Wand of Orcus MTG Card


Equipping Wand of Orcus turns each death into a chance to generate a menacing zombie army. Resource acceleration is bolstered indirectly, promoting strategic plays and hastening victory conditions. Optimizes instant-speed spells to maximize combat efficiency and mana utilization.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Artifact — Equipment
Abilities Equip

Text of card

Whenever equipped creature attacks or blocks, it and Zombies you control gain deathtouch until end of turn. Whenever equipped creature deals combat damage to a player, create that many 2/2 black Zombie creature tokens. Equip


Cards like Wand of Orcus

Wand of Orcus is an intriguing artifact in MTG that offers a unique combination of effects, challenging players to draw comparisons with similar cards. One such card is the infamous Whispersteel Dagger, which also merges equipment attributes with a focus on the graveyard mechanic. Both cards elevate creature cards from a resource to a threat, but Wand of Orcus steps up with its ability to grant deathtouch and create zombies, changing the state of the battlefield dramatically.

Another counterpart to consider is the Sword of Feast and Famine. Though it doesn’t delve into graveyard synergy, it does provide a significant combat advantage by untapping lands and forcing the opponent to discard a card. While it doesn’t create an immediate horde of undead like Wand of Orcus, the control over resources it affords can be just as game-changing. On the flip side, Batterskull presents itself as a formidable equipment, offering a boost in vitality with its lifelink and vigilant attributes, though lacking the aggressive board impact that Wand of Orcus promises with its necromantic powers.

Each artifact holds its stronghold in the game, but Wand of Orcus especially shines in decks that can exploit its deadly and recursive potential, crafting a path to victory paved by the relentless undead.

Whispersteel Dagger - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Batterskull - MTG Card versions
Whispersteel Dagger - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Batterskull - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Wand of Orcus by color, type and mana cost

Skull of Ramos - MTG Card versions
Crowded Crypt - MTG Card versions
Armix, Filigree Thrasher - MTG Card versions
The Book of Vile Darkness - MTG Card versions
Mask of Griselbrand - MTG Card versions
Nim Replica - MTG Card versions
Skeleton Shard - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Totem - MTG Card versions
Onyx Goblet - MTG Card versions
Moriok Replica - MTG Card versions
Prakhata Pillar-Bug - MTG Card versions
Whispersteel Dagger - MTG Card versions
Serpent's Soul-Jar - MTG Card versions
Glass-Cast Heart - MTG Card versions
Undercity Scrounger - MTG Card versions
Enormous Energy Blade - MTG Card versions
Chainflail Centipede - MTG Card versions
Smogbelcher Chariot - MTG Card versions
Flayed One - MTG Card versions
Skorpekh Lord - MTG Card versions
Skull of Ramos - MTG Card versions
Crowded Crypt - MTG Card versions
Armix, Filigree Thrasher - MTG Card versions
The Book of Vile Darkness - MTG Card versions
Mask of Griselbrand - MTG Card versions
Nim Replica - MTG Card versions
Skeleton Shard - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Totem - MTG Card versions
Onyx Goblet - MTG Card versions
Moriok Replica - MTG Card versions
Prakhata Pillar-Bug - MTG Card versions
Whispersteel Dagger - MTG Card versions
Serpent's Soul-Jar - MTG Card versions
Glass-Cast Heart - MTG Card versions
Undercity Scrounger - MTG Card versions
Enormous Energy Blade - MTG Card versions
Chainflail Centipede - MTG Card versions
Smogbelcher Chariot - MTG Card versions
Flayed One - MTG Card versions
Skorpekh Lord - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Wand of Orcus presents a unique opportunity for card advantage. Every time you attack and a creature dies with the wand attached, you create a substantial threat by potentially amassing a zombie army. This continuous pressure can turn the tide in your favor by overwhelming opponents and providing more options on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: One could argue that the Wand of Orcus indirectly contributes to resource acceleration. While it doesn’t produce mana or tokens upon casting, it can help slant the board state in your favor by removing blockers or pressuring life totals, leading to an acceleration in strategic options and paving the way for your victory.

Instant Speed: The Wand of Orcus effects themselves are not at instant speed, but they facilitate and reward aggressive instant-speed interactions. Casting spells that remove blockers or provide evasion to your creatures at instant speed allows you to maximize the potential of untapped mana, ensuring every combat phase can be a devastating one for your opponent.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Due to the Wand of Orcus prompting you to discard another card, it can be detrimental if your hand is already dwindling. This might force tough decisions in critical moments where resource management is key.

Specific Mana Cost: The Wand of Orcus has a Black-Black generic mana requirement for casting, which could restrict its placement to mostly black or two-colored decks. This specific mana cost might reduce the flexibility for players who run multicolored decks less focused on black mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that leans on the higher side, this artifact may come into play much later than other lower-costing disruptive or aggressive cards. In fast-paced games, this might lead to slower deck synergy, giving opponents an edge to capitalize on quicker strategies.


Reasons to Include Wand of Orcus in Your Collection

Versatility: The Wand of Orcus is adaptable to a host of deck themes. It can serve as a cornerstone in a zombie tribal, augment the power of aggressive strategies, or function as a key piece in control decks looking to capitalize on its death-trigger abilities.

Combo Potential: This artifact’s ability to generate zombies creates synergy with sacrifice outlets and death-triggered mechanics. Pairing it with cards that benefit from creature deaths or graveyard recursion can unlock powerful combinations.

Meta-Relevance: With creature-based strategies prevalent in many formats, the Wand of Orcus remains a relevant choice. Its capacity to deter attacks and capitalize on combat trades makes it a formidable addition in any meta that leans towards creature-heavy play.


How to beat

The Wand of Orcus is a powerful artifact card in MTG that can turn the tide of the game with its potent abilities. When seeking strategies to overcome this menacing card, consider its innate vulnerability to removal. Since the Wand of Orcus must be equipped to a creature to be effective, disposing of the creature it’s attached to can be a smart move. Employ instant-speed removal such as Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy to thwart your opponent’s plans before they capitalize on the Wand’s abilities.

Furthermore, counterplay can also be found in artifact destruction or exile effects. Cards like Disenchant or Feed the Swarm could be pivotal in removing the Wand from the game altogether. Another angle to consider is the prevention of equipping the artifact in the first place through cards like Stony Silence, which incapacitate artifact activations. Thwarting the Wand of Orcus requires accurate timing and the right removal resources—it’s all about dismantling the combo pieces before they become a threat.

Strategic deck building and reactive gameplay are essential to counter the Wand of Orcus effectively. By remaining vigilant and understanding your removal options, this formidable MTG card can be managed, allowing you to maintain control of the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the unique traits of the Wand of Orcus in MTG can significantly improve your deck’s capability. This legendary artifact goes beyond a mere card addition—it’s a pivotal strategy enabler. If you’re looking to bring a tactical advantage to your gameplay, incorporating this card can be a game-changer. It not only alters the battlefield’s dynamics but also scales with your aggressive maneuvers. Looking for more insights on how to wield this powerful card or seeking the best deck synergies? Let us guide you further into honing your deck with the Wand of Orcus. Discover more gameplay strategies and tips with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Wand of Orcus MTG card by a specific set like Forgotten Realms Commander and Forgotten Realms Commander, 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 Wand of Orcus and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Wand of Orcus Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by Andrew Mar.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-07-23Forgotten Realms CommanderAFC 2972015NormalBlackAndrew Mar
22021-07-23Forgotten Realms CommanderAFC 282015NormalBlackAndrew Mar
32022-07-07Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's GateHBG 1732015NormalBlackAndrew Mar

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Wand of Orcus has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal