Cryptic Trilobite MTG Card


Cryptic Trilobite converts +1/+1 counters to mana, offering substantial card advantage in synergistic decks. The card’s mana flexibility is a game-changer, providing resource acceleration without tapping. Its ability to enact abilities at instant speed keeps the battlefield dynamics in your favor.
Cryptic Trilobite - Commander 2020
Mana cost
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Trilobite
Released2020-04-17
Set symbol
Set nameCommander 2020
Set codeC20
Power 0
Toughness 0
Number21
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byLeesha Hannigan

Text of card

Cryptic Trilobite enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it. Remove a +1/+1 counter from Cryptic Trilobite: Add . Spend this mana only to activate abilities. , : Put a +1/+1 counter on Cryptic Trilobite.


Cards like Cryptic Trilobite

Cryptic Trilobite is an intriguing creature card with an exceptional mana ability in Magic: The Gathering. It finds parallels with fellow X-cost creatures like Chamber Sentry, which also enters the battlefield with counters equivalent to the spent mana. However, Cryptic Trilobite offers a unique twist with its ability to remove counters to create two colorless mana, unlike Chamber Sentry that uses counters for a different purpose – to deal damage.

Another comparable card is Workhorse, which also allows removing counters to produce mana. Nonetheless, Cryptic Trilobite stands out due to its potential to exponentially increase resources when paired with other counter-manipulating cards, something Workhorse does not inherently provide. Moreover, Cryptic Trilobite can replenish its own counters, further maintaining its presence and usefulness on the battlefield.

Analyzing these aspects helps to highlight Cryptic Trilobite’s distinct place in decks focused on exploiting +1/+1 counters and mana generation. Its versatility in both defense and resource acceleration makes it a noteworthy option for players seeking to capitalize on synergistic creature strategies within Magic: The Gathering.

Chamber Sentry - MTG Card versions
Workhorse - MTG Card versions
Chamber Sentry - MTG Card versions
Workhorse - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Cryptic Trilobite by color, type and mana cost

Endless One - MTG Card versions
Ugin's Conjurant - MTG Card versions
Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate - MTG Card versions
Endless One - MTG Card versions
Ugin's Conjurant - MTG Card versions
Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cryptic Trilobite holds potential for card advantage in the right deck setup. By removing +1/+1 counters, it effectively converts these counters into colorless mana without tapping, letting you fuel abilities or deploy more spells on the fly. This creature’s synergy with abilities and effects that take advantage of +1/+1 counters can repeatedly grant valuable resource superiority.

Resource Acceleration: Cryptic Trilobite serves as a versatile tool for resource acceleration. When it enters the battlefield, it brings with it an allotment of +1/+1 counters equal to the mana spent. These counters can be removed at any moment without needing to tap, instantly transforming into a mana source for activated abilities or unexpected plays, thereby increasing your mana flexibility and speed.

Instant Speed: While Cryptic Trilobite isn’t an instant itself, it gives players the freedom to unleash resources at instant speed. Its ability to remove counters at any time means it can seamlessly integrate into strategies that operate on the opponent’s turn, allowing you to keep options open and respond to threats or opportunities instantly, thus keeping opponents guessing and on edge.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Cryptic Trilobite doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, building a synergistic deck can lead to including cards that do. This can create a scenario where maintaining card advantage becomes challenging, especially when facing strategies that deplete your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Cryptic Trilobite boasts a unique mana requirement, X X, which demands a significant investment of colorless mana. This can be restrictive since it hinders the card’s inclusion in decks that cannot reliably generate large amounts of colorless mana or that prioritize colored mana for other spells.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Cryptic Trilobite’s initial mana cost can be as low as two, to truly capitalize on its potential, one needs to invest more mana, which can be quite demanding. The need for a substantial mana investment upfront to make the Trilobite a significant threat or utility can be a deterrent, as many players might prefer less mana-intensive options for their game plan.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Cryptic Trilobite offers flexibility in numerous deck archetypes due to its ability to generate and manipulate mana in different ways. Its presence on the board can be a game-changer in both combo and control decks. Its varied applications make it a worthy addition to various strategies, enhancing its appeal to players who like to experiment with different builds.

Combo Potential: This creature shines in combination with cards that utilize +1/+1 counters or benefit from non-tapped mana sources. Its capacity to act as a repeated mana source can enable intricate combinations, potentially unlocking infinite loops or enhancing powerful effects that require a steady flow of mana.

Meta-Relevance: As the metagame shifts, Cryptic Trilobite remains relevant due to its intrinsic synergy with prevalent counter and mana strategies. For players observing the prevailing trends, incorporating Cryptic Trilobite can be a smart move to adapt to the evolving competitive environment, ensuring their decks remain competitive.


How to Overcome Cryptic Trilobite

Cryptic Trilobite presents an intriguing challenge on the battlefield, known for its ability to grow and fund other abilities with its counters. Despite its potential for explosive plays, players can strategically dismantle its presence. Removing its counter supply frustrates your opponent’s plans to leverage its abilities. Direct removal spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can cleanly eliminate the Trilobite without allowing it to generate value. Paying attention to your removal timing is crucial, ideally when your opponent is low on resources and unable to capitalize on their Trilobite investment.

Beyond direct destruction, Crytic Trilobite struggles when facing creature abilities that negate counter strategies. Think Tocatli Honor Guard or Hushbringer, which can prevent its counters from ever being put to use. Last but not least, board wipes set the stage back to square one, nullifying any advances a player has made with their Trilobite. Supreme Verdict or Damnation can efficiently address a Cryptic Trilobite and any friends it may have brought along.

Overall, understanding the dynamics of an MTG deck that utilizes Cryptic Trilobite is your key to victory. With the right cards and strategic play, overcoming this tenacious creature is well within reach.


BurnMana Recommendations

After delving into the capabilities of Cryptic Trilobite, it becomes evident that this creature demands thoughtful deck construction and strategic gameplay. Its mana-generating prowess and interaction with +1/+1 counters offer a distinct edge in controlled and combo settings. The key to harnessing the Trilobite’s potential lies in pairing it with the right cards that magnify its strengths while mitigating its weaknesses. For those looking to enrich their MTG collection with a multifaceted card, we suggest considering Cryptic Trilobite’s place in your deck. Ready for an upgrade? Swing by for insights into making the most of your MTG arsenal with Cryptic Trilobite.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cryptic Trilobite MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2020, 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 Cryptic Trilobite and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cryptic Trilobite has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cryptic Trilobite card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2020-04-17 A mana cost of means that you pay twice X. If you want X to be 3, you pay to cast Cryptic Trilobite.
2020-04-17 Activated abilities contain a colon, such as Cryptic Trilobite’s activated mana ability and its last activated ability. They’re generally written “
-ost:
-ffect].” Some keyword abilities are activated abilities (such as cycling) and will have colons in their reminder text.
2020-04-17 You can spend the two colorless mana produced by Cryptic Trilobite on two different activated abilities.