Frilled Oculus MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Homunculus |
| Released | 2013-02-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Gatecrash |
| Set code | GTC |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 35 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Marco Nelor |
Text of card
: Frilled Oculus gets +2/+2 until end of turn. Activate this ability only once each turn.
"Understand the Simic? That's about as easy as winning a staring contest with a homunculus." —Dars Gostok, Firefist captain
Cards like Frilled Oculus
Frilled Oculus presents a unique twist to creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. Its kinship is seen with creatures like Zephyr Sprite, which also cost just one blue mana and offer flying as a utility. However, Frilled Oculus stands out with its buildable nature; accruing enough mana allows it to become a more formidable force. Zephyr Sprite, while evasive, doesn’t share this growth capability.
Another creature that echoes the flavor of Frilled Oculus is Cloudfin Raptor. Both start with modest stats but have the potential to evolve. The Raptor, however, evolves whenever you play a creature with a greater power and doesn’t require mana to grow. This makes it a very different tool in a player’s arsenal, good for early game momentum. Then comes Gaea’s Skyfolk, which naturally offers both power and flying from the get-go, but lacks the versatility of Frilled Oculus which can adapt throughout the game.
Assessing these options, Frilled Oculus merits attention in decks that focus on mana efficiency and adaptability. The ability to scale its power during the game provides a strategic edge that, while not unsurpassed, carves a niche role for the card among its counterparts.
Cards similar to Frilled Oculus by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Frilled Oculus provides an edge by allowing strategic creature enhancement. With the ability to expand, it becomes a potent threat that must be answered by the opponent, effectively pressuring them to use their removal spells or combat tricks, which can lead to a card advantage for you.
Resource Acceleration: What sets Frilled Oculus apart is its synergy with resource acceleration in MTG. Its ability to grow significantly with extra mana means decks focusing on ramping can make Frilled Oculus a formidable presence much earlier in the game, turning it into a cost-effective beater that can dominate the early to mid-game.
Instant Speed: The adaptability of Frilled Oculus shines when utilizing its ability at instant speed. You have the flexibility to enhance its power during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn, thus keeping your mana open for other strategies and surprising your adversary with a sudden increase in creature strength.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Frilled Oculus doesn’t require a card discard, but it does require a mana investment to activate its ability. This can be a downside if you are aiming to optimize mana usage during your turns.
Specific Mana Cost: Frilled Oculus demands both blue and green mana which can potentially limit its inclusion to certain two-color decks or those utilizing a more extensive mana base. This specific requirement can hinder players who focus on mono-color strategies or those looking to maintain a straightforward mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its initial casting cost is reasonably affordable, the activation cost required to boost its power and toughness could be considered high when compared to other creatures in the same mana range. Players might find that investing in the activation of Frilled Oculus’s ability may not always equate to an advantageous trade-off, especially when other creatures offer more impactful abilities or static power/toughness without additional costs.
Reasons to Include Frilled Oculus in Your Collection
Versatility: Frilled Oculus is a flexible addition to any blue or Simic deck. Its ability to become a 3/5 creature for a minimal mana investment makes it a flexible threat that can adapt to various situations on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with strategies that reward +1/+1 counters or creature size changes. Its stats can be scaled up on demand, providing a nice boost for both offense and defense moments in the game.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where aggressive starts are common, the Frilled Oculus offers a cost-effective blocker that can also swing back as a considerable beater once your mana base is established. This adaptability gives it a place in decks looking to hold the line against early onslaughts while setting up their game plan.
How to beat
The elusive Frilled Oculus is a creature that often slides under the radar in MTG games. As a low-cost creature with the potential to become a substantial threat, Frilled Oculus requires a strategy to manage effectively. It has a unique ability that allows it to temporarily boost its power and toughness, which can be a surprise during combat.
One effective way to handle Frilled Oculus is through removal spells that target before the ability is activated. Instant-speed removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can efficiently get rid of the Oculus before it becomes an oversized obstacle. Another strategy is to keep counter spells on hand for when your opponent tries to enable its growth. This preemptive approach can shut down its threat immediately.
Maintaining board control and removing the Frilled Oculus before it can be a significant threat is crucial. With the right timing and choice of removal, the Oculus can easily be managed within the vast array of strategies and dynamics the game offers. Keep these tactics in mind, and the tentacled menace won’t stand a chance against your carefully orchestrated game plan.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Frilled Oculus MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash, 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 Oculus 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Frilled Oculus has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |