Vampire Opportunist MTG Card
2019-05-03 - Number 110
2019-07-12 - Number 326
2020-08-13 - Number 65
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Vampire |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
: Each opponent loses 2 life and you gain 2 life.
"I think I cracked a fang."
Cards like Vampire Opportunist
MTG enthusiasts often compare Vampire Opportunist to other creature cards that provide additional benefits outside of combat. For instance, Bloodthirsty Aerialist shares a thematic link, both hailing from the vampire family and both presenting a way to utilize life changes for gain. The Aerialist, however, thrives on a +1/+1 counter strategy which capitalizes on gaining life, differing from the Opportunist’s direct life point target ability.
Further comparisons can be drawn with Falkenrath Noble, which also has the ability to impact life totals when creatures die, although its trigger does not require mana expenditure like Vampire Opportunist’s. Noble’s effect is arguably more consistent, affecting life totals passively without active investment. Conversely, the Opportunist can exert direct pressure on an opponent’s life total at a definitive moment, making it strategically unique.
Conclusively, Vampire Opportunist stands as a valid choice within the vampire archetype of MTG, especially in long games where its activated ability can be a recurring threat. It offers a different kind of resource management that can be decisive for the outcome of a match, compared to its vampiric counterparts that focus more on board presence and combat advantages.
Cards similar to Vampire Opportunist by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Vampire Opportunist card is an ideal addition for players looking to tap into the potential of life drain as a form of card advantage. While not directly impacting the hand or deck, shrinking an opponent’s life total while increasing your own can be just as valuable to sway the game’s momentum in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Though the Vampire Opportunist doesn’t directly provide mana or treasure tokens, it serves as a crucial piece in resource acceleration in vampire-themed decks. Its ability can become a repetitive resource when utilized with other cards that benefit from or trigger upon life gain or opponent life loss, effectively speeding up your victory condition.
Instant Speed: What makes the Opportunist stand out is its versatility at instant speed, allowing you to end your turn without spending mana and being ready to activate its ability. This not only preserves resources for responses during your opponent’s turn but also opens up surprise tactics, shifting the balance during the end phase or after an opponent’s attack when they least expect it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the limitations of Vampire Opportunist is its lack of any card advantage mechanics. Unlike other creatures within the same mana range, it doesn’t provide the player with an opportunity to draw or recycle cards, which could put you at a disadvantage in prolonged encounters.
Specific Mana Cost: While the Vampire Opportunist’s initial mana cost may seem low, its ability requires a specific mana investment to activate. This could pose a challenge in multicolor decks that may not always have the required black mana readily available, thereby restricting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The active ability of Vampire Opportunist seems economical at first glance, but when compared with other creatures in MTG, the cost for its life-draining effect is relatively steep. Cheaper alternatives exist that can perform similar functions or provide better board presence for the same or less investment.
Reasons to Include Vampire Opportunist in Your Collection
Versatility: This creature offers strategic flexibility as it’s a two-cost card that can be slotted into a variety of black decks. Whether you’re looking for early board presence or a mana-sink in the late game, Vampire Opportunist serves well in both roles.
Combo Potential: With the ability to drain life from opponents, it synergizes with decks that amplify effects related to life loss or gain. It can also work as a finisher by exploiting openings or weakened foes.
Meta-Relevance: When facing slower-paced games or a meta filled with creature-based strategies, Vampire Opportunist becomes a valuable player. It can consistently chip away at the opponent’s life total, putting on pressure without needing to engage directly in combat.
How to beat
Vampire Opportunist is a creature card that can be a sneaky asset in your opponent’s arsenal in Magic: The Gathering. It may seem unassuming at first with its modest stats. However, its ability to drain life from the opponent during the late game can turn the tides unexpectedly. Given its mana activation cost, it’s crucial to plan your strategy around dismantling this potential threat.
To effectively counter Vampire Opportunist, creature removal spells are your best friend. Swiftly dealing with it using a low-cost instant like Shock or Fatal Push can eliminate the threat before it becomes active. You could also negate its life-draining ability by employing enchantments or artifacts that prevent activated abilities, such as Pithing Needle. In the event of a life drain, gaining life with cards like Healing Salve can offset the damage done and keep you in the game.
Overall, keeping your opponent’s board clear of creatures, particularly those with dangerous activated abilities like Vampire Opportunist, is a solid tactic to mitigate risk and maintain control. By staying vigilant and ready to address threats immediately, you’ll be able to thwart their strategies and secure your victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Vampire Opportunist MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark and 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 Opportunist 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 Vampire Opportunist Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2019-05-03 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Jason Rainville.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019-05-03 | War of the Spark | WAR | 110 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Rainville | |
| 2 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 326 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Rainville | |
| 3 | 2020-08-13 | Arena Beginner Set | ANB | 65 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Rainville |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Vampire Opportunist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Vampire Opportunist card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-07-12 | In a Two-Headed Giant game, Vampire Opportunist’s ability causes the opposing team to lose 4 life and you gain 2 life. |