Grave Pact MTG Card


Grave Pact affords control over the board by forcing opponent sacrifices, providing a tactical edge in creature trades. Can lead to resource allocation efficiency, allowing for strategic advances while opponents contend with imposed constraints. Its psychological impact influences opposing strategies, making it a valued addition to decks that focus on attrition.
Card setsReleased in 17 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Whenever any creature you control is put into any graveyard, each other player sacrifices a creature.

"The bonds of loyalty can tie one to the grave." —Crovax


Cards like Grave Pact

In the strategic landscape of Magic: The Gathering, Grave Pact stands as a vital touchstone for decks that leverage creature sacrifice. Not unlike its analogue Dictate of Erebos, both cards share the potent ability to force opponents to sacrifice creatures whenever you lose one of your own. However, Grave Pact’s absence of flash differs from Dictate’s more flexible play timing.

Another peer in this realm is Butcher of Malakir, a creature card which embodies a similar effect. Although it provides an on-board presence that can deter opponents’ actions, the seven mana cost is steep compared to Grave Pact’s four. Moreover, cards like Martyr’s Bond extend the sacrifice trigger to noncreature permanents as well, broadening the asymmetrical punishment, yet this comes with an increased mana investment and a white color identity requirement.

Navigating MTG’s extensive library, Grave Pact exhibits a harmonious balance of cost and powerful control capabilities, making it a quintessential piece in decks that thrive on sacrificial synergy. Its distinct ability to disrupt opposing strategies without the convenience of flash or lower casting costs cements its role within the pantheon of creature attrition strategies.

Dictate of Erebos - MTG Card versions
Butcher of Malakir - MTG Card versions
Martyr's Bond - MTG Card versions
Dictate of Erebos - MTG Card versions
Butcher of Malakir - MTG Card versions
Martyr's Bond - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Grave Pact by color, type and mana cost

Pestilence - MTG Card versions
Lich - MTG Card versions
Cursed Land - MTG Card versions
Nether Void - MTG Card versions
Breeding Pit - MTG Card versions
Greed - MTG Card versions
Feast of the Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Koskun Falls - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Servitude - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Embrace - MTG Card versions
Brink of Madness - MTG Card versions
Death Pit Offering - MTG Card versions
Tainted Aether - MTG Card versions
Patriarch's Desire - MTG Card versions
Last Laugh - MTG Card versions
Court of Ambition - MTG Card versions
Nightmare Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Erebos, Bleak-Hearted - MTG Card versions
Night of Souls' Betrayal - MTG Card versions
Measure of Wickedness - MTG Card versions
Pestilence - MTG Card versions
Lich - MTG Card versions
Cursed Land - MTG Card versions
Nether Void - MTG Card versions
Breeding Pit - MTG Card versions
Greed - MTG Card versions
Feast of the Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Koskun Falls - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Servitude - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Embrace - MTG Card versions
Brink of Madness - MTG Card versions
Death Pit Offering - MTG Card versions
Tainted Aether - MTG Card versions
Patriarch's Desire - MTG Card versions
Last Laugh - MTG Card versions
Court of Ambition - MTG Card versions
Nightmare Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Erebos, Bleak-Hearted - MTG Card versions
Night of Souls' Betrayal - MTG Card versions
Measure of Wickedness - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 15 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Grave Pact provides a persistent threat on the battlefield, as it forces your opponent to sacrifice a creature whenever one of your creatures dies. This can quickly snowball into a significant advantage as you trade one of your expendable creatures for a key piece of your opponent’s board, effectively whittling down their resources while you maintain or grow your own.

Resource Acceleration: In decks designed around creature tokens or low-cost creatures, Grave Pact acts as a form of indirect resource acceleration. By effectively removing opponent creatures, you spend fewer resources handling threats and can allocate more towards advancing your board state.

Instant Speed: While Grave Pact itself does not operate at instant speed, it influences plays made at instant speed in your game. Your opponents must consider the Grave Pact effect with every removal, trade, or end-of-turn action they take, often putting them at a psychological disadvantage as they attempt to navigate around your strategic setup.


Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Grave Pact requires a precise combination of three black mana for casting, which may limit its versatility across varied deck builds that don’t heavily invest in black mana or have inconsistent mana bases.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of one generic and three black mana, Grave Pact can be a significant investment of resources. This cost can affect your tempo, especially in the early to mid-game phases where mana can be better spent on developing the board or disrupting opponents.

Discard Requirement: While Grave Pact itself does not have a discard requirement, its effectiveness relies on a strategy of sacrificing creatures. This can inadvertently lead to a decrease in your own card advantage as you consistently need to field creatures that you are willing to sacrifice, which can be demanding on your hand and resources.


Reasons to Include Grave Pact in Your Collection

Versatility: Grave Pact has a unique ability to influence the board, working exceptionally well in decks built around creature sacrifice. Its flexibility allows it to integrate seamlessly into various strategies, from policing opponents’ creatures to enabling your own game-changing plays.

Combo Potential: Players can elevate their gameplay by combining Grave Pact with creature generators or recurring creatures from the graveyard. This creates a loop that constantly keeps opponents’ creatures at bay while advancing your board state.

Meta-Relevance: With constantly shifting metagames, having a card like Grave Pact can create significant advantages. In environments heavy on creature-based tactics, Grave Pact ensures you maintain control, often deterring opponents from executing their strategies effectively.


How to beat

Grave Pact is a powerful enchantment card that can control the battlefield in MTG. Its authority stems from the rule that it imposes, compelling opponents to sacrifice a creature whenever you lose one. Players often find themselves in a bind because of this “tit-for-tat” scenario. But, how does one navigate this tricky card and maintain an advantage?

To outmaneuver Grave Pact, consider employing cards that can bypass its forced sacrifice. This can be achieved through effects that exile or bounce Grave Pact directly, thus neutralizing its influence. Enchantment removal cards like Disenchant are fundamental in these situations. Another strategy involves utilizing creature tokens or creatures with indestructible to satisfy the sacrifice requirement without depleting your critical resources. You may also opt for strategies that avoid creature-centric playstyles altogether, focusing on spell-based or combo decks that can fly under Grave Pact’s radar.

Ultimately, it demands careful planning and a diversified deck to effectively dismantle the tactical stronghold established by Grave Pact. Having an array of solutions at the ready will ensure that you stay in command of the game, without being constrained by your opponent’s strategic plays.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Grave Pact MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Eighth Edition, 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 Grave Pact and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Grave Pact Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by 7 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-03-02StrongholdSTH 601997NormalBlackScott Kirschner
22003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 1372003NormalWhiteTony Szczudlo
32003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 137★2003NormalBlackTony Szczudlo
42005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 1352003NormalWhitePuddnhead
52005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 135★2003NormalBlackPuddnhead
62007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 1442003NormalBlackPuddnhead
72009-09-04PlanechaseHOP 282003NormalBlackPuddnhead
82011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 852003NormalBlackPuddnhead
92018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 652015NormalBlackPuddnhead
102023-08-04Commander Masters Art SeriesACMM 382015Art seriesBorderless
112023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 5132015NormalBlackBilly Christian
122023-08-04Commander Masters Art SeriesACMM 192015Art seriesBorderless
132023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 1652015NormalBlackBilly Christian
142023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 6392015NormalBorderlessKev Walker
152023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine: Enchanting TalesWOT 732015NormalBorderlessBODAX
162023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine: Enchanting TalesWOT 932015NormalBorderlessBODAX
172023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine: Enchanting TalesWOT 292015NormalBorderlessZach Alexander

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Grave Pact has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 Each other player sacrifices a creature for each creature you control that goes to a graveyard.