Vampire of the Dire Moon MTG Card


An efficient deathtouch creature, Vampire of the Dire Moon demands immediate answers from opponents. Though limited by mana specification, it comes with tremendous payoff for aggressive strategies. The card’s lifelink and deathtouch combo makes it a recurring asset in varied MTG metagames.
Vampire of the Dire Moon - Core Set 2020
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Vampire
Abilities Deathtouch,Lifelink
Released2019-07-12
Set symbol
Set nameCore Set 2020
Set codeM20
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number120
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byAnna Podedworna

Text of card

Deathtouch (Any amount of damage this deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.) Lifelink (Damage dealt by this creature also causes you to gain that much life.)

"This place suits me: craven authorities and plentiful prey."


Cards like Vampire of the Dire Moon

The allure of Vampire of the Dire Moon lies not just in its sleek, nocturnal aesthetic but also in its solid role within the lifelink vampire archetype in Magic: The Gathering. It’s similar in function to Vampire Nighthawk, which also grants you lifelink and deathtouch but with an additional touch of flying. The Dire Moon variant stands out with its lower mana cost, making it a quicker asset on the battlefield.

Exploring the landscape of comparable cards, Gifted Aetherborn further expands the vampire ensemble, boasting the same lifelink and deathtouch as our titular moon dweller. Despite having a slightly greater mana cost, it does come with the bonus of added toughness, positioning itself as a sturdier contender. Child of Night represents a more simplified comparison; with the same casting cost, it offers lifelink but lacks the fatal stab of deathtouch that makes Vampire of the Dire Moon particularly formidable.

Analyzing these vampires side by side, Vampire of the Dire Moon commands respect for its speed and killer instinct. It nestles into decks eager for early control, demonstrating that even among a crowd of nightstalkers, some fangs sink deeper than others.

Vampire Nighthawk - MTG Card versions
Gifted Aetherborn - MTG Card versions
Child of Night - MTG Card versions
Vampire Nighthawk - MTG Card versions
Gifted Aetherborn - MTG Card versions
Child of Night - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Vampire of the Dire Moon. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
SoulflayerSoulflayer PioneerSoulflayerPioneer League 2023-12-26
Sultai SoulflayerSultai Soulflayer PioneerSoulflayerPioneer Power

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Vampire of the Dire Moon doesn’t directly draw cards, but with its deathtouch ability, it efficiently removes opponents’ creatures, indirectly leading to card advantage as it can force unfavorable trades for the opponent.

Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct resource accelerator, this card represents an early game threat that demands an answer. Its presence on the board can lead to a faster game pace, as opponents seek to deal with it swiftly, often at a higher cost than this one-mana investment.

Instant Speed: While Vampire of the Dire Moon lacks instant speed itself, its deathtouch mechanic allows it to be a formidable defender during the opponent’s turn. Any creature that engages in combat with it must confront the possibility of being destroyed, which can instantly shift battlefield dynamics in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Inserting Vampire of the Dire Moon into a deck can sometimes prompt players to discard another potentially valuable card to maintain the balance between creatures and other card types.

Specific Mana Cost: Its casting requirement of a single black mana makes it less flexible for multi-colored decks that may struggle to produce the necessary mana on the first turn.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While one mana is low, in a fast-paced game, there could be alternative cards that offer similar or better abilities without the limitation of being a creature, which can be removed from the board more easily.


Reasons to Include Vampire of the Dire Moon in Your Collection

Versatility: Vampire of the Dire Moon is a staple for any deck aiming to capitalize on early aggression. Its lifelink ability ensures a beneficial exchange in life totals, making it an excellent choice for decks that intend to race their opponents or bolster their own survival.

Combo Potential: This card’s deathtouch ability allows it to be paired effectively with equipment or enchantments that increase its damage output or provide additional effects upon dealing damage. Furthermore, it serves as a deterrent for larger creatures, potentially clearing the field or making way for bigger threats in your arsenal.

Meta-Relevance: With an ever-present need for low-cost, high-impact creatures, Vampire of the Dire Moon holds its ground in various metas, particularly against creature-heavy decks. Its mere presence on the board can influence opponents’ combat decisions, making it a card worth having at your disposal no matter the shifts in the competitive landscape.


How to Beat

Vampire of the Dire Moon is a formidable one-drop creature card in Magic: The Gathering. Its menace comes from its deathtouch ability, allowing it to destroy any creature it fights, regardless of that creature’s power. Moreover, its lifelink characteristic provides players with a valuable life-gain mechanism each time it deals damage.

To effectively tackle this nocturnal threat, consider using removal spells that can bypass its deathtouch by not engaging it in combat. Spells like Shock or Wrath of God can remove the Vampire without your creatures having to fight it directly. Another strategy involves blocking Vampire of the Dire Moon with creatures that have first strike, as they’ll deal damage before deathtouch takes effect, preventing your creatures from being destroyed. Additionally, enhancing your creatures’ toughness through buffs or counters will render the Vampire’s single point of damage insufficient to take them down in battle.

Ultimately, this sinister creature demands respect on the board but with careful planning and the right counter-strategies, its reign can quickly turn from a curse into an opportunity to stabilize the game and swing momentum in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is a blend of skill, strategy, and having the right cards in your deck. With cards like Vampire of the Dire Moon offering both offensive and defensive advantages, it’s essential to grasp how they can tip scales in your favor. Want to refine your deck-building techniques or overcome common in-game challenges using such impactful cards? BurnMana is your go-to resource for enhancing your MTG gameplay. Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting out, we provide insights to sharpen your strategies and edge out the competition. Delve deeper into the art of MTG with us and transform your next duel into a victorious escapade. Learn more on how to make each card count.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Vampire of the Dire Moon MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2020, 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 Vampire of the Dire Moon and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Vampire of the Dire Moon has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal