Budget Alternatives to It That Betrays
Looking for a functional budget replacement for It That Betrays ($17.27)? Whether you're brewing a 100-card Commander deck, upgrading a budget league list, or trying to avoid spending over $50 on cardboard, these vector-analyzed substitutes deliver comparable Versatile Deck Staple power for a fraction of the cost.
Top 3 Substitutes for It That Betrays at a Glance
Eldrazi Ravager
Matches It That Betrays's Creature card type and costs 6 less mana (6 MV vs 12 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #removal-permanent.
Mage-Ring Responder
Acts as a Artifact Creature alternative to It That Betrays's Creature and costs 5 less mana (7 MV vs 12 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #repeatable-removal.
Hand of Emrakul
Matches It That Betrays's Creature card type and costs 3 less mana (9 MV vs 12 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #removal-permanent.
It That Betrays
How Much Can You Save? (Price & Similarity Matrix)
Direct financial comparison between It That Betrays and top budget alternatives.
| Card Name | Card Type & CMC | Price | Savings ($) | Savings (%) | Vector Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| It That Betrays (Original) | Creature | $17.27 | — | — | 100% (Baseline) |
| #1 Eldrazi Ravager | Creature (6 MV) | $0.27 | $17.00 | 98% | 90% Match |
| #2 Hand of Emrakul | Creature (9 MV) | $0.44 | $16.83 | 97% | 87% Match |
| #3 Pathrazer of Ulamog | Creature (11 MV) | $1.52 | $15.75 | 91% | 86% Match |
| #4 Ulamog's Crusher | Creature (8 MV) | $0.30 | $16.97 | 98% | 84% Match |
| #5 Breaker of Creation | Creature (8 MV) | $0.36 | $16.91 | 98% | 77% Match |
| #6 Mage-Ring Responder | Artifact Creature (7 MV) | $0.15 | $17.12 | 99% | 57% Match |
In-Depth Analysis: Best Alternatives to It That Betrays
Detailed mechanical similarities, differences, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal deck situations for each substitute.
Eldrazi Ravager
(Creature — Eldrazi • 6 MV)
Annihilator 1 (Whenever this creature attacks, defending player sacrifices a permanent of their choice.) Sacrifice two Eldrazi: Return this card from your graveyard to your hand. Cycling {2} ({2}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)
Matches It That Betrays's Creature card type and costs 6 less mana (6 MV vs 12 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #removal-permanent.
- • Costs $0.27 (98% savings over It That Betrays)
- • Fills the Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (6 MV vs 12 MV)
- • Delivers 90% of the mechanical power ceiling
Hand of Emrakul
(Creature — Eldrazi • 9 MV)
You may sacrifice four Eldrazi Spawn rather than pay this spell's mana cost. Annihilator 1 (Whenever this creature attacks, defending player sacrifices a permanent of their choice.)
Matches It That Betrays's Creature card type and costs 3 less mana (9 MV vs 12 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #removal-permanent.
- • Costs $0.44 (97% savings over It That Betrays)
- • Fills the Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (9 MV vs 12 MV)
- • Delivers 87% of the mechanical power ceiling
Pathrazer of Ulamog
(Creature — Eldrazi • 11 MV)
Annihilator 3 (Whenever this creature attacks, defending player sacrifices three permanents of their choice.) This creature can't be blocked except by three or more creatures.
Matches It That Betrays's Creature card type and costs 1 less mana (11 MV vs 12 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #removal-permanent.
- • Costs $1.52 (91% savings over It That Betrays)
- • Fills the Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (11 MV vs 12 MV)
- • Delivers 86% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ulamog's Crusher
(Creature — Eldrazi • 8 MV)
Annihilator 2 (Whenever this creature attacks, defending player sacrifices two permanents of their choice.) This creature attacks each combat if able.
Matches It That Betrays's Creature card type and costs 4 less mana (8 MV vs 12 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #removal-permanent.
- • Costs $0.30 (98% savings over It That Betrays)
- • Fills the Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (8 MV vs 12 MV)
- • Delivers 84% of the mechanical power ceiling
Breaker of Creation
(Creature — Eldrazi • 8 MV)
When you cast this spell, you gain 1 life for each colorless permanent you control. Hexproof from each color Annihilator 2 (Whenever this creature attacks, defending player sacrifices two permanents of their choice.)
Matches It That Betrays's Creature card type and costs 4 less mana (8 MV vs 12 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #removal-permanent.
- • Costs $0.36 (98% savings over It That Betrays)
- • Fills the Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (8 MV vs 12 MV)
- • Delivers 77% of the mechanical power ceiling
Mage-Ring Responder
(Artifact Creature — Golem • 7 MV)
This creature doesn't untap during your untap step. {7}: Untap this creature. Whenever this creature attacks, it deals 7 damage to target creature defending player controls.
Acts as a Artifact Creature alternative to It That Betrays's Creature and costs 5 less mana (7 MV vs 12 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #repeatable-removal.
- • Costs $0.15 (99% savings over It That Betrays)
- • Fills the Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (7 MV vs 12 MV)
- • Delivers 57% of the mechanical power ceiling
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Match the right replacement card to your specific commander archetype and deck strategy.
Maximizes mana efficiency and replicates It That Betrays's primary trigger role.
Reduces total deck cost below $50 while keeping the curve active.
Interacts directly with creature types, enchantments, or artifact themes.
When Is It That Betrays Irreplaceable?
If your deck relies on specific infinite combo lines that require It That Betrays's exact mana cost, unconditional timing, or unique text interaction, budget alternatives may not provide 100% parity. For casual Commander, mid-power EDH, and local game store play, the substitutes above deliver 90%+ functionality without the $17.27 price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions About It That Betrays Alternatives
Answers to the most common deckbuilding and replacement queries.
What is the best budget alternative to It That Betrays?+
Eldrazi Ravager ($0.27) is the best overall alternative to It That Betrays ($17.27), saving $17.00 (98% savings) with a 90% functional vector match.
What cards are like It That Betrays in MTG?+
Cards like It That Betrays include Eldrazi Ravager ($0.27), Hand of Emrakul ($0.44), Pathrazer of Ulamog ($1.52), Ulamog's Crusher ($0.30). These cards share similar mana curves, mechanics, and strategic roles in Commander.
What is the cheapest replacement for It That Betrays?+
Mage-Ring Responder ($0.15) is the most affordable replacement, saving over 99% compared to It That Betrays.
Why would a player want a replacement for It That Betrays?+
At $17.27, It That Betrays represents a substantial financial barrier for casual Commander decks, budget league builds, or players testing new color identities.
When should a player NOT use a cheaper alternative to It That Betrays?+
In top-tier competitive cEDH pods or tournaments where minor efficiency differences (such as 1-mana differences or unconditional instant speed) decide matches, the original staple remains optimal.
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