Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Image via Wizards of the Coast
Category:
MTG

MTG Zagras buffs Historic and Commander Pinger builds

This is a vampire that every planeswalker should fear.
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
|

Published: Sep 3, 2020 08:42 am

This article is over 4 years old and may contain outdated information

A new Magic: the Gathering Rakdos Vampire commander was revealed today during Zendikar Rising spoiler season, packed with keywords and the ability to give Pinger’s planeswalker Deathtouch.

Recommended Videos

Using the new ZNR Party mechanic to reduce his casting cost, Zagras, Thief of Heartbeats has plenty to offer Pinger-themed decks. He might not have a major impact within Standard Constructed or Limited, but the Rakdos Vampire Rogue has plenty of support via Commander and Historic, ready to unleash Deathtouch pings on a slew of detrimental planeswalkers. 

ZNR Zagras Thief of Heartbeats MTG
Image via WotC Magic: The Gathering
  • CMC 4(BR)
  • Type: Legendary Creature—Vampire Rogue
  • Party mechanic: This spell costs one less to cast for each creature in your party.
  • Keywords: Flying, Deathtouch, and Haste.
  • Stats: 4/4
  • First ability: Other creatures you control have Deathtouch.
  • Second ability: Whenever a creature you control deals combat damage to a planeswalker, destroy that planeswalker. 

Zagras, Thief of Heartbeats needs at least two of the four Party creature types to become viable and worth playing. Rakdos’ primary creature types are Warrior for Red and Rogue for Black. The secondary creature types are Wizards for Red and Cleric for Black. 

In the Historic and Commander formats, ideal cards that work with Zagras, Thief of Heartbeats include the notorious Goblin Chainwhirler and Grim Lavamancer. Mayhem Devil is also a solid option but doesn’t reduce the vampire’s casting cost via Party. 

The ZNR Party mechanic opens the door for Zagras, Thief of Heartbeats to easily get played for a CMC of two (BR) as opposed to four (BR). A 4/4 four-drop with multiple abilities and a slew of keywords is a solid play in any MTG format, especially when one of those abilities gives Pinger’s planeswalker Deathtouch.   

Experiment with Zagras, Thief of Heartbeats when ZNR releases via MTG Arena on Sept. 17 and officially on Sept. 26. 

Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
related content
Author
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
Staff writer, lead beat writer for MTG and TFT
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.
twitter facebook linkedin