Benthic Behemoth MTG Card


Benthic Behemoth deters attacks, serves as a powerful blocker, and maintains board control. Early mana acceleration is crucial to unleash Behemoth’s full potential swiftly. Despite its power, the Behemoth’s high mana cost and specific color requirements may limit flexibility.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost8
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Serpent
Abilities Islandwalk,Landwalk
Power 7
Toughness 6

Text of card

Islandwalk (If defending player controls any islands, this creature is unblockable.)

"Deep devourer concealed in darkhome Shrouded it seeks all becomes fodder Once we swam alone and asea But no more." —*Rootwater Saga*


Cards like Benthic Behemoth

Benthic Behemoth stands out in the pantheon of sea creatures in MTG. It shares the waters with other leviathans like Island Fish Jasconius, a card whose sheer size can dominate the battlefield. However, the Behemoth doesn’t require islands to untap each turn, giving it an edge in terms of mobility. Inkwell Leviathan is another deep-sea giant, famously evasive with trample and shroud. While Inkwell Leviathan is more difficult for the opponent to remove, Benthic Behemoth’s lower casting cost gives players quicker access to substantial power on the board.

Looking towards cards like Stormtide Leviathan, MTG enthusiasts recognize the immense influence such creatures wield, with abilities to change the landscape of the game. Stormtide Leviathan locks down the battlefield, forcing nonflying creatures to struggle. In contrast, Benthic Behemoth is simpler, focusing on high toughness and the ease of consistently getting in for damage. Lorthos, the Tidemaker, also commands attention for its ability to tap down a multitude of permanents. Though powerful, Lorthos requires a more substantial mana investment to activate this ability, setting it apart from the forthright brute force approach of Benthic Behemoth.

Considering the arsenal of aquatic behemoths available to MTG players, each card offers something unique for those looking to make a splash. The Benthic Behemoth, with its less complicated approach to sea monster strategy, offers a reliable and straightforward choice for any MTG deck focusing on high toughness creatures.

Island Fish Jasconius - MTG Card versions
Inkwell Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Island Fish Jasconius - MTG Card versions
Inkwell Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Benthic Behemoth by color, type and mana cost

Deep Spawn - MTG Card versions
Denizen of the Deep - MTG Card versions
Tidal Kraken - MTG Card versions
Avatar of Will - MTG Card versions
Cognivore - MTG Card versions
Brinelin, the Moon Kraken - MTG Card versions
Sphinx of the Second Sun - MTG Card versions
Scornful Egotist - MTG Card versions
Qumulox - MTG Card versions
Hoverguard Sweepers - MTG Card versions
Greater Morphling - MTG Card versions
Tidespout Tyrant - MTG Card versions
Slipstream Serpent - MTG Card versions
Kederekt Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Trench Gorger - MTG Card versions
Tidal Force - MTG Card versions
Elder Deep-Fiend - MTG Card versions
Slinn Voda, the Rising Deep - MTG Card versions
Deep Spawn - MTG Card versions
Denizen of the Deep - MTG Card versions
Tidal Kraken - MTG Card versions
Avatar of Will - MTG Card versions
Cognivore - MTG Card versions
Brinelin, the Moon Kraken - MTG Card versions
Sphinx of the Second Sun - MTG Card versions
Scornful Egotist - MTG Card versions
Qumulox - MTG Card versions
Hoverguard Sweepers - MTG Card versions
Greater Morphling - MTG Card versions
Tidespout Tyrant - MTG Card versions
Slipstream Serpent - MTG Card versions
Kederekt Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Trench Gorger - MTG Card versions
Tidal Force - MTG Card versions
Elder Deep-Fiend - MTG Card versions
Slinn Voda, the Rising Deep - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The sheer presence of Benthic Behemoth on the battlefield can deter opponents from attacking, indirectly defending your other creatures and helping you maintain board presence. Its substantial toughness also makes it an excellent blocker, often forcing your opponent to commit multiple resources to get past it.

Resource Acceleration: In decks focused on ramping, Benthic Behemoth serves as a top-tier creature that benefits from early game mana acceleration. Getting it out ahead of schedule can put you at a significant advantage, as it demands an immediate answer from your opponent.

Instant Speed: While Benthic Behemoth doesn’t have any abilities that operate at instant speed itself, it fits well in a control strategy that balances instant-speed responses with formidable threats. Having it in your arsenal means you can apply pressure while keeping your mana untapped for any surprises, ensuring you’re never caught off-guard.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Benthic Behemoth’s inclusion could pose a strategy dilemma due to its demanding discard obligation. To summon this leviathan, players may find themselves relinquishing valuable cards, which could hinder their game progression and momentum.

Specific Mana Cost: Wielding a specific mana combination with an emphasis on blue sources, Benthic Behemoth may not seamlessly integrate into multicolored decks. This requirement could constrain deck-building versatility and limit its application to dominantly blue or mono-blue oceanic-themed decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The summoning cost of Benthic Behemoth looms large, demanding a significant eight mana to call forth its might. When juxtaposed with other creatures in its mana range, it becomes apparent that there may be alternatives that offer either lower casting costs, greater impact, or additional abilities that provide enhanced utility and board presence.


Reasons to Include Benthic Behemoth in Your Collection

Versatility: Benthic Behemoth isn’t just a behemoth in name; this sea monster brings sheer power to your blue-themed decks. Its massive toughness makes it a formidable blocker, while its decent attack threatens any opponent unprotected by flyers.

Combo Potential: With its inherent islandwalk ability, the Benthic Behemoth pairs excellently with cards that turn opposing lands into islands, setting the stage for unstoppable attacks. Moreover, it serves as a robust enabler in reanimator strategies, ready to be summoned from the depths of your graveyard to the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: As control decks often dominate the game, having a creature that can withstand common board wipes and fly under the radar of spot removal is a significant asset. The Benthic Behemoth ensures that you maintain a presence on the board even when the tides of the game are against you.


How to beat

The Benthic Behemoth is a formidable sea creature that commands the board with its sheer size in the watery depths of the Magic: The Gathering universe. With its heavyweight profile, handling the Benthic Behemoth may seem daunting at first glance. Nevertheless, every leviathan has its weakness, and this one is no exception. Your best strategy here is to take advantage of control spells that typically include bounce or removal effects to deal with large threats. Ensnaring spells like ‘Unsummon’ or ‘Path to Exile’ can effectively negate the Behemoth’s impact by removing it from the battlefield without having to engage it directly in combat.

Moreover, counter spells play a critical role in your arsenal against this titanic creature, shutting it down before it even hits the board. Timing is critical; having a counter like ‘Counterspell’ or ‘Dissolve’ in hand as your opponent casts the Benthic Behemoth can save you from its potential game-ending arrival. Lastly, cards that impose sacrifice effects can forcibly make your opponent give up their prized monster if they have no others on the field—’Diabolic Edict’ comes to mind. With the right timing and spell selection, the Benthic Behemoth’s reign of the seas can be cut short.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Benthic Behemoth MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and Seventh Edition, 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 Benthic Behemoth and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Benthic Behemoth Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2001-04-11. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11997-10-14TempestTMP 541997NormalBlackJim Nelson
22001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 63★1997NormalBlackHeather Hudson
32001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 631997NormalWhiteHeather Hudson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Benthic Behemoth has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal