Volrath MTG Card

Rarity	Rare
Type	Vanguard
Released	1997-05-01
Set symbol
Set name	Vanguard Series
Set code	PVAN
Number	208
Frame	1993
Layout	Vanguard
Border	Black
Illustred by	Anson Maddocks

Key Takeaways

Volrath enhances board control and disrupts opponents with instant speed shapeshifting abilities.
Casting Volrath demands high mana investment and can strain your hand resources.
Including Volrath in your collection bolsters your adaptability to varied competitive decks.

Text of card

Whenever any of your creatures is put into your graveyard from play, you may put that creature on top of your library.

The son of Gerrard's surrogate father, Sidar Kondo, Volrath stole Gerrard's Legacy and rose to power selling it off piece by piece. Now, he is an evincar, or agent, of the Lord of the Wastes. Armed with exceptional magical powers, he plots to conquer the entire multiverse.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Volrath, being a multifaceted card, gives players the upper hand by allowing for strategic shapeshifting or cloning of formidable creatures on the battlefield. This cunning tactic not only preserves the element of surprise but potentially disrupts opponent strategies and tips the scales in terms of board presence and versatility.

Resource Acceleration: When playing with Volrath, you tap into the ability to swiftly adapt to ever-changing game states through its morphing capabilities. This trait translates to a form of indirect resource acceleration, as it could reduce the need to cast additional spells for different effects, saving mana and resources for other critical plays.

Instant Speed: The ability of Volrath to execute its shapeshifting at instant speed grants players the flexibility to modify their strategy in real time, in response to opponents’ actions. This instant reactivity can be crucial in maintaining the upper hand during high-stake turns, allowing for counterplays and sophisticated combos that can lead to sudden shifts in the game’s momentum.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Volrath mtg card demands a card be discarded to unleash its ability. This can be a steep price during a game where hand advantage matters, potentially putting you behind your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: The specific mana requirement to cast Volrath can be quite restrictive for decks not heavily invested in those colors, which may reduce the card’s versatility in a diverse meta.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Volrath’s mana cost is on the higher side, making it a significant investment early in the game. There are other creatures with a lower cost that might provide similar or faster board presence and impact.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Volrath’s vast array of abilities allows it to adapt to numerous deck strategies, elevating both creature-heavy builds and those relying on commander synergy.

Combo Potential: This card opens up a world of combo possibilities, pairing well with various mechanics and enabling powerful interactions that can swing games in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: Given its resilience and ability to disrupt opponent plays, including Volrath in your arsenal ensures you have a foothold against a diverse range of current competitive decks.

How to beat

Volrath, regarded as a formidable presence in MTG, demands strategic measures to outmaneuver his effects on the battlefield. His deception lies in his ability to become a copy of another creature card, complete with counters that may empower him further. To negate Volrath’s advantage, employing instant-speed removal is essential. Cards like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can disrupt his strategy by removing him before he copies a powerful creature’s abilities or syncs with other cards to strengthen his position.

In addition to removal, controlling the board with global removal spells like Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the playing field, leaving Volrath without targets to mimic. Counterspells also stand as a bulwark against his tricks, preventing his transformation ability from being activated in the first place. It’s also advisable to limit the counters you place on your own creatures, as Volrath thrives on turning your enhancements against you.

Volrath’s strength is also hindered by graveyard manipulation. By using cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void, you can stop crucial creature cards from entering the graveyard, thus preventing Volrath from copying their abilities post-mortem. With these tactics, players can ensure Volrath remains just a shadow on the battlefield.

Cards like Volrath

Volrath, a notable character in the Magic: The Gathering lore, has inspired several cards, each with unique abilities that cater to different strategic angles. When it comes to the dexterity and influence that Volrath cards offer, they are often compared with other powerful figures in the game. One such comparison is with the card ‘Erebos, God of the Dead’. Both cards have similar mana costs and provide daunting presence on the battlefield with their abilities to disrupt opponent strategies.

Another card that often comes up in discussions is ‘Karn Liberated’, which is not a creature but a planeswalker with the ability to control the game by exiling cards. While Karn offers direct and immediate removal, Volrath distinguishes itself with cunning flexibility and the potential for combat surprises, especially with its shape-shifting capabilities found in some variants like ‘Volrath, the Shapestealer’. While Karn is a standalone powerhouse, Volrath synergizes with creature-focused strategies, offering a different but equally formidable type of game control.

These comparisons highlight the diversity of MTG’s card pool and the multiple ways players can harness the power of their decks. While every card has its context where it shines, Volrath’s mix of raw power and cunning versatility certainly earns it a place of respect among MTG players.

Erebos, God of the Dead - MTG Card versions

Volrath, the Shapestealer - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Volrath by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Volrath MTG card by a specific set like Vanguard Series, 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 Volrath and other MTG cards: