Thrill-Kill Assassin MTG Card
2012-10-05 - Number 81
2017-11-17 - Number 111
2019-02-15 - Number 54
2024-01-12 - Number 94
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Assassin |
| Abilities | Deathtouch,Unleash |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Deathtouch Unleash (You may have this creature enter the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it. It can't block as long as it has a +1/+1 counter on it.)
As the bounty on Massacre Girl rose, so did the number of imitators.
Cards like Thrill-Kill Assassin
Thrill-Kill Assassin makes a name for itself among the deathtouch creatures in Magic: The Gathering. With the likes of Typhoid Rats, it shares the lethal ability to kill any creature it deals damage to, regardless of that creature’s power. Unlike Typhoid Rats’ lower power level, Thrill-Kill Assassin arrives with a bit more punch, potentially operating as both attacker and blocker due to its ‘Unleash’ mechanic which enables it to come into play with an additional +1/+1 counter at the expense of not being able to block.
Another card worth mentioning is Vampire Nighthawk, a creature with deathtouch that also brings flying and lifelink to the table, offering a multifaceted threat. While the Nighthawk’s versatility is higher, Thrill-Kill Assassin excels in certain aggressive strategies where the focus is on maximizing damage. Its flexibility in terms of early aggression or strategic blocking shines within specific deck archetypes.
When examining these creatures together, Thrill-Kill Assassin stands out amongst its peers through its adaptability and potential for increased power, adding strategic depth to the roster of deathtouch creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Its incorporation into a deck could mean a sharper edge in combat, making it a powerful addition to any arsenal.
Cards similar to Thrill-Kill Assassin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thrill-Kill Assassin doesn’t just provide an efficient body on the board; it often requires more than one card from your opponent to deal with it. Thanks to its Deathtouch ability, it can trade up with much larger creatures, potentially netting you a two-for-one deal and keeping your hand flush with options.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly contributing to mana acceleration, Thrill-Kill Assassin can quickly impact the board state. Its low casting cost aids in developing your resources on the field, allowing you to maintain pressure while still building up your mana base and other resources for subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: While the card itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, Thrill-Kill Assassin’s Unleash ability gives you the flexibility to choose how it best serves your strategy at the moment of casting. This adaptability can create immediate threats that must be answered, aligning with the instant-speed mindset of reacting to the current game state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Thrill-Kill Assassin prompts a commitment to a certain game strategy. When utilizing its unleash ability, the decision to forgo blocking to enhance its attack can backfire if you’re not in a strong offensive position, potentially leaving you vulnerable to counterattacks.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Thrill-Kill Assassin is narrowly fixed with a black mana requirement, which may not seamlessly fit into multicolored deck strategies. Decks that aren’t focused on black mana could find it challenging to reliably play Thrill-Kill Assassin when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The assassin comes at a mana value that could be seen as steep for its baseline stats and abilities. Players may find that there are alternative creatures or spells at a similar cost that offer greater utility or impact on the game state.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Thrill-Kill Assassin has a flexible role, functioning well in aggressive strategies with its deathtouch ability, while also serving as a solid defender to deter attacks from larger creatures.
Combo Potential: This card pairs seamlessly with mechanics that capitalize on death triggers or benefit from having a creature with deathtouch, enhancing the synergy within your deck.
Meta-Relevance: Due to its low casting cost and deathtouch, Thrill-Kill Assassin maintains significance in formats where early board presence and disruption are crucial to inhibit opponent strategies.
How to beat
Thrill-Kill Assassin emerges as a stealthy player on the MTG battlefield, known for unleashing havoc with its deathtouch ability. This nifty feature means it can destroy any creature it battles, regardless of the opponent’s toughness. It’s a disconcerting attribute for sure, but fear not, there are strategies to circumvent this deadly assassin.
First, consider the power of evasion abilities like flying or trample, which Thrill-Kill Assassin lacks, thus giving you the upper hand in combat. Additionally, spells that exile or bounce creatures to the hand can cleanly deal with the assassin without triggering its lethal touch. Also, remember that the assassin’s power comes from being unblocked, so strategies involving ample creature tokens to serve as blockers can overwhelm and neutralize its impact.
It’s crucial to keep your wits about you and manage your resources wisely. Strategic planning and timely plays will send the message that even the most skilled assassin meets their match on the MTG battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thrill-Kill Assassin MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica and Iconic 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 Thrill-Kill Assassin 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 Thrill-Kill Assassin Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2012-10-05 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-10-05 | Return to Ravnica | RTR | 81 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Tyler Jacobson | |
| 2 | 2017-11-17 | Iconic Masters | IMA | 111 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tyler Jacobson | |
| 3 | 2019-02-15 | RNA Guild Kit | GK2 | 54 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tyler Jacobson | |
| 4 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 94 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sam Wolfe Connelly |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thrill-Kill Assassin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Thrill-Kill Assassin card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-04-15 | A creature with unleash can’t block if it has any +1/+1 counter on it, not just one put on it by the unleash ability. |
| 2013-04-15 | Putting a +1/+1 counter on a creature with unleash that’s already blocking won’t remove it from combat. It will continue to block. |
| 2013-04-15 | The unleash ability applies no matter where the creature is entering the battlefield from. |
| 2013-04-15 | You make the choice to have the creature with unleash enter the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter or not as it’s entering the battlefield. At that point, it’s too late for a player to respond to the creature spell by trying to counter it, for example. |