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Budget Alternatives to Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal

Looking for a functional budget replacement for Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal ($25.00)? 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.

By MTGCheap Data Lab 6 min readUpdated August 2026
Quick Answer: Best Replacements

Top 3 Substitutes for Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal at a Glance

Original Price: $25.00
BEST OVERALL

Myojin of Grim Betrayal

$0.28Save 99%

Matches Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal's Legendary Creature card type and shares the exact same mana value (8 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #cheat-death, #counter-fuel-keyword.

93% Match
CHEAPEST VIABLE

Myojin of Night's Reach

$0.14Save 99%

Matches Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal's Legendary Creature card type and shares the exact same mana value (8 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #gains-indestructible.

82% Match
CLOSEST 1:1 MATCH

The Deck of Many Things

$3.91Save 84%

Acts as a Legendary Artifact alternative to Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal's Legendary Creature and costs 3 less mana (5 MV vs 8 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #reanimate-creature, #reanimate-from-any.

73% Match
Magic: The Gathering card image for Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal (Legendary Creature — Spirit)

Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal

Legendary Creature — Spirit
$25.00 Market
Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal enters the battlefield with an indestructible counter on it if you cast it from your hand. Remove an indestructible counter from Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal: Each opponent discards their hand. Put onto the battlefield under your control all creature cards in all graveyards that were put there from anywhere this turn.
Why It's Expensive: Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal is a high-demand staple in Commander and competitive constructed formats due to its efficient mana value and game-defining versatile deck staple mechanics.
#activated-ability#cheat-death#counter-fuel-keyword#gains-indestructible#indestructible-counter#legendary-team-up#per-player#potentially-black-border#reanimate-creature#reanimate-from-any

How Much Can You Save? (Price & Similarity Matrix)

Direct financial comparison between Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal and top budget alternatives.

Card NameCard Type & CMCPriceSavings ($)Savings (%)Vector Similarity
Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal (Original)Legendary Creature $25.00100% (Baseline)
#1 Myojin of Grim BetrayalLegendary Creature (8 MV)$0.28$24.7299%93% Match
#2 The Deck of Many ThingsLegendary Artifact (5 MV)$3.91$21.0984%73% Match
#3 Grimoire of the DeadLegendary Artifact (4 MV)$0.73$24.2797%66% Match
#4 Demon of Dark SchemesCreature (6 MV)$1.41$23.5994%63% Match
#5 Myojin of Night's ReachLegendary Creature (8 MV)$0.14$24.8699%82% Match
#6 Gerrard's Hourglass PendantLegendary Artifact (1 MV)$3.10$21.9088%54% Match

In-Depth Analysis: Best Alternatives to Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal

Detailed mechanical similarities, differences, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal deck situations for each substitute.

#1

Myojin of Grim Betrayal

(Legendary Creature — Spirit8 MV)
$0.28Save 99%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Myojin of Grim Betrayal (Legendary Creature — Spirit)
93% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Myojin of Grim Betrayal enters with an indestructible counter on it if you cast it from your hand. Remove an indestructible counter from Myojin of Grim Betrayal: Put onto the battlefield under your control all creature cards in all graveyards that were put there from anywhere this turn.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal's Legendary Creature card type and shares the exact same mana value (8 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #cheat-death, #counter-fuel-keyword.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.28 (99% savings over Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal)
  • Fills the Legendary Creature curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 93% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#cheat-death#counter-fuel-keyword#gains-indestructible#indestructible-counter#reanimate-creature#reanimate-from-any
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#2

The Deck of Many Things

(Legendary Artifact5 MV)
$3.91Save 84%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for The Deck of Many Things (Legendary Artifact)
73% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

{2}, {T}: Roll a d20 and subtract the number of cards in your hand. If the result is 0 or less, discard your hand. 1—9 | Return a card at random from your graveyard to your hand. 10—19 | Draw two cards. 20 | Put a creature card from any graveyard onto the battlefield under your control. When that creature dies, its owner loses the game.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Legendary Artifact alternative to Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal's Legendary Creature and costs 3 less mana (5 MV vs 8 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #reanimate-creature, #reanimate-from-any.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $3.91 (84% savings over Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal)
  • Fills the Legendary Creature curve slot cleanly
  • Faster casting curve (5 MV vs 8 MV)
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 73% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#reanimate-creature#reanimate-from-any
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#3

Grimoire of the Dead

(Legendary Artifact — Book4 MV)
$0.73Save 97%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Grimoire of the Dead (Legendary Artifact — Book)
66% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

{1}, {T}, Discard a card: Put a study counter on Grimoire of the Dead. {T}, Remove three study counters from Grimoire of the Dead and sacrifice it: Put all creature cards from all graveyards onto the battlefield under your control. They're black Zombies in addition to their other colors and types.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Legendary Artifact alternative to Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal's Legendary Creature and costs 4 less mana (4 MV vs 8 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #reanimate-creature, #reanimate-from-any.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.73 (97% savings over Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal)
  • Fills the Legendary Creature curve slot cleanly
  • Faster casting curve (4 MV vs 8 MV)
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 66% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#reanimate-creature#reanimate-from-any
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#4

Demon of Dark Schemes

(Creature — Demon6 MV)
$1.41Save 94%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Demon of Dark Schemes (Creature — Demon)
63% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Flying When this creature enters, all other creatures get -2/-2 until end of turn. Whenever another creature dies, you get {E} (an energy counter). {2}{B}, Pay {E}{E}{E}{E}: Put target creature card from a graveyard onto the battlefield under your control tapped.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Creature alternative to Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal's Legendary Creature and costs 2 less mana (6 MV vs 8 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #reanimate-creature, #reanimate-from-any.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $1.41 (94% savings over Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal)
  • Fills the Legendary Creature curve slot cleanly
  • Faster casting curve (6 MV vs 8 MV)
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 63% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#reanimate-creature#reanimate-from-any
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#5

Myojin of Night's Reach

(Legendary Creature — Spirit8 MV)
$0.14Save 99%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Myojin of Night's Reach (Legendary Creature — Spirit)
82% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Myojin of Night's Reach enters with a divinity counter on it if you cast it from your hand. Myojin of Night's Reach has indestructible as long as it has a divinity counter on it. Remove a divinity counter from Myojin of Night's Reach: Each opponent discards their hand.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal's Legendary Creature card type and shares the exact same mana value (8 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #gains-indestructible.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.14 (99% savings over Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal)
  • Fills the Legendary Creature curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 82% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#gains-indestructible
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#6

Gerrard's Hourglass Pendant

(Legendary Artifact1 MV)
$3.10Save 88%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Gerrard's Hourglass Pendant (Legendary Artifact)
54% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Flash If a player would begin an extra turn, that player skips that turn instead. {4}, {T}, Exile Gerrard's Hourglass Pendant: Return to the battlefield tapped all artifact, creature, enchantment, and land cards in your graveyard that were put there from the battlefield this turn.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Legendary Artifact alternative to Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal's Legendary Creature and costs 7 less mana (1 MV vs 8 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #cheat-death, #reanimate-creature.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $3.10 (88% savings over Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal)
  • Fills the Legendary Creature curve slot cleanly
  • Faster casting curve (1 MV vs 8 MV)
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 54% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#cheat-death#reanimate-creature
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool

Which Alternative Should You Choose?

Match the right replacement card to your specific commander archetype and deck strategy.

Competitive / High Velocity
Myojin of Grim Betrayal

Maximizes mana efficiency and replicates Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal's primary trigger role.

Ultra-Budget / Casual Pods
Myojin of Night's Reach

Reduces total deck cost below $50 while keeping the curve active.

Synergy-Driven Strategies
The Deck of Many Things

Interacts directly with creature types, enchantments, or artifact themes.

Competitive Nuance: When NOT to Use A Replacement

When Is Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal Irreplaceable?

If your deck relies on specific infinite combo lines that require Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal'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 $25.00 price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions About Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal Alternatives

Answers to the most common deckbuilding and replacement queries.

What is the best budget alternative to Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal?+

Myojin of Grim Betrayal ($0.28) is the best overall alternative to Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal ($25.00), saving $24.72 (99% savings) with a 93% functional vector match.

What cards are like Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal in MTG?+

Cards like Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal include Myojin of Grim Betrayal ($0.28), The Deck of Many Things ($3.91), Grimoire of the Dead ($0.73), Demon of Dark Schemes ($1.41). These cards share similar mana curves, mechanics, and strategic roles in Commander.

What is the cheapest replacement for Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal?+

Myojin of Night's Reach ($0.14) is the most affordable replacement, saving over 99% compared to Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal.

Why would a player want a replacement for Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal?+

At $25.00, Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal 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 Myojin of Night's Reach and Grim Betrayal?+

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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