Grim Wanderer MTG Card


Grim Wanderer shines in sacrifice decks, offering instant board presence when a creature dies. It demands precise mana and may struggle in multi-colored decks due to its black mana cost. Despite limitations, the card’s versatility makes it a solid addition to multiple deck types.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Warlock
Abilities Flash
Power 5
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flash Tragic Backstory — Cast this spell only if a creature died this turn.

There is a stillness that walks with him, the quiet that follows great tragedy, when even the mourners are too exhausted to weep.


Cards like Grim Wanderer

Grim Wanderer is a notable inclusion in the roster of creatures that flourish under dire circumstances in MTG. This card can be likened to Tragic Poet, which also has a condition initiating its action—returning an enchantment from your graveyard to your hand. However, Grim Wanderer is distinct in requiring a creature to have died this turn to be cast, changing the momentum of the game dramatically.

Analogous in design is Bloodsoaked Champion, a creature with the ability to return from the graveyard to the battlefield, provided another creature has attacked this turn. Although both cards leverage the death of creatures to their advantage, Bloodsoaked Champion offers repeated utility, whereas Grim Wanderer hinges on the occurrence of a death in a single turn. Additionally, Falkenrath Noble is similar in employing the death mechanic, providing incremental life loss and gain each time a creature dies, complementing the grim ambiance that Grim Wanderer evokes in gameplay.

In essence, while other cards like Grim Wanderer may not match its immediate board presence upon a creature’s demise, they each contribute uniquely to the strategies woven into the fabric of MTG, where timing and the conditions set by death can swing the game in a player’s favor.

Tragic Poet - MTG Card versions
Bloodsoaked Champion - MTG Card versions
Falkenrath Noble - MTG Card versions
Tragic Poet - MTG Card versions
Bloodsoaked Champion - MTG Card versions
Falkenrath Noble - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Grim Wanderer by color, type and mana cost

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Skullsnatcher - MTG Card versions
Nezumi Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Stromgald Crusader - MTG Card versions
Scarred Vinebreeder - MTG Card versions
Drudge Skeletons - MTG Card versions
Erg Raiders - MTG Card versions
Cuombajj Witches - MTG Card versions
Order of the Ebon Hand - MTG Card versions
Bog Imp - MTG Card versions
Wall of Corpses - MTG Card versions
Rabid Rats - MTG Card versions
Dakmor Bat - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Rats - MTG Card versions
Flesh Reaver - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdler - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Shade - MTG Card versions
Piper of the Swarm - MTG Card versions
Undead Augur - MTG Card versions
Shepherd of Rot - MTG Card versions
Swarm of Rats - MTG Card versions
Skullsnatcher - MTG Card versions
Nezumi Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Stromgald Crusader - MTG Card versions
Scarred Vinebreeder - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Rakdos GoblinsRakdos Goblins PioneerRakdos AggroReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Cincinnati - Sunday - 1:00 pm (Bronze)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Grim Wanderer possess the capacity to swiftly replace itself on the field, thanks to its trigger condition. If a creature died this turn, it can offer a 5/3 body potentially without spending a card from your hand, maintaining and sometimes improving your card presence on the board.

Resource Acceleration: As an efficiently costed creature at two black mana, Grim Wanderer synergizes well with sacrifice decks and strategies that use death triggers, potentially accelerating your game plan by contributing to potent synergies early in the game.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Grim Wanderer at instant speed is a crucial tactical advantage. Reacting to battlefield changes swiftly can keep opponents off-balance. This rapid deployment can be especially potent after blockers are declared or in response to a board wipe, setting you up for a strong rebound.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Grim Wanderer activates when a creature you control dies this turn, potentially forcing a sacrificial play to get it onto the battlefield. This can be a hurdle in deck types not designed around creature loss.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting requirement of two black mana, Grim Wanderer can be challenging to cast in multi-colored decks, particularly those that don’t prioritize black mana or have a weaker mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Grim Wanderer costs two mana, its conditional casting requirement can render it less mana-efficient. There are times when you may be unable to trigger its casting condition, leaving you with a card that can’t be played when you need it.


Reasons to Include Grim Wanderer in Your Collection

Versatility: Grim Wanderer slides into various deck archetypes with ease, particularly those looking for two-drops. As a creature that can instantly impact the board, it’s ideal for aggressive strategies that can consistently trigger its Tragic Backstory condition.

Combo Potential: The card has inherent synergy with sacrifice strategies, allowing you to utilize the death of your other creatures as a resource. It can also play a pivotal role in decks that focus on death triggers or resurrection mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state dense with creature-based skirmishes, Grim Wanderer offers immediate board presence. Its ability to emerge quickly after a trade-off can maintain or shift momentum in your favor, particularly in formats where removal spells or creature sacrifices are prevalent.


How to beat

Grim Wanderer triggers under quite specific conditions, making it an intriguing challenge to counter within the game of Magic: The Gathering. A creature card that slots effortlessly into sacrifice or aggressive strategies, it can be thwarted by understanding and breaking the conditions for its arrival on the battlefield. This lethal traveler from the adventures in the Forgotten Realms set makes its entrance only after a creature has died this turn, potentially swinging momentum in your opponent’s favor.

To combat Grim Wanderer effectively, focus on control and timing. Hindering sacrifice outlets or using instant-speed removal that dispenses with creatures on your turn stymies the Grim Wanderer’s entry, throwing a wrench in your opponent’s plans. Grafdigger’s Cage is an example of a card that can help prevent creature cards in graveyards from entering the battlefield. Additionally, utilizing exile effects over destroy effects can ensure that creatures are removed from play entirely, circumventing triggers that the Grim Wanderer relies upon. Another tactic is to keep a healthy number of creatures on your side, preventing your opponent from having a creature die on their turn, thus keeping the Grim Wanderer at bay.

Playing around Grim Wanderer demands foresight and precision, but with careful play, its impact can be significantly diminished or even turned in your favor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Grim Wanderer MTG card by a specific set like Adventures in the Forgotten Realms and Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Grim Wanderer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Grim Wanderer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by Jason A. Engle.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 1072015NormalBlackJason A. Engle
22022-07-07Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's GateHBG 1592015NormalBlackJason A. Engle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Grim Wanderer has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-07-23 Grim Wanderer's ability doesn't care who controlled the creature that died.
Flash card art

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.