Dimir Spybug MTG Card
2018-10-05 - Number 166
2024-02-09 - Number 206
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Insect |
| Abilities | Flying,Menace |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Flying Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.) Whenever you surveil, put a +1/+1 counter on Dimir Spybug.
Just assume every conversation is on record.
Cards like Dimir Spybug
Dimir Spybug holds its own within the pantheon of growing threats in Magic: The Gathering. This creature card finds its kinship with Mist-Syndicate Naga, which also shines as it deals combat damage, replicating itself and potentially overwhelming opponents. While Mist-Syndicate Naga requires a more substantial mana investment, Dimir Spybug’s strength is in its synergy with the surveil mechanic, allowing it to grow with each strategic deck manipulation.
Territorial Scythecat presents an interesting comparison – it swells in power and toughness with each land you play. While the Scythecat demands a steady land drop to thrive, Dimir Spybug benefits from the frequently cast surveil spells thereby offering a consistent and faster route to increase its prowess. Moreover, the Spybug starts as a flyer, affording it immediate evasion over ground-based blockers unlike the Scythecat.
Ultimately, Dimir Spybug demonstrates considerable prowess within the context of flying threats that scale in power. Its low casting cost and potential for rapid growth when paired with the right surveil support, place it as a formidable and flexible menace in any Dimir-themed deck.
Cards similar to Dimir Spybug by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Dimir Spybug. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Dimir Control | Pioneer | Peasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Dimir Spybug thrives in decks that capitalize on the surveil mechanism. Each time you surveil, this creature gets a +1/+1 counter, effectively turning all your surveil actions into potential power boosts. This synergy can quickly translate into an overwhelming card advantage as your Spybug becomes a formidable threat that demands an answer.
Resource Acceleration: Although Dimir Spybug does not directly accelerate your resources like a mana rock or ramp spell would, its low casting cost and potential for rapid growth means that it can start pressuring your opponent early on. Investing in this creature early sets the stage for a more efficient use of your mana in subsequent turns as you focus on control and disruption with the rest of your cards.
Instant Speed: While the Spybug itself does not operate at instant speed, it rewards you for playing other spells at instant speed that includes surveil. This means you can hold back mana for counter spells or instant-speed surveil effects during your opponent’s turn, and then watch as your Spybug grows in real-time as a result. This can lead to significant tempo swings in your favor and also makes it difficult for your opponent to safely plan their attacks or blocks.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the hurdles with leveraging the full potential of the Dimir Spybug is its reliance on surveil to grow. Without consistent card discards due to surveil, the insect seems underwhelming as its strength directly depends on other cards to activate its ability.
Specific Mana Cost: The Dimir Spybug requires a blend of blue and black mana, which means it’s primarily suitable for Dimir decks. This specific cost can be restrictive and doesn’t fit into every type of deck, potentially limiting its versatility across the broader MTG spectrum.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering its initial stats, the two mana requirement might seem steep for a creature that starts out as a mere 1/1. While it can grow, in fast-paced games, players may find more immediate value in other creatures or spells with a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Dimir Spybug in Your Collection
Versatility: Dimir Spybug fits seamlessly into any deck that leverages the surveil mechanic, allowing it to grow quickly while concurrently refining your draw.
Combo Potential: With each surveil triggered, not only does this creature become a larger threat, but it also synergizes with other cards that capitalize on information manipulation and graveyard strategies.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta with plenty of interaction on the stack and where information is king, Dimir Spybug can be a critical play, dodging common removal spells while accumulating power with each surveil.
How to beat
Dimir Spybug, a pesky little creature in Magic: The Gathering, poses an incremental threat with its ability to grow stronger each time you surveil. But fear not, as overcoming this menace can be maneuvered with strategic play. To neutralize this threat, employing removal spells that bypass its potential hexproof from spells like Lazav’s Multifarious is key. You would do well to include instant-speed interaction in your deck—cards like Shock or Fatal Push can disrupt the Spybug’s growth before it becomes unmanageable.
Another effective method is to limit the mechanics that fuel the Spybug’s power. Countering key surveil cards, or using effects that exile the graveyard, prevent the Spybug from benefiting from stacking up your graveyard with surveilled cards. This directly impacts its potential to evolve and keeps its threat level at bay. Don’t forget targeted removal or board wipes, which can clear the board if Dimir Spybug comes accompanied by other threats.
It boils down to anticipation and readiness to act. Assess your deck and consider cards that offer flexibility in removal or disruption, enabling you to adapt to not just Dimir Spybug, but various challenges your opponent might concoct. Proper preparation ensures that this tiny menace won’t spy a chance to dominate the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dimir Spybug MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica and Murders at Karlov Manor Commander, 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 Dimir Spybug 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 Dimir Spybug Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-10-05 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by James Paick.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-10-05 | Guilds of Ravnica | GRN | 166 | 2015 | Normal | Black | James Paick | |
| 2 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor Commander | MKC | 206 | 2015 | Normal | Black | James Paick |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dimir Spybug 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 Dimir Spybug 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 | An ability that triggers “whenever you surveil” triggers after you’re done surveilling, even if you have fewer cards in your library than the number of cards you’re instructed to surveil. It even triggers if you have no cards in your library. |
| 2018-10-05 | You put only one +1/+1 counter on Dimir Spybug each time you surveil, no matter how many cards you looked at when you surveilled. |