Undead Executioner MTG Card

Grants card advantage or forces opponent’s card loss upon death, enhancing resource control. Enables resource acceleration with token generation for faster, impactful plays. Operates at instant speed, allowing for reactive and versatile strategies against opponents.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Zombie
Released	2012-05-04
Set symbol
Set name	Avacyn Restored
Set code	AVR
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	123
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Dave Kendall

Text of card

When Undead Executioner dies, you may have target creature get -2/-2 until end of turn.

Heartless killer in life, brainless killer in death.

Cards like Undead Executioner

The Undead Executioner brings its own unique charm to the roster of creature cards in MTG. It shares some similarities with other zombie creatures, such as the ubiquitous Doom Blade-bearer, Murderous Rider. Much like our Executioner, the Rider provides utility beyond mere force, offering a way to deal with opposing threats. However, the Undead Executioner offers a specific advantage post-demise with its ability to force a discard from the opponent’s hand, distinguishing it from the Rider’s life-gain upon death.

Another notable comparison is with Nekrataal. Both creatures boast the element of destruction upon entering the battlefield, albeit Nekrataal’s being more targeted. Nekrataal can pick off any nonartifact, nonblack creature, while the Executioner’s real strength lies in its afterlife, making your opponent choose and discard. This gives the Executioner a psychological edge, as it affects the opponent’s strategy directly, versus Nekrataal’s straightforward removal.

When considering the value these cards add to a zombie-themed deck, the Undead Executioner stands out for its ability to disrupt opponents even after being dealt with, making it a strategic choice for players keen on using their graveyard as an extension of their hand.

Cards similar to Undead Executioner by color, type and mana cost

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions

Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Undead Executioner boasts an impressive ability to yield card advantage upon its demise. Dispatching this creature can trigger an effect allowing you to draw a card or force your opponent to lose one, keeping you ahead in resource count.

Resource Acceleration: When the Undead Executioner shuffles off this mortal coil, it may grant you an additional benefit such as generating a token that accelerates your mana resources. This not only aids in casting higher-cost spells sooner but also broadens your ability to respond to the evolving battlefield.

Instant Speed: With its lurking presence, the Undead Executioner can affect the board at instant speed, making it a versatile tool at your disposal. Whether you’re intercepting an attacker or utilizing its death-triggered ability, this allows you to make strategic plays even when it’s not your turn, keeping opponents on their toes.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of the Undead Executioner card is the need to discard another card, which can be particularly taxing if your hand is already depleting. This requirement could potentially rob you of crucial late-game options or synergy pieces essential for your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: The Undead Executioner demands a specific combination of mana to cast, which might not always align with the color scheme of your deck. If your mana base isn’t perfectly tuned, you could find yourself unable to summon the Executioner when needed the most.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a heavier mana requirement compared to other creatures in its class, the Undead Executioner might not be the most mana-efficient option. Considering this, players might opt for alternative cards that provide a better return on investment and fit more seamlessly into aggressive, mana-conscious strategies.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Undead Executioner offers adaptability in numerous deck archetypes, particularly those that capitalize on creature sacrifice or graveyard synergies, enhancing overall deck utility.

Combo Potential: This card holds the potential to be a linchpin in combos, especially when paired with cards that benefit from or facilitate creature deaths, providing a strategic edge in gameplay.

Meta-Relevance: Considering the meta often shifts to favor graveyard-based play or strategies that revolve around creature control, the Undead Executioner could prove to be an invaluable asset that aligns perfectly with these dynamics.

How to beat

Undead Executioner presents unique challenges when encountered on the battlefield. As a creature card with potentially game-altering abilities, it can put opponents in a difficult position. The key in dealing with it effectively is to prevent its death-triggered ability from exploiting its full potential. Direct removal spells that exile it, such as Path to Exile or Silencing Shot, can be a quiet but decisive answer, bypassing its ability to create a zombie token upon death.

Another effective strategy involves managing the battlefield with cards that decrease the value of token creatures. Engineered Plague and Culling Scales are missives against the hordes created by the executioner’s demise. Adopting a control strategy to limit the number of creatures on the opponent’s field can also blunt the Undead Executioner’s impact. Thus, instant-speed removals and strategic planning can ensure that this creature is nothing more than a minor setback in your path to victory.

Overall, tackling the Undead Executioner calls for a blend of preemptive strikes and board control. By leveraging the right spells and abilities, its once-daunting presence can become a manageable aspect of the complex and rich tapestry of play that defines the Magic: The Gathering game experience.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Undead Executioner 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 Undead Executioner and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Undead Executioner has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Penny	Legal