Frilled Mystic MTG Card


Frilled Mystic’s two-in-one ability offers card advantage and saves resources. Instant speed summoning of Frilled Mystic brings tactical surprises in gameplay. While versatile, its restrictive mana cost and competition with other counters are considerations.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Elf Lizard Wizard
Abilities Flash
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flash When Frilled Mystic enters the battlefield, you may counter target spell.

"Your arrival was expected...and unwelcome."


Cards like Frilled Mystic

The Frilled Mystic is an intriguing unit in the roster of counter creatures available in MTG. Its most direct analog is Mystic Snake, which shares the same ability to counter a spell upon entering the battlefield. However, Frilled Mystic offers an advantage with its Simic Guild color alignment, potentially fitting into broader deck strategies. Compared to Mystic Snake, the Frilled Mystic boasts improved base stats, granting players more aggressive board presence.

Another related card is Venser, Shaper Savant. Venser doesn’t negate a spell outright but returns it to the owner’s hand, which can be less definitive in handling threats. Where Frilled Mystic ends the problem then and there, Venser may only delay it. Moreover, Venser’s flexibility to also bounce permanents can be situationally advantageous. Finally, there’s Draining Whelk, which not only counters but also grows in power, becoming a formidable threat itself. While this effect is potent, its higher mana cost makes it less accessible than Frilled Mystic in the early to mid-game.

Assessing their various abilities and costs, Frilled Mystic serves as a middle ground, offering a balanced mix of counter capabilities, creature threat, and synergy within its dual-color identities.

Mystic Snake - MTG Card versions
Venser, Shaper Savant - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions
Mystic Snake - MTG Card versions
Venser, Shaper Savant - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Frilled Mystic. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Bant ControlBant Control GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 11 2024
Simic FlashSimic Flash PioneerSimic FlashNRG Series $10,000 Showdown - Chicagoland, Illinois (Pioneer)
Simic AggroSimic Aggro PioneerSimic Flash#28 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer
Simic TempoSimic Tempo GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Bant FlashBant Flash PioneerBant FlashNRG Series $5,000 Trial - Madison, Wisconsin (Pioneer)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Frilled Mystic comes bundled with a valuable two-for-one ability, by offering a creature on the field and a counter spell in one card, tipping the scales in favor of card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While Frilled Mystic does not directly generate mana or tokens, having a creature that can also counter a spell can effectively save resources. This, in turn, accelerates your game plan by handling two tasks with a single card.

Instant Speed: As a creature with Flash, Frilled Mystic can be summoned at instant speed. This ability is a tactical asset, allowing you to surprise an opponent by countering their spell during their turn, while also establishing board presence unpredictably.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Frilled Mystic doesn’t require card discard, providing solid value without sacrificing hand size.

Specific Mana Cost: A strict color combination of two green and two blue mana can be restrictive, demanding a dedicated Simic deck or complex mana base for optimal play.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a four mana total, some players consider Frilled Mystic’s cost a bit steep, especially since countering spells is possible with cheaper alternatives.


Reasons to Include Frilled Mystic in Your Collection

Versatility: This creature provides a unique twist as both a counter spell and a body on the board. You can integrate Frilled Mystic into many deck types like Simic flash or Bant control that appreciate instant speed interaction.

Combo Potential: In decks revolving around creatures or enter-the-battlefield effects, the Mystic works wonders. It partners well with effects that bounce creatures back to hand to be played again, generating value each time it enters the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: With an ever-shifting MTG meta, having answers ready for opponent’s key plays is crucial. Frilled Mystic remains relevant in environments where stopping a pivotal spell can swing the game in your favor.


How to beat

The Frilled Mystic is a card that brings a unique twist to the playing field, combining creature presence with the utility of a counterspell in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to counter a spell upon entering the battlefield can swing the tempo heavily in your favor. Yet, every card has its Achilles heel. To counteract the Mystic’s prowess, consider using spells that can’t be countered or employing strategies that require multiple answers from your opponent, depleting their resources quickly.

Timing is also crucial. Play your less important spells first to bait out the Mystic—or wait it out until you have enough mana to cast two spells in a turn, forcing the Mystic to choose. Another effective approach is using instant speed removal in response to the Mystic’s trigger. Since the Frilled Mystic is a creature, cards that prevent creatures from entering the battlefield or remove them swiftly can negate the impact of its ability, easing your way to maintaining control of the game.

Master these strategies, and you’ll find that the Frilled Mystic, while formidable, is not unbeatable. Adapt your game plan, and watch as your opponents’ seemingly perfect defenses crumble, paving the way for your victory in Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

Embarking on an MTG journey with Frilled Mystic can give your deck a sharp edge. Its unique blend of instant speed interruption and creature presence makes it a formidable choice for control aficionados. Considering its synergy in Simic or Bant decks, it’s a strategic asset that can turn the tide of a match. If you’re intrigued by the tactical depth and want to enhance your gameplay, diving deeper into the applications and interactions of Frilled Mystic is your next step. Learn more about optimizing your deck with this versatile card and ensure your battles are as thrilling as they are victorious. Ready to tap into new strategies? Join us and unlock the full potential of Frilled Mystic.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Frilled Mystic MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance and Ravnica Remastered, 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 Frilled Mystic and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Frilled Mystic Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-01-25 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Randy Vargas.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-01-25Ravnica AllegianceRNA 1742015NormalBlackRandy Vargas
22024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 1832015NormalBlackRandy Vargas
32024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 3661997NormalBlackRandy Vargas

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Frilled Mystic has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal
Flash card art

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.