Vedalken Anatomist
Creature — Phyrexian Vedalken Wizard
, 
: Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature. You may tap or untap that creature.
- CMC
- 3
- Mana cost
- Color identity
- U
- Rarity
- uncommon
- Set
- Mirrodin Besieged
- Price
- $0.14
- EDHREC rank
- #24342
Vedalken Anatomist gives you repeatable -1/-1 counter placement and the ability to convert those counters into tap-and-don't-untap locks, which is a lot of on-board control for a three-mana creature. The activation cost is real — two mana and a tap each time — but in a dedicated counters shell that cost becomes a feature, not a bug.
Format Analysis
Where it lives, where it can’t
| Format | Verdict |
|---|---|
| commander | legal |
| legacy | legal |
| modern | legal |
| pioneer | not legal |
| standard | not legal |
| vintage | legal |
| pauper | not legal |
| oathbreaker | legal |
Commander is where Vedalken Anatomist earns its slot, specifically in -1/-1 counter commanders like Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons or Atraxa, Praetors' Voice where each activation triggers additional payoffs. Outside Commander, Vedalken Anatomist is technically legal in Legacy, Modern, and Vintage, but none of those formats want a three-mana creature with a two-mana tap ability when faster, cheaper interaction exists at every turn. It's a Commander card through and through — the power scales with a longer game and a board built around it.
Key Combos
Combo lines featuring this card
Price Context
Current price
$0.14 bulk tier
At $0.14, Vedalken Anatomist is deep bulk — grab a copy without a second thought. Bulk rares with narrow synergy niches rarely spike unless a new commander makes them a must-include, so don't expect movement, but at this price that's irrelevant.
Explore
Sources
Mentioned
Updated . Data from Scryfall, EDHREC, and Commander Spellbook.