Amphin Pathmage MTG Card
2014-07-18 - Number 45
2019-11-07 - Number 286
2020-09-26 - Number M15-45
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Salamander Wizard |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
: Target creature can't be blocked this turn.
"There are those who do not believe in the existence of the amphin. This seems somehow to be of their own design." —Gor Muldrak, *Cryptohistories*
Cards like Amphin Pathmage
In the vast pool of Magic the Gathering blue creatures, Amphin Pathmage stands out with its ability to render a chosen creature unblockable for a turn. This ability can be likened to cards such as Glaring Spotlight, which also allows creatures to become unblockable, but instead of a single creature, it affects all creatures you control at the cost of mana and sacrificing the artifact.
Another noteworthy comparison is with Aqueous Form, an enchantment that not only makes the enchanted creature unblockable but also scrys upon attacking, providing slight deck manipulation in addition to evasion. However, unlike Amphin Pathmage, Aqueous Form lacks the flexibility to switch between creatures. Conversely, Thassa, God of the Sea provides a similar unblockable effect on a repeatable basis with its indestructible nature, albeit at a higher mana cost.
When evaluating these cards, Amphin Pathmage offers an effective blend of control and flexibility, allowing players to tactically select which creature to make unblockable each turn. Its adaptability in various situations makes it a valuable card for players looking to ensure their key creatures can strike directly without being blocked.
Cards similar to Amphin Pathmage by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Stealth Tactic: Amphin Pathmage’s ability to make itself unblockable is a strong asset, ensuring your most potent creatures can hit your opponent directly. This can be a game-changer, offering you a way to sneak past fortified defenses and apply pressure where it’s most effective.
Resource Acceleration: In decks that thrive on synergy, the Pathmage’s capabilities can be augmented with various enchantments or artifacts, boosting your resource acceleration in subtle but powerful ways. Whether it’s by supporting creature-based strategies or triggering on-hit effects, the Pathmage often acts as a catalyst for combo plays.
Instant Speed: While the Pathmage itself isn’t an instant, its ability can be activated at instant speed, adding a layer of flexibility to your gameplay. You can navigate around your opponent’s moves, activating the Pathmage’s ability when it’s least expected, ensuring your strategies remain both dynamic and unpredictable.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Amphin Pathmage doesn’t necessitate a direct discard, but it’s important to be mindful that its ability targets solely your creatures, which could inadvertently lead to a reduction in hand presence if not managed properly.
Specific Mana Cost: Mana requirements for Amphin Pathmage are not strictly color-specific, but the card does demand a combination of blue mana and generic mana, which may not always align easily with multicolor deck strategies needing swift and diverse mana allocation.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana and an activation cost that asks for two more, Amphin Pathmage comes with a considerable investment. For decks focused on tempo, there could be alternative creatures or spells that provide better offensive or defensive utility without such a demanding mana total.
Reasons to Include Amphin Pathmage in Your Collection
Versatility: Amphin Pathmage is a flexible card that can slide into an array of blue-focused decks. Its ability to make creatures unblockable caters to strategies centered around direct damage or ensuring key creatures connect for combat effects.
Combo Potential: Coupled with high-power creatures or those with beneficial attack triggers, Amphin Pathmage enhances board states and unlocks synergies that capitalize on unimpeded attacks, contributing to potential game-winning combos.
Meta-Relevance: With an evolving meta that often includes creature-based defensive decks, the Pathmage’s ability to bypass blockers can be crucial. It allows players to adapt and press their advantage in matchups where traditional combat would be unfavorable.
How to beat Amphin Pathmage
Understanding how to navigate battles against the Amphin Pathmage in MTG can be crucial. This blue creature card is known for its ability to make itself unblockable for a modest mana investment, potentially causing headaches for players facing it. Its 3/2 stats for four mana may seem standard, but it’s the Pathmage’s special ability that demands a strategy to overcome it.
Countering Amphin Pathmage starts by having removal cards ready, perfect for bypassing its unblockable trait. Ensnaring it with a card like Murmur of the Dead or trapping it in an Ice Cage, for example, hinders its function without needing to block it in combat. Alternatively, taking advantage of board wipes like Day of Judgment can reset the playing field, removing the Pathmage regardless of its unblockable status.
Moreover, cards that prevent creatures from being targeted by abilities, such as Spectra Ward, can neutralize the Pathmage’s influence. If available, use counter spells when the Pathmage is first cast, effectively reducing the threat before it becomes active. Implementing these strategies is essential to mitigate the impact of Amphin Pathmage and secure your position in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Amphin Pathmage MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2015 and Mystery Booster, 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 Amphin Pathmage 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
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Printings
The Amphin Pathmage Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2014-07-18 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Mark Winters.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014-07-18 | Magic 2015 | M15 | 45 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Winters | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 286 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Winters | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | M15-45 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Winters |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Amphin Pathmage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Amphin Pathmage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-07-18 | Activating the ability after blockers have been declared won’t have any effect. It won’t change or undo any blocks. |