Undercity Necrolisk MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Zombie Lizard
Released	2018-10-05
Set symbol
Set name	Guilds of Ravnica
Set code	GRN
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	87
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Tomasz Jedruszek

Key Takeaways

Necrolisk’s sacrifice for +1/+1 counters ensures utility of creatures in various deck strategies.
Instant speed activation grants tactical flexibility, disrupting opponents’ plans effectively.
Mana specificity and discard requirements may limit its deck compatibility and impact.

Text of card

, Sacrifice another creature: Put a +1/+1 counter on Undercity Necrolisk. It gains menace until end of turn. Activate this ability only any time you could cast a sorcery. (It can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.)

In its territory, living is an affront.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Undercity Necrolisk offers a strategic edge by allowing you to sacrifice another creature to give it a +1/+1 counter. This is not only a method to utilize creatures that are no longer useful or are about to be destroyed, but it can also help you dig through your deck if paired with abilities that trigger upon a creature’s death.

Resource Acceleration: While the Undercity Necrolisk itself doesn’t provide direct mana acceleration, its ability to efficiently cycle through your creatures can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. This is particularly true in decks that capitalize on death triggers to pull lands from the deck or gain additional mana.

Instant Speed: Undercity Necrolisk’s activated ability can be used at instant speed, offering flexibility during game play. This means you can wait until the most opportune moment during your opponent’s turn to make your move, potentially disrupting their strategy or creating favorable combat interactions on the fly.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable setback while playing Undercity Necrolisk is its demand for discarding a creature card as an activation cost to achieve indestructible status. This could hinder your game plan, especially when your hand is scarce of creatures or when you need to maintain a presence on the board.

Specific Mana Cost: Deploying Undercity Necrolisk requires Black and Green mana which could potentially restrict its integration into a wide array of decks. Players who do not run these colors might find it less appealing for their deck construction.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a combined total of four mana points, including specific color requirements, some players might find the cost a bit steep. Given the mana investment, it can be less attractive compared to other creatures in the same mana range that provide immediate impact when hitting the battlefield.

Reasons to Include Undercity Necrolisk in Your Collection

Versatility: Undercity Necrolisk provides a unique blend of aggression and utility. It can serve as a potent threat on its own while offering the flexibility to sacrifice another creature for a key +1/+1 counter and menace until end of turn—making it harder to block and more resilient in combat.

Combo Potential: This card excels in decks that revolve around sacrificing creatures for value. It synergizes with death-trigger strategies or with mechanics like undying or persist, where it can become a recurring nightmare for your opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where board presence and creature-based strategies are pivotal, Undercity Necrolisk comes out as a solid addition. Especially in long, grindy matches, the ability to sacrifice creatures can be crucial to outmaneuver control decks and generate incremental advantages.

How to beat Undercity Necrolisk

Confronting Undercity Necrolisk on the battlefield can be a daunting task due to its ability to become indestructible. This powerful capability makes the creature a formidable opponent in Magic the Gathering matches. To effectively counter this threat, one should consider strategies that don’t directly destroy the creature but rather bypass its indestructibility. Spot removals that exile, such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, offer an efficient solution, neatly sidestepping the creature’s defensive mechanism.

Alternatively, reducing the Necrolisk’s utility by controlling the number of creatures your opponent has on the field can also prove to be a successful tactic. This reduces the likelihood that the Necrolisk can become indestructible at a moment’s notice. Board wipes that don’t destroy, like Terminus, can also be a key strategy, effectively dealing with the Necrolisk and any other creatures that may be sheltered by its abilities.

Ultimately, understanding the dynamics of Undercity Necrolisk and preparing for its strengths in your deck building will give you an edge, ensuring you’re equipped with the right tools and tactics to triumph over this unprecedented challenge within the game.

Cards like Undercity Necrolisk

Undercity Necrolisk offers a unique spin on Magic: The Gathering’s array of creature cards with built-in sacrifice abilities. Comparable to cards like Nantuko Husk, which allows you to sacrifice a creature to give it a temporary boost in power, Undercity Necrolisk stands out because it gains the boost permanently. Unlike Nantuko Husk, Undercity Necrolisk also confers the added benefit of gaining menace until end of turn, making it harder for opponents to block effectively.

Another similar card is Bloodthrone Vampire, though with a lower mana cost and a power that fades after the turn, it doesn’t match the staying power of Undercity Necrolisk’s bolstered strength. Carrion Feeder, as a one-drop zombie, also presents sacrifice for incremental growth, yet it lacks the immediate threat of becoming unblockable.

Overall, Undercity Necrolisk serves as an adept choice in decks that thrive on sacrificing creatures for profit, blending sustainable power increase with menacing offense. Its ability to persistently threaten the opponent sets it apart as a formidable force in creature-focused strategies within the game.

Cards similar to Undercity Necrolisk by color, type and mana cost

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions

Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Undercity Necrolisk MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica, 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 Undercity Necrolisk and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Undercity Necrolisk has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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