Defy Death MTG Card


Defy Death enhances graveyard strategies, giving creatures a significant +1/+1 counter upon return. Instant speed allows strategic surprise plays, maintaining pressure on the opponent. Casting cost and color restrictions may limit its use in non-white or mana-tight decks.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Return target creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield. If it's an Angel, put two +1/+1 counters on it.

Gisela cornered the murderous demon among the graves of the dead villagers. "A fitting end," she murmured as she raised her sword.


Cards like Defy Death

Defy Death holds a unique position among reanimation spells in Magic: The Gathering, sharing similarities with other resurrection spells while carving out its niche. It bears comparison to Unburial Rites, which also facilitates the return of a creature from the graveyard to the battlefield. The distinction lies in Defy Death granting a +1/+1 counter if the creature is an Angel, enhancing its overall impact and providing a tribal synergy that Unburial Rites lacks.

Another related card is the venerable Resurrection, a simple yet potent reanimation card that foregoes additional effects for a straightforward revival at a similar mana cost. While Defy Death rewards players for delving into Angelic themes, Resurrection serves as a more generic option devoid of specific creature-type benefits. Lastly, Miraculous Recovery deserves a mention. Comparable in its end-of-turn timing, it revives a creature with the bonus of giving it a +1/+1 counter, regardless of its type. This broader applicability contrasts with Defy Death’s specialized focus on Angels.

In the realm of bringing creatures back from the grave, Defy Death stands out for those looking to emphasize Angelic tribes. Yet, when considering the versatility and cost-efficiency of reanimation spells, the card’s niche appeal becomes apparent, making it a staple in specific MTG strategies.

Unburial Rites - MTG Card versions
Resurrection - MTG Card versions
Miraculous Recovery - MTG Card versions
Unburial Rites - MTG Card versions
Resurrection - MTG Card versions
Miraculous Recovery - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Defy Death by color, type and mana cost

Purify - MTG Card versions
Global Ruin - MTG Card versions
Rout - MTG Card versions
March of Souls - MTG Card versions
Lonesome Unicorn // Rider in Need - MTG Card versions
Slash the Ranks - MTG Card versions
Promise of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Saltblast - MTG Card versions
Three Dreams - MTG Card versions
Evangelize - MTG Card versions
Hallowed Burial - MTG Card versions
Iona's Judgment - MTG Card versions
Increasing Devotion - MTG Card versions
Angelic Edict - MTG Card versions
End Hostilities - MTG Card versions
Fell the Mighty - MTG Card versions
Winds of Rath - MTG Card versions
Planar Outburst - MTG Card versions
Righteous Confluence - MTG Card versions
Wave of Reckoning - MTG Card versions
Purify - MTG Card versions
Global Ruin - MTG Card versions
Rout - MTG Card versions
March of Souls - MTG Card versions
Lonesome Unicorn // Rider in Need - MTG Card versions
Slash the Ranks - MTG Card versions
Promise of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Saltblast - MTG Card versions
Three Dreams - MTG Card versions
Evangelize - MTG Card versions
Hallowed Burial - MTG Card versions
Iona's Judgment - MTG Card versions
Increasing Devotion - MTG Card versions
Angelic Edict - MTG Card versions
End Hostilities - MTG Card versions
Fell the Mighty - MTG Card versions
Winds of Rath - MTG Card versions
Planar Outburst - MTG Card versions
Righteous Confluence - MTG Card versions
Wave of Reckoning - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Defy Death is an impactful addition to any deck seeking to gain an edge by bringing back powerful creatures from the graveyard. This feature serves as a much-needed second chance for your most valuable assets, effectively increasing the number of threats you present to your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: When you cast Defy Death, not only do you bring back a formidable creature, but it enters the battlefield with an additional +1/+1 counter. This immediate enhancement can be the pivotal factor transforming the resurrected creature into an even more formidable presence and accelerating your path to victory.

Instant Speed: Defy Death can be deployed at a moment’s notice, catching opponents off guard and making it an incredibly efficient way to respond to the ebb and flow of a match. This instantaneous capability enables savvy players to navigate the game strategically, keeping their adversaries in a state of unpredictability.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To play Defy Death, you must often discard a card, which can be detrimental when your hand is already depleted or if you’re forced to get rid of a valuable asset in your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Sporting a specific mana requirement, this card demands both white and generic mana, which could restrict its integration in decks that are not heavily based on white or that have a tight mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that’s on the higher side, you might find that Defy Death is slower compared to other options that revive creatures from the graveyard, potentially leaving you vulnerable as you set up the mana needed to cast it.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Defy Death shines in decks focused on graveyard play, slotting into strategies from reanimator to more complex synergistic builds. Its ability to bring back a creature with an additional boost is applicable in various deck archetypes, making it a flexible choice for any collection.

Combo Potential: The card provides a natural pairing with high-powered creatures that have enter-the-battlefield effects or those that provide long-term value. This establishes Defy Death as a strong combo piece, setting up potential game-swinging plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that values resilience and recoverability, Defy Death ensures that key creatures can return to the battlefield. This can be particularly apt in metas where removal spells are prevalent, allowing for sustained board presence and pressure on the opponent.


How to beat

Defy Death is a card that resonates with players for its ability to pull creatures from the graveyard and grant them an extra boost. Analogs in the game, such as Unburial Rites, allow for the return of a creature at a lower mana cost, albeit without the +1/+1 bonus. This makes Defy Death a tad more mana-intensive but the reward is a more formidable creature on the battlefield.

Strategies to counter Defy Death often involve graveyard interference. Cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void can prevent the card from reaching its potential by exiling creatures before Defy Death has a chance to work its magic. Other tactics include countering the spell outright with efficient counterspells like Negate or using removal spells to deal with the threat immediately after it’s been resurrected.

Overall, triumphing over Defy Death rests on anticipation and timely disruption. Recognizing the pivotal moment to intervene either by targeting the graveyard or the stack is crucial for players looking to maintain control against this powerful spell.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the resurrection strategy in MTG is a game-changer, and Defy Death embodies this tactic with formidable flair. By reviving and empowering your most pivotal creatures, you tilt the battlefield in your favor. The insights gleaned from our discussion on Defy Death’s applications and countered tactics offer a wealth of knowledge to players looking to optimize their deck’s capabilities. Harnessing its full potential could mean the difference between defeat and a legendary comeback. Keen to advance your skills and integrate powerful strategies like Defy Death into your gameplay? Engage with us for in-depth analysis and tips to transform your deck into an unstoppable force within the MTG realm.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Defy Death MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Defy Death and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Defy Death Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-05-04 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Karl Kopinski.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-05-04Avacyn RestoredAVR 162003NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
22022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 1742015NormalBlackKarl Kopinski

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Defy Death has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2012-05-01 If the creature is an Angel only on the battlefield (perhaps because it’s a non-Angel creature card and Xenograft is on the battlefield), it will get the +1/+1 counters.
2012-05-01 No player can cast spells or activate abilities between returning the creature card to the battlefield and checking whether it’s an Angel.