Crovax the Cursed MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Vampire Noble
Power 0
Toughness 0

Key Takeaways

  1. Crovax can consistently bolster its power through creature sacrifice, boosting on-field dominance.
  2. Its ability to trigger synergistic effects enhances resource management and game tempo.
  3. Strategically complex, Crovax can transform instant actions into game-changing advantages.

Text of card

Crovax the Cursed counts as a Vampire. Crovax comes into play with four +1/+1 counters on it. During your upkeep, sacrifice a creature and put a +1/+1 counter on Crovax, or remove a +1/+1 counter from Crovax. oo B Crovax gains flying until end of turn.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Crovax the Cursed is a powerhouse when it comes to sustaining card advantage on the battlefield. Once on the board, his ability to grow stronger by sacrificing creatures works hand in hand with strategies that generate token creatures or recur creatures from the graveyard, ensuring your side is always populated and potent.

Resource Acceleration: In decks built around sacrificing creatures, Crovax can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration. Each creature sacrificed to him not only buffs him but also may trigger synergistic effects across the board that result in additional mana, card draw, or other advantageous effects that can be the difference between a win and a loss.

Instant Speed: Although Crovax himself does not function at instant speed, he significantly benefits from instant-speed interactions. For instance, sacrificing creatures in response to an opponent’s actions to make Crovax unexpectedly larger can disrupt combat maths or turn a seemingly harmless board state into a lethal threat in the blink of an eye.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Crovax the Cursed necessitates sacrificing creatures for its growth, putting you at a strategic disadvantage if on-field assets are scarce.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s black mana alignment constrains its inclusion to decks heavily invested in that color, potentially limiting deck-building flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an initially high casting requirement, Crovax may lag behind other, more immediately impactful creatures in terms of board presence efficiency.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Crovax the Cursed offers a dynamic ability to increase its power effortlessly, suitable for black centered decks that thrive on aggressive strategies and creature control.

Combo Potential: This card can effectively complement sacrifice-based mechanics, where creatures you control can be used to bolster Crovax’s strength, turning him into a formidable threat on the board.

Meta-Relevance: Within metas where creature-heavy decks prevail, Crovax the Cursed stands as a pivotal addition, adept at tipping the scales with its escalating power and potential to become a game-ending force.


How to beat

Crovax the Cursed is a renowned character card in the vast universe of MTG that players often encounter. This iconic creature comes with a strong presence on the battlefield, thanks to its ability to grow stronger each turn. However, there’s no need to feel intimidated by Crovax’s potential for power. One effective strategy to beat this card is to take control of the pace of the game. You can do this by removing creatures before they are sacrificed, as Crovax relies on creature sacrifices to buff its strength. Enchantment removal spells can also be vital, as they can dispel any auras that are boosting Crovax’s capabilities.

Consider using exile effects; cards that exile, like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, can permanently deal with Crovax, bypassing any regeneration abilities it may possess. Additionally, take advantage of the fact that Crovax’s ability is mandatory. Putting the opponent in a situation where they must sacrifice their creatures against their will can quickly turn the tide of the match. By implementing these tactics, you stand a better chance of triumphing over the adversity Crovax the Cursed brings to the table.


Cards like Crovax the Cursed

In the expansive universe of MTG, Crovax the Cursed stands out for its unique blend of vampirism and self-punishment mechanics. Consider Mirri the Cursed, which shares vampiric traits. Both are vampire creatures that grow stronger by dealing combat damage. However, Mirri does not have the same detrimental impact on its controller’s other creatures as does Crovax, who weakens your non-vampire creatures.

Then we introduce Sangromancer, another vampiric entity with a different take on life gain. Unlike Crovax the Cursed, Sangromancer rewards you when the opponent’s creatures perish or when they discard a card, providing a significant life boost without penalizing your creatures. Lastly, Anowon, the Ruin Sage forces each player to sacrifice non-Vampire creatures, reflecting a more equitable board impact compared to the continuous, one-sided self-sacrifice dictated by Crovax.

While analyzing these similar cards, Crovax the Cursed remains a unique and complex figure in MTG, offering an intriguing trade-off that can both empower and challenge a dedicated Vampire deck strategist.

Mirri the Cursed - MTG Card versions
Sangromancer - MTG Card versions
Anowon, the Ruin Sage - MTG Card versions
Mirri the Cursed - MTG Card versions
Sangromancer - MTG Card versions
Anowon, the Ruin Sage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Crovax the Cursed by color, type and mana cost

Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions
Magus of the Abyss - MTG Card versions
Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions
Magus of the Abyss - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Crovax the Cursed MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Vintage 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 Crovax the Cursed and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Crovax the Cursed Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by Pete Venters.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-03-02StrongholdSTH 551997NormalBlackPete Venters
22014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 1102015NormalBlackPete Venters
32015-05-06Tempest RemasteredTPR 902015NormalBlackPete Venters

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Crovax the Cursed has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Crovax the Cursed card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2004-10-04 Crovax can sacrifice itself to its upkeep triggered ability.
2004-10-04 If you choose not to sacrifice a creature and he has no +1/+1 counters, then nothing bad happens. Note that some other effect must be keeping him alive if he has no counters.
2004-10-04 You can only sacrifice one creature to it each turn.

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