Skeletal Swarming MTG Card


Generates card advantage by replacing fallen creatures every turn, bolstering your undead forces. Needs specific mana and sacrifices, which may limit its inclusion in a variety of decks. Countered by enchantment removal or graveyard disruption, maintaining game balance.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Each Skeleton you control has trample, attacks each combat if able, and gets +X/+0, where X is the number of other Skeletons you control. At the beginning of your end step, create a tapped 1/1 black Skeleton creature token. If a creature died this turn, create two of those tokens instead.


Cards like Skeletal Swarming

Skeletal Swarming is a unique enchantment in the MTG universe, carving out its own niche within creature-centric decks. Like Skeletal Swarming, cards such as Endless Ranks of the Dead also build upon the theme of relentless undead hordes, but Skeletal Swarming pushes the strategy forward with its ability to provide an incrementally growing threat each turn. Endless Ranks of the Dead depend on already having a substantial zombie presence, while Skeletal Swarming can function as a stand-alone engine.

Another analogue is Death Baron, which buffs skeletons and other zombies with deathtouch, similar to how Skeletal Swarming gives deathtouch to your skeletons during your turn. However, Skeletal Swarming’s additional layer of granting trample to a creature with the highest power adds a level of offense that Death Baron lacks.

Examining the overall landscape of creature support cards in MTG, Skeletal Swarming not only incentivizes a specific tribal commitment but also has the potential to escalate threats on the board, making it a considerable option for players looking to command an undead army.

Endless Ranks of the Dead - MTG Card versions
Death Baron - MTG Card versions
Endless Ranks of the Dead - MTG Card versions
Death Baron - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Skeletal Swarming by color, type and mana cost

Cadaverous Bloom - MTG Card versions
Gift of the Deity - MTG Card versions
Moldervine Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Cadaverous Bloom - MTG Card versions
Gift of the Deity - MTG Card versions
Moldervine Reclamation - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Four-color ZooFour-color Zoo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 08 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Trading one card for multiple creature returns each turn, Skeletal Swarming generates a persistent advantage as your undead army grows in number, overwhelming your opponent without depleting your hand.

Resource Acceleration: Every time a nontoken Skeleton you control dies, it emboldens your legion, potentially ramping up the seismic power of the swarm faster than your opponent can contain.

Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Skeletal Swarming thrives by leveraging creatures that hit the battlefield or perish at instant speed, especially since it can compound the benefits during each end step, orchestrating a relentless tide of bony soldiers to break your adversary’s defenses.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Skeletal Swarming’s viability significantly hinges on creature sacrifice, compelling players to discard valuable creature cards. This could potentially backfire, especially in situations where maintaining a strong board presence is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: As a strategy specific card, it requires a precise mix of green and black mana, which potentially narrows its utility to certain deck archetypes, potentially excluding it from more versatile or differently themed decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an initial investment of five mana, Skeletal Swarming falls on the higher side of the mana spectrum. This can delay its play until the mid to late game, a factor that might render it less advantageous in fast-paced matches where early game momentum is key.


Reasons to Include Skeletal Swarming in Your Collection

Versatility: Skeletal Swarming seamlessly fits into various deck archetypes, particularly those looking to capitalize on creature strategies or end-of-turn effects. Its ability to create a growing threat every turn makes it a dynamic force in any game.

Combo Potential: This card excels when paired with other graveyard-centric mechanics or cards that benefit from creature tokens. You can craft a deck where Skeletal Swarming becomes the lynchpin of a devastating token-based combo.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where board presence is key, Skeletal Swarming provides continuous creature recursion, ensuring you always have a formidable lineup against control or tempo opponents.


How to beat

Skeletal Swarming is a powerful enchantment in Magic: The Gathering, which can turn the tide of any game by generating a relentless undead army and empowering your creatures for each skeleton you control. Understanding its mechanics is crucial to counter this tide of bone and malice effectively. One reliable method is to focus on enchantment removal spells like Disenchant, which can directly target and dismantle the Swarming before the skeleton legion becomes overwhelming.

Another solid strategy involves leveraging board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation to clear the field of any creature threats. These not only deal with the skeletons but also reset the playing field, diminishing the enchantment’s impact. Moreover, preventing creatures from hitting the graveyard in the first place can be just as effective—graveyard hate cards like Grafdigger’s Cage can stifle the Swarming’s growth, ensuring that the opponent’s morbid plans never come to fruition.

In conclusion, while Skeletal Swarming may seem daunting at first glance, it can be countered by a well-thought-out deck with the right mix of removal and graveyard disruption, ensuring that your opponent’s undead horde never truly rises to power.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the art of deck building in MTG is a journey of discovery, especially with cards like Skeletal Swarming that tempt us into the dance of death and regeneration. Embracing its pros can unleash an unstoppable tide of creatures, while mitigating its cons protects your gameplay from becoming a graveyard of lost potential. For those intrigued by the macabre ballet of skeleton tokens, this card promises a strategic depth well worth the dive. We encourage you to continue learning and experimenting with Skeletal Swarming to unlock its full potential. For more insights and advanced strategies, step into our realm of MTG wisdom.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Skeletal Swarming MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Adventures in the Forgotten Realms 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 Skeletal Swarming and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Skeletal Swarming Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2021-07-23. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 928182015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
22021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 232a2015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
32021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 232p2015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
42021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 2322015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
52021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 3892015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
62021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 232s2015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Skeletal Swarming has restrictions

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