Cache Raiders MTG Card
2008-07-25 - Number 18
2012-03-30 - Number 18
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk Rogue |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
At the beginning of your upkeep, return a permanent you control to its owner's hand.
What the current doesn't take, they do.
Cards like Cache Raiders
The intriguing Cache Raiders finds its niche within the Magic the Gathering realm of creature-based card retrieval spells. Its competencies are comparable to those of Salvager of Secrets, which also retrieves an instant or sorcery card from the graveyard to its owner’s hand. Unlike Salvager of Secrets, Cache Raiders offers flexibility to return to your hand any non-creature card that finds itself in the graveyard at the beginning of each upkeep, presenting a constant flow of resources.
Mnemonic Wall serves a related purpose, providing a one-time retrieval effect upon entering the battlefield. However, the permanency of Cache Raiders grants a repeating dynamic absent in Mnemonic Wall’s single-use feature. Eternal Witness stands as another comparison point, offering not just an instant or sorcery reclaim but any card type, which aligns with Cache Raiders’ capability. Yet again, Eternal Witness lacks the recurrent ability Cache Raiders employs, positioning it as a one-off retrieval agent instead of a fixture that could influence the game turn after turn.
Assessing these comparisons, it’s clear that Cache Raiders presents unique gameplay strategies by blending the advantage of repetitively recycling non-creature cards with the tempo of ongoing turns, setting itself apart in the family of retrieval MTG spells.
Cards similar to Cache Raiders by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Cache Raiders card offers a notable benefit by potentially returning an artifact to your hand each turn, keeping your hand stocked with options and outpacing your opponent in resources.
Resource Acceleration: By recurring mana-producing artifacts or ones that can be sacrificed for other effects, Cache Raiders can significantly ramp up your available resources, enabling bigger plays ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: As an ability that can be activated at instant speed, Cache Raiders provides flexibility, allowing you to respond to your opponent’s moves during their turn and make last-minute decisions based on the state of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Cache Raiders necessitates discarding a card, posing a potential setback when hand resources are already dwindling. This prerequisite can hinder momentum, especially in fast-paced games where maximizing every card’s potential is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Cache Raiders is narrowly tied to blue mana, which may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks. Players running a deck with a diverse mana base might find it challenging to consistently meet the blue mana requirement without sacrificing flexibility elsewhere.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost requiring three blue symbols, Cache Raiders might seem costly compared to other options in the same mana range. Players must weigh its return against other spells that might provide a stronger board presence or immediate impact for a similar investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Cache Raiders offers a unique blend of mid-game power and utility that can slide into various blue-based decks. Its ability to perpetually return an artifact to its owner’s hand each turn can be a game-changer, particularly in decks that thrive on reusing certain artifacts.
Combo Potential: This card shines in decks built around artifact synergies. With Cache Raiders, you can create remorseless combos by consistently re-triggering enter-the-battlefield effects or by recycling artifacts that have activated abilities, generating significant advantage each turn.
Meta-Relevance: With a meta that frequently shifts towards grindy, long-term play, Cache Raiders can become an essential piece in decks looking to outlast and outmaneuver the opposition. It provides ongoing value, making it a pertinent choice for players looking to keep pace with the evolving competitive landscape.
How to beat Cache Raiders
Cache Raiders is a unique card that sets its tempo with the ability to return permanents to your hand. To efficiently counteract this card, it’s essential to disrupt the synergy it creates. Spot removal cards are effective at removing key pieces from your opponent’s board before they can leverage Cache Raiders’ ability. Additionally, cards that restrict your opponent from playing multiple cards in a turn, like Rule of Law, can be instrumental in limiting Cache Raiders’ effectiveness.
Another strategy is to utilize graveyard hate cards such as Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void. These cards prevent permanents from returning to the hand if they’re directed to the graveyard first. Denying your opponent the repetition of Cache Raiders’ effect can turn the tide in your favor. Forcing discards can also be a direct way to dismantle your opponent’s hand, reducing the number of potential targets for Cache Raiders to utilize.
Therefore, understanding and anticipating the persistent nature of Cache Raiders can lead you to a proactive game plan, ensuring you maintain control and eventually overcome the challenges posed by this distinctive card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cache Raiders MTG card by a specific set like Eventide and Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth, 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 Cache Raiders 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
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Printings
The Cache Raiders Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2008-07-25 and 2012-03-30. Illustrated by Pete Venters.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-07-25 | Eventide | EVE | 18 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 2 | 2012-03-30 | Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth | DDI | 18 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cache Raiders has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cache Raiders card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-08-01 | This ability isn’t targeted. You choose a permanent to return when the ability resolves. No one will be able to respond to the choice. |