Etrata, Deadly Fugitive MTG Card


Etrata’s exile ability paves the way for an alternate win strategy, outside of traditional combat damage. The card’s specific mana cost and shuffle mechanic require a deck finely tuned for her casting and use. Etrata offers high combo potential, thriving with clone and library manipulation cards for repeated exiles.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Vampire Assassin
Abilities Cloak,Deathtouch
Power 1
Toughness 4

Text of card

Deathtouch Face-down creatures you control have ": Turn this creature face up. If you can't, exile it, then you may cast the exiled card without paying its mana cost." Whenever an Assassin you control deals combat damage to an opponent, cloak the top card of that player's library.


Cards like Etrata, Deadly Fugitive

Etrata, the Silencer stands out in Magic: The Gathering as an innovative and tactical card, particularly in the elusive assassin archetype. It bears resemblance to cards like Dimir Cutpurse which, like Etrata, thrives on combat tricks and rewarding players upon dealing combat damage to an opponent. However, Etrata is unique with its direct player exile ability, unlike Dimir Cutpurse that focuses on card advantage.

Another card lining up in comparison is Lazav, the Multifarious. Both Etrata and Lazav are shapeshifters rich in flavor and versatility. Lazav, however, leans towards a different strategy, enabling you to copy creatures from your graveyard at instant speed, allowing for surprise and adaptability mid-game.

When assessing the tactical edge and uniqueness in the ecosystem of MTG, Etrata, with its capability to potentially win the game by exiling just three creatures from an opponent, goes beyond what its counterparts can offer. It activates a less common win condition, endearing itself to players who seek alternative victory paths in their deck-building schemes.

Etrata, the Silencer - MTG Card versions
Dimir Cutpurse - MTG Card versions
Lazav, the Multifarious - MTG Card versions
Etrata, the Silencer - MTG Card versions
Dimir Cutpurse - MTG Card versions
Lazav, the Multifarious - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Etrata, Deadly Fugitive by color, type and mana cost

Mundungu - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Urborg Phantom - MTG Card versions
Urborg Drake - MTG Card versions
Stalking Assassin - MTG Card versions
Dralnu's Pet - MTG Card versions
Shadowmage Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Psychatog - MTG Card versions
Satoru Umezawa - MTG Card versions
Master of Death - MTG Card versions
Nightveil Specter - MTG Card versions
Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow - MTG Card versions
Urborg Emissary - MTG Card versions
Dimir Cutpurse - MTG Card versions
Dimir Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Cemetery Puca - MTG Card versions
Gravelgill Duo - MTG Card versions
Wasp Lancer - MTG Card versions
Shore Snapper - MTG Card versions
Lich Lord of Unx - MTG Card versions
Mundungu - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Urborg Phantom - MTG Card versions
Urborg Drake - MTG Card versions
Stalking Assassin - MTG Card versions
Dralnu's Pet - MTG Card versions
Shadowmage Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Psychatog - MTG Card versions
Satoru Umezawa - MTG Card versions
Master of Death - MTG Card versions
Nightveil Specter - MTG Card versions
Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow - MTG Card versions
Urborg Emissary - MTG Card versions
Dimir Cutpurse - MTG Card versions
Dimir Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Cemetery Puca - MTG Card versions
Gravelgill Duo - MTG Card versions
Wasp Lancer - MTG Card versions
Shore Snapper - MTG Card versions
Lich Lord of Unx - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free formUOL MKM Sealed League
Grixis MidrangeGrixis Midrange StandardGrixis MidrangeStandard Store hampionship
Dimir MidrangeDimir Midrange StandardDimir MidrangeStandard League 2024-02-21
5c Control5c Control Standard5c ControlTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 18, 2024
Dimir ReanimatorDimir Reanimator StandardDimir ReanimatorReCQ - Standard - SCG CON Philadelphia - Saturday - 12:00 pm (Bronze)
Sultai MidrangeSultai Midrange StandardSultai GraveyardBLACK - FRI - 11AM - Chicago 75K Standard Open
Dimir TempoDimir Tempo StandardDimir MidrangeJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Etrata, the Deadly Fugitive, enables unique control over the battlefield. Executing her ability effectively can remove crucial creatures from your opponent’s deck, edging you closer to an alternative win condition without needing to attack life totals directly.

Resource Acceleration: While Etrata herself doesn’t accelerate resources in the traditional sense, the focus on her ability can drive a strategy that leverages resource management. Building a deck around her encourages efficient use of cards and mana to ensure she can be replayed or recast, indirectly promoting careful planning and acceleration.

Instant Speed: The threat of an Etrata activation at any attack phase can work as a psychological tool against opponents. This ‘hidden blade’ element can keep opponents guessing and alter their playstyle, although Etrata’s ability doesn’t function at instant speed. The instant-speed interaction, in this case, comes into play with cards designed to protect, bounce, or flicker Etrata to thwart removal attempts or to reuse her ability.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Etrata, Deadly Fugitive demands a tactical approach given its shuffle back into the library mechanic. This can force players to discard advantageous opportunities to maintain Etrata’s presence on the battlefield, potentially straining hand resources.

Specific Mana Cost: With a stringent casting requirement of one blue, one black, and two generic mana, deckbuilding flexibility is compromised. This specificity requires careful mana base construction to consistently meet Etrata’s casting conditions.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Etrata, Deadly Fugitive’s four mana investment is substantial, and its unique exile ability, although potent, is comparably slow. This cost may deter players from including Etrata in faster-paced or more mana-efficient decks where immediate board impact is paramount.


Reasons to Include Etrata, Deadly Fugitive in Your Collection

Versatility: This elusive creature card can adapt to various play styles, serving as both an offensive threat and a defensive mechanism. Its ability to dodge counterplay through shuffling back into the library makes it a resilient inclusion in any deck.

Combo Potential: Etrata, Deadly Fugitive is known for its synergy with library manipulation and clone effects. It pairs well with cards that can copy or bounce it back to your hand, allowing for repeatable exile effects that can swiftly eliminate opponent’s creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where singular, high-value creatures dominate the battlefield, Etrata can be a game-changer. By removing crucial components of your opponent’s strategy, it not only disrupts their game plan but also inches you closer to an alternative win condition.


How to beat

Etrata, the Silencer, can be an intimidating card to face in the game of Magic: The Gathering, specifically due to her ability that exiles a player’s creature and shuffles her back into the owner’s library. Her unique win condition ups the ante, allowing a victory upon connecting with three different creatures. Players must therefore strategize effectively to counter her elusive and potentially game-ending attacks.

One reliable strategy to thwart Etrata’s ability is to minimize the number of creatures in play. Since she must hit a creature to trigger her effect, having fewer creatures makes it more difficult for the Etrata player to find a target. Alternatively, using instant speed removal or bounce effects in response to her attack can negate the exile effect, preserving your creatures and preventing your opponent from inching towards a win. Cards like ‘Unsummon’ or ‘Murder’ can serve well in this role. Moreover, adding cards that prevent Etrata from being shuffled back into the library, such as ‘Necromancy’ or ‘Sundial of the Infinite’, will leave her vulnerable to attack or permanently disable her from using her ability in subsequent turns.

By understanding the mechanics behind Etrata, the Silencer and carefully planning your deck and in-game tactics, you increase your resilience against her otherwise devastating impact on the field.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Etrata, Deadly Fugitive MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor and Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Etrata, Deadly Fugitive and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Etrata, Deadly Fugitive Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12024-02-09Murders at Karlov ManorMKM 2002015NormalBlackLivia Prima
22024-02-09Murders at Karlov ManorMKM 3862015NormalBlackIonomycin
32024-02-09Murders at Karlov ManorMKM 3592015NormalBlackIonomycin
42024-02-10Murders at Karlov Manor PromosPMKM 200s2015NormalBlackLivia Prima
52024-02-10Murders at Karlov Manor PromosPMKM 200p2015NormalBlackLivia Prima

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Etrata, Deadly Fugitive has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
StandardbrawlLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal