Undead Slayer MTG Card


Undead Slayer offers card advantage, resource acceleration, and operates at instant speed. Drawbacks include a discard requirement and specific mana constraints. Its specialized undead-targeting ability makes it a valuable collection addition.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Cleric
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

, : Exile target Skeleton, Vampire, or Zombie.

"My motive is not vengeance but mercy. I deliver the soulless back to their severed souls."


Cards like Undead Slayer

Undead Slayer is an intriguing card that gives Magic: The Gathering players a focused creature-killing option. It shares similarities with cards like Sunlance, which deals damage only to nonwhite creatures. While Sunlance can target any nonwhite creature, Undead Slayer is specialized, providing an advantage by outright destroying targeted zombie, vampire, or skeleton creatures.

Comparatively, Apprentice Necromancer also interacts with the same creature types, but rather than destruction, it reanimates zombies for a brief tactical edge. In terms of mana value, Nameless Inversion offers flexibility in being a changeling instant, capable of tackling a wider variety of threats but lacks the reusability of the Undead Slayer with its “Exile three target undead creatures” ability.

Analysis shows that Undead Slayer holds its niche as a recurring threat against zombie, vampire, or skeleton decks, thus making it a considerable option for players building a strategy against these types. Despite its more narrowed focus, its targeted removal provides a reliable solution to some of the recurring threats in Magic: The Gathering.

Sunlance - MTG Card versions
Apprentice Necromancer - MTG Card versions
Nameless Inversion - MTG Card versions
Sunlance - MTG Card versions
Apprentice Necromancer - MTG Card versions
Nameless Inversion - MTG Card versions

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Argivian Blacksmith - MTG Card versions
Jamuraan Lion - MTG Card versions
Snow Hound - MTG Card versions
Elvish Healer - MTG Card versions
Femeref Knight - MTG Card versions
Border Guard - MTG Card versions
Stern Marshal - MTG Card versions
Soltari Crusader - MTG Card versions
Benalish Knight - MTG Card versions
Regal Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Wild Griffin - MTG Card versions
Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions
Dogged Hunter - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Prelate - MTG Card versions
Diving Griffin - MTG Card versions
Faithful Squire // Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Kitsune Palliator - MTG Card versions
Freewind Equenaut - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Guardian - MTG Card versions
Field Marshal - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Undead Slayer offers a beneficial exchange when dealing with multiple threats. By eliminating a target creature, this card effectively replaces itself in your hand, as it transitions into an undeniable presence on the battlefield that opponents must address.

Resource Acceleration: Accelerating resources beyond the norm, this card has the potential to expedite your gameplay. By removing foundational threats from the opponent’s lineup, Undead Slayer can shift the momentum in your favor and pave the way for more aggressive strategies.

Instant Speed: The power to react at instant speed with Undead Slayer provides flexibility in your defensive lineup. This nimble response time can disrupt the adversary’s flow, turning their calculated moves into hastened missteps as you dictate the pace of the battlefield with precision and timely control.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Undead Slayer requires discarding another card to activate its powerful abilities. This action can put players at a disadvantage, especially when hand size is already depleted or if the discarded card could be crucial for upcoming turns.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Undead Slayer is locked into specific mana colors. This aspect of the card constrains deck-building options since it necessitates a deck architecture that can reliably produce the required mana, potentially limiting the card’s versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When compared to other creatures in its class, Undead Slayer’s mana cost might be perceived as steep. While its abilities against certain creature types are robust, evaluating its overall cost-effectiveness is vital as there might be lower cost options that provide similar utility without compromising on speed or resource allocation.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Undead Slayer fits seamlessly into a variety of deck archetypes. Its focused effect against Zombie creatures makes it a specialized tool in a player’s arsenal, capable of turning the tide in matchups where such creatures are prevalent.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with equipment and spells that benefit from creature abilities, enhancing its effectiveness and creating opportunities for game-winning combinations, particularly in decks that manipulate the graveyard.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where Zombie decks are a common threat, Undead Slayer attains high relevance. Its ability to systematically dismantle such strategies makes it a prudent choice for the savvy player looking to stay ahead of the competition.


How to beat

Confronting the card Undead Slayer in your Magic: The Gathering matchups can be a tactical puzzle. Often found in decks with a focus on eliminating creature-based strategies, this card poses a real threat to zombie-themed builds due to its targeted removal ability. To effectively counter Undead Slayer, consider adjusting your deck with non-zombie creatures that can withstand or bypass its removal prowess. Additionally, incorporating instant-speed removal or counterspells gives you the ability to interfere with the Slayer’s ability on the stack, preserving your key creatures from its exiling effect. Enhanced protection measures for your creatures, such as hexproof or indestructible, can also prevent Undead Slayer from achieving its goal, disrupting the opponent’s game plan and maintaining your board presence.

Beyond specific card choices, understanding the tempo of your play and being able to anticipate the arrival of Undead Slayer can tip the scales. Focus on developing a versatile board state, retaining card advantage, and deploying threats that don’t fall into the scope of the Slayer’s ability. An adaptable mindset along with smart deck building will ensure that Undead Slayer does not slay your chances of victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Undead Slayer MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2010 and The List, 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 Undead Slayer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Undead Slayer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2009-07-17 and 2009-07-17. Illustrated by Eric Fortune.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12009-07-17Magic 2010M10 372003NormalBlackEric Fortune
22020-09-26The ListPLST M10-372003NormalBlackEric Fortune

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Undead Slayer has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2009-10-01 Undead Slayer’s ability must target a permanent (not a card in the graveyard) with at least one of the listed creature types.