Citywatch Sphinx MTG Card
2018-10-05 - Number 33
2019-11-07 - Number 318
2020-09-26 - Number GRN-33
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Sphinx |
| Abilities | Flying,Surveil |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying When Citywatch Sphinx dies, surveil 2. (Look at the top two cards of your library, then put any number of them into your graveyard and the rest on top of your library in any order.)
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Cards like Citywatch Sphinx
Citywatch Sphinx stands as a prominent creature option for players looking to dominate the skies of their MTG games. With its synergistic potential, this six-mana flying creature is akin to other Sphinx cards such as Sphinx of Foresight. Both wield the powerful ability to fly, but Citywatch Sphinx brings a unique twist with its surveil mechanic, allowing a deep peek into your deck upon its death. Sphinx of Foresight, on the other hand, offers a scry advantage at the beginning of your game.
Looking at another peer, Aven Wind Mage also shares some similarities. Both creatures possess flying, yet the Aven benefits from a lower cast cost and the prowess-like ability that bolsters its strength whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell. That said, it doesn’t match the imposing presence or the greater power and toughness that Citywatch Sphinx offers, nor its valuable card selection capability upon leaving the battlefield.
In observation, while each card carries its own merits, Citywatch Sphinx’s notable surveillance ability can provide a tactical edge in deck manipulation. It efficiently occupies the role of an aerial threat while complementing any strategy that thrives on graveyard interaction and deck knowledge.
Cards similar to Citywatch Sphinx by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Citywatch Sphinx falls in battle, its last gaze upon the city skyline bestows a strategic edge. Its death trigger permits the player a glimpse into the future by surveilling two cards, ensuring that the top of the deck is arranged to suit upcoming turns and decisions.
Resource Acceleration: Although Citywatch Sphinx doesn’t directly accelerate resources like some other creatures, its substantial presence on the battlefield commands attention. Its mana cost aligns with its power, paving the way to dominate the skies and press an advantage over the opponent as the game progresses.
Instant Speed: While the Sphinx itself is not an instant, it harmonizes with spells of such nature. In a deck with flash abilities, Citywatch Sphinx can be complemented by instant speed interactions that can be engaged with the untapped mana, as you maintain a formidable aerial threat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To fully utilize Citywatch Sphinx’s ability, it necessitates a discard upon death, potentially setting you back if your hand is already depleted. This condition can make it less appealing to players who value card retention over a possible draw from their library.
Specific Mana Cost: Demanding both generic and blue mana makes the card less flexible for multicolored decks. A heavy presence of blue mana in your mana base is essential to cast Citywatch Sphinx without delay, potentially restricting deck building options.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At six mana total for its base stats and ability, the Sphinx comes into play later in the game. There are alternatives that might provide more immediate board presence or effects for the same or lesser investment, making it a less efficient choice in the current gameplay environment.
Reasons to Include Citywatch Sphinx in Your Collection
Versatility: Citywatch Sphinx offers a solid body for flying strategies and can slot into a variety of blue-based decks. Its ability to surveil upon death gives it a role in both aggressive and controlling archetypes, helping to filter draws and maintain card quality.
Combo Potential: With a built-in surveil 2 mechanic, this Sphinx is excellent for setting up graveyard strategies, enabling combos in decks that capitalize on discard or reanimation tactics. Its capacity to reorder the top cards of your library can be an integral part of many combo setups.
Meta-Relevance: Given that many current formats have a heavy focus on graveyard manipulation and advantage, Citywatch Sphinx’s entry and departure from the battlefield could be quite influential in matches. Its ability to impact the game from beyond the grave keeps it relevant in evolving metagames.
How to beat
Citywatch Sphinx is an intriguing flyer within the MTG realm, known for its surveillance ability that allows a player to sift through their deck upon the creature’s demise. It possesses a significant body with a 5/4 stat line that can pose a real threat from the skies. To effectively counter this airborne powerhouse, focus on utilizing pinpoint removal spells that can take it down without triggering its ability, such as exile effects or bounce spells, which return it to the owner’s hand rather than the graveyard.
Another strategy is to employ counter spells when your opponent attempts to cast Citywatch Sphinx. Being proactive and preventing its entry onto the battlefield can save you from dealing with its ability altogether. If the sphinx does make it into play, making sure you have flying blockers or reach creatures can deter your opponent from attacking and give you time to find a more permanent solution. Additionally, enchantments that neutralize abilities or reduce the creature’s power and toughness can also be effective in mitigating the threat posed by Citywatch Sphinx.
Overall, staying ahead of the game with these tactics will help you maintain control of the board and diminish the impact of Citywatch Sphinx on your strategy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Citywatch Sphinx MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica 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 Citywatch Sphinx 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 Citywatch Sphinx Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-10-05 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Magali Villeneuve.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-10-05 | Guilds of Ravnica | GRN | 33 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Magali Villeneuve | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 318 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Magali Villeneuve | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | GRN-33 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Magali Villeneuve |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Citywatch Sphinx has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Citywatch Sphinx card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-10-05 | When you surveil, you may put all the cards you look at back on top of your library, you may put all of those cards into your graveyard, or you may put some of those cards on top and the rest of them into your graveyard. |
| 2018-10-05 | You perform the actions stated on a card in sequence. For some spells and abilities, you’ll surveil last. For others, you’ll surveil and then perform other actions. |