Zurzoth, Chaos Rider MTG Card


Zurzoth escalates the game with token generation tied to opponent card draws, leading to potential board advantage. Effective in various decks, Zurzoth can be key against opponents benefiting from card draws, providing strategic value. Decks designed to counteract Zurzoth’s influence by managing card draw or removal, can mitigate its impact effectively.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Devil
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

Whenever an opponent draws their first card each turn, if it's not their turn, you create a 1/1 red Devil creature token with "When this creature dies, it deals 1 damage to any target." Whenever one or more Devils you control attack one or more players, you and those players each draw a card, then discard a card at random.


Cards like Zurzoth, Chaos Rider

Zurzoth, Chaos Rider finds a unique niche in MTG’s pantheon of red creature cards. It’s a natural point of comparison to other token-generating cards like Dragon Fodder. While Dragon Fodder straightforwardly creates two 1/1 red Goblin creature tokens, Zurzoth introduces a dynamic play by creating Devil tokens upon the condition of opponents drawing cards. These tokens not only offer immediate board presence but also come with the added benefit of dealing damage when they die.

Next, considering the deck synergy aspect, Robber of the Rich comes to mind. While Robber doesn’t create tokens, it similarly disrupts opponents by essentially stealing cards when it attacks. Robber of the Rich thrives in decks built around multiple attackers. In contrast, Zurzoth sparks chaos in multiplayer scenarios, where each draw your opponents make can rapidly escalate your offensive.

Ultimately, each card serves a different strategy, but Zurzoth, Chaos Rider stands out in environments where card draw is prevalent, turning what is usually an advantage for opponents into a weapon of your own. Its ability to feed off opponents’ strategies makes it a formidable choice for players crafting decks designed to exploit multiplayer dynamics.

Dragon Fodder - MTG Card versions
Robber of the Rich - MTG Card versions
Dragon Fodder - MTG Card versions
Robber of the Rich - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Zurzoth, Chaos Rider by color, type and mana cost

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Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
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Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Blind-Spot Giant - MTG Card versions
Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Blind-Spot Giant - MTG Card versions
Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Zurzoth, Chaos Rider allows you to create a 1/1 red Devil creature token with “When this creature dies, it deals 1 damage to any target” for each player drawing their first card each turn besides their draw step. This creates potential for substantial card advantage as the creatures can be valuable both on the field and as a resource when they’re expended.

Resource Acceleration: While Zurzoth itself does not directly produce additional mana or tokens, the deck strategies often used with Zurzoth can lead to indirect resource acceleration. The Devil tokens generated can exert pressure or trade favorably, freeing up your mana and cards for other uses.

Instant Speed: Zurzoth’s triggered ability is not limited to your turn; the tokens are created at the draw of the first card, maximizing the effect during any player’s turn. This means you can quickly adapt to the changing game state, leveraging instant speed spells alongside Zurzoth’s ability to maximize your board presence and maintain tempo.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Zurzoth, Chaos Rider requires that you have a steady stream of cards to discard, which can present a challenge in maintaining card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that demands both red mana and two colorless, it requires a deck built around red or with a reliable mana base to cast efficiently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana, including double red, Zurzoth can be somewhat expensive for the aggro strategies that typically want to deploy threats quickly and efficiently.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Zurzoth, Chaos Rider seamlessly adapts to various deck archetypes. It can shine in red-based aggressive strategies or even in more control-oriented decks that require a reliable source of card draw.

Combo Potential: This card opens up explosive combinations, especially in decks that focus on token generation or strategies revolving around damage triggers each time a player draws a card.

Meta-Relevance: With the shifting dynamics of the playing environment, Zurzoth can play a crucial role by countering decks that draw many cards, disrupting the opponent’s tempo, and providing a steady flow of creatures and card advantage.


How to Beat

Zurzoth, Chaos Rider is a unique card that has made its mark on the Magic: The Gathering battlefield with its ability to create 1/1 red Devil creature tokens. Every time an opponent draws their first card each turn, if it’s not their turn, you get a Devil token that, when it dies, can deal 1 damage to any target. Zurzoth brings a chaotic twist to the game, but it’s not invincible.

To overcome Zurzoth’s onslaught, control the flow of your opponent’s card draws. Employ removal spells that can target Zurzoth before the chaos begins. Counter-based decks, which delay or deny your opponent’s plays, can also be effective. Another strategy includes using board wipes to clear out the tokens before they accumulate. Strategic plays that limit the number of times your opponents draw cards outside their turns will deflate Zurzoth’s impact. Although overcoming Zurzoth can be a thrilling puzzle, with the right approach and timing, this chaos can be managed, allowing you to reclaim the reins of the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Zurzoth, Chaos Rider MTG card by a specific set like Jumpstart and New Capenna Commander, 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 Zurzoth, Chaos Rider and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Zurzoth, Chaos Rider Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2020-07-17 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by Dmitry Burmak.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-07-17JumpstartJMP 272015NormalBlackDmitry Burmak
22022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 2782015NormalBlackDmitry Burmak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Zurzoth, Chaos Rider has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-06-23 Devils you control that attack a planeswalker won't cause any player to draw or discard a card.
2020-06-23 If a spell or ability causes a player to put a card into their hand without specifically using the word “draw,” it's not a card drawn.
2020-06-23 If your life total is brought to 0 or less at the same time that a Devil token is dealt lethal damage, you lose the game before its ability goes on the stack.