Silumgar, the Drifting Death MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Dragon
Abilities Flying,Hexproof
Power 3
Toughness 7

Key Takeaways

  1. Indirect card advantage from Silumgar’s attack-triggered ability offers efficient creature board control.
  2. Hexproof and flying make Silumgar a resilient threat that fits well in control-oriented decks.
  3. Mana cost and color specificity require strategic deck building to maximize Silumgar’s potential.

Text of card

Flying, hexproof Whenever a Dragon you control attacks, creatures defending player controls get -1/-1 until end of turn.

"No machinations, no puppet strings, no plots. Just pure, sweeping death." —Tasigur, the Golden Fang


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Silumgar the Drifting Death excels at providing card advantage indirectly through its ability that gives -1/-1 to all creatures your opponents control whenever it attacks. This potent effect can decimate opposing boards and generate card advantage by negating the need to use separate removal spells.

Resource Acceleration: While this card itself does not produce additional resources directly, the sheer presence of Silumgar on the battlefield can save precious spells and mana. This is due to its ability to consistently clear smaller creatures, thus conserving resources that would be spent on handling those threats separately.

Instant Speed: While Silumgar the Drifting Death operates at sorcery speed, it pairs well with instant speed spells. Its hexproof ability ensures it remains a constant threat overlay, allowing players to safely pass turns with mana open for countermagic, removal, or other instant speed interactions, knowing Silumgar’s deterrence remains steadfast on the board.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Silumgar the Drifting Death doesn’t directly require discarding cards, the need to maintain a full grip to maximize its ability may indirectly pressure players to conserve cards, leading to potentially unfavorable holding patterns.

Specific Mana Cost: As a commander that demands both Black and Blue mana, Silumgar the Drifting Death requires a dedicated mana base, which might restrict deck building and its inclusion to two-color or multicolor decks with a focused mana strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing six mana to cast, Silumgar the Drifting Death can be slower to get into play compared to other dragons or threats at lower mana values. This sometimes gives opponents ample time to prepare or establish board presence before Silumgar becomes a factor.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The commanding presence of Silumgar the Drifting Death on the battlefield resonates with a range of deck types. Its ability to fly and offer board control through -1/-1 to opposing creatures on attack ensures it’s a card that finds its place in decks that lean towards control or dragon synergies.

Combo Potential: Silumgar’s hexproof ensures it can be a consistent menace. This pairs well with any strategy aimed at longevity and control, allowing players to safely set up combos knowing Silumgar will likely remain a fixture on the board, ready to strike or defend.

Meta-Relevance: As creature-heavy decks cycle through the meta, Silumgar’s ability to weaken entire squads of enemies can be invaluable. This holds particular weight in formats where resilience and creature management are key, making Silumgar a relevant choice for players looking to stay a step ahead.


How to beat

Contending with Silumgar the Drifting Death on the battlefield can be quite the conundrum for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts aiming to maintain board presence. This formidable dragon, renowned for its ability to diminish your forces upon attacking, poses a significant challenge. To effectively counteract Silumgar’s influence, it is critical to preemptively eliminate it or negate its abilities before it declares an attack. Utilizing instant speed removal spells that can target Silumgar after it’s been declared as an attacker but before its ability triggers is one approach. Spells like Path to Exile or Reality Shift can be game-changers, removing the threat immediately from the battlefield.

Alternatively, focusing on exile effects sidesteps Silumgar’s hexproof attribute, ensuring it can’t be regaled by conventional means. Another strategy involves granting your creatures indestructibility or utilizing those that already possess it. Cards like Selfless Spirit or creatures with inherent indestructibility are key in preserving your board. Lastly, consider employing counterspells to prevent Silumgar from entering the battlefield in the first place, maintaining control over the game’s pace. Successfully navigating these strategies can turn the tides of the match in your favor against Silumgar the Drifting Death.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the depths of MTG gameplay hinges on recognizing the strengths and limitations of every card, just like with Silumgar the Drifting Death. This dragon brings power and control to your board, but it also comes at a cost and requires strategic deck construction. Whether you’re countering creature-heavy decks or looking to establish dominance with dragon synergies, Silumgar has a role to play. Enhancing your collection with Silumgar means being prepared for meta shifts and having a reliable threat. Curious about integrating Silumgar into your deck or seeking alternatives? Dive in with us as we explore strategies, synergies, and ways to ensure your deck soars above the rest.


Cards like Silumgar, the Drifting Death

Silumgar the Drifting Death arrives as a powerful fixture in the realm of flying creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. A close comparative card is Icefall Regent, which also taps a creature and makes it more expensive for opponents to target it with abilities or spells. Though they share control attributes, Silumgar edges ahead with his ability to grant -1/-1 to your opponent’s creatures whenever a dragon you control attacks, setting a wider net of impact across the board.

Dragons of Tarkir brought us Dragonlord Ojutai, another formidable dragon with comparable traits. Ojutai boasts hexproof until it attacks and presents card advantage upon dealing combat damage. Unlike Silumgar, it doesn’t weaken opposing forces but offers a more defensive option. Another dragon to consider is Steel Hellkite; while it doesn’t directly decrease creature toughness, it can detonate tokens or troublesome permanents for zero mana, making it a versatile alternative depending on your strategy.

Strategically, Silumgar the Drifting Death sits in a unique position, offering both a defensive and offensive utility that can systematically dismantle your opponent’s board state. Assessing these dragons highlights Silumgar’s unique strength in controlling the battlefield and supporting a long-term game plan.

Icefall Regent - MTG Card versions
Dragonlord Ojutai - MTG Card versions
Steel Hellkite - MTG Card versions
Icefall Regent - Dragons of Tarkir (DTK)
Dragonlord Ojutai - Dragons of Tarkir (DTK)
Steel Hellkite - Scars of Mirrodin Promos (PSOM)

Cards similar to Silumgar, the Drifting Death by color, type and mana cost

Ramses Overdark - MTG Card versions
Princess Lucrezia - MTG Card versions
Ramirez DePietro - MTG Card versions
Gyruda, Doom of Depths - MTG Card versions
Xanathar, Guild Kingpin - MTG Card versions
Oona, Queen of the Fae - MTG Card versions
Jhessian Zombies - MTG Card versions
Wrexial, the Risen Deep - MTG Card versions
Vela the Night-Clad - MTG Card versions
Dinrova Horror - MTG Card versions
Ruthless Deathfang - MTG Card versions
Dragonlord Silumgar - MTG Card versions
Sire of Stagnation - MTG Card versions
Psychic Symbiont - MTG Card versions
Lochmere Serpent - MTG Card versions
Callidus Assassin - MTG Card versions
Memory Vampire - MTG Card versions
Ramses Overdark - Masters Edition III (ME3)
Princess Lucrezia - Masters Edition III (ME3)
Ramirez DePietro - Masters Edition III (ME3)
Gyruda, Doom of Depths - Multiverse Legends (MUL)
Xanathar, Guild Kingpin - Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Promos (PAFR)
Oona, Queen of the Fae - Wilds of Eldraine Commander (WOC)
Jhessian Zombies - Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas (DDH)
Wrexial, the Risen Deep - New Capenna Commander (NCC)
Vela the Night-Clad - Starter Commander Decks (SCD)
Dinrova Horror - Jumpstart (JMP)
Ruthless Deathfang - Midnight Hunt Commander (MIC)
Dragonlord Silumgar - Double Masters 2022 (2X2)
Sire of Stagnation - Battle for Zendikar (BFZ)
Psychic Symbiont - Double Masters 2022 (2X2)
Lochmere Serpent - Throne of Eldraine (ELD)
Callidus Assassin - Warhammer 40,000 Commander (40K)
Memory Vampire - Ravnica: Clue Edition (CLU)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Silumgar, the Drifting Death MTG card by a specific set like Fate Reforged and Fate Reforged Promos, 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 Silumgar, the Drifting Death and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Silumgar, the Drifting Death Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-01-23 and 2017-08-25. Illustrated by Steven Belledin.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12015-01-23Fate ReforgedFRF 1572015normalblackSteven Belledin
22015-01-23Fate Reforged PromosPFRF 157s2015normalblackSteven Belledin
32017-08-25Commander 2017C17 1942015normalblackSteven Belledin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Silumgar, the Drifting Death has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2014-11-24 The creatures affected by Silumgar’s triggered ability are determined relative to the Dragon that attacked. For example, if Silumgar attacked one opponent and two other Dragons attacked another opponent, creatures controlled by the first opponent would get -1/-1 until end of turn and creatures controlled by the second opponent would get -2/-2 until end of turn.

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