Treacherous Pit-Dweller MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Demon |
| Abilities | Undying |
| Released | 2012-05-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Avacyn Restored |
| Set code | AVR |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 121 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Svetlin Velinov |
Text of card
When Treacherous Pit-Dweller enters the battlefield from a graveyard, target opponent gains control of it. Undying (When this creature dies, if it had no +1/+1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a +1/+1 counter on it.)
Cards like Treacherous Pit-Dweller
Treacherous Pit-Dweller is an intriguing creature card that presents an unusual challenge and reward dynamic in MTG. It bears resemblance to cards like Lord of the Void for its demonic theme and impactful board presence. However, Treacherous Pit-Dweller offers a risky twist with its undying ability, returning to the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter after it dies, only to be given to your opponent.
Comparatively, Demonlord Belzenlok stands out as another powerful demon with a different type of advantage. It exempts itself from the peril of changing sides by providing a significant card advantage upon entering the battlefield. Dread Cacodemon also falls into this category, clearing the board upon its cast, unlike the treacherous denizen of the pit which allows for a revival mechanic. While these cards offer less risky benefits, they miss out on the aggressive early game reanimation possibilities provided by Treacherous Pit-Dweller.
Ultimately, selecting Treacherous Pit-Dweller over its daunting counterparts hinges on a player’s strategy to capitalize on its return-from-the-grave ability, while carefully navigating the risk of empowering an opponent. It’s a testament to MTG’s diverse strategic landscape that such a card can find its unique niche amongst formidable demonic forces.
Cards similar to Treacherous Pit-Dweller by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Dealing with the Treacherous Pit-Dweller offers players an incredible opportunity to seize the upper hand by introducing a powerful creature to the board early on. Its very presence can tilt the battlefield to your favor, especially when used in tandem with strategic sacrifices or exile effects.
Resource Acceleration: With a formidable power and toughness of 4/3 for a mere four mana, this daemon accelerates your offensive capabilities significantly. It outpaces many other creatures in the same mana slot, enabling a swifter assault against opponents and tipping the scales early in the match.
Instant Speed: Although the Treacherous Pit-Dweller doesn’t operate at instant speed, its potential interaction with spells and abilities that do can compound its effectiveness. Responding to its Undying trigger with instant speed removal can ensure that it remains a threat solely under your control, free from the downside of gifting it to an opponent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While not directly imposing a discard, Treacherous Pit-Dweller has a potentially risky downside. Losing control of this creature after it dies can leave you in a worse position than before, effectively discarding the benefits you initially gained.
Specific Mana Cost: Treacherous Pit-Dweller demands a strict black mana commitment with its double black mana cost, compelling players to adapt their land base or potentially struggle to cast it on time.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its four total mana cost to bring into play, Treacherous Pit-Dweller can be cumbersome compared to other creatures in its mana range. Players might find more efficient alternatives, possibly with less risky drawbacks or with more impactful effects upon entering the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Treacherous Pit-Dweller in Your Collection
Versatility: With its aggressive stat line, Treacherous Pit-Dweller provides a substantial early beatdown presence which can slide into multiple aggressive strategies. Its undying mechanic ensures that it comes back for a second round, potentially with a power boost, adding to its flexible use.
Combo Potential: Deck builders who love crafting intricate plays can exploit this card’s undying ability. When paired with sacrifice outlets and ways to manipulate counters, Treacherous Pit-Dweller becomes a recurring threat that can be used in various combo-centric decks.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where players can cleverly navigate the downside of its resurrection clause, Treacherous Pit-Dweller can present a challenge to opponents not prepared for its return. In such metas, its presence can add strategic depth to games, especially in matchups that hinge on creature-based strategies.
How to beat
The Treacherous Pit-Dweller is an intriguing card in MTG with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. At first glance, its ability to return to the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter upon death makes it seem formidable. However, this also brings the creature under an opponent’s control, which reveals the card’s double-edged nature. Players can take advantage of this by setting traps or using removal spells wisely. Allowing the Pit-Dweller to return under the opponent’s command and then dispatching it efficiently with cost-effective creature destruction spells or sacrificing it for greater benefit are both sound strategies.
Additionally, since the Pit-Dweller requires exact timing and a carefully thought-out strategy, players can also use it to bait their opponent into unfavorable trades. Effective counterplay might include cards that exile rather than destroy, or utilizing effects that force the opponent to sacrifice creatures, ensuring that they don’t get the chance to exploit the Pit-Dweller’s recursion. In this way, clever hand manipulation and foresight can turn the Treacherous Pit-Dweller’s strength into a liability for an unprepared adversary.
In essence, overcoming the Treacherous Pit-Dweller’s presence on the battlefield is a matter of strategic foresight and clever deck-building, making it a rewarding challenge for seasoned MTG players.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Treacherous Pit-Dweller MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored, 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 Treacherous Pit-Dweller 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Treacherous Pit-Dweller has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |