Quick Answer

Benthic Criminologists is a common Creature — Merfolk Wizard from MKM (MKM) costing {4}{U}. Current price: $0.03 USD. Legal in Modern. Legal in Commander. Legal in Standard.

Benthic Criminologists MTG card

Benthic Criminologists

Creature — Merfolk Wizard

Card Text

Whenever this creature enters or attacks, you may sacrifice an artifact. If you do, draw a card.

Scientists from the Simic Combine are regularly seconded to various detective agencies in hopes that sharing their expertise will improve the guild's tarnished reputation.

Card Stats

4/5 common CMC: 5.0 MKM MKM 🎨 Johan Grenier

What kind of card is this?

Use these role hubs to find similar staples, upgrades, and answers.

Market Prices

TCGPlayer
$0.03
Normal
Buy
TCGPlayer
$0.04
Foil
Buy
Card Kingdom
$0.35
Normal
Buy
Card Kingdom
$0.49
Foil
Buy
Cardmarket
€0.02
Normal
Buy
Cardmarket
€0.05
Foil
Buy
Prices updated: 2025-12-16

Format Legality

Brawl Legal
Commander Legal
Duel Legal
Future Legal
Gladiator Legal
Historic Legal
Legacy Legal
Modern Legal
Oathbreaker Legal
Pauper Legal
Paupercommander Legal
Penny Legal
Pioneer Legal
Standard Legal
Standardbrawl Legal
Timeless Legal
Vintage Legal

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Community Stats

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benthic Criminologists? Basics

Benthic Criminologists is a Creature — Merfolk Wizard card from the Magic: The Gathering trading card game.

Its ability reads: "Whenever this creature enters or attacks, you may sacrifice an artifact. If you do, draw a card."

How much mana does Benthic Criminologists cost to cast? Basics

Benthic Criminologists has a mana cost of {4}{U}, which equals 5.0 total mana (converted mana cost/mana value).

It requires U mana to cast.

What does mana cost mean in Magic: The Gathering? Basics

Mana cost is the amount and type of mana required to cast a spell in Magic: The Gathering.

Benthic Criminologists's mana cost of {4}{U} means you need to pay that much mana from your lands or other sources.

Colored symbols (W=White, U=Blue, B=Black, R=Red, G=Green) must be paid with that specific color, while numbers can be paid with any color.

What is converted mana cost (CMC) or mana value? Basics

Converted mana cost (now officially called "mana value") is the total amount of mana in a card's mana cost, regardless of color.

Benthic Criminologists has a mana value of 5.0. This is important for effects that care about a spell's total cost, like cascade or cards that say "mana value 3 or less."

What is oracle text? Basics

Oracle text is the official, current rules text for a Magic card as maintained by Wizards of the Coast. It supersedes any printed text on older cards.

Benthic Criminologists's current oracle text is: "Whenever this creature enters or attacks, you may sacrifice an artifact. If you do, draw a card."

What is the current price of Benthic Criminologists? Pricing

The current market price for Benthic Criminologists is approximately $0.03 USD on TCGPlayer.

A foil copy costs approximately $0.04 USD.

On Cardmarket (Europe), it's approximately €0.02 EUR.

Where can I buy Benthic Criminologists? Pricing

You can purchase Benthic Criminologists from major MTG retailers including:

Prices vary by condition and printing. Check multiple sellers to find the best price.

What is the difference between normal and foil cards? Pricing

Foil cards have a shiny, holographic finish that makes them more collectible. They are functionally identical to normal cards but typically cost more due to their rarity and visual appeal.

Benthic Criminologists normal: $0.03 | foil: $0.04

Is Benthic Criminologists legal in Standard? Legality

Benthic Criminologists is Legal in Standard format.

Standard is a rotating format that only allows cards from the most recent sets.

Is Benthic Criminologists legal in Modern? Legality

Benthic Criminologists is Legal in Modern format.

Modern includes all cards printed in a standard-legal set from 8th Edition forward.

Is Benthic Criminologists legal in Commander (EDH)? Legality

Benthic Criminologists is Legal in Commander (EDH) format.

Commander is a casual multiplayer format where you build a 100-card singleton deck around a legendary creature.

Is Benthic Criminologists legal in Pioneer? Legality

Benthic Criminologists is Legal in Pioneer format.

Pioneer is a non-rotating format that includes all standard-legal sets from Return to Ravnica forward.

Is Benthic Criminologists legal in Legacy? Legality

Benthic Criminologists is Legal in Legacy format.

Legacy allows almost all cards ever printed, with a substantial ban list for balance.

Is Benthic Criminologists legal in Vintage? Legality

Benthic Criminologists is Legal in Vintage format.

Vintage is the most permissive format, allowing almost all cards with only a minimal ban list. Some powerful cards are "Restricted" (limited to 1 copy).

Is Benthic Criminologists legal in Pauper? Legality

Benthic Criminologists is Legal in Pauper format.

Pauper only allows cards that have been printed at common rarity in a paper or online set.

What is format legality in MTG? Legality

Format legality indicates which official MTG formats allow a card to be played:

  • Legal: Card is allowed in the format
  • Banned: Card is prohibited from play
  • Restricted: Limited to 1 copy (Vintage only)
  • Not Legal: Card was never part of that format's card pool

Different formats have different banned lists based on power level and game balance.

What set is Benthic Criminologists from? Details

This printing of Benthic Criminologists is from MKM (MKM), with collector number 40.

Benthic Criminologists may also appear in other MTG sets with different art or special treatments.

What is Benthic Criminologists's rarity? Details

Benthic Criminologists is a common card in MKM.

Card rarity affects both availability and price. From rarest to most common: Mythic Rare → Rare → Uncommon → Common.

Who illustrated Benthic Criminologists? Details

Benthic Criminologists was illustrated by Johan Grenier.

Magic: The Gathering features artwork from hundreds of talented artists, and many cards have been reprinted with new art over the years.

What is Benthic Criminologists's power and toughness? Details

Benthic Criminologists is a 4/5 creature.

Power (4) determines how much combat damage the creature deals. Toughness (5) determines how much damage it can take before being destroyed.

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