Tormented Soul MTG Card


Tormented Soul offers consistent unblockable damage and can indirectly force opponents into disadvantageous card usage. Its low mana cost aids flexibility in play, allowing you to deploy other spells or maintain open mana for responses. While requiring black mana and having a low impact alone, its potential in certain deck strategies shouldn’t be underestimated.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Spirit
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Tormented Soul can't block and can't be blocked.

Those who raged most bitterly at the world in life are cursed to roam the nether realms in death.


Cards like Tormented Soul

Tormented Soul has carved out its niche among the roster of creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Its claim to fame is its unblockable nature, a quality shared with the enigmatic Phantom Warrior. Though the Phantom Warrior boasts a higher power and toughness, it also comes at an increased mana cost compared to the efficient one-black-mana Tormented Soul.

Looking to other kin, we find Invisible Stalker, notable for not only being unblockable like Tormented Soul but also bearing hexproof, giving it immunity to targeted spells. The Stalker, however, also sports a higher casting cost, reaffirming Tormented Soul’s role as a swift option for early game pressure. Moreover, when comparing it to Nether Traitor, we notice a slight tilt in the power scale. Nether Traitor offers both unblockability and haste, complemented with an intriguing reanimation clause, yet the two-color mana requirement marks a stark contrast to Tormented Soul’s single mana demand.

Ultimately, Tormented Soul deserves recognition for delivering unimpeded attacks at an economical value within Magic: The Gathering, solidifying its position as a go-to for players seeking an early, unblockable threat.

Phantom Warrior - MTG Card versions
Invisible Stalker - MTG Card versions
Nether Traitor - MTG Card versions
Phantom Warrior - MTG Card versions
Invisible Stalker - MTG Card versions
Nether Traitor - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Tormented Soul by color, type and mana cost

Stone-Throwing Devils - MTG Card versions
Will-o'-the-Wisp - MTG Card versions
Vampire Bats - MTG Card versions
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Muck Rats - MTG Card versions
Vebulid - MTG Card versions
Urborg Skeleton - MTG Card versions
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Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight - MTG Card versions
Dark Supplicant - MTG Card versions
Bile Urchin - MTG Card versions
Rimebound Dead - MTG Card versions
Plague Beetle - MTG Card versions
Festering Goblin - MTG Card versions
Sleeper Agent - MTG Card versions
Knucklebone Witch - MTG Card versions
Nightshade Stinger - MTG Card versions
Smolder Initiate - MTG Card versions
Kjeldoran Dead - MTG Card versions
Stone-Throwing Devils - MTG Card versions
Will-o'-the-Wisp - MTG Card versions
Vampire Bats - MTG Card versions
Bog Rats - MTG Card versions
Sewer Rats - MTG Card versions
Muck Rats - MTG Card versions
Vebulid - MTG Card versions
Urborg Skeleton - MTG Card versions
Carrion Rats - MTG Card versions
Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight - MTG Card versions
Dark Supplicant - MTG Card versions
Bile Urchin - MTG Card versions
Rimebound Dead - MTG Card versions
Plague Beetle - MTG Card versions
Festering Goblin - MTG Card versions
Sleeper Agent - MTG Card versions
Knucklebone Witch - MTG Card versions
Nightshade Stinger - MTG Card versions
Smolder Initiate - MTG Card versions
Kjeldoran Dead - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Tormented Soul itself does not directly allow you to draw cards, its unblockable nature means it consistently offers damage to opponents without much risk of being blocked and removed. This indirect advantage pressures opponents and often forces them to use resources to handle it, potentially leading to card advantage on your side.

Resource Acceleration: Tormented Soul may not provide direct resource acceleration in the form of mana or tokens, but its low casting cost allows for an efficient use of mana. This can lead to more flexible plays since it leaves open mana for other threats or responses in the same turn.

Instant Speed: Although Tormented Soul is not an instant-speed spell, its low casting cost and the fact that it usually sticks to the board makes it a subtle threat. It can be played early, and once it’s on the battlefield, it allows you to hold mana open for instant-speed interactions while still committing to a board presence.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Tormented Soul doesn’t directly call for discarding cards, but its inclusion in decks typically aim to utilize graveyard strategies which can lead to a higher discard rate. This can be a drawback when your hand is depleted or when every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Necessitating exclusively black mana, Tormented Soul’s cost imposes a potential constraint, restricting it to mono-black or multi-colored decks with a reliable mana base to consistently cast it on curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While only costing a single black mana to deploy, its contribution to your board presence might not compare favorably against other one-mana creatures. In some decks the card may represent a less impactful turn-one play, offering only unblockable damage over other utilities.


Reasons to Include Tormented Soul in Your Collection

Versatility: Tormented Soul is an asset to any deck aiming for speed and stealth. Its inability to be blocked makes it a reliable source of chip damage, useful for whittling down opponents’ life totals or triggering life-loss effects.

Combo Potential: This card shines in pairs with equipment or auras that boost its power or utilize its elusive nature for direct hits. In combos, it’s great for enabling cipher spells to cast again and again without fear of being intercepted.

Meta-Relevance: In games where the board can get cluttered with creatures, Tormented Soul slips through defenses. Given the right setup, it can become unexpectedly formidable, making it a card that can adapt to various competitive play environments.


How to beat

Confronting the Tormented Soul in a game of MTG requires a specific strategy due to its tricky unblockable feature. This card, a petite creature by nature, slips through your defenses unless addressed with meticulous play. It’s important to recognize that while it can’t be blocked, it can still be targeted by spells and abilities, making removal spells your prime arsenal against it.

To counter this elusive threat, spells like Murder or Fatal Push offer a straightforward solution. Utilizing board wipes such as Day of Judgment or Wrath of God can effectively clear the field, Tormented Soul included. Another angle is to employ enchantments like Pacifism, which nullify its ability to attack even though it remains unblockable. Leveraging such strategies can turn the tides to your advantage.

Effective deck building also plays a pivotal role to combat against Tormented Soul. Including versatile removals or setting up defenses with creatures that provide you life gain upon spell cast or creatures entering the battlefield under your control are wise decisions. By anticipating and neutralizing this stealthy adversary early on, you can maintain control of the game and blunt the impact of Tormented Soul on your path to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Unlocking the full potential of any MTG card, like Tormented Soul, involves careful consideration and strategy. While weighing its pros and cons, and comparing it to similar alternatives, it’s crucial to understand its role in your overall gameplay. Beyond reading about Tormented Soul’s impact and versatility, be proactive in enriching your deck with effective tactics to use it or counter it. Dive deeper into the strategies that make this card a cunning addition to your collection or a tricky opponent to face off against. Elevate your understanding and gameplay by exploring more insights we’ve gathered for you.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tormented Soul MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and DCI 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 Tormented Soul and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Tormented Soul Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2006-01-02 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 416522003NormalBlackJohn Stanko
22006-01-02DCI PromosPDCI 762003NormalBlackJohn Stanko
32011-07-15Magic 2012M12 1142003NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
42012-06-01Planechase 2012PC2 382003NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
52012-07-13Magic 2013M13 1112003NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
62016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 382015NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
72022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 4772015NormalBlackKarl Kopinski

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tormented Soul has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal