Nekrataal MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 13 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Assassin
Abilities First strike
Power 2
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Nekrataal’s entry effect provides two-fold benefits: creature removal and a robust body on the battlefield.
  2. Its removal flexibility and combo potential make Nekrataal a strategic asset in black-based decks.
  3. Understanding Nekrataal’s limitations is key to creating a strategy that negates its removal power.

Text of card

First strike When Nekrataal comes into play, bury target nonartifact, nonblack creature.

"I have seen the horrors Kaervek has freed. My betrayal is certain—but of Kaervek or of Jamuraa, I cannot say." —Jolrael


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Nekrataal shines in being able to eliminate an opponent’s creature upon entering the battlefield while also providing a solid body for your game plan. This valuable exchange bolsters your presence on the board and often leaves your adversary at a disadvantage, losing not only their creature but also the resources expended to play it.

Resource Acceleration: Although Nekrataal doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration in terms of ramping mana, its ability to effectively deal with threats can indirectly preserve your mana and resources. By efficiently dealing with opposing creatures, you’re able to allocate mana to other pivotal game strategies without the need to commit additional cards or mana to control the board.

Instant Speed: While Nekrataal is not an instant itself, its enter the battlefield effect is reminiscent of an instant-speed removal spell. This allows you strategic flexibility, making it a prime choice for decks that need to manage threats on the board while simultaneously advancing their own board state. You can cast Nekrataal at times that are most opportune, such as just before your turn, to ensure maximum impact against opponents.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Even though Nekrataal doesn’t compel a discard upon casting, the requirement to hold removal spells or actions until it’s on the field may deplete your hand more than desired, thus indirectly influencing your discard choices.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting Nekrataal requires precise mana alignment––two black and two generic mana. This strict cost can be a hurdle in multicolored decks that may not always have the right mana available at the right time.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given that Nekrataal costs four mana, it’s critical to assess its value against other removal options. Many decks demand lower mana curves for faster gameplay, and at times Nekrataal might not be the most economical choice for creature control.


Reasons to Include Nekrataal in Your Collection

Versatility: Nekrataal is a powerful option in any black-based deck that thrives on removal. As a creature that can eliminate an opponent’s threat the moment it hits the battlefield, it serves dual purposes by providing both board presence and control.

Combo Potential: With the ability to destroy a nonartifact, nonblack creature upon entry, Nekrataal can be a key component in combos that repeatedly bounce or resurrect creatures, triggering its valuable enter-the-battlefield effect multiple times throughout a game.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where creatures often play a pivotal role, having Nekrataal can be crucial. It aligns well in environments heavy with powerful creatures that need to be dealt with swiftly and efficiently, making it a mainstay in certain decks that focus on maintaining a clear field.


How to beat

The Nekrataal card presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its straightforward yet powerful impact to eliminate creatures. It shines as a creature that not only bolsters your defenses but also acts as a removal tool upon entering the play field. When it comes to strategies to overcome this potent card, one thing to keep in mind is its limitation to only target nonartifact, nonblack creatures. By understanding its restrictions, you can craft a deck that minimizes the impact of Nekrataal’s entrance. Featuring more artifact creatures or black creatures in your lineup can essentially render Nekrataal a simple creature without its feared battlefield effect.

Another tactic is to prioritize the use of instant-speed spells that can protect or regenerate your key creatures, or even counter spells that may allow Nekrataal to make an unwelcome appearance. Employing spells with hexproof or shroud can also provide a secure blanket over your creatures, shielding them from Nekrataal’s targeted ability. Last but not least, maintaining a faster pace with an aggressive deck can often outrun the slower, more methodical play style that a card like Nekrataal encourages.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the ins and outs of MTG is crucial to bolster your gameplay, and incorporating cards like Nekrataal can offer a significant edge. With its dual function as a creature and a removal tool, Nekrataal is a formidable asset in any black-based strategy. It encourages thoughtful play, combining control with a tactical presence on the board. If you appreciate a blend of offense and defense, and the concept of endless strategies excites you, then deepening your card knowledge is key. Learn more about optimizing your playstyle and refining your collection with us. Embrace the tactics that lead to victory and let Nekrataal guide your path to becoming an adept player.


Cards like Nekrataal

Nekrataal, a formidable creature in Magic: The Gathering, offers a striking resemblance in function to cards like Shriekmaw. Both are notorious for entering the battlefield with a notable ability to destroy target nonartifact, nonblack creatures. Yet, the subtleties in their differences are key; Shriekmaw can also be evoked at a lesser mana cost for an immediate board impact, whereas Nekrataal does not share this alternative casting cost.

Another parallel can be drawn to Ravenous Chupacabra, which also excels at removing creatures upon entry. Where these two differ is in their body; Chupacabra lacks first strike, making Nekrataal a more robust choice in combat situations. Bone Shredder too shares the nonblack creature removal ability, with the added upside of having flying. However, it comes with an echo cost, which is not present in Nekrataal’s design.

Comparing these alternatives shows that Nekrataal holds a key position within the realm of creature removal cards. Its blend of offensive and defensive utility with a potent removal effect ensures it’s a staple card for players seeking to maintain a clear battlefield and press their advantage.

Shriekmaw - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Chupacabra - MTG Card versions
Bone Shredder - MTG Card versions
Shriekmaw - Lorwyn (LRW)
Ravenous Chupacabra - Rivals of Ixalan (RIX)
Bone Shredder - Urza's Legacy (ULG)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nekrataal MTG card by a specific set like Visions and World Championship Decks 1997, 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 Nekrataal and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Nekrataal Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 1997-02-03 and 2016-06-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11997-02-03VisionsVIS 661997normalblackAdrian Smith
21997-08-13World Championship Decks 1997WC97 js661997normalgoldAdrian Smith
31998-08-12World Championship Decks 1998WC98 bs661997normalgoldAdrian Smith
41999-11-12Battle Royale Box SetBRB 461997normalwhiteAdrian Smith
52003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 1492003normalwhiteAdrian Smith
62003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 149★2003normalblackAdrian Smith
72005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 149★2003normalblackAdrian Smith
82005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 1492003normalwhiteAdrian Smith
92007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 163★2003normalblackChristopher Moeller
102007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 1632003normalblackChristopher Moeller
112014-03-14Duel Decks: Jace vs. VraskaDDM 622003normalblackChristopher Moeller
122014-11-07Commander 2014C14 1522015normalblackChristopher Moeller
132016-06-10Eternal MastersEMA 992015normalblackChristopher Moeller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nekrataal has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Nekrataal card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2016-06-08 Nothing happens if there are no nonartifact, nonblack creatures on the battlefield when Nekrataal enters the battlefield, but if there is one, you must target it, even if it’s a creature you control.

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