Curse of Thirst MTG Card


Curse of Thirst applies relentless pressure, creating an incremental advantage over the gameplay. Integration challenges arise with a high mana curve and a singular color requirement. Its versatility shines in control and attrition-based decks, rewarding patient play.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura Curse
Abilities Enchant

Text of card

Enchant player At the beginning of enchanted player's upkeep, Curse of Thirst deals damage to that player equal to the number of Curses attached to him or her.

"May you drink until you drown but never be sated." —Odila, witch of Morkrut


Cards like Curse of Thirst

Curse of Thirst occupies a unique space in Magic: The Gathering, standing out in the assortment of enchantment curses. Like Curse of Thirst, Torment of Scarabs imposes a relentless strain on opponents, but it provides them with more options to mitigate the damage at the expense of sacrificing a card, life points, or discarding. Conversely, Cruel Reality targets a single opponent and escalates the consequences to a potential game-ending scenario, demanding they sacrifice a creature or planeswalker each turn or take severe damage, a stark contrast to the incremental damage dealt by Curse of Thirst.

Trespasser’s Curse is another enchantment with a somewhat similar ethos, penalizing opponents whenever a creature enters the battlefield under their control. Although it serves a different strategic purpose by discouraging creature play, the passive punishment mechanism echoes the spirit of attrition found in Curse of Thirst. Underworld Dreams broadens the scope, inflicting damage whenever an opponent draws a card, synergizing well in decks designed to force opponents into drawing, thus making it a solid comparative choice for those looking to pain opponents through different aspects of gameplay.

Analyzing these alternatives showcases Curse of Thirst as a formidable tool for players who favor a slow, withering warfare strategy, underscoring its niche in punishment-driven control decks within Magic: The Gathering.

Torment of Scarabs - MTG Card versions
Cruel Reality - MTG Card versions
Trespasser's Curse - MTG Card versions
Underworld Dreams - MTG Card versions
Torment of Scarabs - MTG Card versions
Cruel Reality - MTG Card versions
Trespasser's Curse - MTG Card versions
Underworld Dreams - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Curse of Thirst by color, type and mana cost

Horror of Horrors - MTG Card versions
Worms of the Earth - MTG Card versions
Forbidden Crypt - MTG Card versions
Death Pits of Rath - MTG Card versions
Handcuffs - MTG Card versions
Discordant Dirge - MTG Card versions
Subversion - MTG Card versions
Larceny - MTG Card versions
Conspiracy - MTG Card versions
Putrefaction - MTG Card versions
Unnatural Hunger - MTG Card versions
Spreading Plague - MTG Card versions
Traveling Plague - MTG Card versions
Dawn of the Dead - MTG Card versions
Gravebreaker Lamia - MTG Card versions
Doomwake Giant - MTG Card versions
Clutch of Undeath - MTG Card versions
Sanguine Bond - MTG Card versions
Call to the Grave - MTG Card versions
Curse of Death's Hold - MTG Card versions
Horror of Horrors - MTG Card versions
Worms of the Earth - MTG Card versions
Forbidden Crypt - MTG Card versions
Death Pits of Rath - MTG Card versions
Handcuffs - MTG Card versions
Discordant Dirge - MTG Card versions
Subversion - MTG Card versions
Larceny - MTG Card versions
Conspiracy - MTG Card versions
Putrefaction - MTG Card versions
Unnatural Hunger - MTG Card versions
Spreading Plague - MTG Card versions
Traveling Plague - MTG Card versions
Dawn of the Dead - MTG Card versions
Gravebreaker Lamia - MTG Card versions
Doomwake Giant - MTG Card versions
Clutch of Undeath - MTG Card versions
Sanguine Bond - MTG Card versions
Call to the Grave - MTG Card versions
Curse of Death's Hold - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Curse of Thirst, players can impose a consistent threat to their opponent’s life total each upkeep, effectively gaining incremental advantage as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: This enchantment can wear down opponents over time, complementing strategies that accelerate towards endgame conditions by depleting enemy resources.

Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Curse of Thirst benefits from being played in decks that can operate at instant speed, allowing you to set a trap for your opponent while keeping mana available for other instant-speed interactions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Curse of Thirst requires a strategic approach to deck building as it targets one opponent. Although it can pressure the chosen player, it may not always align with the pace of your game plan or the state of the board, potentially making it a dead card in your hand at times.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana cost is specific to black, demanding a heavy black mana base. Such a requirement might restrict its integration into decks, especially those looking to diversify their mana sources or play multiple colors fluidly.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given its five mana cost, this enchantment occupies a higher slot on the mana curve. When assessing its utility, considering alternative cards that could provide immediate impact or broader control options at or below this cost is important.


Reasons to Include Curse of Thirst in Your Collection

Versatility: Curse of Thirst offers a unique advantage for players looking to manage the pace of the game. Its ability to inflict incremental damage allows it to be added to control decks as well as to those focused on a more attritive strategy.

Combo Potential: This card naturally fits into decks that capitalize on curses or those that incentivize keeping opponents under a constant siege of life-draining effects. Paired with other damage amplifiers or curse benefits, it can be a crucial piece in a well-oiled combo machine.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where longer games are commonplace, Curse of Thirst can become a significant threat. Each turn it remains on the battlefield, it drains more life from the cursed opponent, reflecting a game state where patience and tactical endurance are rewarded.


How to beat

Curse of Thirst is a unique enchantment from the dark expanses of Innistrad that can turn the tides on any unsuspecting opponent by inflicting consistent life loss turn after turn. To outmaneuver this pesky card, it’s critical to have enchantment removal spells at the ready in your deck. Consider incorporating options like Naturalize, Disenchant, or Mortify to swiftly dismantle Curse of Thirst before its damage becomes insurmountable.

Balancing your deck with these removal options offers flexibility, not only against Curse of Thirst but other pesky enchantments as well. Additionally, utilizing cards that grant you hexproof such as Leyline of Sanctity can prevent opponents from targeting you with Curse of Thirst in the first place, ensuring your life total stays intact. Remember, the key to combating this card is preparation and quick reaction, circumventing the inevitable life drain it imposes with strategic foresight.

Countering Curse of Thirst effectively means staying one step ahead, always having an answer in hand, and strategically planning your moves to mitigate the threat it poses. With these tactics, this formidable enchantment loses its sting, allowing you to maintain control over the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into the nuanced world of MTG is a continuous quest for power and control. Curse of Thirst exemplifies a card that can subtly tip the scales in your favor, proving deadly over time. Mastering its use requires understanding its strengths and when to play it for optimal impact. If your arsenal of cards demands expansion or refinement, consider integrating Curse of Thirst into decks that benefit from its relentless attrition. Navigate through our insights, deck-building tips, and strategic advice to harness the full potential of Curse of Thirst. Join our community and journey together into the depth of MTG strategy.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Curse of Thirst MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Dark Ascension, 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 Curse of Thirst and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Curse of Thirst Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-02-03 and 2012-02-03. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 434992003NormalBlackDave Kendall
22012-02-03Dark AscensionDKA 572003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Curse of Thirst has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2011-01-22 The number of Curses attached to the player is counted when the ability resolves.