. Its ability to trade with larger creatures and persist as a threat can be significant, especially when facing off against decks that rely on creature durability.
How to beat
Sickle Ripper may come across as a noteworthy component in the world of MTG due to its combination of evasiveness and resilience provided by the wither ability, which lets it deal damage in the form of -1/-1 counters. This particular trait puts a twist on combat math, as creatures damaged by Sickle Ripper will have reduced power and toughness thereafter, potentially weakening an opponent’s board presence permanently.
Nevertheless, its power can be mitigated effectively. Since it has a modest toughness, direct removal spells can easily dispatch it. A simple Shock can send it to the graveyard before the wither ability becomes a factor. Creature buffs that enlarge your creatures can also keep them out of its deadly reach. Additionally, strategies that capitalize on going wide with numerous creatures can dilute Sickle Ripper’s impact, as it can only block—and thus affect—one creature at a time during combat. Adept deck building that encompasses ways to neutralize threats or to outpace them ensures that even a persistent menace like Sickle Ripper can be overcome.
As players evaluate their defenses against such cards, considering quick removals, combat tricks, and creature buffs are therefore paramount to ensuring your stronger creatures survive and your opponent’s board is kept in check.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sickle Ripper MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor and Modern Masters 2015, 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 Sickle Ripper 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Sickle Ripper Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2008-05-02 and 2015-05-22. Illustrated by Dan Scott.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-05-02 | Shadowmoor | SHM | 77 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dan Scott | |
| 2 | 2015-05-22 | Modern Masters 2015 | MM2 | 96 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dan Scott |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sickle Ripper has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |