Cetavolver MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Volver |
| Abilities | Kicker |
| Released | 2001-06-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Apocalypse |
| Set code | APC |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 21 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Gary Ruddell |
Text of card
Kicker o1o R and/or o G If you paid the o1o R kicker cost, Cetavolver comes into play with two +1/+1 counters on it and has first strike. If you paid the o G kicker cost, Cetavolver comes into play with a +1/+1 counter on it and has trample.
Cards like Cetavolver
In the realm of upgradeable creatures within Magic: The Gathering, Cetavolver makes for a compelling study in adaptability. This creature offers an evolution mechanic akin to that of Aether Vial, enhancing creatures as they enter the battlefield. However, unlike Aether Vial, Cetavolver’s modifications are permanent, making it a considerable option for long-term strategy.
Comparable cards such as Aquamoeba also allow players to adjust their gameplay. Although Aquamoeba doesn’t receive permanent enhancements, its ability to switch power and toughness at will can be pivotal during combat. Volver creatures in general, including Rakavolver and Necravolver, have similar qualities. They come with varying kicker costs and resultant abilities, presenting a suite of tactical decisions. But Cetavolver’s exclusive access to first strike or trample, depending on the mana spent, sets it distinctly apart in a deck that values those combat abilities.
In reflection, the unique offering of Cetavolver within Magic: The Gathering lies in its potential to become a significant threat through incremental investment. It holds its ground against other versatile creatures, boasting both an immediate impact on the board state and the capacity to grow stronger over time.
Cards similar to Cetavolver by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cetavolver can be a significant source of card advantage in longer games. Its ability to evolve and gain new abilities as you invest more mana into it means that over the course of a game, this single card can represent multiple threats, thus stretching your opponent’s removal resources thin. By adjusting to the board state and becoming what you need when you need it, Cetavolver ensures you always have a relevant play.
Resource Acceleration: While Cetavolver itself does not directly provide resource acceleration, its mere presence can expedite the game state. As a creature that can grow and become more formidable with the addition of +1/+1 counters, it incentivizes you to manage your resources efficiently, contributing to overall mana maximization as the game progresses. The ability to adapt to a growing amount of mana showcases its synergy with decks that ramp or accrue resources quickly.
Instant Speed: Cetavolver’s interactions at instant speed are somewhat nuanced. While the creature itself does not have flash, it can benefit indirectly from instant-speed play. For example, if you have untapped mana and instant-speed interaction in your hand, you can play mind games with your opponent. They must consider the risk of walking into a trick when deciding whether to confront Cetavolver or leave it be, giving you a strategic edge.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Cetavolver’s ability enhancements require an investment of additional resources beyond its initial casting. This could potentially deplete your hand, making it less than ideal in situations where card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Playing Cetavolver requires blue and red mana, which can be restrictive. This makes it a challenging fit in decks that do not consistently generate both types of mana or that are trying to maintain a more flexible mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of two mana plus additional for its kicker effects, Cetavolver can be mana-intensive compared to other creatures in your arsenal. Considering the fast pace of many MTG games, spending that much on a single creature may not always be the most strategic move.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Cetavolver’s adaptability is remarkable due to its modular nature. With the option to accrue +1/+1 counters or gain first strike and trample, it can be a flexible addition to creature-focused decks.
Combo Potential: This card plays well with other counter-increasing spells and abilities. Its interaction with proliferate mechanics or any strategy involving +1/+1 counters suggests strong synergy with numerous combo possibilities.
Meta-Relevance: In an ever-shifting MTG landscape, cards like Cetavolver can gain traction in a meta that rewards incremental advantages. Its evolving strength can be a game-changer, capable of swinging the tempo in your favor against various deck archetypes.
How to beat Cetavolver
Cetavolver is a creature that stands out in Magic: The Gathering for its adaptability and strength in the right deck. When facing off against Cetavolver, the key is to neutralize it before it becomes too powerful. Keeping your removal spells handy is vital, as casting them before Cetavolver’s evolutionary abilities come online can save you from a potentially overpowering adversary.
Consider cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile that can unceremoniously dispatch it without a significant mana investment. In addition, since Cetavolver thrives in environments with counters and combat tricks, countering it upon casting or utilizing spot removal when the stack is clear ensures it never gets to evolve. Paying attention to the flow of the game and anticipating when your opponent might attempt to grow their Cetavolver will give you an upper hand, allowing you to respond swiftly and keep the board in your favor.
To summarize, contending with Cetavolver demands timely disruption. Through effective use of removal and counterspells, you can prevent it from becoming an insurmountable threat, ensuring that you maintain the upper hand throughout the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cetavolver MTG card by a specific set like Apocalypse, 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 Cetavolver 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cetavolver has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |