Abyssal Specter MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 113
1997-03-24 - Number 139
1999-04-21 - Number 110
1999-11-12 - Number 1
2001-04-11 - Number 116★
2001-04-11 - Number 116
2001-12-01 - Number 1
2003-07-28 - Number 117★
2003-07-28 - Number 117
2009-04-10 - Number 40
2010-06-04 - Number 18
2014-12-05 - Number 40
2017-03-17 - Number 59
| Card sets | Released in 13 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Specter |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Flying Whenever Abyssal Specter damages any player, that player chooses and discards a card from his or her hand. Ignore this ability if the player has no cards in hand.
"Open the gates, and bid them enter." —Lim-Dûl, the Necromancer
Cards like Abyssal Specter
Abyssal Specter is a notorious figure among MTG cards that force opponents to discard. Its similarities with other cards like Hypnotic Specter are clear, with both creatures striking fear into the hearts of players by enabling the discard mechanic upon dealing damage. However, Abyssal Specter stands out due to its unyielding 2/3 body, granting more resilience against damage and removal that could thwart creatures with lesser toughness.
Moving forward to Liliana’s Specter, we notice a one-time discard effect on entry rather than a continual threat each time it connects with an opponent. While Liliana’s Specter’s effect is guaranteed, Abyssal Specter’s recurring ability can dismantle an opponent’s hand turn after turn. Additionally, Blightning is an example of a non-creature spell in this discard category. Unlike Abyssal Specter, Blightning simultaneously deals damage and discards, yet lacks the ability to repeatedly apply pressure every turn.
Thus, when comparing recurring discard mechanics and survivability on the battlefield, Abyssal Specter manages to fly high amongst its peers. It effectively combines offensive pressure with a robust defense, making it a valued member of any deck focused on disrupting and controlling the enemy’s hand.
Cards similar to Abyssal Specter by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: One of the key strengths of Abyssal Specter is its potential for significant card advantage. Each successful attack forces your opponent to discard a card, gradually tipping the scales in your favor throughout the match.
Resource Acceleration: Although Abyssal Specter itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, compelling your opponent to discard can indirectly affect their resource development. This disruption can set them back and give you a lead in the game’s pace.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast spells at instant speed is always a tactical advantage. While Abyssal Specter doesn’t have an instant speed ability itself, knowing when to play it and how it can potentially interact with other instant speed spells in your deck is essential for strategic play. It allows you to wait for the opportune moment to deploy this threat when your opponent is least prepared to handle it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In the case of Abyssal Specter, while the ability to force an opponent to discard a card whenever it deals damage can be powerful, it necessitates the Specter successfully engaging in combat. This creates a pressure point where the Specter must break through defenses while remaining unchecked by removal spells, potentially limiting its reliability.
Specific Mana Cost: Abyssal Specter’s casting cost includes both generic and black mana, demanding a dedicated commitment to black mana sources within a player’s deck. This makes it less flexible and often relegates it to mono-black or heavily black-influenced deck builds, which may not always fit a player’s strategy or the broader meta.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost set at four, including two black mana symbols, Abyssal Specter stands on the higher end for creatures with its power level. In a game where tempo and efficiency are vital, players often favor lower-cost creatures that provide immediate board presence or more impactful creatures at the same cost tier.
Reasons to Include Abyssal Specter in Your Collection
Versatility: Abyssal Specter offers a dual threat, acting as both a flying attacker and a tool to disrupt your opponent’s hand, fitting well in decks focused on control or mid-range strategies.
Combo Potential: This creature pairs nicely with cards that force your opponents to draw and then discard, amplifying both the Specter’s impact and any potential benefits you receive from their discarded cards.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where players hold onto vital cards, the Specter applies pressure by threatening to diminish those resources, making it a relevant choice in numerous meta scenarios.
How to beat
Abyssal Specter commands the skies with an intimidating presence on the battlefield. This flying specter doesn’t just hit for two damage; it forces a discard with each successful strike. When facing this ghastly creature, one must prioritize removal spells. Instant speed solutions like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can efficiently dispatch the specter before it wreaks havoc on your hand. Providing you can meet the conditions, these spells offer a swift response to the looming threat.
Alternatively, crafting a deck with ample card draw mechanics ensures that the specter’s discard effect is less crippling. Cards like Brainstorm or Harmonize empower you to replenish your hand, mitigating the impact of the discard. Building around graveyard utilization also turns the discard into an advantage, making the specter’s ability more bearable.
In essence, countering Abyssal Specter hinges on preparation and adaptation. Employing quick removal, bolstering your card draw, or utilizing your graveyard are strategic methods to neutralize the card’s potential to control the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Abyssal Specter MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Fifth Edition, 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 Abyssal Specter and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Abyssal Specter Magic the Gathering card was released in 11 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2017-03-17. Illustrated by 4 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 113 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Ruth Thompson | |
| 2 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 139 | 1997 | Normal | White | George Pratt | |
| 3 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 110 | 1997 | Normal | White | George Pratt | |
| 4 | 1999-11-12 | Battle Royale Box Set | BRB | 1 | 1997 | Normal | White | George Pratt | |
| 5 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 116★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Michael Sutfin | |
| 6 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 116 | 1997 | Normal | White | Michael Sutfin | |
| 7 | 2001-12-01 | Deckmasters | DKM | 1 | 1997 | Normal | White | Ruth Thompson | |
| 8 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 117★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Michael Sutfin | |
| 9 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 117 | 2003 | Normal | White | Michael Sutfin | |
| 10 | 2009-04-10 | Duel Decks: Divine vs. Demonic | DDC | 40 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Michael Sutfin | |
| 11 | 2010-06-04 | Duels of the Planeswalkers | DPA | 18 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Michael Sutfin | |
| 12 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Divine vs. Demonic | DVD | 40 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Michael Sutfin | |
| 13 | 2017-03-17 | Modern Masters 2017 | MM3 | 59 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Abyssal Specter has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |