Cloak of the Bat MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Artifact — Equipment |
Abilities | Equip |
Text of card
Equipped creature has flying and haste. Equip
Cards like Cloak of the Bat
Cloak of the Bat stands out in Magic: The Gathering for providing creatures with both the ability to fly and to become unblockable, much like how Bats within the game can avoid detection. It finds its parallels in cards like Whispercloak, which also grants creatures the power to become unblockable but lacks the flying trait. However, Whispercloak compensates with a lower mana cost, making it potentially more immediately impactful in a plan hinged on stealth.
Reflecting on other equipment cards, Prowler’s Helm comes to mind. It offers a similar unblockable edge, specially tailored to slip past creatures without walls. It doesn’t, however, give the added mobility that flight provides. Then we have Trailblazer’s Boots, which perfectly fits the unblockable theme but its effect hinges on nonbasic lands, an attribute that can be less reliable depending on the deck you’re facing.
Considering the versatility of granting flying and the tactical edge of evasive maneuvers, Cloak of the Bat presents itself as a highly situational yet potentially game-changing tool in the right deck, balanced against its mana cost and equip requirements.
Cards similar to Cloak of the Bat by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Cloak of the Bat can provide considerable card advantage by turning any creature into a formidable threat with flying. This transformation often forces your opponent to use additional resources to deal with the newly enhanced creature.
Resource Acceleration: Attaching the Cloak of the Bat to a creature can be a form of resource acceleration, as it can potentially bypass blockers and hit your opponent directly, thus accelerating your damage output and bringing you closer to victory without the need for additional combat spells or effects.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate the Cloak of the Bat at instant speed means you can adapt to dynamic game states, surprising an opponent with a sudden blocker or an unexpected attacker in the air during combat, offering tactical versatility and the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: With Cloak of the Bat, you face a condition that might not always align with your hand’s composition – discarding a card. When your grip on resources is already tenuous, this ask can push your strategy to a precarious edge.
Specific Mana Cost: Deck construction can be hemmed in by the need to meet the card’s color-specific mana requirements. Decks without a focus on Black mana might find incorporating Cloak of the Bat a cumbersome task, potentially upsetting the deck’s mana balance.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Investing four mana into an Equipment card can be a significant chunk of your resources, particularly when you measure Cloak of the Bat against other options. Cards competing for a similar mana investment often bring more to the table, impacting the board state or advancing your position in ways this Equipment might not.
Reasons to Include Cloak of the Bat in Your Collection
Versatility: The Cloak of the Bat offers a unique adaptability, allowing creatures the ability to stealthily avoid blockers or surprise an opponent by gaining flying until the end of the turn. This can be an unexpected game-changer in many deck builds.
Combo Potential: Aside from granting your creatures evasion, this card has synergy with mechanics that play off equipment or require activated abilities. It can be a cog in a larger machine that takes your tabletop antics to new heights.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where aerial threats or reaching over defenses is key, Cloak of the Bat finds its place. It’s a tactical card aligning well with the pace of current gameplay, providing both offensive and defensive solutions.
How to beat
Cloak of the Bat is an artful enchantment that equips creatures with the power of flight and temporary invisibility within the MTG universe. Much like the stealthy nocturnal creature it’s named after, this card can be quite elusive to deal with when it comes into play. The cloak grants a fearsome advantage, especially in battle as it can render your opponent’s creatures unblockable for a turn.
To outmaneuver this card, it’s crucial to have a keen sense of timing and a roster that includes instant-speed removal spells. Consider running cards that can neutralize abilities or remove enchantments at a moment’s notice. Directly countering Cloak of the Bat when it’s cast can prevent opponents from gaining its benefits altogether. If the cloaked creature has already swooped into action, cards specializing in targeted removal or board wipes can help you reclaim control. Remember, vigilance and strategic foresight are your allies in this game of intricate tactics and magical warfare.
Ultimately, as with any formidable MTG card, understanding the specifics of Cloak of the Bat and preparing your deck with answers that can efficiently deal with its tricks will increase your chances of victory. And remember, knowledge of your opponent’s strategies can be just as powerful as the spells in your hand.
BurnMana Recommendations
Understanding the strengths and making the most of the enchanting Cloak of the Bat will give you a unique edge in your MTG encounters. The card’s capacity to provide card advantage, resource acceleration, and strategic versatility cannot be overlooked. As we’ve discussed the pros and cons, including potential alternatives and strategies for countering it, the decision to include this card in your collection should be guided by your gameplay style and the composition of your deck. If you’re looking to create surprise attacks and agile defenses, the Cloak of the Bat could be your secret weapon. Delve further with us into the world of MTG, where every card holds the potential to turn the tides of battle in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cloak of the Bat MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate and Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate, 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 Cloak of the Bat 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 Cloak of the Bat Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-06-10 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 443 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Diesel | |
2 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 307 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dominik Mayer | |
3 | 2022-07-07 | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate | HBG | 256 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dominik Mayer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cloak of the Bat has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |