Spiritmonger MTG Card
2001-06-04 - Number 121
2001-08-08 - Number jt121
2007-02-24 - Number 2007
2014-06-06 - Number 193
2014-06-16 - Number 262
2017-11-17 - Number 209
2023-01-13 - Number 202
2023-01-13 - Number 370
2002-06-24 - Number 35976
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Beast |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 6 |
Text of card
Whenever Spiritmonger deals damage to a creature, put a +1/+1 counter on Spiritmonger. o B: Regenerate Spiritmonger. o G: Spiritmonger becomes the color of your choice until end of turn.
Cards like Spiritmonger
Spiritmonger stands out as a powerhouse among creature cards within the MTG realm. A prime comparison can be drawn with Thrun, the Last Troll, which also has a reputation for resilience in battle. While Thrun boasts hexproof and regeneration, Spiritmonger brings a unique angle with its color-shifting ability and growth potential each time it destroys another creature. Both are formidable, yet Spiritmonger offers an aggressive growth strategy that can quickly become a significant threat.
Another comparable card is Troll Ascetic, often chosen for its inherent hexproof and the ability to regenerate. Spiritmonger, however, eclipses Troll Ascetic in terms of sheer power potential and size. Its ability to regenerate is shared, which makes both cards resilient during combat, but the added benefit of increasing power and toughness is unique to Spiritmonger. Meanwhile, Putrefax offers an ephemeral but immediate threat with haste and infect, proving to be a lethal force that is also immune to color-based protection due to its colorlessness.
When assessing similar creatures, Spiritmonger’s blend of adaptability, incremental power gain, and regeneration sets it apart as a versatile and escalating threat in MTG. Its multifaceted abilities create not just a creature but a cornerstone strategy for many decks.
Cards similar to Spiritmonger by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Spiritmonger. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Spiritmonger provides an inherent advantage through its ability to regenerate. This means that you can preserve your creature in the face of potential removal, keeping your board presence intact and effectively making your opponent waste their resources.
Resource Acceleration: While Spiritmonger doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the traditional sense of providing additional mana, its mere presence on the battlefield can dictate the pace of the game. With a solid 6/6 body, it represents a serious threat that can accelerate the game towards a win if not dealt with promptly by opponents.
Instant Speed: While Spiritmonger itself doesn’t function at instant speed, its regeneration ability can be activated at instant speed. This ensures that you have a response ready if your opponent tries to destroy Spiritmonger, keeping you one step ahead and adding to the flexibility of your in-game tactics.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Spiritmonger does not directly require a card to be discarded to activate its abilities or to be played. However, it may indirectly lead to discarding cards due to its specific mana cost in a multi-colored deck, should the player need to cycle or filter cards to obtain the right mana.
Specific Mana Cost: Spiritmonger has a casting cost that requires both black and green mana, which makes it less flexible in terms of deck building. Decks that do not support a green-black mana base will find it challenging to utilize this powerhouse of a creature.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Spiritmonger can be considered a bit expensive, potentially slowing down your early-game momentum. In formats where speed is key, the setup to get Spiritmonger on the field could be a setback if the board state is not in your favor.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Spiritmonger is renowned for its adaptability on the battlefield. With the ability to regenerate and gain +1/+1 counters, it can thrive in both aggressive and defensive roles within different deck archetypes.
Combo Potential: This creature card synergizes well with decks focused on +1/+1 counters, as well as those that manipulate creature abilities. Its color-changing flexibility also allows for interesting interactions with various spells and abilities.
Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-based strategies are ever-present in the meta, having Spiritmonger in your arsenal ensures you have a resilient threat that can adapt to and potentially dominate the shifting landscape of any game.
How to beat
Spiritmonger is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This formidable creature boasts resilience and the potential for size growth every time it destroys another creature. Tackling this beast requires a strategy that doesn’t rely on fighting head-on. Instead, consider using exile or bounce effects which neatly bypass its regeneration capability.
Path to Exile and Swords to Plowshares are two white spells that can unceremoniously remove Spiritmonger from the game. Counter spells are also an effective measure if you can catch Spiritmonger before it hits the table. Should Spiritmonger already be present, consider sweepers like Wrath of God or Damnation to reset the board. These methods are clean, not giving it the chance to regenerate or grow stronger.
When it comes down to it, prevention is key. Keep control elements in your deck to address threats before they spiral out of control. Spiritmonger is indeed a powerful card, but with the right strategy and the appropriate removal spells, its strength can be mitigated, keeping you on a path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spiritmonger MTG card by a specific set like Apocalypse and World Championship Decks 2001, 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 Spiritmonger 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 Spiritmonger Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2001-06-04 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001-06-04 | Apocalypse | APC | 121 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Glen Angus | |
| 2 | 2001-08-08 | World Championship Decks 2001 | WC01 | jt121 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Glen Angus | |
| 3 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35976 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | ||
| 4 | 2007-02-24 | Grand Prix Promos | PGPX | 2007 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 5 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 193 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 6 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 262 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 7 | 2017-11-17 | Iconic Masters | IMA | 209 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 8 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 202 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Glen Angus | |
| 9 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 370 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Glen Angus |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spiritmonger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Spiritmonger card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-12-08 | Activating the regeneration ability creates a replacement effect that acts like a shield, replacing the next time Spiritmonger would be destroyed that turn. This shield works against effects that try to destroy Spiritmonger or lethal damage that would be dealt to Spiritmonger. |
| 2022-12-08 | Spiritmonger can regenerate even if it isn’t in combat, it’s already tapped, or it’s undamaged. |
| 2022-12-08 | Spiritmonger’s last ability causes it to become only the chosen color. It will no longer be the colors it was previously. |
| 2022-12-08 | You can activate the regeneration ability even if Spiritmonger isn’t at risk of being destroyed. |