Spawnwrithe MTG Card
2008-05-02 - Number 129
2011-06-17 - Number 171
2014-03-14 - Number 55
2020-09-26 - Number CMD-171
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Elemental |
| Abilities | Trample |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Trample Whenever Spawnwrithe deals combat damage to a player, put a token into play that's a copy of Spawnwrithe.
Its victims feel only an itchy, wriggling feeling just under their skin. By then, it's far too late.
Cards like Spawnwrithe
Within the realm of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, Spawnwrithe brings a unique twist to the table. Echoing the mechanics of cards like Tilonalli’s Summoner or Broodbirth Viper, Spawnwrithe has the intriguing ability to clone itself whenever it deals damage to a player. Unlike Tilonalli’s Summoner, which requires an additional mana investment to create tokens and only triggers on attack, Spawnwrite generates a copy of itself with no extra cost beyond the initial combat damage. Broodbirth Viper offers a similar token-creation effect, but the tokens it creates have myriad and they are exiled at the end of combat, while Spawnwrithe tokens remain on the battlefield and can grow exponentially if unchecked.
Another comparison to consider is the card Sprouting Phytohydra, although this creature differs by creating tokens when it’s dealt damage rather than when it deals damage. This passive trait may not be as aggressive as Spawnwrithe’s proactive token creation but adds a layer of defense that can deter attackers. Spawnwrithe exemplifies a creature that can quickly become a formidable presence through repeated combat success, potentially overwhelming opponents with an ever-increasing army of trampling tokens.
Comparing these cards, Spawnwrithe stands out as a self-replicating force, ideal for strategies aimed at building a large presence on the battlefield through combat and direct player engagement. It effortlessly fits into decks centered around token generation and benefits greatly from the exponential potential of its ability.
Cards similar to Spawnwrithe by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Spawnwrithe flourishes in enabling players to generate multiple creature tokens without expending additional cards from their hand. Every time it deals combat damage to a player, you create a token that’s a copy of it, effectively populating the board and increasing your presence without depleting your hand.
Resource Acceleration: The ability to create copies of itself can lead to an exponential increase in board state, offering an indirect form of resource acceleration. Each token not only represents additional offensive potential but can also be used defensively or as leverage for other card interactions that benefit from a substantial creature count.
Instant Speed: Though Spawnwrithe itself isn’t an instant, the rapid multiplication of tokens it creates has a lasting impact akin to instant-speed interaction. The surprise factor of going from a single unblocked attacker to a menacing army can turn the tide of a game, quite like the immediate effect of casting a powerful instant during a crucial moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Spawnwrithe doesn’t require you to discard cards, it’s important to be aware that getting the most out of this creature often involves using additional cards or effects that grant trample or evasion to ensure it can deal combat damage and replicate itself. This can lead to a situation where you’re leveraging more of your hand than you might like to support a single creature.
Specific Mana Cost: Spawnwrithe commands a precise mana requirement to cast — one green and two generic mana. This specificity means that in the early game, colored mana availability can be a restrictive factor, especially for multi-colored decks that might struggle to have the right mana at the right time.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its appealing effect, the three-mana investment for a 2/2 creature without intrinsic protection or evasion can be cost-ineffective compared to other options in the mana curve. As such, it may not always represent the best value for tempo-oriented or aggressive strategies that prioritize efficient mana usage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Spawnwrithe is a unique creature that shines in decks that capitalize on token generation and swarm tactics. Its ability to create a copy of itself whenever it deals combat damage to a player ensures that it can adapt to various board states and grow in numbers quickly.
Combo Potential: This card can become a powerhouse with the right synergies. Pair it with cards that increase the damage it deals or with ways to grant it evasion like trample or unblockability, and watch your army of Spawnwrithes multiply exponentially.
Meta-Relevance: Given that fast-paced aggro decks are often popular in many metas, Spawnwrithe can serve as a recurring threat that must be immediately addressed by opponents. It can also bypass stalemates by forcing the opponent to block, lest they face an ever-growing battalion of trampling tokens.
How to beat
Spawnwrithe embodies a unique threat in Magic: The Gathering because of its ability to duplicate itself every time it deals combat damage to a player. Navigating this dynamic feature requires a strategy focused on prevention and control. Removing Spawnwrithe before it can hit the battlefield or neutralize it during the combat phase is crucial. Cards that can destroy or exile creatures at instant speed, like Path to Exile or Doom Blade, offer a direct answer to the multiplying menace.
Countering is another effective method. Counterspells like Mana Leak or Negate, timed well, can nullify Spawnwrithe before it ever becomes a problem. Board wipes, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, can also provide a clean slate by removing all creatures, stopping the Spawnwrithe swarm in its tracks. It’s about staying vigilant and having the right response ready to prevent the creature from spiraling out of control on the board.
In summary, when facing Spawnwrithe, prioritize immediate removal, use counterspells to manage the game, and remember that board sweepers can reset the situation if things get out of hand. Staying one step ahead is key to overcoming Spawnwrithe’s exponential growth potential.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spawnwrithe MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor and Commander 2011, 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 Spawnwrithe and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Spawnwrithe Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2008-05-02 and 2014-03-14. Illustrated by Daarken.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-05-02 | Shadowmoor | SHM | 129 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 2 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 171 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 3 | 2014-03-14 | Duel Decks: Jace vs. Vraska | DDM | 55 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | CMD-171 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daarken |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spawnwrithe 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 Spawnwrithe card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-05-01 | A token created by a Cemetery Puca that’s copying a Spawnwrithe will be a Spawnwrithe with the Cemetery Puca ability. |
| 2008-05-01 | As the token is created, it checks the printed values of the Spawnwrithe it’s copying — or, if the Spawnwrithe whose ability triggered was itself a token, the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that put it onto the battlefield — as well as any copy effects that have been applied to it. It won’t copy counters on the Spawnwrithe, nor will it copy other effects that have changed Spawnwrithe’s power, toughness, types, color, or so on. Normally, this means the token will simply be a Spawnwrithe. But if any copy effects have affected that Spawnwrithe, they’re taken into account. |
| 2008-05-01 | If Spawnwrithe’s ability triggers, then Spawnwrithe becomes a copy of another creature before its ability resolves (due to Mirrorweave, perhaps), the token will be a copy of whatever creature the Spawnwrithe is currently a copy of. At the end of the turn, Spawnwrithe will revert back to what it was, but the token will stay as it is. |
| 2008-05-01 | If a copy effect such as Mirrorweave causes some other creature to become a copy of Spawnwrithe, then that creature deals combat damage to a player, the token that’s put onto the battlefield is simply a copy of Spawnwrithe. |