Symbiotic Wurm MTG Card
2002-10-07 - Number 289
2003-08-07 - Number pk289
2011-06-17 - Number 174
2014-06-16 - Number 236
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 8 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Wurm |
| Power | 7 |
| Toughness | 7 |
Text of card
When Symbiotic Wurm is put into a graveyard from play, put seven 1/1 green Insect creature tokens into play.
The insects keep the wurm's hide free from parasites. In return, the wurm doesn't eat the insects.
Cards like Symbiotic Wurm
The Symbiotic Wurm is a towering force within the creature spells of Magic: The Gathering. This creature bears a resemblance to the likes of Worldspine Wurm, which also boasts a colossal presence on the battlefield. What sets Symbiotic Wurm apart is its ability to leave behind a litter of 1/1 insect tokens upon its demise, offering a form of resilience against removal spells. Worldspine Wurm, however, forges a similar path by creating 5/5 Wurm tokens upon hitting the graveyard, providing even more formidable replacements.
Another similar creature is Penumbra Wurm. Much like Symbiotic Wurm, it too grants a creature payload when it dies – a single 6/6 black Wurm token. While it doesn’t provide as many creatures as the Symbiotic Wurm, the Penumbra Wurm’s offspring is a sizeable threat that must be answered by opponents. Additionally, the Mycoloth serves as a parallel, proliferating its numbers through devouring other creatures, although not directly comparable in terms of immediate board impact.
With each of these colossal wurms carving their own niche in the ecosystem of Magic: The Gathering, Symbiotic Wurm offers a unique combination of impressive size and the capacity to leave behind a swarm, distinguishing it within the spectrum of high-cost, high-reward green creatures.
Cards similar to Symbiotic Wurm by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Symbiotic Wurm. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Five-color Reanimator | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 9:30 am | |
 | Sneak Survival | Premodern | Misty Premodern Winter Finals |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Symbiotic Wurm exits the battlefield, it leaves behind a brood of 1/1 green Insect creature tokens, effectively replacing itself and often outnumbering the opposition. This transition from a single card to multiple tokens can quickly tilt the scales in your favor, as you retain a board presence even after the Wurm is dealt with.
Resource Acceleration: With the tokens generated by the Wurm, it empowers strategies that thrive on having numerous creatures. Whether it’s ramping up your mana with various effects that depend on the number of creatures you control or powering up convoke spells, the Wurm’s progeny can serve as a springboard to escalate your gameplay rapidly.
Instant Speed: Though Symbiotic Wurm itself is a creature that operates on sorcery speed, it synergizes well with other cards that operate at instant speed. Sacrificing it during an opponent’s turn to cards that offer this option can provide an unexpected swarm of insect tokens, catching adversaries off-guard and paving the way for unanticipated blocks or post-combat strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Symbiotic Wurm doesn’t force you to discard cards, it requires a sizable board presence to leverage its full potential. This reliance can be a setback in games where you’re facing resource denial or sweepers.
Specific Mana Cost: Symbiotic Wurm’s casting cost of seven colorless and one green mana can be demanding. This specialized requirement may restrict its integration into multicolored decks that also need to manage other mana commitments.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The substantial investment of eight mana to bring Symbiotic Wurm onto the battlefield is steep compared to other creatures. Even though its ability to create multiple 1/1 green Insect creature tokens upon death is valuable, players might opt for lower-cost creatures that offer similar token-generating benefits without the heavy mana demand.
Reasons to Include Symbiotic Wurm in Your Collection
Versatility: Symbiotic Wurm provides an incredible value, fitting seamlessly into green-based ramp decks, token strategies, and those looking to exploit its substantial 7/7 body. It’s a powerful play in many game situations, whether you are ahead or playing catch-up.
Combo Potential: Once the Wurm dies, it leaves behind a small army of creatures, creating opportunities to combo with cards that benefit from having many creatures on the field or that capitalize on creatures entering or leaving the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where board wipes and removal spells are prevalent, Symbiotic Wurm provides resilience. After removal, it still leaves a significant presence, making it a strategic choice against decks aiming to control the board with sweepers.
How to beat
Symbiotic Wurm is an imposing creature card in Magic: The Gathering that has the potential to dominate the battlefield with its sizeable 6/6 body and the ability to leave behind a trail of 1/1 insect creature tokens upon its demise. When it comes to strategizing against it, removal spells that exile are your best line of defense. Consider leveraging powerful spells like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares which neatly sidestep the Wurm’s death trigger, preventing the token swarm.
Another effective tactic is to control the battlefield before the Wurm can make an impact. Board wipes like Damnation or Wrath of God can clear out the bugs along with the Wurm. If you’re looking for a more selective approach, countering it while it’s still a spell with cards like Counterspell or Mana Leak can prevent it from ever hitting the field.
Lastly, you can also turn the tables by using enchantments like Control Magic to take possession of the Wurm, turning its strength against your opponent. No matter your strategy, remember the key is to deal with Symbiotic Wurm before its overwhelming presence can be fully established. With thoughtful play and the right spells, this behemoth won’t stand in your way for long.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Symbiotic Wurm MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught and World Championship Decks 2003, 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 Symbiotic Wurm 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 Symbiotic Wurm Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2002-10-07 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by Matt Cavotta.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002-10-07 | Onslaught | ONS | 289 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 2 | 2003-08-07 | World Championship Decks 2003 | WC03 | pk289 | 2003 | Normal | Gold | Matt Cavotta | |
| 3 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 174 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 4 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 236 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Symbiotic Wurm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |