Bloodthirst

Bloodthirst
Keyword Ability
Type	Static
Introduced	Guildpact
Last used	Magic 2012
Reminder Text	Bloodthirst N (If an opponent was dealt damage this turn, this permanent enters the battlefield with N +1/+1 counters on it.)
Storm Scale	3
Statistics	22 cards 18.2% 36.4% 31.8% 13.6%
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keyword:"Bloodthirst"

Bloodthirst is a keyword ability. It appeared in the Ravnica block as the ability associated with the Gruul guild of the Guildpact set, and later also appeared in Magic 2012.

Description

Bloodthirst was created by Brian Schneider. It works by putting a number of +1/+1 counters on a permanent (so far only creatures) as it enters the battlefield, if an opponent has been dealt damage that turn.

Rules

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

Bloodthirst

A keyword ability that can have a creature enter the battlefield with +1/+1 counters on it. See rule 702.54, “Bloodthirst.”

From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

• 702.54. Bloodthirst
  • 702.54a Bloodthirst is a static ability. “Bloodthirst N” means “If an opponent was dealt damage this turn, this permanent enters the battlefield with N +1/+1 counters on it.”
  • 702.54b “Bloodthirst X” is a special form of bloodthirst. “Bloodthirst X” means “This permanent enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it, where X is the total damage your opponents have been dealt this turn.”
  • 702.54c If an object has multiple instances of bloodthirst, each applies separately.

Rulings

• Bloodthirst checks for any kind of damage, including combat damage.
• Life loss that isn't caused by damage (for example, the life loss caused by Blood Seeker's ability) doesn't cause a creature with bloodthirst to get counters, but damage from a source with infect (a mechanic from the Scars of Mirrodin block) does, even though it doesn't cause loss of life.
• It doesn't matter who controlled the source of the damage dealt to your opponent. If an opponent was dealt damage by a source they controlled (such as Manabarbs, for example), creatures with bloodthirst that enter the battlefield under your control later that turn will get +1/+1 counters.
• The creature with bloodthirst enters the battlefield with the +1/+1 counters already on it. For example, a 1/1 creature that enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it will enter as a 3/3 creature, not as a 1/1 creature that then becomes 3/3.
• "Bloodthirst X" doesn't appear on any Magic 2012 cards.

Examples

Example 1

Gristleback
Creature — Beast
2/2
Bloodthirst 1 (If an opponent was dealt damage this turn, this creature enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it.)
Sacrifice Gristleback: You gain life equal to Gristleback's power.

Example 2

Petrified Wood-Kin
Creature — Elemental Warrior
3/3
This spell can’t be countered.
Bloodthirst X (This creature enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it, where X is the damage dealt to your opponents this turn.)
Protection from instants

Example 3

Bloodlord of Vaasgoth
Creature — Vampire Warrior
3/3
Bloodthirst 3 (If an opponent was dealt damage this turn, this creature enters the battlefield with three +1/+1 counters on it.)
Flying
Whenever you cast a Vampire creature spell, it gains bloodthirst 3.

Creature that grants Bloodthirst

• Bloodlord of Vaasgoth (Vampire)