# 1997 Magic: The Gathering Fifth Edition #188

> The Plague Rats card from Magic: The Gathering's 1997 Fifth Edition is a foundational black creature known for its unique board-synergizing power.

Canonical URL: https://supercatch.com/product/magic-the-gathering-fifth-edition-plague-rats-188

## Identity

- **Year**: 1997
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Fifth Edition
- **Card number**: #188
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## 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.

## FAQ

### What does the Plague Rats card do in Magic: The Gathering?

The Plague Rats card’s power and toughness are each equal to the number of creatures named Plague Rats on the battlefield. This means it becomes stronger as more copies of itself are played simultaneously.

### Which set is the Plague Rats card #188 from?

This card appears in Magic: The Gathering’s Fifth Edition, released in 1997. It is a common black creature card with the subtype Rat.

### Who illustrated the Fifth Edition version of Plague Rats?

The artwork for the Fifth Edition Plague Rats card was created by Anson Maddocks, contributing to the set’s distinctive visual style.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.