Crypt Rats

Crypt Rats was originally introduced in the Stronghold expansion of Magic: The Gathering in 1998, serving as a tactical board-wipe effect within the black color identity. By the time it was reprinted in the Seventh Edition core set in 2001, the card had gained a reputation for its versatility, allowing players to deal damage to all creatures and players at the cost of one life per point of damage. This iteration marked the first time the card featured the distinct white-bordered design aesthetic characteristic of the Seventh Edition core set, aimed at making the game more accessible to a growing global audience.

The artwork for this version was illustrated by Christopher Rush, one of the most prolific early artists for the game. Rush sought to emphasize the swarming, vermin-like nature of the creatures, utilizing a dark, atmospheric palette to complement the card's function as a mass-damage dealing engine. Upon its release in Seventh Edition, the card was well-received by players who utilized it as a staple for control decks, valuing its repeatable effect in a format that emphasized fundamental gameplay strategies.