Eater of Virtue MTG Card


This card provides ongoing value by preserving creature abilities through soul counters. Ability to equip at instant speed offers strategic flexibility during combat. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to a variety of MTG deck themes.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Artifact — Equipment
Abilities Equip

Text of card

Whenever equipped creature dies, exile it. Equipped creature gets +2/+0. As long as a card exiled with Eater of Virtue has flying, equipped creature has flying. The same is true for first strike, double strike, deathtouch, haste, hexproof, indestructible, lifelink, menace, protection, reach, trample, and vigilance. Equip


Cards like Eater of Virtue

Eater of Virtue is a unique equipment card in the world of MTG. Its ability to permanently boost a creature after another equipped creature dies sets it apart in strategy and gameplay. In its league, we see parallel mechanisms with cards like Skullclamp, which also evolves creatures through a sacrifice for a greater advantage. Skullclamp offers card draw upon a creature’s demise, contrasting with Eater of Virtue’s focus on strengthening future creatures.

Another comparable equipment is Basilisk Collar. It confers lifelink and deathtouch, potentially shifting the tides of a match without the need for creature sacrifice. While it doesn’t imbue future creatures with abilities, it can be a game-changer by empowering the equipped creature during its lifetime. Whispersilk Cloak also catches attention, providing unblockable and shroud abilities, ensuring direct damage and protection. Unlike Eater of Virtue, it’s about immediate effects rather than long-term creature growth.

Each of these cards introduces different strategies, but Eater of Virtue shines in decks that capitalize on recursive creature utility, positioning it as an intriguing choice in MTG decks that lean on synergy and incremental advantage.

Skullclamp - MTG Card versions
Basilisk Collar - MTG Card versions
Whispersilk Cloak - MTG Card versions
Skullclamp - MTG Card versions
Basilisk Collar - MTG Card versions
Whispersilk Cloak - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Eater of Virtue by color, type and mana cost

Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Thran Foundry - MTG Card versions
Cursed Scroll - MTG Card versions
Candelabra of Tawnos - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Dreadnought - MTG Card versions
Signal Pest - MTG Card versions
Viridian Longbow - MTG Card versions
Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Thran Foundry - MTG Card versions
Cursed Scroll - MTG Card versions
Candelabra of Tawnos - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Dreadnought - MTG Card versions
Signal Pest - MTG Card versions
Viridian Longbow - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius HeroicAzorius Heroic StandardAzorius HeroicTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 22, 2024
Mono-White AggroMono-White Aggro GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 15 2024
Boros AggroBoros Aggro GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
Jeskai AggroJeskai Aggro GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024
Boros Death & TaxesBoros Death & Taxes GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024
WUWU StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 25, 2024
DecklistDecklist Free formMO89#CS
Mono-Red AggroMono-Red Aggro StandardMono-Red Aggro2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open
Gruul StompyGruul Stompy GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange StandardRakdos MidrangeThe Pizza Box Open: Standard

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Eater of Virtue can turn creatures into a powerful source of recurring value. Every time a creature equipped with it dies, you essentially save a piece of it through a soul counter, making this artifact not just a memory of fallen creatures, but a continually strengthening force in your deck.

Resource Acceleration: While this artifact itself doesn’t generate additional mana, it can significantly boost the speed at which your deck operates. By giving future creatures the abilities of the past, it accelerates the resource that is your creatures’ potential, making each draw more powerful as the game progresses.

Instant Speed: While Eater of Virtue itself is not an instant, the real magic lies in the instant speed at which it can be equipped to a surprise blocker or attacker during combat. This not only provides tactical flexibility but can also be a daunting surprise for your opponent. Coupled with creatures that have flash, this card becomes a formidable tool for instantly upgrading your force on the battlefield.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Eater of Virtue requires a notable discard condition to trigger its ability, putting card advantage at risk for its wielder, especially when faced with an empty hand or crucial card decisions.

Specific Mana Cost: This artifact necessitates a precise combination of mana for its activation that may not seamlessly integrate into multicolored decks, potentially limiting its adaptability and demand within various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Its mana investment is on the higher end for equipments of its kind, potentially overshadowed by alternatives that could grant immediate or more impactful benefits to the battlefield presence at a lower cost curve.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Eater of Virtue offers rich flexibility for a breadth of deck themes. As an equipment card, its ability to confer powerful effects onto various creatures makes it a multipurpose tool in both aggressive and control-oriented strategies.

Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with creatures that have beneficial death triggers or those that can easily be sacrificed. The fact that it allows the equipped creature to persistently pass on its abilities posthumously can enable a range of synergistic plays.

Meta-Relevance: Considering the ever-evolving MTG landscape, Eater of Virtue remains a card to watch. Its presence can significantly alter combat interactions and continuously offer value, making it a noteworthy addition to collections aiming to challenge current deck-building norms.


How to beat

The Eater of Virtue is a unique artifact equipment that has made its mark on Magic: The Gathering. This powerful card allows creatures to not only gain vigilance, but also to potentially possess the abilities of any creature it destroys. This makes the equipped creature increasingly menacing as the game progresses. Beating a card like Eater of Virtue involves proactive measures such as artifact removal spells. Cards like Disenchant, Abrade, or Nature’s Claim can efficiently handle the Eater of Virtue, stripping your opponent of the bonus abilities and taking down a key piece of their strategy.

Prevention is also a viable strategy. Using cards that prevent combat damage or countering any attempt to equip can mitigate the threat. Creature buffs that outsize the opponent’s creatures will discourage attacks, and saving instant-speed removal for creatures that are about to be equipped with the Eater of Virtue can be a game-saving play. Keeping the pressure on with aggressive strategies or deploying a sturdy defense can prevent your opponent from gaining too much advantage from Eater of Virtue.


BurnMana Recommendations

The Eater of Virtue is a transformative card with the potential to turn the tide of any MTG match. As it feeds on the abilities of departed creatures, it paves the way for future, more formidable forces on your battlefield. If you’re intrigued by the prospects of enhancing your gameplay with this unique equipment and its synergetic prowess in combat, dive deeper into our extensive resources. We offer insights and strategies to incorporate the Eater of Virtue effectively into your arsenal. Strengthen your collection and strategize with confidence as we guide you toward mastery—learn more with us, and decisively outmaneuver your opponents in your next duel.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Eater of Virtue MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Eater of Virtue and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Eater of Virtue Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 981112015NormalBlackTuan Duong Chu
22022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 2452015NormalBlackTuan Duong Chu
32022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty PromosPNEO 245s2015NormalBlackTuan Duong Chu
42022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty PromosPNEO 245p2015NormalBlackTuan Duong Chu
52022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 4962015NormalBlackTuan Duong Chu
62022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 4012015NormalBlackCanata Katana

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Eater of Virtue has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-02-18 If Eater of Virtue leaves the battlefield and returns to the battlefield, it will be a new object with no association to any cards it exiled from any previous times it was on the battlefield. It will have to exile new cards to grant abilities to creatures it equips from that point forward.
2022-02-18 The Equipped creature gains any hexproof and protection abilities of cards exiled with Eater of Virtue.
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.