Asphodel Wanderer MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Skeleton Soldier
Released	2013-09-27
Set symbol
Set name	Theros
Set code	THS
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	77
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Scott Chou

Key Takeaways

Contributes to card advantage by synergizing with mechanics like scry and graveyard utilization.
Regenerate ability operates at instant speed, increasing its survivability during combat phases.
Demands specific mana and discard which may hinder its utility in diverse deck compositions.

Text of card

: Regenerate Asphodel Wanderer.

He killed out of hate, so now only hate sustains him. He sought immortality, so the gods gave it to him.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Asphodel Wanderer may seem unassuming, but in the right deck, it can contribute to card advantage. When paired with mechanics like scry or graveyard synergy, the Wanderer can help ensure that you are drawing into more actionable cards throughout the match, subtly tilting the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Although Asphodel Wanderer itself isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, its low casting cost can help you keep mana available for more crucial spells. Additionally, due to its regenerate ability, it can be a recurring blocker that allows you to invest resources into controlling the board and advancing your board state.

Instant Speed: While Asphodel Wanderer doesn’t operate at instant speed, its regenerate ability can be activated at instant speed, giving it a surprise element of survivability during combat. This can effectively deter opponents from attacking or force them to commit additional resources to deal with it, thereby preserving your life total and other important creatures on your side of the battlefield.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Asphodel Wanderer requires players to discard a card when its regeneration ability is activated. This can be particularly taxing in gameplay situations where maintaining hand advantage is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates a specific black mana input, which could potentially restrict deck-building options and limit the card’s general utility across a variety of MTG decks that may not align with this color.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its one/two power and toughness profile, the mana investment to keep Asphodel Wanderer on the field through regeneration could be deemed inefficient, especially when up against cards of similar cost that deliver greater impact or durability without additional costs.

Reasons to Include Asphodel Wanderer in Your Collection

Versatility: Asphodel Wanderer can be a flexible addition to your collection, capable of fitting into a range of decks. Its ability to regenerate makes it a resilient blocker, particularly in formats or metagames where combat is prevalent.

Combo Potential: The card works well in synergy-based decks that capitalize on creatures entering and leaving the battlefield. With its self-regenerative ability, Asphodel Wanderer can be a reliable component in sacrifice-based strategies, constantly recycling itself for value.

Meta-Relevance: This MTG card could prove useful in environments heavy with removal spells. As long as you have the mana to spend, Asphodel Wanderer can persist on the battlefield, thwarting your opponent’s attempts to clear your side of the board, and providing you an edge in attrition wars.

How to Beat Asphodel Wanderer

Asphodel Wanderer sits in the wide world of MTG as a lesser-known member of the vast card pool. Controlling a game against this card hinges on understanding its regenerative ability, which allows it to rise repeatedly from the graveyard for a small fee. Effective strategies against the Wanderer involve utilizing exile effects or graveyard hate to prevent its return. Cards such as Scavenging Ooze stand out by not only removing Asphodel Wanderer from the game but also benefiting from the process.

Moreover, employing cards that offer replacement effects can nullify the Wanderer’s regeneration. With options like Rest in Peace, players can rest easy as creatures hitting the graveyard instantly vanish, taking regeneration off the table. It’s crucial to approach Asphodel Wanderer with the right counters, ensuring it stays buried and out of play.

Ultimately, while Asphodel Wanderer might not be a towering threat, it’s the understanding of these more obscure corners of the MTG universe that polishes a player’s skills. Overcoming such pesky cards is a satisfying puzzle, teaching players the value of preparation and adaptability.

Cards like Asphodel Wanderer

Asphodel Wanderer holds an intriguing spot within the realm of recurring creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It invites a comparison with cards such as Reassembling Skeleton, which harbors a similar comeback capability. While the Asphodel Wanderer may seem less resilient due to its single point of toughness, it compensates with a lower initial casting cost of just one mana.

Another card worth considering is Tenacious Dead, offering persistence on the battlefield akin to the Wanderer. The key difference lies in the mana investment for their respective return abilities; Tenacious Dead demands both mana and a tap, while Asphodel Wanderer requires only mana and can be used multiple times per turn if resources permit.

Comparatively, Dutiful Attendant might also surface in discussions about creatures that provide ongoing value. Though the Attendant does not return itself to play, it ensures that another creature does, offering a different type of utility. Asphodel Wanderer, with its flexibility and repeated usage potential, solidifies its position in decks looking to exploit self-recurring creatures for various synergies.

Reassembling Skeleton - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Asphodel Wanderer MTG card by a specific set like Theros, 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 Asphodel Wanderer and other MTG cards: