Zombie Infestation MTG Card
2001-10-01 - Number 170
2010-06-18 - Number 28
2011-07-15 - Number 120
2011-11-18 - Number 19
2019-08-23 - Number 132
2020-07-17 - Number 288
2023-01-13 - Number 111
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment |
Text of card
Discard two cards from your hand: Put a 2/2 black Zombie creature token into play.
The nomads' funeral pyres are more practical than ceremonial.
Cards like Zombie Infestation
Zombie Infestation stands out in a niche field of token-generating enchantments in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest relative in functionality could be Call the Bloodline, which also allows players to create 1/1 black Vampire creature tokens. However, Call the Bloodline limits the token creation to once each turn, whereas Zombie Infestation does not impose such restrictions, enabling the creation of multiple 2/2 black Zombie tokens in one go.
Another akin card is Squee’s Revenge, which like Zombie Infestation, features a discard mechanic, though for a considerably different effect. Squee’s Revenge leverages the discard to potentially increase one’s mana pool rather than populate the board with creatures. Then there’s Open the Graves, which doesn’t require an active discard but automatically creates 2/2 black Zombie tokens whenever a nontoken creature you control dies.
Although each of these cards offers a unique approach to token generation or utilizes discard strategies, Zombie Infestation provides players the ability to transform dead card hands into a formidable undead army, efficiently turning a potential weakness into a board-presence advantage.
Cards similar to Zombie Infestation by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Zombie Infestation. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Madness | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:30 am | |
 | Goryo's Vengeance | Modern | Goryo's Vengeance | Modern Challenge 64 2024-02-03 |
 | Grixis Control | Legacy | Charlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 1 | |
 | Dimir Control | Legacy | Charlotte Legacy League Season 4 Week 10 | |
| Zombie Infestation | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Zombie Infestation provides a repeatable method for turning excess or dead cards in your hand into tangible threats on the battlefield. This, in turn, allows you to maintain pressure on your opponents even when your hand might be dwindling.
Resource Acceleration: Despite not producing mana or tokens that can be used for mana, Zombie Infestation accelerates your board presence by allowing you to quickly populate the field with 2/2 Zombie tokens. This swarming strategy can overrun opponents and also offers synergy with cards that benefit from creatures entering the battlefield or dying.
Instant Speed: The ability to discard cards and create Zombie tokens at instant speed gives you significant flexibility. You can end your opponent’s turn with more creatures than they accounted for, block unexpectedly, or respond to removal by utilizing your cards in hand effectively before they’re lost.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Zombie Infestation necessitates discarding two cards to activate its ability, depleting your hand and potentially leaving you without sufficient cards to respond to opponents’ threats.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires both black mana and generic mana to be cast, which may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that prioritize other colors or mana flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although the initial cost to cast Zombie Infestation is low, the ongoing requirement to discard two cards for a single 2/2 Zombie creature token can add up, making it less mana-efficient in prolonged games especially when compared to other token-generating options.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Zombie Infestation lends itself to various deck types, particularly those that rely on graveyard strategies or benefit from creature tokens. Its ability to turn excess cards into board presence makes it a flexible addition to any player’s arsenal.
Combo Potential: This card is a combo enabler, synergizing with mechanics like madness and reanimation. It’s capable of generating a vast army of zombies while fueling your graveyard for other synergistic plays.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based strategies prevail, Zombie Infestation proves its worth by consistently creating blockers or pressuring opponents. Its relevance increases in metas where discard or creature-tokens are part of prevailing strategies.
How to beat
Zombie Infestation is a unique card in the realm of Magic: The Gathering that enables players to transform discarded cards into zombie creature tokens. Dealing with it requires a strategic approach. Tackling the infestation is often a matter of managing graveyard interaction and limiting the player’s ability to stockpile and discard cards. Cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void can be crucial in preventing discarded cards from being turned into resources.
Control decks can find solace in counterspells or removals such as Wrath of God to clear out a swarm of zombies. However, one must consider the tempo and prevent the opposing player from reaching a critical mass of undead creatures. Efficiently eliminating the enchantment itself is essential and can be effectively done with enchantment removal spells like Disenchant or Naturalize. This prevents the overwhelming presence of zombies and disrupts the synergy of the card with the user’s strategy.
In summary, to combat Zombie Infestation, a player must prevent graveyard utility, manage the battlefield, and consider early and decisive answers to the enchantment itself. It’s a challenge, but with the right tactics, any invading horde can be put to rest.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zombie Infestation MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey and Archenemy, 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 Zombie Infestation 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
Printings
The Zombie Infestation Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2001-10-01 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by Thomas M. Baxa.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001-10-01 | Odyssey | ODY | 170 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 2 | 2010-06-18 | Archenemy | ARC | 28 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 3 | 2011-07-15 | Magic 2012 | M12 | 120 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 4 | 2011-11-18 | Premium Deck Series: Graveborn | PD3 | 19 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 5 | 2019-08-23 | Commander 2019 | C19 | 132 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 6 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 288 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 7 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 111 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Zombie Infestation has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |