Deadly Recluse MTG Card


Strong defense against flyers and big creatures due to reach and deathtouch despite its low cost. Deadly Recluse fits in green decks and can trigger combos and impactful plays. Effective combat and board control make it relevant in diverse metagame scenarios.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Spider
Abilities Deathtouch,Reach
Power 1
Toughness 2

Text of card

Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.) Deathtouch (Creatures dealt damage by this creature are destroyed. You can divide this creature's combat damage among any of the creatures blocking or blocked by it.)


Cards like Deadly Recluse

The Deadly Recluse stands as a unique creature within Magic: The Gathering, offering a blend of defense and removal that few cards can match. It shares its spider theme and reach ability with cards like Giant Spider, allowing it to block creatures with flying. However, the Deadly Recluse distinguishes itself with deathtouch, enabling it to destroy any creature it blocks or is blocked by, regardless of size.

Another relative in this web of trap setters is the Acidic Slime. While it carries both deathtouch and the power to destroy a target permanent upon entering the battlefield, its higher mana cost and lack of reach make it strategically different. Ambush Viper, like Deadly Recluse, has deathtouch and surprises opponents when cast on an opponent’s turn. Still, it doesn’t share the constant aerial threat deterrence provided by reach.

Ultimately, Deadly Recluse offers a budget-friendly, versatile defense against both colossal ground pounders and imposing flyers, positioning it as a notable fixture in decks that prioritize survival and creature control.

Giant Spider - MTG Card versions
Acidic Slime - MTG Card versions
Ambush Viper - MTG Card versions
Giant Spider - MTG Card versions
Acidic Slime - MTG Card versions
Ambush Viper - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Deadly Recluse by color, type and mana cost

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Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
River Boa - MTG Card versions
Eladamri, Lord of Leaves - MTG Card versions
Albino Troll - MTG Card versions
Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions
Priest of Titania - MTG Card versions
Quirion Elves - MTG Card versions
Blurred Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions
Genesis Hydra - MTG Card versions
Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Heir of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions
Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions
Muscle Sliver - MTG Card versions
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Decks using this card

MTG decks using Deadly Recluse. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Jund ControlJund Control LegacyCharlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 2

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Deadly Recluse may not directly allow you to draw cards, but it can certainly pull its weight by dealing with larger threats. Its presence on the board can act as a deterrent, often causing an opponent to pause before committing a valuable attacking creature to combat. This can maintain your board state without expending additional cards.

Resource Acceleration: While Deadly Recluse itself doesn’t accelerate your resources in the form of mana or tokens, its low cost of two mana makes it an efficient use of resources. It enables you to deploy other strategies simultaneously, making it a cost-effective solution for dealing with flying behemoths that could potentially cost much more to address otherwise.

Instant Speed: Although Deadly Recluse is a creature card and thus doesn’t have instant speed, its ability to flash out as a blocker—thanks to other cards—can be a game-changer. If you are able to give it flash through other means, you can surprise an unwary opponent, enhancing its already powerful deterrent effect by adding an element of unpredictability to your defense.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the Deadly Recluse does not directly require you to discard cards, it’s worth considering the resources you need to keep available to maximize its effectiveness. Lacking abilities that provide card advantage, having it on the battlefield may not always be the best use of your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: The Deadly Recluse requires both green mana, which means it fits specifically into green-focused or green-containing decks. This requirement can hamper its utility in more color-diverse or multicolor decks where mana flexibility is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The two mana cost for a 1/2 creature with reach and deathtouch might seem reasonable at first glance. However, in an environment where low-cost creatures can offer significant impact or more efficient mana-to-effect ratios, its position in your deck may warrant a second thought, especially with alternatives available.


Reasons to Include Deadly Recluse in Your Collection

Versatility: Deadly Recluse can be a valuable addition to a variety of deck types due to its deathtouch and reach abilities. This allows it to serve as both an effective blocker for flying creatures and as a deterrent for larger threats, making it a versatile defensive option.

Combo Potential: What shines about Deadly Recluse is its ability to synergize with cards that benefit from creatures with deathtouch or that trigger upon creature death. Its inclusion can set up for powerful board control combos and intricate plays in green-centered decks.

Meta-Relevance: With the ever-present threat of aggressive flyers in many metas, having a low-cost creature like Deadly Recluse can be crucial. Its presence on the board can influence opponents’ combat decisions and help maintain board stability against such strategies.


How to beat

Deadly Recluse stands out in MTG as a deceptively powerful green creature. This spider, with only two power points, wields reach and deathtouch, a combination that allows it to block and destroy almost any attacking creature, regardless of size. Now, to navigate around this eight-legged blocker, there are a few tactics players can employ.

For starters, direct removal spells are an efficient way to clear the way. Spells that can target and destroy creatures without triggering damage, like Murder or Fatal Push, can sidestep the deathtouch ability. On the other hand, evasion tactics, such as granting your creatures flying or making them unblockable, ensure they never come into contact with Deadly Recluse’s dangerous fangs. Cards like Aerial Guide or Artful Dodge do the trick nicely.

Furthermore, sweeper spells that clear the board of all creatures, such as Wrath of God, are effective despite their higher mana cost. These reset the playing field, removing Deadly Recluse along with any other creatures. Lastly, players should consider the advantage of using spells or abilities that force the opponent to sacrifice creatures, thus circumventing the Recluse’s combat prowess. Cards like Diabolic Edict give you this leverage, offering a strategic route to overcome this deceptively daunting arachnid.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the nuances of MTG takes both skillful play and keen awareness of card interactions. The Deadly Recluse exemplifies this with its role as a budget-friendly defender capable of challenging both formidable ground assaults and skyward intruders. Understanding the subtle tactics to optimize and overcome such cards is what sets the strategic players apart. We encourage you to continue refining your deck-building expertise and gameplay strategies by learning more about card insights like these. Dive deeper into the strategic web of MTG with us, and elevate your game with every draw. Discover more tips and tactics to navigate the complex battles ahead.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deadly Recluse MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2010 and Commander 2011, 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 Deadly Recluse and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Deadly Recluse Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2009-07-17 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Warren Mahy.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12009-07-17Magic 2010M10 1752003NormalBlackWarren Mahy
22011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 1492003NormalBlackWarren Mahy
32012-07-13Magic 2013M13 1652003NormalBlackWarren Mahy
42013-07-19Magic 2014M14 1682003NormalBlackWarren Mahy
52013-09-06Duel Decks: Heroes vs. MonstersDDL 452003NormalBlackWarren Mahy
62022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 1422015NormalBlackWarren Mahy
72023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 2822015NormalBlackWarren Mahy

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deadly Recluse has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal