Frilled Sea Serpent MTG Card
2018-07-13 - Number 56
2019-07-12 - Number 61
2019-11-07 - Number 387
2020-08-13 - Number 27
2020-09-26 - Number M19-56
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Serpent |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 6 |
Text of card
: Frilled Sea Serpent can't be blocked this turn.
"Reel it in. No, wait! Throw it back!" —Gertrude, deep-sea angler
Cards like Frilled Sea Serpent
The Frilled Sea Serpent adds depth to the pool of blue creatures available to Magic: The Gathering players. When evaluating sea serpent-type creatures, one can’t help but draw parallels to the likes of Serpent of the Endless Sea. Both cater to the traditional blue control archetype, yet the Frilled Sea Serpent boasts a unique ability to become unblockable until end of turn—a tremendous advantage for closing out games.
Another creature to consider is Maritime Guard. Though its initial stats are lower, the cost efficiency for an early blocker can be crucial in certain matchups. The Guard doesn’t have the end-game potential of the Frilled Sea Serpent, lacking any additional abilities. Nevertheless, for decks in need of an early defense, it can still be a reasonable choice. Then we have River Serpent, commonly found in cycling decks, representing both a threat and a card advantage mechanism—a dual role that the Frilled Sea Serpent doesn’t fulfill.
Assessing the full scope of blue sea monsters, Frilled Sea Serpent stands out for its ability to push for victory in the late game, particularly within creature-centric blue strategies that seek to dominate through sheer unblockability and force.
Cards similar to Frilled Sea Serpent by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Frilled Sea Serpent doesn’t provide direct card draw, its ability to gain unblockable status can be a consistent threat that requires an answer from opponents, potentially leading to advantageous trades.
Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct source of resource acceleration, the serpent’s presence on the battlefield can deter opponents from attacking, effectively giving you more time to access your mana resources and develop your board.
Instant Speed: The Frilled Sea Serpent offers a valuable trait in its activation ability. You can decide to make it unblockable at instant speed, which allows you to adapt to the changing game state and surprise an unprepared opponent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Frilled Sea Serpent does not have a discard effect itself, but in formats where hand management is critical, its lack of synergy with discard strategies can be seen as a downside. Not contributing to discard mechanics means it may not fit well in certain deck types focused on this tactic.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring two blue mana within its total casting cost, the card demands a commitment to blue mana sources. This can be restrictive for decks that wish to run multiple colors or have a more flexible mana base, potentially leaving the serpent out of the lineup for more versatile or splashable creature options.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, Frilled Sea Serpent is on the higher end of the mana spectrum. In many situations, players might find that they can deploy more impactful creatures or game-changing spells for the same, or even a lower, mana investment. This can be problematic in faster-paced games where efficiency and tempo play significant roles in gaining the upper hand.
Reasons to Include Frilled Sea Serpent in Your Collection
Versatility: Frilled Sea Serpent is a classic example of a finisher in blue limited decks. Its ability to be unblockable can serve as a game-ending threat once the board is stabilized.
Combo Potential: While not typically a combo piece, in a pinch, this serpent can work well with cards that allow you to untap creatures or generate plenty of mana to capitalize on its ability multiple times.
Meta-Relevance: Although not a staple in competitive constructed play, in a limited meta where games often reach a stalemate, Frilled Sea Serpent provides a reliable way to break through defensive lines and claim victory.
How to Beat
Frilled Sea Serpent stands out as a formidable creature in MTG with its potential to become unblockable. With six mana to cast and a hefty investment of five additional mana to ensure it can’t be blocked, overcoming this sea monster can be tricky, but not impossible. Strategic plays are essential to turning the tides against this serpent of the depths.
Key to besting Frilled Sea Serpent is early game control. Creatures with Flying or Reach can tower over the serpent as it lacks any form of evasion besides its costly unblockability. Counterspells shine in their role, negating the serpent before it even hits the battlefield. Removal spells, from the swift ‘Murder’ to ‘Pacifism,’ can swiftly address this marine threat on the spot.
Consider the power of bounce spells like ‘Unsummon’ that send the serpent back to the hand, resetting your opponent’s mana and effort. Additionally, board wipes don’t discriminate, clearing the way through creatures as big and scary as the Frilled Sea Serpent. Approach the challenge with a versatile deck, and the might of the sea serpent will seem as tame as the tides at low ebb.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Frilled Sea Serpent MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Core Set 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 Frilled Sea Serpent 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 Frilled Sea Serpent Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Steven Belledin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 56 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin | |
| 2 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 61 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 387 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin | |
| 4 | 2020-08-13 | Arena Beginner Set | ANB | 27 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | M19-56 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Frilled Sea Serpent has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Frilled Sea Serpent card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-07-12 | Once Frilled Sea Serpent has been blocked, activating its ability won’t change or undo that block. |