Dreadhorde Butcher MTG Card


Dreadhorde Butcher can snowball in power, pressuring foes and improving your board state with potential card advantage. It encourages tempo play, forcing early responses from opponents and driving your own game strategy forward. The Butcher’s death-trigger damage can turn the tide, providing impact beyond the battlefield, interacting at instant speed.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Zombie Warrior
Abilities Haste
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Haste Whenever Dreadhorde Butcher deals combat damage to a player or planeswalker, put a +1/+1 counter on Dreadhorde Butcher. When Dreadhorde Butcher dies, it deals damage equal to its power to any target.


Cards like Dreadhorde Butcher

Dreadhorde Butcher is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering, with traits that resonate with players keen on aggressive strategies. Its closest counterpart is the card Rakdos Cackler, which offers a similar early-game advantage due to its comparable casting cost and potential for immediate impact on the board. However, Dreadhorde Butcher has the added advantage of growing stronger with each attack due to its ability to accumulate +1/+1 counters.

Another related card is Strangleroot Geist, offering the undying mechanic, which allows it to return to the battlefield and become a recurring threat. Although Strangleroot Geist bounces back with a +1/+1 counter after death, Dreadhorde Butcher’s death trigger can deal damage equal to its power, presenting a potentially game-ending ability if left unchecked. We also have Woe Strider that provides utility in sacrificing other creatures, but it lacks the aggressive, snowballing potential that Dreadhorde Butcher possesses as it damages opponents or creatures upon its death.

In essence, Dreadhorde Butcher holds a solid place in the pantheon of aggressive creatures due to its scaling threat and its potential to deliver substantial damage even after being removed from the battlefield.

Rakdos Cackler - MTG Card versions
Strangleroot Geist - MTG Card versions
Woe Strider - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Cackler - MTG Card versions
Strangleroot Geist - MTG Card versions
Woe Strider - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Dreadhorde Butcher by color, type and mana cost

Marsh Goblins - MTG Card versions
Acidic Sliver - MTG Card versions
Shivan Zombie - MTG Card versions
Valki, God of Lies // Tibalt, Cosmic Impostor - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Kroxa, Titan of Death's Hunger - MTG Card versions
Juri, Master of the Revue - MTG Card versions
Gobhobbler Rats - MTG Card versions
Sootstoke Kindler - MTG Card versions
Spiteflame Witch - MTG Card versions
Goblin Deathraiders - MTG Card versions
Crimson Muckwader - MTG Card versions
Rix Maadi Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Shred-Freak - MTG Card versions
Spike Jester - MTG Card versions
Tymaret, the Murder King - MTG Card versions
Grenzo, Dungeon Warden - MTG Card versions
Olivia's Bloodsworn - MTG Card versions
Dire Fleet Captain - MTG Card versions
Rushblade Commander - MTG Card versions
Marsh Goblins - MTG Card versions
Acidic Sliver - MTG Card versions
Shivan Zombie - MTG Card versions
Valki, God of Lies // Tibalt, Cosmic Impostor - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Kroxa, Titan of Death's Hunger - MTG Card versions
Juri, Master of the Revue - MTG Card versions
Gobhobbler Rats - MTG Card versions
Sootstoke Kindler - MTG Card versions
Spiteflame Witch - MTG Card versions
Goblin Deathraiders - MTG Card versions
Crimson Muckwader - MTG Card versions
Rix Maadi Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Shred-Freak - MTG Card versions
Spike Jester - MTG Card versions
Tymaret, the Murder King - MTG Card versions
Grenzo, Dungeon Warden - MTG Card versions
Olivia's Bloodsworn - MTG Card versions
Dire Fleet Captain - MTG Card versions
Rushblade Commander - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Rakdos AggroRakdos Aggro GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
DecklistDecklist Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Five-color AggroFive-color Aggro Modern$10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Saturday - 9:00 am
Jund AggroJund Aggro PioneerJund AggroPioneer Challenge 64 2024-01-19
Rakdos SacrificeRakdos Sacrifice PioneerRakdos SacrificeNRG Series $5,000 Trial - Madison, Wisconsin (Pioneer)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dreadhorde Butcher has the unique ability to pressure opponents while potentially providing card advantage. Each time it deals combat damage to a player or planeswalker, it accumulates a +1/+1 counter. This steady increase in power can lead to the removal of key enemy creatures or significant damage to an opponent. Upon its eventual demise, Dreadhorde Butcher deals damage equal to its power to any target, which can result in a two-for-one situation, taking out an opponent’s resource while having impacted the board state significantly.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing traditional mana acceleration, Dreadhorde Butcher can serve as a form of resource acceleration. By pressuring life totals and requiring opponents to deal with it swiftly, it can force them to use removal spells or blockers earlier than they might prefer. This disruption in the opponent’s game plan can be seen as a de facto acceleration of your game strategy by disrupting theirs, keeping you ahead in tempo and resource allocation.

Instant Speed: Although Dreadhorde Butcher itself is a creature card without instant-speed capabilities, it can synergize with instant-speed spells in your arsenal. The threat of increasing its power can cause an opponent to hesitate, leaving windows open for you to utilize instant-speed interactions. Moreover, the ability to deal damage upon death can be leveraged at instant speed if it’s responding to a removal spell or a combat trick, turning the tables by removing an opponent’s asset in the process.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Dreadhorde Butcher doesn’t ask players to discard cards, this factor can be critical in evaluating card drawbacks. Cards demanding a player to discard create a balance between the immediate impact on the battlefield and the loss of future options.

Specific Mana Cost: Dreadhorde Butcher necessitates both black and red mana for casting. This dual-color requirement means that it fits primarily into Rakdos decks and may not be as flexible for deck-building as mono-colored options.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While a two-mana cost for a 1/1 creature may seem reasonable, it’s essential to consider the broader metagame. In highly competitive settings, where efficient resource management is key, the initial mana investment in Dreadhorde Butcher could deter some players from including it in their decks over less restrictive or more impactfully statted alternatives.


Reasons to Include Dreadhorde Butcher in Your Collection

Versatility: Dreadhorde Butcher is a powerful addition to various aggressive decks. Its ability to grow with each attack makes it a significant threat in a short amount of time.

Combo Potential: Thanks to its last ability, which deals damage equal to its power to any target when it dies, it works excellently with sacrifice outlets or in death trigger synergies.

Meta-Relevance: With a constantly evolving metagame, Dreadhorde Butcher remains relevant by applying early pressure and acting as a removal magnet, potentially paving the way for bigger threats.


How to Beat Dreadhorde Butcher

Dreadhorde Butcher is a powerful card that escalates in threat the longer it remains on the battlefield, accumulating +1/+1 counters for each successful hit on a player or planeswalker. Its ability to deal damage equal to its power upon death makes it a formidable opponent in MTG. To mitigate the havoc Dreadhorde Butcher can wreak, swift removal is key.

Utilizing instant-speed removal spells is highly effective, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, which can dispatch the Butcher before damage accumulation. Alternatively, employing creatures with deathtouch can discourage attacks, since even a single point of deathtouch damage is lethal, rendering the Butcher’s growing power irrelevant. Another strategy is to counter Dreadhorde Butcher altogether with spells like Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto, ensuring it never has the chance to hit the field and start its deadly engine.

Negating the death-trigger damage is also crucial. Cards that provide hexproof to yourself or your planeswalkers, like Shalai, Voice of Plenty, or instants like Blossoming Defense can be a saving grace, protecting you from the final explosion. Thus, managing the board, timing your spells correctly, and utilizing protective measures can effectively neutralize Dreadhorde Butcher’s impact in the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the potential of Dreadhorde Butcher in your MTG deck can be a game-changing move. Recognized for its ability to tip the scales in aggressive strategies, this card can swiftly escalate from a mere threat to a dominating force on the battlefield. As it slices through enemy defenses and accumulates power, it can become an inherent part of your tactical advancement. If you’re looking to add a dash of aggression with a strategic edge to your gameplay, taking a deeper dive into the synergies and combinations with Dreadhorde Butcher could offer that crucial advantage. Enhance your MTG experience and discover the full capabilities of Dreadhorde Butcher with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dreadhorde Butcher MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark and War of the Spark Promos, 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 Dreadhorde Butcher and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Dreadhorde Butcher Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-05-03 and 2019-05-04. Illustrated by Piotr Dura.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-05-03War of the SparkWAR 1942015NormalBlackPiotr Dura
22019-05-04War of the Spark PromosPWAR 194p2015NormalBlackPiotr Dura
32019-05-04War of the Spark PromosPWAR 194s2015NormalBlackPiotr Dura

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dreadhorde Butcher has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-05-03 Dreadhorde Butcher’s last known existence on the battlefield is checked to determine its power as its last ability resolves. If its power was 0 or less, the ability resolves with no effect.