Deathcult Rogue MTG Card


Deathcult Rogue - Gatecrash
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Rogue
Released2013-02-01
Set symbol
Set nameGatecrash
Set codeGTC
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number218
Frame2003
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byDavid Palumbo

Key Takeaways

  1. Unblockable by single creatures, it ensures steady pressure and suits decks wielding advantageous auras or equipment.
  2. Its evasion forces opponents to use resources defensively, allowing you to manipulate the game’s tempo.
  3. Though reliant on specific mana and deck support, its persistent threat nature merits consideration for inclusion.

Text of card

Deathcult Rogue can't be blocked except by Rogues.

"The hussars can't catch him, and he evades our traps with ease. I fear he walks unseen even in the halls of New Prahv." —Arrester Lavinia, Tenth Precinct


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though Deathcult Rogue itself doesn’t net you additional cards, its unblockable nature by singular creatures means it consistently threatens life totals and can carry card-advantage generating equipment or auras throughout a game, solidifying your board presence.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly contributing to mana development, the Rogue’s evasive capabilities inherently press opponents to tap resources to handle it, subtly stretching their mana and delaying their plans.

Instant Speed: Deathcult Rogue isn’t an instant, but its synergy with instant-speed tricks and removals is evident. By being a reliable attacker, it forces opponents to keep mana open to deal with potential buffs or combat tricks, ensuring you dictate the pace of the match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Deathcult Rogue does not directly require a discard, but it’s worth mentioning that its efficacy may hinge on having other cards to facilitate its unblockable nature. Without support, it can be a meager threat.

Specific Mana Cost: Deathcult Rogue requires a commitment to both blue and black mana. This can constrain deck-building options, making it less versatile in a multicolored environment where mana flexibility is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While not exorbitant, Deathcult Rogue’s mana cost for a 2/2 body may feel steep when measured against other creatures with more impactful abilities or higher stats in the same cost bracket.


Reasons to Include Deathcult Rogue in Your Collection

Versatility: Deathcult Rogue fits comfortably in any deck that can capitalize on its unblockable nature. As a 2/2 creature that can’t be blocked except by Rogues, it can be a reliable source of consistent damage, sliding through defenses to pressure opponents.

Combo Potential: This card shines in synergy with other Rogue-themed cards and equipment that either buffs its attack power or rewards you for dealing combat damage to a player. Its interaction with cards that care about evasion makes it a sneaky tool for triggering hit-based abilities.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where evasive creatures are key for securing victories, Deathcult Rogue proves its worth. It slots well into Dimir (blue-black) aggressive strategies where dodging past threats is often more effective than confronting them head-on.


How to beat Deathcult Rogue

Deathcult Rogue, a stealthy creature card in MTG, presents a unique challenge due to its ability to only be blocked by Rogues. It functions efficiently in decks with unblockable or evasion strategies, making it a somewhat tricky card to handle for the unprepared. However, there are strategic ways to overcome this elusive assailant. Removal spells are a solid measure; they ignore the blocking restriction and eliminate the threat directly. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can dispose of Deathcult Rogue regardless of its evasion abilities.

Another tactic involves adjusting your own board presence. Utilizing creatures with reach or any form of removal trait can mitigate Deathcult Rogue’s impact on the game. Moreover, since Deathcult Rogue is not inherently strong in terms of power and toughness, a well-timed board wipe spell could also sweep it off the battlefield along with any accompanying threats. Always, keep an eye on spells that diminish the effectiveness of unblockable creatures or shift the combat balance in your favor.

In the realm of MTG, where flexibility and adaptability are key, understanding and having a response to Deathcult Rogue’s limited unblockability can decisively shift the tides of a match in your favor.


Cards like Deathcult Rogue

Deathcult Rogue is a stealthy player in the realm of unblockable creatures in Magic: The Gathering. With characteristics shared among such elusive creatures, Deathcult Rogue offers a persistent threat that slides by traditional blockers with ease. Oona’s Blackguard is an ally in this category, bestowing additional benefits to your rogue creatures and punishing opponents with its discard effect. However, Deathcult Rogue remains a solid pick with its straightforward unblockability.

Comparatively, Invisible Stalker takes the concept further, not only being unblockable but also hexproof, making it an optimal candidate for auras and equipment. While it offers better protection than Deathcult Rogue, it doesn’t carry the rogue synergy that could be beneficial in a focused deck strategy. Another creature to consider is Neurok Invisimancer, which is temporarily unblockable and, when cast, renders another creature unblockable as well. It’s a one-shot effect in contrast to Deathcult Rogue’s consistent evasion.

In essence, each card carries its unique advantages and deck synergy potential. However, for players valuing steady, unimpeded damage, particularly in a rogue-themed deck, Deathcult Rogue proves itself a formidable choice to sneak past defenders turn after turn.

Oona's Blackguard - MTG Card versions
Invisible Stalker - MTG Card versions
Neurok Invisimancer - MTG Card versions
Oona's Blackguard - Gateway 2008 (PG08)
Invisible Stalker - Innistrad (ISD)
Neurok Invisimancer - Scars of Mirrodin (SOM)

Cards similar to Deathcult Rogue by color, type and mana cost

Mundungu - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Urborg Phantom - MTG Card versions
Urborg Drake - MTG Card versions
Dralnu's Pet - MTG Card versions
Shadowmage Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Psychatog - MTG Card versions
Satoru Umezawa - MTG Card versions
Master of Death - MTG Card versions
Nightveil Specter - MTG Card versions
Urborg Emissary - MTG Card versions
Dimir Cutpurse - MTG Card versions
Dimir Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Cemetery Puca - MTG Card versions
Gravelgill Duo - MTG Card versions
Wasp Lancer - MTG Card versions
Shore Snapper - MTG Card versions
Harbor Bandit - MTG Card versions
Bane Alley Broker - MTG Card versions
Siren of the Silent Song - MTG Card versions
Mundungu - Visions (VIS)
Phyrexian Infiltrator - The List (PLST)
Urborg Phantom - Invasion (INV)
Urborg Drake - Invasion (INV)
Dralnu's Pet - Planeshift (PLS)
Shadowmage Infiltrator - Masters 25 (A25)
Psychatog - Vintage Masters (VMA)
Satoru Umezawa - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty (NEO)
Master of Death - Murders at Karlov Manor Commander (MKC)
Nightveil Specter - GRN Guild Kit (GK1)
Urborg Emissary - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Dimir Cutpurse - Ravnica: City of Guilds (RAV)
Dimir Doppelganger - GRN Guild Kit (GK1)
Cemetery Puca - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Gravelgill Duo - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Wasp Lancer - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Shore Snapper - Shards of Alara (ALA)
Harbor Bandit - Magic 2013 (M13)
Bane Alley Broker - Gatecrash (GTC)
Siren of the Silent Song - Born of the Gods (BNG)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deathcult Rogue MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash, 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 Deathcult Rogue and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deathcult Rogue has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2013-01-24 If a creature already assigned to block Deathcult Rogue stops being a Rogue, it will continue to block.

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