Skullslither Worm MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Worm |
| Released | 2022-12-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Jumpstart 2022 |
| Set code | J22 |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 26 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Uriah Voth |
Text of card
When Skullslither Worm enters the battlefield, each opponent discards a card. For each opponent who can't, put two +1/+1 counters on Skullslither Worm.
As larvae, they burrow into a host's brain to feed upon it, growing until they're large enough to burst free and seek out larger prey.
Cards like Skullslither Worm
The Skullslither Worm brings a unique dynamic to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest relatives in terms of functionality include the likes of Acidic Slime, which also offers a form of control over the game by allowing you to destroy target artifact, enchantment, or land when it enters the battlefield. However, Skullslither Worm’s edge lies in its graveyard interaction, as it gives players the option to exile up to three target cards from a single graveyard, a nuance that Acidic Slime does not provide.
Another parallel can be drawn with Baloth Null, a creature that also plays into graveyard strategy by returning up to two creature cards from your graveyard to your hand upon entering the battlefield. While Baloth Null aids in resource recuperation, Skullslither Worm excels in disrupting opponent’s graveyard strategies. Lastly, we could compare it to Withered Wretch, which can exile a card from a graveyard at will but lacks the bulk and board presence that Skullslither Worm offers.
When evaluating these creatures side by side, Skullslither Worm stands out for its potential to swing late game scenarios by tactically targeting key cards in graveyards, thus it takes a special place in the MTG universe as a form of graveyard hate combined with formidable creature stats.
Cards similar to Skullslither Worm by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Skullslither Worm lets a player retrieve a significant card from their graveyard upon its successful attack on an opponent. This retrieval process not only disrupts an opponent’s strategy but also tips the scales back in your favor by bolstering your hand.
Resource Acceleration: Incorporating Skullslither Worm into your battlefield can be seen as a resourceful maneuver. Each attack that connects has the potential to bring back powerful spells or crucial lands, effectively accelerating your gameplay by enriching your resources.
Instant Speed: Even though Skullslither Worm isn’t an instant itself, it synergizes well with cards that operate on instant speed. This allows a player to maintain a threatening presence by attacking with the Worm and still have the ability to respond to opponents’ actions with instant spells, keeping opponents on their toes and creating a dynamic and responsive game state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Placement of Skullslither Worm in your gameplay strategy demands sacrificing another card from your hand. This requirement could set you back, especially when you’re already contending with a hand size that’s diminished or unable to spare valuable resources.
Specific Mana Cost: To summon Skullslither Worm, you need a particular blend of mana, inclusive of both colorless and black mana sources. This specification can restrict its integration into a variety of decks, potentially excluding it from those that cannot consistently provide the necessary mana types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that’s on the higher end, the Skullslither Worm might strain your resources, especially when there’s a bevy of alternative creatures that can be summoned for less. This elevated cost is a factor to weigh carefully when considering the balance and pace of your deck’s overall mana curve.
Reasons to Include Skullslither Worm in Your Collection
Versatility: Skullslither Worm is a hard-hitting creature that slips into multiple deck archetypes with ease. Its ability to disrupt graveyard-dependent strategies adds an extra layer of utility in various metagames.
Combo Potential: Pairing this creature with cards that grant additional combat phases or recycle its enter-the-battlefield effects can amplify the impact Skullslither Worm has on the game, making it a lynchpin in creative combo lines.
Meta-Relevance: The presence of graveyard-centric decks in the meta makes Skullslither Worm a timely inclusion. Its capability to exile target cards from opponents’ graveyards is increasingly pertinent, potentially swinging matches in your favor.
How to beat
The Skullslither Worm is an intriguing creature card that brings a dose of deviousness to the battlefield. Its Lurk ability allows it to slip into games and impact board states unexpectedly. Dealing with this unpredictable terror can be challenging. However, equipping your deck with targeted removal spells that exile or impose restrictions on creatures is essential. Consider cards such as Path to Exile or Pithing Needle, which can proactively neutralize the worm or prevent its abilities from taking over the game.
Graveyard management also plays a crucial role. Since the Skullslither Worm thrives on the element of surprise from the graveyard, packing your deck with graveyard hate like Rest in Peace can hinder its ability to return to play. Running sufficient counterspells, investing in robust board wipes like Wrath of God, or playing creatures that can block and survive an encounter with the worm are critical strategies to handle this slippery foe effectively.
Ultimately, preparation and foresight are key. By planning ahead for potential threats, such as Skullslither Worm, and adapting your deck to handle them, you maintain control over the match and ensure your opponent’s creatures remain in check.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skullslither Worm MTG card by a specific set like Jumpstart 2022, 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 Skullslither Worm 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skullslither Worm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |