Thrakkus the Butcher MTG Card


Thrakkus the Butcher excels in providing card advantage and pressuring opponents during combat. High mana cost and rigid color requirements may limit deck-building flexibility and choices. Despite its constraints, the card’s versatility and meta relevance make it a valuable addition.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Dragon Peasant
Abilities Trample
Power 3
Toughness 4

Text of card

Trample Whenever Thrakkus the Butcher attacks, double the power of each Dragon you control until end of turn.


Cards like Thrakkus the Butcher

Thrakkus the Butcher enters Magic: The Gathering as a creature that could shake up combat interactions in interesting ways. It’s often compared to favorites like Ruric Thar, the Unbowed, who also brings a punishing presence to the board. However, Thrakkus the Butcher offers a more targeted approach, allowing players to choose which creature to destroy, providing more control over the battlefield dynamics.

Another card that shares the battlefield-manipulating potential is Flametongue Kavu, a classic choice for dealing damage to creatures. While the Kavu deals damage outright, Thrakkus requires the creature to be dealt combat damage, a nuanced difference that can be exploited based on the matchup and board state. In terms of flexibility and force, Shriekmaw also presents itself as a comparison point, with its evasion and built-in removal upon entering the battlefield, yet Thrakkus the Butcher delivers consistent pressure every combat phase.

Assessing the destructive capabilities and strategic advantages amongst their peers, Thrakkus the Butcher holds its own as a strong card in MTG, blending removal with player choice to dictate encounters and potentially dominate games.

Ruric Thar, the Unbowed - MTG Card versions
Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Shriekmaw - MTG Card versions
Ruric Thar, the Unbowed - MTG Card versions
Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Shriekmaw - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Thrakkus the Butcher by color, type and mana cost

Sunastian Falconer - MTG Card versions
Sawback Manticore - MTG Card versions
Segmented Wurm - MTG Card versions
Serpentine Kavu - MTG Card versions
Shivan Wurm - MTG Card versions
Harbinger of the Hunt - MTG Card versions
Quartzwood Crasher - MTG Card versions
Streetbreaker Wurm - MTG Card versions
Steam Spitter - MTG Card versions
Stonebrow, Krosan Hero - MTG Card versions
Scuzzback Marauders - MTG Card versions
Deus of Calamity - MTG Card versions
Blitz Hellion - MTG Card versions
Gorger Wurm - MTG Card versions
Deadshot Minotaur - MTG Card versions
Thromok the Insatiable - MTG Card versions
Zhur-Taa Swine - MTG Card versions
Zhur-Taa Ancient - MTG Card versions
Ulrich of the Krallenhorde // Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha - MTG Card versions
Raging Swordtooth - MTG Card versions
Sunastian Falconer - MTG Card versions
Sawback Manticore - MTG Card versions
Segmented Wurm - MTG Card versions
Serpentine Kavu - MTG Card versions
Shivan Wurm - MTG Card versions
Harbinger of the Hunt - MTG Card versions
Quartzwood Crasher - MTG Card versions
Streetbreaker Wurm - MTG Card versions
Steam Spitter - MTG Card versions
Stonebrow, Krosan Hero - MTG Card versions
Scuzzback Marauders - MTG Card versions
Deus of Calamity - MTG Card versions
Blitz Hellion - MTG Card versions
Gorger Wurm - MTG Card versions
Deadshot Minotaur - MTG Card versions
Thromok the Insatiable - MTG Card versions
Zhur-Taa Swine - MTG Card versions
Zhur-Taa Ancient - MTG Card versions
Ulrich of the Krallenhorde // Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha - MTG Card versions
Raging Swordtooth - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Thrakkus the Butcher is adept at providing card advantage through its ability to potentially remove opposing creatures while keeping your board presence strong. This can lead to a favorable exchange in resources, tipping the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: If Thrakkus the Butcher’s removal ability is leveraged effectively, it can clear the path for your attacks, potentially accelerating your damage output and affecting the resource balance between you and your opponent.

Instant Speed: While Thrakkus the Butcher itself may not have an instant speed capability, it synergizes well with instant speed spells by creating a threatening board state that demands an immediate answer from an opponent. This pressure allows you to utilize instant speed spells more effectively during your opponent’s turn, knowing that their resources might be hampered by dealing with Thrakkus.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Thrakkus the Butcher prompts players to discard a card to unlock its full potential. In the tight moments of a match, depleting your hand could turn the tide against you and leave you with fewer strategic options later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Armed with a precise mana cost that requires both red and black mana, this card demands a commitment to a Rakdos color scheme. Players who favor flexibility in their mana base may find this constraining and difficult to accommodate in multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that’s on the higher end, Thrakkus the Butcher competes with many impactful cards in that slot. Deck builders might hesitate to include it when alternative creatures or spells with lower costs and comparable effects are available, leading to tougher decisions during deck optimization.


Reasons to Include Thrakkus the Butcher in Your Collection

Versatility: Thrakkus the Butcher can seamlessly adapt to a range of strategies, thriving in decks that capitalize on creature control and agressive tactics.

Combo Potential: As a card that can decimate opponents’ creatures, it sets the stage for synergies with effects triggered by creature deaths or sacrifices.

Meta-Relevance: Given a meta that trends towards creature-heavy decks, Thrakkus the Butcher becomes a potent force, skewing the battlefield in your favor and disrupting your opponents’ plans.


How to beat

Thrakkus the Butcher presents a formidable challenge on the battlefield, becoming a potent threat when he’s able to leverage his power gain abilities. Facing off against this creature can be daunting, but there are strategies that can turn the tables. Removal spells are a critical tactic in disarming Thrakkus before he becomes too much to handle. Cards with immediate effects like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can efficiently remove him from play and mitigate his board presence.

Ensnaring Thrakkus in pacifying enchantments or using cards that prevent combat damage can also nullify his strengths. With a suite of countermeasures at your disposal, such as cards that lock down abilities or direct damage spells to keep his growth in check, the fearsome Thrakkus the Butcher can be managed effectively. Smart deck building and responsive play will ensure you’re prepared to handle this threat and maintain control of the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thrakkus the Butcher MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate and Battle for Baldur's Gate Art Series, 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 Thrakkus the Butcher and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Thrakkus the Butcher Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2022-06-10 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 4402015NormalBlackJustine Jones
22022-06-10Battle for Baldur's Gate Art SeriesACLB 772015Art seriesBorderless
32022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 5512015NormalBlackNestor Ossandon Leal
42022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 2952015NormalBlackNestor Ossandon Leal
52022-07-07Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's GateHBG 2502015NormalBlackNestor Ossandon Leal

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thrakkus the Butcher has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-06-10 To double a creature's power, that creature gets +X/+0, where X is the power of that creature as the triggered ability resolves.