Skeletal Vampire MTG Card
2006-02-03 - Number 62
2013-06-07 - Number 96
2014-12-05 - Number 46
2017-08-25 - Number 126
2019-02-15 - Number 34
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Vampire Skeleton |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Flying When Skeletal Vampire comes into play, put two 1/1 black Bat creature tokens with flying into play. , Sacrifice a Bat: Put two 1/1 black Bat creature tokens with flying into play. Sacrifice a Bat: Regenerate Skeletal Vampire.
Cards like Skeletal Vampire
The Skeletal Vampire has earned its place in the pantheon of creature cards with enduring utility. Its analogs in Magic: The Gathering surface when comparing features like token generation and resilience. This flying vampire stands alongside Bloodline Keeper as a formidable force, with the latter card having the ability to both create vampires and transform into a stronger entity that boosts other vampires.
Mitotic Slime shares a semblancy with our Skeletal Vampire by also bringing in a multitude of tokens upon death. Although it lacks the aerial advantage and regeneration capabilities. Conversely, Hangarback Walker, which accumulates +1/+1 counters and spawns flying Thopter tokens upon its demise, has a clear parallel in its token production aspect. Yet, it misses out on the direct control over token generation and doesn’t bring the same regenerative resilience.
When considering multi-faceted creature cards that serve dual functions—generating tokens and giving you strategic longevity—Skeletal Vampire offers a unique combination that’s not easily matched. Its presence on the board is not just a singular threat but a recurring dilemma for opponents, reinforced by its ability to sustain itself through different phases of the game.
Cards similar to Skeletal Vampire by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Skeletal Vampire offers recurring card advantage by creating Bat tokens, which not only populate the field but also contribute to an ever-increasing army to overwhelm your opponent. As you navigate through a match, the ability of Skeletal Vampire to regenerate by sacrificing a Bat can save it from destruction, effectively leaving you with a board presence and your opponent with less removal options.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana, this card can indirectly lead to acceleration by pressuring your opponent into using their resources inefficiently to handle the constant threat it presents. It has the potential to force out answers prematurely, freeing up the path for your more crucial spells.
Instant Speed: The ability to create Bat tokens at instant speed gives you flexibility during the game. You can end your opponent’s turn by increasing your creature count, setting up defensive blocks, or simply showing restraint, keeping mana open for responses and only committing to creating Bats if the situation is favorable.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although the Skeletal Vampire card doesn’t directly impose a discard requirement, managing your hand to facilitate its abilities is essential. You may find that holding onto bat tokens or other cards for its regeneration ability can limit your flexibility and potentially lead to a disadvantageous discard.
Specific Mana Cost: Skeletal Vampire demands a very specific mana allocation with an intricate combination of both black and colorless mana. This particular cost composition can be tricky to manage, especially in the early stages of the game or in multi-color decks that may struggle with consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting and upkeep costs associated with this card are on the higher side, demanding a substantial mana investment. For the six mana required to bring Skeletal Vampire onto the battlefield, players could potentially deploy other creatures or combinations of cards that provide greater immediate impact or strategic advantages.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Skeletal Vampire offers flexibility, as it’s not only a threat on its own but also a source of creature tokens. This card can seamlessly operate in decks that thrive on token generation or those that require sacrificial fodder for various abilities.
Combo Potential: This vampire works well with cards that capitalize on creatures dying or entering the battlefield. Its ability to consistently create bat tokens can be exploited for infinite combos with the right support cards.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where board presence and creature-based strategies are prevalent, Skeletal Vampire can become a recurring nuisance for opponents. Its resilience against removal and ability to crowd the board with tokens makes it a card worth considering in the current landscape.
How to Beat
Skeletal Vampire is a unique creature in MTG, representing a significant airborne threat with a built-in resilience thanks to its bat-generating ability. This card can be tricky to remove due to its regeneration capability where bats can be sacrificed to bring it back to life. To effectively neutralize this vampire, strategies need to be centered around preventing regeneration or utilizing spells that bypass this ability.
Board clearing spells like Wrath of God or Damnation work excellently as they don’t specifically target the vampire, nullifying the option to regenerate. Additionally, effects that exile, such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, can be effective as they remove the creature from play entirely without allowing any window for regeneration. It’s also beneficial to control the number of bats present as they fuel the vampire’s longevity, so spot removal for these tokens can undermine the vampire’s resilience. This tailored removal approach can be key in triumphing over the undying Skeletal Vampire and securing victory on the battlefield.
Engagement with creatures like Skeletal Vampire distinguishes MTG as a strategic and thought-provoking game, requiring players to adapt their tactics and deck composition to overcome diverse challenges presented by such multifaceted cards.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skeletal Vampire MTG card by a specific set like Guildpact and Modern Masters, 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 Skeletal Vampire 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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Printings
The Skeletal Vampire Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2006-02-03 and 2019-02-15. Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-02-03 | Guildpact | GPT | 62 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 2 | 2013-06-07 | Modern Masters | MMA | 96 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 3 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Garruk vs. Liliana | GVL | 46 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 4 | 2017-08-25 | Commander 2017 | C17 | 126 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 5 | 2019-02-15 | RNA Guild Kit | GK2 | 34 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skeletal Vampire has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Skeletal Vampire card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2006-02-01 | You may pay the cost of Skeletal Vampire’s activated abilities by sacrificing any Bat, not just a Bat token it created. |