Merfolk Mistbinder MTG Card


Empowering Merfolk tribes, the card strengthens your board, indirectly contributing to your card advantage. Doesn’t add mana, but its static ability improves plays by boosting your existing Merfolk. Demands specific mana types, possibly limiting its inclusion in diverse multicolor decks.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Merfolk Shaman
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Other Merfolk you control get +1/+1.

"The mist clothes us when we are bare, hides us when we are alone, and unites us when we are together." —Nirit of Pashona's band


Cards like Merfolk Mistbinder

Merfolk Mistbinder stands out as a potent tribal lord within the vast sea of creature-enhancing cards prevalent in the Magic: The Gathering realm. Like the emblematic Lord of Atlantis, Merfolk Mistbinder provides a tempting boost with an increase in both power and toughness for each Merfolk creature you control. The Mistbinder, however, differs by not offering the subtle layer of protection that the Lord of Atlantis’s islandwalk ability grants.

Examining other relatives of the deep, like the Merrow Reejerey, we observe an additional approach to empowering fellow Merfolk. Merrow Reejerey not only buffs your sea creatures but also unleashes their potential by untapping or tapping permanents upon casting Merfolk spells. This additional control can turn the tides rapidly in your favor. Conversely, Deeproot Elite carves its niche by singularly placing a +1/+1 counter on a Merfolk you control each time another one enters the battlefield, amassing formidable creatures over time.

Despite the vast ocean of options, Merfolk Mistbinder’s specific boon of an immediate and inclusive stat boost for all Merfolk without any added cost or condition makes it a card that frequently emerges as the tidecaller for Merfolk tribal decks in Magic: The Gathering.

Lord of Atlantis - MTG Card versions
Merrow Reejerey - MTG Card versions
Deeproot Elite - MTG Card versions
Lord of Atlantis - MTG Card versions
Merrow Reejerey - MTG Card versions
Deeproot Elite - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Simic MerfolkSimic Merfolk PioneerSimic MerfolkPioneer Preliminary 2023-11-16
MerfolkMerfolk ModernMerfolkModern Showcase Challenge 2024-03-09
Simic TempoSimic Tempo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 10 2024
DecklistDecklist Free formWeekday Night Magic

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Merfolk Mistbinder doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, but its tribal synergy significantly boosts your board presence, essentially contributing to advantage by making your other creatures more formidable.

Resource Acceleration: While the Merfolk Mistbinder itself doesn’t generate additional mana, it enables quicker, more impactful plays by empowering your current Merfolk, letting you allocate resources otherwise spent on buffing towards further board development or control.

Instant Speed: Merfolk Mistbinder’s effect is a static ability and is not at instant speed. However, the consistency it brings to the board can put opponents on a back foot, necessitating instant speed responses to deal with the enhanced threat level of your Merfolk creatures.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Merfolk Mistbinder doesn’t have a direct discard requirement, decks built around it may force you to discard other cards to maintain a merfolk-centric strategy, sacrificing card diversity.

Specific Mana Cost: Merfolk Mistbinder demands both blue and green mana which can restrict its integration into multicolor decks not focused on a Simic (green-blue) combination.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its cost of two mana, players might expect a more impactful ability or stats. In fast-paced games, investing in a creature that just boosts others without additional benefits could put you at a disadvantage.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Merfolk Mistbinder is not just a creature; it’s a key supporting piece for any Merfolk tribal deck. Its ability to pump other Merfolk creatures makes it versatile, strategically fitting into aggressive and synergistic Merfolk strategies.

Combo Potential: By boosting the power of your other Merfolk, this card increases the lethality of combinations with cards that gain benefits from creature strength or numbers, enhancing the board presence rapidly.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-present tribal themes in the current meta, including Merfolk, a Merfolk Mistbinder can solidify your deck’s dominance in matchups where creature buffs are decisive for victory.


How to beat

Merfolk Mistbinder presents itself as a powerful inclusion in merfolk tribal decks, boasting an ability to boost other merfolk creatures. This grants an inherent advantage especially in decks swarming with these aquatic allies. To counteract this, controlling the board becomes a key strategy. Sweepers or spot removal spells can reduce the impact of this lord effect. Wrath of God or Doom Blade, for example, can dismantle the synergies that the Merfolk Mistbinder provides, effectively muting its power boost.

Another avenue is to disrupt the merfolk player’s tempo. Consider spells like Essence Scatter or Thoughtseize, which can respectively counter the creature or remove it from hand before it even hits the board. Disabling the Merfolk Mistbinder before it can activate its ability is crucial. Finally, it’s imperative to limit the merfolk player’s ability to rebuild their board presence by using cards like Grafdigger’s Cage or Relic of Progenitus, which can hamper strategies reliant on the graveyard or abilities that generate creature tokens.

By combining smart removal with disruptive tactics, players can effectively navigate around the boost that Merfolk Mistbinder offers and maintain control over the game state.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the tides of MTG involves knowing your cards and how they shift the flow of battle. Merfolk Mistbinder is a beacon for Merfolk enthusiasts seeking to reinforce their aquatic army. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your tribe or curious about the strategies that can elevate your gameplay, understanding the synergies and counters of card choices like Merfolk Mistbinder is vital. Dive into our resource pool to discover the finer tactics of deck building and become adept at riding the waves of competition. Let’s explore together how this card and others can lead you to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Merfolk Mistbinder MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan and The List, 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 Merfolk Mistbinder and other MTG cards:

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

Printings

The Merfolk Mistbinder Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-01-19 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by Clint Cearley.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-01-19Rivals of IxalanRIX 1642015NormalBlackClint Cearley
22020-09-26The ListPLST RIX-1642015NormalBlackClint Cearley
32023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 2762015NormalBlackClint Cearley

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Merfolk Mistbinder has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-01-19 Because damage remains marked on a creature until it's removed as the turn ends, nonlethal damage dealt to another Merfolk you control may become lethal if Merfolk Mistbinder leaves the battlefield during that turn.