Despoiler of SoulsHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Persistent Threat

Despoiler of Souls is a 3/1 creature that costs only two black mana, but it comes with the restriction that it cannot block. Its primary value lies in its activated ability, which allows you to pay two black mana and exile two other creature cards from your graveyard to return it directly to the battlefield. This ability can only be activated while Despoiler of Souls is already in your graveyard.

Resolution Step by Step

To return Despoiler of Souls, you first ensure it is in your graveyard. You then pay the cost: two black mana and the exiling of two other creature cards from your graveyard. These costs are paid simultaneously upon activation. Once the ability resolves, Despoiler of Souls is moved from the graveyard to the battlefield. It does not count as being cast, so it cannot be countered by spells like Negate, though the ability itself could be countered by specific effects.

Common Pitfalls

The most common mistake is attempting to exile Despoiler of Souls to pay for its own ability; the text specifies you must exile two 'other' creature cards. Additionally, remember that because it cannot block, it is useless for defense. If your opponent attacks, this card must stay on the sidelines. Finally, ensure you have exactly two other creature cards available; you cannot substitute other card types like lands or sorceries.

When to Play It

Despoiler of Souls shines in aggressive decks that frequently trade creatures in combat. It is best used as a recurring attacker that forces your opponent to use removal spells repeatedly. It also pairs well with sacrifice outlets, allowing you to cycle it between the battlefield and the graveyard to trigger 'death' effects.

Interaction examples

Fueling the Return

Ornithopter of Paradise

If you have an Ornithopter of Paradise and another creature in your graveyard, you can tap the Ornithopter of Paradise (if it is on the battlefield) to produce one of the black mana required. If the Ornithopter of Paradise is already in the graveyard, it can be one of the two creature cards exiled to pay the cost for Despoiler of Souls' return ability.

Draining the Opponent

Blood Artist

With Blood Artist on the battlefield, every time Despoiler of Souls dies, your opponent loses 1 life and you gain 1 life. Because Despoiler of Souls can return itself to the battlefield by exiling other creatures, you can repeatedly trigger Blood Artist throughout the game as long as you have creatures to exile.