Slipstream Eel MTG Card
2002-10-07 - Number 114
2011-06-17 - Number 62
2018-06-08 - Number 49
2019-11-07 - Number 496
2020-09-26 - Number CM2-49
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Fish Beast |
| Abilities | Cycling |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 6 |
Key Takeaways
- Slipstream Eel is potent when unblocked, forcing opponents to adapt or face consistent damage.
- Its synergy with instants enhances its tactical value, despite not having instant speed itself.
- Cost and specific mana requirements may limit Slipstream Eel’s inclusion across various deck types.
Text of card
Slipstream Eel can't attack unless defending player controls an island. Cycling o1o U (o1o U, Discard this card from your hand: Draw a card.)
"It's a fine way to travel, if you don't mind the smell."
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Slipstream Eel enables you to potentially bypass an opponent’s defenses and maintain pressure, which can translate into indirect card advantage as it forces the opponent to deal with a constant threat.
Resource Acceleration: While this creature doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its low upkeep cost leaves mana open for other strategic plays, aiding in overall resource flexibility throughout the game.
Instant Speed: Although Slipstream Eel doesn’t function at instant speed itself, its characteristics allow for effective synergy with instant speed spells that can defend it or clear the path for its attacks, enhancing its strategic value.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Slipstream Eel’s launch into the battlefield comes with a caveat: it demands you to discard another card. This can be particularly tricky when your hand is nearly empty, leaving you wrestling with the decision to cast it or hold on to your precious few cards.
Specific Mana Cost: Equipped with a finicky mana cost that specifically requires two blue mana, this aquatic creature locks itself predominantly in blue-aligned decks. This can be restrictive and often not feasible in decks that splash blue as a secondary or tertiary color.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Carrying a hefty six mana cost to summon it from the depths of your library to the battlefield, Slipstream Eel faces stiff competition from other creatures and spells that may present greater value or impact for the same or lower investment. This makes it less appetizing for players looking to maximize their mana efficiency.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Slipstream Eel can adapt to various playstyles, thriving in decks that capitalise on high-powered creatures. Its ability to become unblockable when conditions are met makes it a reliable finisher in Blue-based builds.
Combo Potential: Given the right setup, this creature can be the linchpin in a combo that rapidly diminishes an opponent’s life total. Pair it with cards that allow for continuous untapping to maximise its unblockable attacks each turn.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where board control and large creatures dominate, Slipstream Eel’s capacity to avoid being blocked can be a game-changer. Its presence forces opponents to rethink their defensive strategy, giving you an edge.”
How to beat
Slipstream Eel stands out in the world of MTG due to its ability to become unblockable, but players have several tactics at their disposal to neutralize this aquatic threat. While it can’t be blocked as long as it’s attacking alone, the Eel still bows to the realm of counterspells, spot removal, and board wipes, which can all effectively deal with it before it hits the battlefield or after it engages in combat.
Control decks, with their suite of targeted removal such as Path to Exile or Doom Blade, can easily dispatch the Eel once it has emerged from the player’s hand. Alternatively, mass removal spells such as Wrath of God or Damnation ensure that even if the Eel tries to slip through, it still succumbs to the sweeping forces that cover the board.
In essence, overcoming the Slipstream Eel’s unblockable nature involves a proactive approach. Stopping it from hitting the field with countermagic or removing it post-summoning are the most effective ways to handle this particular challenge, maintaining the equilibrium of the match and preventing your opponent from gaining the upper hand provided by this unique creature.
Cards like Slipstream Eel
Slipstream Eel is an intriguing creature card in Magic the Gathering with its own unique spin on aquatic prowess. There are a number of creatures with which we can draw comparisons, such as Inkwell Leviathan. Although Inkwell Leviathan is substantially more powerful with trample and an inability to be targeted by spells or abilities, Slipstream Eel stands out with its lower conversion cost and the capacity to become unblockable.
Roaming Ghostlight also swims alongside Slipstream Eel in the sea of MTG creature cards. Both share similarities such as being blue creatures with a power of six. However, Roaming Ghostlight offers an additional tempo play by returning a non-spirit creature an opponent controls back to their hand upon entry. Slipstream Eel lacks this control aspect and instead focuses on direct player threats with its option to attack unimpeded each turn.
These subtle differences highlight the diversity available in MTG deck building strategies. Slipstream Eel caters to a game plan aiming for hard-hitting, unblockable onslaughts, diverging from the control style and varied utility present in some of its maritime contemporaries. It’s all about choosing the card that best suits your strategic tide.
Cards similar to Slipstream Eel by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Slipstream Eel MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught and Commander 2011, 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 Slipstream Eel and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
Printings
The Slipstream Eel Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2002-10-07 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Mark Tedin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002-10-07 | Onslaught | ONS | 114 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 2 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 62 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 3 | 2018-06-08 | Commander Anthology Volume II | CM2 | 49 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 4 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 496 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | CM2-49 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Slipstream Eel has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Slipstream Eel card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-10-01 | Cycling is an activated ability. Effects that interact with activated abilities (such as Stifle or Rings of Brighthearth) will interact with cycling. Effects that interact with spells (such as Remove Soul or Faerie Tauntings) will not. |
