Viral Spawning MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Abilities | Corrupted |
| Released | 2023-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Phyrexia: All Will Be One |
| Set code | ONE |
| Number | 194 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Denis Zhbankov |
Text of card
Create a 3/3 green Phyrexian Beast creature token with toxic 1. (Players dealt combat damage by it also get a poison counter.) Corrupted — As long as an opponent has three or more poison counters and Viral Spawning is in your graveyard, it has flashback . (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)
Cards like Viral Spawning
Viral Spawning finds its niche within the cluster of token-generating spells that populate the vast card pool of Magic: The Gathering. Comparable to Deep Forest Hermit, Viral Spawning proliferates a multitude of creature tokens, bolstering your army strength considerably. The Hermit, while it summons fewer creatures, provides a helpful bonus to all Squirrels, enhancing your existing board state.
Another card reminiscent of Viral Spawning’s effect is Scute Swarm. It too centers on insect token generation, yet leverages landfall triggers to ramp up token production, potentially overtaking the steady but limited output of Viral Spawning. However, Viral Spawning’s advantage lies in its instant speed, allowing for surprise defenses and end-of-turn strategies that Scute Swarm can’t offer.
Addressing the intended scale, Hornet Queen delivers a powerful pack of flying deathtouch insects. While it doesn’t replicate itself like Viral Spawning, the immediate aerial threat presents a defensive barricade that is not to be overlooked.
Every card draws power from its context, and Viral Spawning, like its peers, shines when used strategically. Its surprise factor at instant speed can turn the tides of combat or end games outright in the fertile grounds of token-based strategies.
Cards similar to Viral Spawning by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Viral Spawning. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bant Toxic | Standard | Bant Poison | ReCQ - Standard - SCG CON Hartford - Saturday - 2:00 pm (Bronze) |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Viral Spawning can be a key asset in your deck as it aids in outnumbering your opponent by creating multiple creature tokens. This process elaborates your battlefield presence and can overwhelm opponents by tipping the scales in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: The ability to generate a plethora of tokens can effectively power up any synergies that depend on the number of creatures you control. This can lead to faster execution of your strategy, putting you leaps and bounds ahead in the race for board dominance.
Instant Speed: Flexibility is king in MTG, and Viral Spawning’s instant speed capability means you can adapt to the flow of the game with precision. Cast it at the end of your opponent’s turn to save mana for other tactics, or launch a surprise counterattack when least expected.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Viral Spawning necessitates parting with a card from your hand, which can deplete your resources at a critical moment and may not always align with your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost includes particular mana symbols that restrict its play to decks running those colors, making it less versatile across the broader game.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring a sizeable mana investment, Viral Spawning’s cost efficiency could be questioned when measured against other options that could provide a more immediate or impactful board presence.
Reasons to Include Viral Spawning in Your Collection
Versatility: Viral Spawning can adapt to various deck themes, especially those looking to amass a large number of creature tokens. It serves multipurpose roles ranging from defense to being a catalyst for triggering numerous token-based effects.
Combo Potential: This card is a boon for decks that thrive on creature synergies. It can be a powerhouse when combined with effects that leverage the quantity of creatures you have, like those that pump up your army or exploit the number of creatures entering the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: Particularly effective in a meta where swarming the board has strategic value, Viral Spawning holds its own against many popular strategies by providing a consistent and potentially overwhelming board presence.
How to beat
Viral Spawning is a unique card that can pose challenges for players due to its ability to generate a substantial number of creature tokens. Overcoming this swarm tactic requires a strategic approach, focusing on cards that can deal with multiple creatures at once. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Blasphemous Act are effective, as they can clear multiple tokens generated by Viral Spawning in one fell swoop. Alternatively, using spot removal for key combo pieces before the spawning begins can preemptively curb the influx of tokens.
Enchantment removal also plays a critical role. Cards like Disenchant or Naturalize allow players to target Viral Spawning directly, preventing the problem before it becomes overwhelming. It’s important to maintain control over the board state and be prepared to act decisively. Sideboarding anti-token cards such as Illness in the Ranks or Echoing Truth can create a safety net against token strategies, keeping them at bay.
Remember, patience and timing are crucial. By holding back the right removal until your opponent commits to a significant token generation play, you can turn the tide of the game. As always, be mindful of your resources and stay one step ahead of your opponent’s game plan.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Viral Spawning MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Viral Spawning 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Viral Spawning has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Viral Spawning card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-02-04 | "Flashback -ost]" means "You may cast this card from your graveyard by paying -ost] rather than paying its mana cost" and "If the flashback cost was paid, exile this card instead of putting it anywhere else any time it would leave the stack." |
| 2023-02-04 | A spell cast using flashback will always be exiled afterward, whether it resolves, is countered, or leaves the stack in some other way. |
| 2023-02-04 | If a card with flashback is put into your graveyard during your turn, you can cast it if it's legal to do so before any other player can take any actions. |
| 2023-02-04 | To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost (such as a flashback cost) you're paying, add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions. The mana value of the spell is determined only by its mana cost, no matter what the total cost to cast the spell was. |
| 2023-02-04 | You can cast a spell using flashback even if it was somehow put into your graveyard without having been cast. |
| 2023-02-04 | You must still follow any timing restrictions and permissions, including those based on the card's type. For instance, you can cast a sorcery using flashback only when you could normally cast a sorcery. |