Mono-Black Reanimator
StandardDeck Strategy
A mono-black graveyard deck that uses sacrifice and modal reanimation to put powerful creatures on the battlefield well ahead of curve. This version has about ten reanimation effects, so it truly feels like a reanimator deck.
Zombify, Rise of the Dark Realms, Lich-Knights' Conquest, and Soul Transfer return creatures directly from the graveyard, while Sidisi, Regent of the Mire and Abyssal Harvester give repeatable recursion. Sacrifice outlets like Bone Splinters, Extract a Confession, and Rankle's Prank stock the graveyard and gain card advantage. Morbid Opportunist turns those deaths into extra draws, and Phyrexian Arena keeps the engine fueled.
Keep hands with two or three Swamps and a way to put a creature into the graveyard or a reanimation spell. Mulligan hands full of reanimation but no way to fill the graveyard, or hands with expensive targets but no early interaction.
Early: play removal, Tinybones, or Phyrexian Arena. Mid: sacrifice or trade creatures, then reanimate with Zombify, Lich-Knights' Conquest, or Soul Transfer. Late: use Sidisi or Abyssal Harvester to recur repeatedly, and finish with Rise of the Dark Realms, Massacre Wurm, or The Speed Demon.
Heavy graveyard hate and exile-based removal can stop the plan; fast aggro decks can outrace you before reanimation gets going.
| Type | Rarity | Card Name | Mana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creatures (10) | Rare | Abyssal Harvester | |
| Mythic Rare | Enduring Tenacity | ||
| Mythic Rare | Massacre Wurm | ||
| Uncommon | Morbid Opportunist | ||
| Rare | Sidisi, Regent of the Mire | ||
| Rare | Solemn Simulacrum | ||
| Mythic Rare | The Speed Demon | ||
| Mythic Rare | Tinybones, the Pickpocket | ||
| Planeswalkers (1) | Mythic Rare | Liliana, Dreadhorde General | |
| Instants (7) | Uncommon | Hero's Downfall | |
| Uncommon | Murder | ||
| Sorceries (15) | Common | Bone Splinters | |
| Common | Extract a Confession | ||
| Rare | Lich-Knights' Conquest | ||
| Rare | Rankle's Prank | ||
| Mythic Rare | Rise of the Dark Realms | ||
| Rare | Soul Transfer | ||
| Uncommon | Zombify | ||
| Enchantments (3) | Rare | Phyrexian Arena | |
| Rare | Unholy Annex // Ritual Chamber | ||
| Lands (24) | Basic Land | Swamp |