The Plague Rats card from Magic: The Gathering's 1997 Fifth Edition is a foundational black creature known for its unique board-synergizing power.
Plague Rats
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Fifth Edition
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Description
The Plague Rats card from Magic: The Gathering's 1997 Fifth Edition stands out as a clever mechanical design within the game's history. As card number 188 in this classic set, it offers collectors a tangible piece of the franchise's early strategic depth. Unlike many static creatures, this card’s power and toughness scale dynamically with the number of other Plague Rats on the battlefield, creating a unique synergy that rewards strategic planning. This card, illustrated by Anson Maddocks, captures the dark, gritty aesthetic of the black mana color identity. Collectors often seek out pieces from this era to complete sets or to appreciate the evolution of game design. The Plague Rats card represents more than just a monster in the game; it is a functional piece of strategy that has remained relevant due to its unique rules interaction. Whether you are building a themed collection or focusing on specific set builders, adding this card to your roster provides a distinct historical and mechanical value.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Plague Rats
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Anson Maddocks
Card Stock
English
{2}{B}
Creature — Rat
* / *
B
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Plague Rats's power and toughness are each equal to the number of creatures named Plague Rats on the battlefield.
"Should you a Rat to madness tease Why ev'n a Rat may plague you . . . ." —Samuel Coleridge, "Recantation"
