Wayward Servant MTG Card


Offers dual advantage by affecting life totals upon Zombie arrival, crucial for pressure and endurance in games. Boosts game pace in Zombie decks, a valuable trait for hastening opponent life total depletion and winning matches. Suits various deck builds but excels in Zombie tribal, capable of generating powerful synergies with token creation.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Zombie
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Whenever another Zombie enters the battlefield under your control, each opponent loses 1 life and you gain 1 life.

If one of the anointed fails to serve with perfect obedience, the desert is always ready to receive it.


Cards like Wayward Servant

Wayward Servant offers a unique angle on zombie strategies in Magic: The Gathering. It bears similarities to cards like Corpse Knight, which also deals damage to opponents whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control. Yet, the Wayward Servant includes an additional twist – it provides life gain, a bonus not mirrored by Corpse Knight.

Analogous in function, Cruel Celebrant brings a wider scope, affecting all creatures that die rather than just those entering. It’s versatile across creature-based decks, although it lacks the specificity of triggering on zombies alone, a trait central to Wayward Servant’s strengths. Then there is Zulaport Cutthroat. While in the same vein of draining life from opponents, its triggers are limited to creatures you control dying, not their arrival, marking a clear distinction in trigger conditions.

Assessing the landscape of creature effects within Magic: The Gathering, Wayward Servant emerges as an advantageous choice for players orchestrating zombie-themed decks, balancing direct damage with life gain, and enhancing both survivability and offensive capabilities.

Corpse Knight - MTG Card versions
Cruel Celebrant - MTG Card versions
Zulaport Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Corpse Knight - MTG Card versions
Cruel Celebrant - MTG Card versions
Zulaport Cutthroat - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Wayward Servant by color, type and mana cost

Putrid Warrior - MTG Card versions
Triumphant Adventurer - MTG Card versions
Shaile, Dean of Radiance // Embrose, Dean of Shadow - MTG Card versions
Silverquill Silencer - MTG Card versions
Mourning Thrull - MTG Card versions
Suture Spirit - MTG Card versions
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Cloistered Youth // Unholy Fiend - MTG Card versions
Loyal Cathar // Unhallowed Cathar - MTG Card versions
Vizkopa Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Cartel Aristocrat - MTG Card versions
High Priest of Penance - MTG Card versions
Chief of the Edge - MTG Card versions
Chief of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Karlov of the Ghost Council - MTG Card versions
Legion Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Syndicate Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Cruel Celebrant - MTG Card versions
Corpse Knight - MTG Card versions
Wintermoor Commander - MTG Card versions
Putrid Warrior - MTG Card versions
Triumphant Adventurer - MTG Card versions
Shaile, Dean of Radiance // Embrose, Dean of Shadow - MTG Card versions
Silverquill Silencer - MTG Card versions
Mourning Thrull - MTG Card versions
Suture Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nightsky Mimic - MTG Card versions
Cloistered Youth // Unholy Fiend - MTG Card versions
Loyal Cathar // Unhallowed Cathar - MTG Card versions
Vizkopa Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Cartel Aristocrat - MTG Card versions
High Priest of Penance - MTG Card versions
Chief of the Edge - MTG Card versions
Chief of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Karlov of the Ghost Council - MTG Card versions
Legion Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Syndicate Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Cruel Celebrant - MTG Card versions
Corpse Knight - MTG Card versions
Wintermoor Commander - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Orzhov MidrangeOrzhov Midrange LegacyEternal Challenge 22

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Wayward Servant gives you an edge by reaping benefits whenever a Zombie enters the battlefield under your control. Each occurrence offers you a twofold advantage – draining an opponent while padding your own life total. This persistent life swing not only pressures your opponent but also helps to preserve your staying power in drawn-out engagements.

Resource Acceleration: Though not providing traditional mana ramp, Wayward Servant accelerates your game plan in Zombie-centric decks. Every creature you play becomes a source of incremental life loss for your opponents, effectively quickening the pace at which you can diminish their life totals and closing games more swiftly.

Instant Speed: While the servant itself is a creature card and doesn’t operate at instant speed, it synergizes well with creatures and spells that do. This allows you to maximize the utility of the card by interacting with other instant-speed cards to trigger its ability outside of your main phases, adding a layer of complexity and surprise to your strategy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Wayward Servant might not have an explicit discard requirement, but being a combo piece, it often necessitates specific cards to be played alongside it to achieve optimal effect. This could potentially lead to sub-optimal plays if the required cards find their way to your hand at inopportune times, seemingly feeling like a forced discard to keep your engine running smoothly.

Specific Mana Cost: It’s vital to consider that the mana cost for Wayward Servant is reserved for black and white decks. This specificity narrows down its inclusion to decks that run these colors, potentially limiting its utility in the wider MTG metagame.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though two mana doesn’t seem prohibitive, in the competitive landscape of MTG, where every mana point counts, this could be slightly higher than other creatures with similar abilities. In a game where pace can mean the difference between victory and defeat, the mana cost may cause you to fall a step behind.


Reasons to Include Wayward Servant in Your Collection

Versatility: Wayward Servant finds a comfortable spot in various deck builds but shines brightest in Zombie tribal setups. Its ability to chip away at opponent’s life while bolstering your own makes it a solid inclusion in both aggressive and mid-range strategies. Its capacity to integrate seamlessly into two-color decks, thanks to its white and black mana requirements, also adds to its adaptability on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: With the ability to deal damage whenever a Zombie token enters play, Wayward Servant pairs excellently with cards that generate Zombie tokens en masse. This creates the potential for powerful synergies and combos, particularly in a deck that focuses on token generation and sac outlets, turning every new undead minion into a source of life loss and gain.

Meta-Relevance: Given the persistent presence of Zombies in the competitive scene, Wayward Servant can be a pertinent addition to tackle current metagames where creature-centric decks prevail. Its drain effect applies additional pressure against control decks, while the life gain provides extra sustainability against aggressive matchups.


How to beat Wayward Servant

Wayward Servant is a creature card that found its niche in MTG as a cornerstone in zombie decks, particularly those capitalizing on “enter the battlefield” effects. This versatile undead ally can be quite the adversary, chipping away at your life while bolstering the health of your opponent with each zombie summoned. Standing against it calls for strategic plays and an understanding of how to dismantle the synergy it fosters.

Emphasizing removal is key. Spot removal spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can efficiently dispatch Wayward Servant before its ability becomes a recurring threat. Another angle is hindering the flow of zombies; board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the slate. Additionally, graveyard hate cards like Rest in Peace can stifle strategies that would otherwise recycle zombie creatures, ensuring that Wayward Servant lacks the resources to exploit its effect.

Ultimately, staying a step ahead by managing the board state and keeping graveyard interactions in check can mitigate the impact of Wayward Servant. Prioritize handling this pesky minion swiftly, or employ cards that negate life gain or life loss to neutralize its advantage and maintain control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the depth of MTG is a journey of strategy, where cards like Wayward Servant can turn the tide of battle. This unique card offers incremental life gains and pressures opponents, perfect for any Zombie-themed deck aiming to tip the scales in their favor. Its synergy with other creatures broadens its effectiveness, allowing for diverse tactics on the battlefield. Whether you’re considering a new addition to your black and white Zombie deck or seeking to improve your competitive edge, the Wayward Servant might just be the keystone you need. Dive deeper into MTG with us and discover how to harness the full potential of Wayward Servant in your games.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Wayward Servant MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet and Amonkhet Remastered, 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 Wayward Servant and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Wayward Servant Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Anthony Palumbo.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12017-04-28AmonkhetAKH 2082015NormalBlackAnthony Palumbo
22020-08-13Amonkhet RemasteredAKR 2672015NormalBlackAnthony Palumbo

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Wayward Servant 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 Wayward Servant card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2017-04-18 If Wayward Servant enters the battlefield at the same time as another Zombie creature, its ability triggers for that Zombie.
2017-04-18 In a Two-Headed Giant game, the triggered ability of Wayward Servant causes the opposing team to lose 2 life and you gain 1 life.