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A butcher swings a cleaver in the background while several meathooks hang around him.
Image via WotC
Category:
MTG

MTG Graf Reaver in Crimson Vow slaps planeswalkers for only 2 mana

Zombies in Standard just got another upgrade.
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
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Published: Nov 2, 2021 04:48 pm

The color Black in Magic: The Gathering contains plenty of removal spells, adding Graf Reaver to the mix via the upcoming Innistrad: Crimson Vow set. 

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The newest Innistrad: Crimson Vow (VOW) spoiler, Graf Reaver, supports Aggro and sacrifice builds. Revealed today by Corey Baumeister, the zombie warrior is a two-drop using the returning MTG mechanic Exploit to eliminate planeswalkers upon entering the battlefield. Graf Reaver also has 3/3 stats with a minor downside that can pay for itself within a sacrifice-themed build in just about any Magic format.  

Graf Reaver

Graf Reaver
Image via WotC
  • CMC: 1B
  • Type: Creature—Zombie Warrior
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Stats: 3/3
  • Mechanic: Exploit
  • Ability: When Graf Reaver Exploits a creature, destroy a target planeswalker
  • Passive ability: At the beginning of your upkeep, Graf Reaver deals one damage to you

A creature with 3/3 stats dropping onto the battlefield on turn two is great in any build wanting to get in early damage. When paying one life every upkeep becomes too much, cards like Eaten Alive, Immerstrum Predator, and Deadly Dispute can benefit from Graf Reaver becoming the sacrificial fodder. And an added bonus to Graf Reaver is that it can sacrifice itself to Exploit upon entering the battlefield. 

Graf Reaver slots nicely into Mono-Black Aggro, Dimir zombies, and Rakdos sacrifice decks. It also synergizes with Geralf, Visionary Stitcher, a three-drop that gives all zombies Flying. Graf Reaver will see gameplay within the Standard format and likely other formats, such as Historic and Commander. 

Graf Reaver will join the Standard format with the digital launch of VOW on Nov. 11. A global launch is scheduled to take place on Nov. 19. 

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Author
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
Danny has been writing for Dot Esports for over five years, first as a freelancer and now as a staff writer. He is the lead beat writer for Magic: The Gathering and Teamfight Tactics. Danny is also a solid Monopoly GO player, having beaten every main event without spending a dime. When Danny isn't writing or gaming, he's chilling by the water in Spacecoast Florida with his family and friends. He's always got a tan, because touching grass is important, and loves playing strategic digital and tabletop games. Past outlets Danny has written for include TheGamer and ScreenRant.
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