Xander's Wake MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Released | 2022-06-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: New Capenna |
| Set code | YSNC |
| Number | 9 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jodie Muir |
Text of card
Whenever one or more creatures you control die, draft a card from Xander's Wake's spellbook. This ability triggers only once each turn.
Cards like Xander's Wake
Xander’s Wake joins the echelon of board-affecting spells in Magic: The Gathering, bearing resemblance to cards like Rampage of the Valkyries. Both cards impact the board by creating a challenging environment for opponents to commit creatures. Xander’s Wake, however, takes a unique stance by punishing opponents for casting noncreature spells, potentially disrupting their strategy.
Another card in this space is Revel in Riches, which provides an alternate win condition by amassing Treasure tokens. While Xander’s Wake does not offer victory in the same direct manner, it does create Treasure tokens each time it punishes opponents, indirectly boosting your resources for further plays. This form of resource acceleration subtly distinguishes it from the straightforward mechanic of Revel in Riches.
Assessing these cards alongside Xander’s Wake, we see a blending of strategies from both resource gain and board control elements. Its ability to inhibit opponents while still rewarding the player makes Xander’s Wake a compelling choice within its category, reflecting the complexity and depth of strategy available in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Xander's Wake by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Xander's Wake. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Black Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Games: We're Back | |
 | Mono-Black Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Golgari Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024 | |
 | Decklist | Free form | 81#CS | |
 | Dimir Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 08 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Xander’s Wake shines in providing card advantage, permitting a player to potentially net more cards thus fueling strategic plays and maintaining momentum throughout the game.
Resource Acceleration: This powerful card offers a significant boost in resource acceleration by allowing the creation of Treasure tokens. These tokens serve as flexible resources for swift mana ramping, enabling bigger threats or intricate combos to hit the battlefield earlier than expected.
Instant Speed: The instant speed of Xander’s Wake provides tactical flexibility, allowing players to adapt on the fly and make decisions with perfect timing. Casting it during an opponent’s end step makes it a formidable tool for both reactive and proactive strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Xander’s Wake demands that you discard a card to activate its transformative abilities. This cost poses a strategic challenge, particularly when your hand is holding crucial cards that you’re reluctant to part ways with, turning the tide of the game into an unfavorable current.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana cost is tailored with a very specific blend of mana types, necessitating both red and black mana. This requirement can create stumbling blocks when constructing a versatile mana base, especially in decks that aim to cast spells across a wider spectrum of the color pie.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an investment of a considerable four mana to gain its benefits, one might find themselves at a disadvantage when faster-paced games demand more immediate impacts on the board state. This could leave players pondering whether there are other cards available that could achieve similar or better results with less mana expenditure.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Xander’s Wake is a broadly applicable card, capable of integrating into various strategies. With its ability to provide both board control and life gain, it can fit seamlessly into control or midrange decks, adapting to the needs of the player.
Combo Potential: This card is a linchpin for synergizing with strategies that count on casting multiple spells in a turn or those that benefit from draining opponents. Its dual nature enhances interactions with other pieces to fortify your gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to impact the board state significantly, Xander’s Wake stays relevant in a competitive landscape that values flexibility. Its presence in your deck ensures you have a responsive tool against a myriad of deck archetypes currently dominating the scenes.
How to beat
Xander’s Wake is an impactful card in the world of Magic: The Gathering strategies due to its ability to amplify your threat level while diminishing your opponents’ resources. However, in every card’s strength, there may lie a weakness to exploit. To get the upper hand against Xander’s Wake, one must navigate its mechanics with precision.
Firstly, recognize that Xander’s Wake rewards you for attacking, so consider adopting a more defensive stance. If necessary, temporarily shift your strategy from an aggressive one to a more control-oriented approach. This shift can help mitigate the advantages your opponent gains from attacking with numerous creatures. Additionally, removal spells that deal efficiently with multiple creatures can dismantle the build-up of power Xander’s Wake aims to create. Board wipes or spot removals that can target creatures with high attack are particularly useful here.
Moreover, it’s essential to disrupt your opponent’s battle plan. Counter spells, hand disruption, and direct enchantment removal can effectively neutralize Xander’s Wake before it becomes problematic. Understanding the card’s dynamics and your own deck’s capacity to counteract those strategies will increase your win rate against decks utilizing this formidable enchantment.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Xander's Wake MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: New Capenna, 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 Xander's Wake 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 Xander's Wake has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |