Cephalopod Sentry MTG Card


Offers card advantage by deterring attacks, aiding in long game scenarios where hand size is critical. Indirectly accelerates resources by safeguarding asset-generating creatures with its board presence. Flexibility is a key benefit, with its instant speed activation allowing for surprising defensive plays.
Cephalopod Sentry - Phyrexia: All Will Be One
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Phyrexian Squid
Abilities Flying
Released2023-02-03
Set symbol
Set namePhyrexia: All Will Be One
Set codeONE
Power *
Toughness 5
Number198
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMathias Kollros

Text of card

Flying Cephalopod Sentry's power is equal to the number of artifacts you control.

Silent observers swim through the air of Norn's Seedcore, watching the nascent Invasion Tree for any signs of interference.


Cards like Cephalopod Sentry

Delving into the depths of Magic: The Gathering, Cephalopod Sentry is an intriguing creature card that draws comparisons to others of its kind. Cards like Kraken Hatchling and Wall of Frost also serve as defenders within the blue spectrum of the game. Kraken Hatchling, with its low mana cost and high toughness, serves as an early-game bulwark. However, unlike Cephalopod Sentry, it doesn’t offer any additional abilities that manipulate the game state.

Wall of Frost presents a sturdier obstacle for opponents, freezing any creature it blocks. While the Sentry doesn’t directly detain attacking foes, its unique tap ability can sometimes offer a more strategic advantage, especially when navigating around complex board states. Guardians of Meletis is another card that echoes the spirit of the Sentry as a loyal defender, albeit without the versatility of tapping an opponent’s creature.

When assessed among its peers, Cephalopod Sentry finds its niche by blending defense with a tactical edge. It might not boast the raw stopping power of some alternatives, but it holds its own with a subtle tactical advantage—valuable for any strategist seeking to control the flow of MTG matches.

Kraken Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Wall of Frost - MTG Card versions
Guardians of Meletis - MTG Card versions
Kraken Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Wall of Frost - MTG Card versions
Guardians of Meletis - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Cephalopod Sentry by color, type and mana cost

Shorikai, Genesis Engine - MTG Card versions
Esper Cormorants - MTG Card versions
Unbender Tine - MTG Card versions
Arcanist's Owl - MTG Card versions
Belisarius Cawl - MTG Card versions
Granite Witness - MTG Card versions
Shorikai, Genesis Engine - MTG Card versions
Esper Cormorants - MTG Card versions
Unbender Tine - MTG Card versions
Arcanist's Owl - MTG Card versions
Belisarius Cawl - MTG Card versions
Granite Witness - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Cephalopod Sentry. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius MidrangeAzorius Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024
Azorius AggroAzorius Aggro GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cephalopod Sentry can offer card advantage by discouraging opponents from attacking, thus potentially preserving your hand while depleting theirs. This tends to be effective in long game scenarios where every card in hand counts.

Resource Acceleration: While Cephalopod Sentry doesn’t directly produce additional mana or tokens, it can positively affect resource acceleration by protecting key creatures or planeswalkers that contribute to ramping up your resources. Its presence on the board can be seen as an indirect way to bolster your gameplay and maintain a strong board presence.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate Cephalopod Sentry’s effect at instant speed means it can be used unexpectedly during combat or in response to an opponent’s spells or abilities. This flexibility allows you to better control the pace of the game and make strategic defensive decisions without sacrificing the opportunity to cast other spells on your own turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Cephalopod Sentry comes with the stipulation that a player must toss an extra card from their hand into the graveyard. This can backfire, especially in situations where card advantage is crucial, and resources are already spread thin.

Specific Mana Cost: To summon the Cephalopod Sentry, a precise combination of mana is needed, which can be challenging in a multi-colored deck. This makes it less flexible when it comes to deck building, potentially limiting its play to mono-color decks or those with a strong mana fixing strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its unique abilities, the cost to cast it is on the high side. For the same mana expenditure, there might be alternatives that provide either a larger creature or additional benefits that could tip the scales more favorably in a duel. This cost consideration could demote it on the list of preferred creatures for certain strategies.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Cephalopod Sentry offers a unique skill set that can defend against a wide array of threats. Its ability to tap or untap creatures adds a flexible control element to blue-centric or defense-oriented decks.

Combo Potential: With the Sentry’s tapping and untapping abilities, it can form synergies with cards that capitalize on these mechanics. It works well with cards that have tap/untap triggers, potentially unleashing devastating effects or creating unanticipated combos.

Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment where creatures play a significant role, Cephalopod Sentry becomes a tactical asset. It can disrupt opponent’s strategies by controlling which creatures are able to attack or block, keeping the board state in your favor.


How to beat

Cephalopod Sentry is an intriguing card that brings a unique dynamic to the battlefield. This creature often comes with abilities that can make it a formidable blocker, capable of protecting its owner from incoming attacks. To effectively counter this card, players should consider using removal spells that can bypass its defenses or, in some cases, rely on flying creatures that can soar over the Sentry’s reach. Spells like Murder or Path to Exile are excellent choices as they can remove the creature from play without triggering possible abilities tied to combat damage or blocking.

Another strategy focuses on altering the rules of engagement by utilizing cards like Sleep or Tapping into creature control techniques. Cards with tap abilities can prevent Cephalopod Sentry from blocking, thus allowing for a direct assault. Additionally, enchantments that reduce the creature’s toughness to zero can bypass the need to deal damage entirely. It is essential to adapt to this unique threat, ensuring the Sentry doesn’t become an insurmountable obstacle to victory.

Remember, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each card is key to mastering the intricate strategies of Magic: The Gathering. By being prepared and versatile with your approach, you can overcome the challenge that Cephalopod Sentry presents on the field.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the intricacies of MTG is crucial for any player looking to optimize their gameplay. With Cephalopod Sentry, strategists find a card that can shift the dynamics of the board in their favor. It’s essential to consider the card’s strengths—such as instant speed abilities and versatility in controlling the battlefield. Meanwhile, its cons, like a specific mana cost and potential discard downside, must be tactically managed. Optimizing your deck to harness the Sentry’s power could very well tilt the scales during gameplay. Looking to fortify your strategy and navigate complex board states? We’re here to guide you through enhancing your collection and conquering the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cephalopod Sentry MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Cephalopod Sentry and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cephalopod Sentry has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cephalopod Sentry card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-02-04 The ability that defines Cephalopod Sentry's power works in all zones, not just the battlefield. As long as Cephalopod Sentry is on the battlefield (and still an artifact), that ability will count Cephalopod Sentry itself.