Wakedancer MTG Card
2012-02-03 - Number 79
2014-06-06 - Number 134
2016-06-10 - Number 116
2022-12-02 - Number 128
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Shaman |
| Abilities | Morbid |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Morbid — When Wakedancer enters the battlefield, if a creature died this turn, put a 2/2 black Zombie creature token onto the battlefield.
Hers is an ancient form of necromancy, steeped in shamanic trance and ritual that few skaberen or ghoulcallers comprehend.
Cards like Wakedancer
Wakedancer, a card that finds its place in decks that revolve around morbid triggers and creature revival, shares characteristics with other notable cards in Magic: The Gathering. Sibling to Unearth, which also allows for creature return from the graveyard, Wakedancer differentiates itself by not only bringing a creature back but also by potentially adding a 2/2 zombie to the board if a creature has died this turn. While Unearth can target creatures with mana cost 3 or less without a morbid trigger, it doesn’t contribute to board presence the way Wakedancer can.
Comparatively, Skaab Ruinator is an alternative with a higher casting cost that also interacts with the graveyard, yet it requires exiling three creature cards from your graveyard to cast it from there. Wakedancer’s simpler condition of a creature dying allows for more tactical play without the steep exile cost. Then there’s Gravecrawler, another creature that offers repeatable graveyard-to-play dynamics, albeit for itself, and only if you control a Zombie, making Wakedancer a more flexible option for various deck types.
Understanding the synergy of morbid triggers and graveyard interactions positions Wakedancer as a valuable card for players building around death-triggered strategies, providing both a creature and a potential token creature, elevating its role within the MTG ecosystem.
Cards similar to Wakedancer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Wakedancer is adept at generating additional board presence by creating a 2/2 black Zombie creature token when Morbid is triggered, essentially offering two creatures for the price of one card, enhancing your card efficiency during play.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly affecting mana resources, Wakedancer can accelerate your creature resources on the battlefield. With Morbid activated, you double your creature output without the need for extra mana, enabling faster development of your army and potential synergies within decks focused on creature quantity.
Instant Speed: While Wakedancer itself is not an instant, the creature it can potentially create from its Morbid ability does not have summoning sickness if Wakedancer was played on your turn, allowing it to block immediately if needed. Also, because Morbid triggers off any creature’s death, there may be strategic plays in combination with instant-speed removal spells you control that could simultaneously remove a threat and satisfy the Morbid condition in a single turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To fully utilize Wakedancer’s ability, you must have had another creature die this turn. This precondition might not always align with your gameplay strategy or board state, potentially limiting the card’s effectiveness.
Specific Mana Cost: Wakedancer requires both black mana and generic mana. Decks not focused on black might find it challenging to consistently meet the specific mana cost, consequently restricting the card’s inclusion to mono-black or black-centric decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Spending three mana might seem steep for a 2/2 creature. While Wakedancer offers an additional creature token when morbid is activated, its cost-to-benefit ratio might not be as favorable compared to other creatures or spells available at a similar cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Wakedancer can seamlessly integrate into various deck builds, particularly those capitalizing on creature death triggers or requiring consistent board presence. Its adaptability makes it a smart choice for decks looking to exploit creature synergies.
Combo Potential: With its Morbid ability—which activates if a creature has died this turn—Wakedancer can work in tandem with sacrifice outlets and recursive strategies to generate additional value, supplying both a creature and a Zombie token.
Meta-Relevance: Wakedancer’s utility shines in environments where creatures frequently perish in battle or via effects. The additional Zombie token can often tilt the scales in your favor, making it a subtly powerful inclusion against numerous popular strategies.
How to beat
Wakedancer is a creature card known for its undying ability, which can make it a persistent threat in Magic the Gathering. Overcoming this card requires strategic play and understanding its mechanics. Removal spells that exile, such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, can permanently deal with Wakedancer without triggering its ability. Board wipes that exile, like Merciless Eviction, also circumvent the undying mechanic.
Alternatively, employing graveyard disruption tactics can cripple Wakedancer’s effectiveness. Cards like Rest in Peace and Leyline of the Void will prevent Wakedancer from coming back to the battlefield, thereby nullifying the advantage it provides. Tactics such as these are essential when facing decks that capitalize on undying or other graveyard-based strategies.
It’s crucial for players to remain vigilant and keep their removal or graveyard hate cards ready when Wakedancer appears on the board, ensuring it doesn’t turn into a recurring nightmare. By preemptively managing the battlefield and effectively handling creature threats, players can mitigate the impact of Wakedancer and maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Wakedancer MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension and Conspiracy, 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 Wakedancer 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 Wakedancer Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2012-02-03 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-02-03 | Dark Ascension | DKA | 79 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Austin Hsu | |
| 2 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 134 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Austin Hsu | |
| 3 | 2016-06-10 | Eternal Masters | EMA | 116 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Austin Hsu | |
| 4 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 128 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mila Pesic |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Wakedancer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |