Thriving Rats
Creature — Rat
When this creature enters, you get 
(two energy counters).
Whenever this creature attacks, you may pay . If you do, put a +1/+1 counter on it.
- CMC
- 2
- Mana cost
- Color identity
- B
- Rarity
- common
- Set
- Kaladesh
- Price
- $0.09
- EDHREC rank
- #23070
Thriving Rats enters as a 1/1 and immediately asks your opponent to hand you a permanent energy counter — giving you a 2/2 on the spot if they refuse. The cost is two mana for a body that tops out at 2/2, which is firmly unplayable outside decks that specifically want the energy or the political pressure.
Format Analysis
Where it lives, where it can’t
| Format | Verdict |
|---|---|
| commander | legal |
| legacy | legal |
| modern | legal |
| pioneer | legal |
| standard | not legal |
| vintage | legal |
| pauper | legal |
| oathbreaker | legal |
Thriving Rats is a Pauper-legal common, and that's the only format where it sees any real consideration — energy synergies are narrow even there, and a 2/2 for two rarely clears the bar. In Commander, the card is legal but competes against far more efficient two-drops and energy generators; the political mechanic is cute once and forgotten. Modern, Pioneer, Legacy, and Vintage have no interest in a 1/1 that conditionally becomes a 2/2.
Key Combos
Combo lines featuring this card
Price Context
Current price
$0.09 bulk tier
At $0.09, Thriving Rats is deep bulk — you're paying for cardboard, not power. That price reflects demand accurately and there's no scenario where it moves.
Explore
Sources
Mentioned
Updated . Data from Scryfall, EDHREC, and Commander Spellbook.